No matter your passions – outdoor adventure, culture or professional advancement – one of these top cities in Canada offers it all.
Visitors new to Canada should seek out Ottawa, which topped MoneySense’s ranking of best places to live.
Quebec City’s Old Town is a living museum, featuring cobblestone streets lined with cafes and 17th-century architecture.
Toronto
Renowned for its diverse cuisine, breathtaking architecture and winning sports teams – Toronto boasts several iconic freestanding structures such as the CN Tower that stand at over 1,150 feet and major museums like Art Gallery of Ontario and Royal Conservatory of Music as well as hosting major film festivals each September that attract celebrities and industry insiders from around the globe.
Chinatown, Little Italy and Greektown are just a few examples of diverse cultural neighborhoods found across Toronto. Each community celebrates their culture with festivals and events throughout the year; at the same time working alongside local organizations to assist newcomers settling into Canadian life.
Toronto is also an influential cultural centre, producing notable writers such as Goldwin Smith, E.J. Pratt, Morley Callaghan and Margaret Atwood. With venues like Royal Alexandra Theatre and Winter Garden Theatres – birthplaces for Broadway musical hits – as well as actors such as George F Walker, Michael Healey and Ann-Marie MacDonald who have grown their talents here, Toronto boasts an unparalleled artistic tradition.
Toronto’s cultural diversity offers an immersive experience for visitors and residents alike. From historic landmarks like Casa Loma to amazing restaurants, arts, and cultural companies that thrive here, Toronto’s multiculturalism sparks innovation and inspires a spirit of creativity.
Vancouver
Vancouver has long been recognized as one of the world’s most livable cities. It boasts an ethnically and linguistically diverse population – over 52 percent speak a first language other than English! Additionally, Vancouver hosts numerous museums, galleries, and performing arts venues that showcase its vibrant culture.
Vancouver’s economy is driven by trade and transportation, with Burrard Inlet serving as an ice-free deepwater port that connects it to the Pacific Ocean. Here, bulk commodities (grain, potash, sulfur and steel), containerized cargo as well as cruise ship visitors are handled.
Calgary has a rich history of immigration and multiculturalism. Its diverse communities have contributed to an abundance of cultures, traditions, languages, customs, landmarks and tangible and intangible heritage elements throughout the city – such as North America’s largest Chinatown and Western Canada’s oldest Jewish community as well as diverse ethnocultural neighborhoods.
Downtown Vancouver is a hub of entertainment, commerce and culture, featuring parks, restaurants and stores as well as two subway lines and a bus system that serve it. Festivals and events take place here regularly as well as professional sports teams including Vancouver Whitecaps FC of Major League Soccer and Vancouver Canucks of National Hockey League.
Montreal
Montreal is known for its remarkable population diversity, reflecting Quebec’s multicultural past. Additionally, Montreal serves as a major business centre, housing headquarters of numerous corporations involved with telecom, pulp & paper production, aerospace technology, software applications and pharmaceutical products.
Montreal is not only an industrial powerhouse; it is also renowned for its arts and culture scene. Montreal boasts a long tradition in jazz and rock music as well as many festivals.
Fill your Arts and Humanities area Gen Ed credits by living like a local in Montreal and experiencing its distinct culture. Plan to spend at least a month immersed in this dynamic city that’s both ancient and cutting edge, attending street parties and drum jams, Fringe Festival performances, outdoor concerts and international fireworks competitions; exploring museums and funky neighborhood bars before dining on world-class cuisine at restaurants!
Learn the city with either an expert guide, or on your own with self-guided tours offered by various companies. Discover formerly industrial neighborhoods such as Griffintown and Verdun by foot or bicycle; discover Montreal’s rich heritage at the Montreal Museum of Contemporary Art; then head to Old Port for Horizon of Khufu virtual reality experience that transports viewers into Egypt; or ride the BIXI bike sharing system to experience museums and galleries sustainably, eco-friendly manner.
Calgary
Calgary stands out as an impressive hub of industries and quality of life, boasting one of Canada’s lowest unemployment rates and boasting a robust labour force as well as an ever-increasing population of young adults who all contribute to its strength and resilience.
City of Banff is also a favorite among outdoor lovers and winter sports enthusiasts, boasting world-class skiing and snowboarding facilities, in addition to access to Banff National Park with its dramatic peaks, diverse wildlife species, and sparkling lakes – making for an idyllic outdoor getaway destination.
Cultural activities in Regina have long been recognized worldwide. A vibrant performing arts sector is supported by an impressive range of specialist museums that range from Canadian sports heroes to Western Canadian wilds. Since becoming Canada’s Cultural Capital in 2012, Regina has made continued investments into its arts and culture institutions to uphold this reputation.
Downtown Calgary features an eclectic blend of restaurants and bars, cultural venues, public squares – such as Olympic Plaza – shopping centres (such as The Core Shopping Centre (formerly Calgary Eaton Centre/TD Square) as well as locals enjoying using electric scooters or bikes at very reasonable rates to navigate their way around). Rent these for yourself through an app for maximum efficiency!