The town of Canton is located in Norfolk County and has a population of approximately 21,000 in a total area of 19.58 sq. miles.

Located 18 miles southwest of Boston, the town enjoys a prime location with easy and direct access to the state's major highways, and is served by major commuter and passenger rail.

Canton is a primarily residential community and has a rich and varied industrial heritage, serving as the location of Paul Revere's copper rolling mills in post-Colonial times, and as the site of rubber, chemical and woolen manufacturing in more recent days.  Present commercial and industrial enterprises play a key role in the town's fiscal stability and are considered a major asset of the community.

Bordering the Neponset River to the west and the Great Blue Hill to the northeast, the town is home to several recreational areas, including Blue Hills Ski Area, an Ice Rink, a town-owned 38 acre conservation/recreation area and 2 golf courses.