Nineteen archival photos of US presidents and their families visiting Toronto
Following President Joe Biden’s visit to Ottawa over the weekend, here’s a selection of photos of former US leaders in Toronto
By Morgan Cameron Ross
| March 27, 2023
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For over a century, Canada has welcomed the leaders of its southern neighbour with open—and, at times, less open—arms. President Joe Biden’s visit to Ottawa over the weekend marked one of dozens of official and unofficial visits of US presidents to our country. And, though Ottawa is often the primary destination for foreign leaders, Toronto has also welcomed many current and former presidents and their families over the decades for speaking engagements, awards ceremonies, sporting events and the occasional holiday.
Here are 19 photos of such visits.
Related:Twenty-seven archival photos showcasing the history of a bygone Ontario Place
Barack Obama at Scotiabank Arena during the 2019 Raptors playoff run. San Francisco Chronicle Barack Obama with Prince Harry at the Invictus Games in Toronto in 2017. Photo by Chris Jackson George H. W. Bush and prime minister Brian Mulroney at a small press conference during the 1991 Major League Baseball All-Star Game at the Skydome. Toronto Star George H. W. Bush receiving an honourary doctorate of law from the University of Toronto in 1997. Toronto Star Ike and Mamie Eisenhower leaving Hart House at the University of Toronto in the 1940s. Toronto Star Gerald Ford watching an NFL game at the Sheraton Hotel in Toronto while in the city for a speaking engagement in late 1977. Toronto Star Lyndon B. Johnson’s daughter, Luci Baines Johnson, at her home in Rosedale in 1985. Toronto Star Senator Edward Kennedy, brother of former president John F. Kennedy, at Toronto General Hospital in 1976. Toronto Star Rose Kennedy, mother of former president John F. Kennedy, at the King Edward Hotel in 1969. Toronto Star Red Foster and Rose Kennedy at the CNE Stadium during the Special Olympics in 1969. Toronto Star Bobby and Ethel Kennedy in Toronto in October 1967, while in the city for a personal visit. Toronto Star Bobby Kennedy at an Argos game with friends at CNE stadium in October 1967. Toronto Star The Toronto Blue Jays with George H. W. Bush at the White House in 1992 George H. W. Bush and prime minister Brian Mulroney during the 1991 Major League Baseball All-Star Game at the Skydome. CBS Sports George H. W. Bush and prime minister Brian Mulroney at the 1991 Major League Baseball All-Star Game at the Skydome. CBS Sports Barack Obama at Scotiabank Arena during the 2019 Raptors playoff run. Washington Post Ronald Reagan arriving in Toronto on Air Force One in 1988. Ronald Reagan Library Bill and Hillary Clinton giving a speech in Toronto in 2018 A protest along Queen Street West during a visit by Ronald Reagan in 1988. Toronto StarCorrection: A previous version of this post incorrectly dated the photo of Ike and Mamie Eisenhower at Hart House as 1969.
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