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Facts About Ontario

Population: Over 13 million

Size: Ontario is Canada’s second largest province, covering more than one million square kilometres (415,000 square miles) – an area larger than France and Spain combined.

Land: 894,639 sq. km (344,092 sq. mi.)

Water: 177,398 sq. km (68,490 sq. mi.), which is home to 250,000 lakes, which make up about one-third of the world’s fresh water.

North/South Distance: 1,730 kilometres (1,075 mi.)

East/West Distance: 1,680 km (1,050 mi.)

Freshwater Shoreline: 3,081 km (2,362 mi.) along Great Lakes

Saltwater Shoreline: 1,094 km (680 mi.) along James and Hudson bays

Southernmost Point: Middle Island off Pelee Island (Latitude 40×41′; same as Rome, Italy, and Northern California

Northernmost Point: Latitude 56×50′ at Ontario-Manitoba border; which is close to that of London, England and Warsaw, Poland

Highest Point: Timiskaming district (693 m/2,274 ft.)

Lowest Point: Hudson Bay shore (sea level)

Ontario’s Emblems
Official Flag
The flag of Ontario is called the Red Ensign. It includes the Union Jack, representing Ontario’s ties to Great Britain, and the Coat-of-Arms of the Province.

Coat-of-Arms of Ontario
The Coat-of-Arms of the Province consists of a green shield with three golden maple leaves surmounted by the Banner of St. George, a red cross on a silver background. The banner indicates Ontario’s close ties with Britain, while the colours, green and gold, are Ontario’s official colours; green symbolizes the land. Above the shield is a bear, with a moose and a deer supporting the shield; all representing the rich animal life of the province. The Latin motto is translated as “Loyal She Began, Loyal She Remains.” The shield was granted by Royal Warrant of Queen Victoria on May 25, 1868, and the crest, supporters and motto by Royal Warrant of King Edward VII on February 27, 1909.

Official Motto
“Loyal She Began, Loyal She Remains.”

Official Flower
The official flower of Ontario is the trillium, a delicate white three petalled flower that grows in profusion in the wild woodlands of the province in early spring.

Official Gem
Amethyst, the rich purple semi-precious stone, is the official gem of Ontario. Large deposits are found in Northwestern Ontario.

Official Tree
The Eastern White Pine, Ontario’s official tree, was an important source of income and trade during the pioneering days, and continues to be a valuable resource for Ontario today.

Official Bird
The Common Loon was adopted as Ontario’s official bird on June 23, 1994.