Canada is the second largest country in the world by area. But it’s also one of the most eclectic, playing host to some of the most exciting cities in the world, thanks to its unique culture and history.
Toronto
Take Toronto, for instance. The city has a bit of a New York feel, with its massive skyscrapers and waterfront downtown area. But it also feels a lot more civilized – as if you’d taken a trip to the Tokyo of North America. Furnished apartments in Toronto are opulent and a great if you’re planning to stay in the city for an extended length of time. And there are plenty of activities to enjoy in the city. Left-leaning bloggers and commentators like to talk about the Bohemian districts around Queen Street because of their new age culture. But the area is also home to some impressive landmarks.
The most noticeable landmark is, of course, the CN Tower – an observation tower that was once the world’s tallest freestanding structure. The tower is essentially a pillar of concrete that overlooks Lake Ontario, the smallest of the great lakes but still so large that even from the top of the tower you can’t see to the other side beyond the horizon. Below the CN tower is a football stadium, and so if you go at the right time, you can get a bird’s eye view of the game and the crowd below. Don’t expect to see much of the action though: the CN tower is incredibly tall.
Montreal
After Toronto, Montreal is Canada’s second city. The culture here, however, is very different. Whereas Toronto clearly has Anglo-Saxon influence and is modeled after great American cities like Buffalo and Detroit, Montreal is a more French affair. The city is far more socialist than business-oriented Toronto, and so there’s less wealth in the city and more social degradation. However, the city plays host to some interesting French culture and has a more laid back feel. The center of the city is more of a cultural than a business hub like Toronto, and there are more than 100 events here every year for tourists to enjoy.
Vancouver
Is Vancouver the best city in the world? Some would argue that it was, especially in the 1990s when the city’s economy was thriving. Though crime has become more of an issue in the city recently, it’s still one of the most picturesque spots anywhere in Canada and the largest Canadian city on the Western seaboard. Vancouver has always been an interesting place, but the city’s heritage is both Asian and European. Migrants from Japan and Asia came to the city in the 20th century seeking a better life, and they built one in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains to the East.
Because of its ethnically diverse population, Vancouver plays host to an eclectic range of restaurants and cultural events. There’s also a lot of buzz near the seafront, with yachts coming and going all day long, as well as tourist expeditions out into the Pacific Ocean.