The Town of Canton is comprised of several smaller communities, each with its own distinct characteristics. The Village of Canton is located in the center of the Town and serves as the seat of St. Lawrence County. The 2000 Census reported the population as 5,882 in the Village and 10,334 in the Town. The majority of St. Lawrence County's courts and government agencies are in operation in Canton.

Canton's original industries were dairy farming and lumber. With the founding of St. Lawrence University in 1856 and the State University College of Technology at Canton in 1906, education quickly became the newest primary industry of Canton. Together, the two colleges raise the area's population each fall with a combined enrollment of 3,500 students. Corning Glass, who was responsible for manufacturing the primary mirror blank for the Gemini Project telescope in Hawaii, is another of Canton's major industries. Dairy continues to play a part in the local economy, as is evidenced by the large Kraft Foods plant in Canton.

The Canton community takes great pride in the top-notch elementary, secondary and parochial schools available to its citizens. Canton's high academic standard is set by St. Lawrence University, a private four-year liberal arts college with nearly 2000 students enrolled. Also in Canton is the State University College of Technology at Canton, a two-year state college. The Associated Colleges partnership gives this state college access to the cultural events and library facilities available at St. Lawrence University, as well as allows them to cross-register for courses at St. Lawrence. Together, these colleges provide a variety of cultural and sporting events for the Canton community. Among the many sporting teams are the award-winning Canton Tech NorthStars hockey team and St. Lawrence University's Skating Saints.

In addition to outstanding educational facilities, Canton has a variety of unique shopping opportunities, the Adirondack State Park, and the Thousand Islands Seaway to draw tourists to this New York area each year. Spread out over six million acres, the Adirondacks region offers visitors a multitude of exciting year round activities. These include mountain climbing, hunting, hot air balloon rides, fishing, ATV riding, camping, whitewater rafting, canoeing, ice hockey, skiing and snowmobiling. The Thousand Islands Seaway is made up of towns along the St. Lawrence River sprinkled with historical lighthouses, fishing villages and several family-friendly attractions such as the Aqua Zoo and the Seaway Trail Discovery Center.

The area's stunning natural beauty, complemented by a delightful academic atmosphere and the serenity of small town living make Canton, New York a desirable location for prospective students, families and businesses alike.