Canada’s Top Cities: Because Everyone Loves a Good List

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2 September 2009 by Victoria Revay

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Every time I opened a newspaper or magazine this summer, the word staycation was engraved in bold lettering, somewhere in the travel-trend-and-business sections. Slyly coined, it was and still resonates with many of us. We're staying close to home for the annual vacation, at least until we’re in the clear in these recessionary times.

That's why I was hardly surprised then when after the standard, “how did you get this job?” question, the most immediate question was “and what are some of your top city recommendations in Canada?”

This list is not meant to serve up anything other than a hint of flavour to our fleeting days of summer, very quickly coming to and end. And it's in no particular order of preference.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Where else can you go running, sailing and hiking on the same day, drive to Whistler, come back and check out the horse races, hobnob with celebrities at the finest hotels, walk around in an Asian summer market, eat the freshest seafood, dance, and then go for an awesome twilight nosh–all in just under 16 hours?

Dawson City, Yukon

Radiant energy keeps the sun shining all summer long in this northern city. For runners, the Midnight Dome race is a draw. Music enthusiasts need to check out the annual music festival. The sour toe shot, gold miners and charming adventures wait for those who believe in magic.

St. John’s, Newfoundland

Canada’s oldest city is phenomenal. George Street, the Rooms, cod tongue appetizers, friendly people and the East Coast Trail will keep me coming back. Oh, and the views of the moody ocean, drama-inducing cliffs and bays, now that’s something to talk about.

Calgary, Alberta

Watch out for the handsome police that monitor the downtown streets dressed up in cowboy gear, dangerous! The city has grown up, big time. Posh hotels, shops and restaurants make way for the fast food and steak-and-potato joints of yesteryear. It's something for everyone.

Montreal, Quebec

Montreal is soul: It’s music, food, art, culture, fashion and intellect presented in a city form. What can I say?

Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa feels like a Toronto, Montreal and a Vancouver, all bundled into a neat-and-manageable present. I loved the trendy clothing scene of Bytown, and the even more on-point, slow food movement restaurants tucked away, sneaking up on you in alleys and courtyards. Uber-cool.

Quebec City, Quebec

European elegance, preserved history and glorious food is Quebec. Forward thinking, the romance can be bundled up during the winter, but blossoms during the summer. Oh, how sweet it is...

Victoria, British Columbia

It’s not about the horse-drawn carriages and high tea with grandma anymore. Hipsters have transformed Low-Jo (Johnson Street) to be one of the most unique shopping districts in BC, and the restaurants are alive-and-well with organic-and-local foods. Not what you'd expect to find in a city this size. It's refined.

Toronto, Ontario

Toronto is fun. For someone who needs a ton of extracurricular activities, this city will be a hit. Check out the Drake Hotel, call Bruce the historian and go for a walk, and check out the Torontoist.com for the latest blogger gossip.

Got some recommendations? Let us know what your favourite city is @bigplaceblog.

25 Comments

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Carol Horne wrote:

7 March 2011 | @ 10:55am

I completely agree that Prince Edward Island is one of the warmest and friendliest places anywhere. Why not a new list of Canada's great islands!

Pat Sands wrote:

5 March 2011 | @ 4:47am

True Islander
I think you should have included Prince Edward Island in your list. It is one of the warmest and friendliest of all the provinces and is rich in history. The beauty of this province is uncomparable.

silverfrog wrote:

17 January 2011 | @ 3:43am

Hello. I visited Canada 2 years ago when my cousin invited me, and I think the best city to stay long time is Toronto http://www.tubesfan.com/watch/cities-of-the-world-toronto . The reasons are: city's low crime rates, clean environment, generally high standard of living, and friendlier attitudes to diversity. Enjoy your trip!

Isabelle wrote:

9 August 2010 | @ 11:43pm

Such a comprehensive list of Canada's highlights! Fortunately for me I will be meeting up with a friend who is going to be my tour guide - but i still cant wait to see where he takes me! Im looking forward to it so much.

delacour wrote:

4 August 2010 | @ 10:22am

I would actually add Halifax, the Metropolis of the Maritimes to the list. Lots of things going on for a relatively small city. And the seafood is heavenly.

delacour wrote:

4 August 2010 | @ 10:21am

Hi Liana,

Not sure if you're already in Canada. I would recommend at least 4 days to visit Montreal, and at least a week if you also want to visit Quebec City.
I was in Vancouver for 5 days, and I thought it was enough. Did not venture outside the city, though (ie. no Victoria or Whistler).
Hope this helps.

Daniel

delacour wrote:

4 August 2010 | @ 10:19am

Not to worry, Ben. Practically everybody who's in tourism-related industry in Quebec (Quebec City, Montreal) speak English.
Oh, and we love accents. Cheers.

benjamin wrote:

6 July 2010 | @ 11:36pm

Reading this post has made me more excited than ever about going to Canada. I'm australian and so they say that they are our cousins from the north! Hopefully my poor french wont let me down too much when I am in Quebec!

Shines wrote:

6 July 2010 | @ 7:08am

Please take the opportunity to stop in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on your trip across the country. The "Paris of the Prairies" is an oasis of fun!

Noema wrote:

23 June 2010 | @ 11:08am

Thanks for the hot hints!
I have never been to Canada, but i will go , i know!

Karen Sims wrote:

24 May 2010 | @ 6:01pm

OMG i am heading to Canada in 2 months and I cant wait! I will definitely look at the recommendations on this site to make sure i maximise my time there!

isabelle59 wrote:

19 April 2010 | @ 3:15pm

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Davie wrote:

18 April 2010 | @ 10:01pm

Canada seems amazing. Thanks for the hot hints!

Liana wrote:

14 April 2010 | @ 5:27pm

What would people recommend as a good length of time to visit vancouver and Montreal? I only have a few weeks to spend there and want to make sure i see the best of the best!
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Juliette wrote:

6 April 2010 | @ 8:45pm

Now I'm more confused than ever about where to go in Canada, it all sounds amazing!
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bdsanchoy wrote:

17 March 2010 | @ 7:01am

VERY HELPFUL

isabelle59 wrote:

15 March 2010 | @ 9:29am

Thank you so much vor this good list! casino en ligne

jim2 wrote:

1 March 2010 | @ 9:00pm

very nice post.. the only thing I hate living in canada is the weather. Just too cold for me. I have an arthritis. LOL.

PayKillerDrink19 wrote:

27 February 2010 | @ 12:48pm

Very nice listing of Canada's hot spots. I have never been to Canada and, unfortunately, I do not know much about the different parts of the country. I do, however, plan on getting there one day soon and I will use this list to check things out. I trust what you have put together here and I like the way you describe them. You have saved me some research time!

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kolla wrote:

24 November 2009 | @ 2:37pm

Canada has such beautiful places to visit. I have traveled many parts of Canada and Toronto is my favourite.

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anonymous wrote:

15 September 2009 | @ 12:28am

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