Toronto has long lived under the shadow of its bigger, cooler American cousin south of the border, New York.

True to character, however, the Canadian metropolis has never kicked up a fuss or thrown an attention-seeking tantrum, content to exist quietly on its own.

But in recent years, the world has started to take notice of the cool wallflower, with everyone from Vogue magazine, BBC Travel and Lonely Planet and stopping to give Toronto a second glance.

And with the Pan Am Games set to cast the international spotlight on the city this month, interest in Toronto as a tourism destination has also been on the rise.

Last year, for example, the city recorded its highest visitor numbers on record, attracting 14.3 million overnight tourists to the city.

A BBC travel piece published last year that asked 鈥淲hen did Toronto get so cool?" describes the city as the sum of its parts, a microcosm of relaxing coffee houses, arty hotels, eclectic shops and quiet bars.

鈥淰ogue鈥� magazine gave the city鈥檚 West Queen Street West the second spot on its list of 15 coolest neighbourhoods in the world last year after Shimokitazawa, Japa for its "artery of indie patisseries, homegrown labels, and hidden-from-view galleries."

Toronto also cracked Lonely Planet鈥檚 list of top cities in the world for 2015, not just for hosting the Pan Am Games, but also for its buzzing nightlife and vibrant dining scene.

And finally, The Economist named Toronto the world鈥檚 most liveable city in its latest 2015 index.

Here are a few fun facts about Toronto ahead of the Pan Am Games, which runs July 10 to July 26.

  • Toronto could be the world鈥檚 most global city, with 50 per cent of the population born outside Canada.
  • About 130 languages and dialects are spoken.
  • Toronto鈥檚 most famous one-time residents include Keanu Reeves, Drake, Jim Carrey, Mike Myers, Will Arnett, Eugene Levy, Kiefer Sutherland, Christopher Plummer, Neil Young and Frank Gehry.
  • Currently, big budget films and TV shows that are being shot in the city include 鈥淪uicide Squad鈥� starring Cara Delevingne, NBC TV series 鈥淗eroes: Reborn鈥� and 鈥淢y Big Fat Greek Wedding 2.鈥�
  • Over half of the city鈥檚 labor force has a university degree or college diploma.
  • Toronto is home to the world鈥檚 largest underground shopping complex, as recognized by Guinness. The PATH system spans 28 km and connects 1,200 stores and restaurants.
  • Toronto is North America鈥檚 fourth largest city after Mexico City, New York and Los Angeles with a population of 2.8 million; the Greater Toronto Area has a regional population of about six million.

The Pan Am Games will attract 250,000 visitors and 7,500 athletes from 41 countries. The Parapan Am Games runs August 7 to 15.