Canada might be better known for its rugged natural beauty but the country’s dynamic cities are well worth exploring too, rich with a rainbow of cultures, buzzing with first-rate arts and music venues. No visit to the world’s second largest country is complete without time spent in its world-class cities – none of which, luckily, are ever far from the epic Canadian outdoors.
Framed by the blue expanse of the mammoth Lake Ontario, Toronto, Canada’s largest city and the usual entry point for UK visitors, is more like a jumble of distinct neighbourhoods. From the buzzing streets of Chinatown to upscale Yorkville, trendy Queen Street to the glittering Downtown, there’s a district for every taste. Hollywood’s finest flock here every September for the Toronto International Film Festival, one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, while in the height of summer the city resounds with the clang of steel drums as Caribana, a celebration of Caribbean culture, rolls into town. But all year round visitors are drawn to the city’s acclaimed theatres (second only to Broadway and London’s West End), the renowned Art Gallery of Ontario, and the burgeoning gastronomic scene, which in addition to top Canadian talent boasts international names such as Daniel Boulud and David Chang’s Momofuku.
Craving a different flavour? Head east, to the distinctly Francophone city of Montreal, in Quebec: relaxed, European and young, this is a city that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Events such as the annual summer jazz and comedy festivals, and F1 Grand Prix, regularly fill the streets – there’s hardly a time of year when Montrealers aren’t celebrating something!
Thanks to the French influence, this is possibly Canada’s most edible city. Local produce including Oka cheese and iced cider appear in its trendy eateries, while restaurants like Joe Beef in Little Burgundy have captured international attention. Sip cocktails late into the night in the quirky Plateau and don’t bother setting your alarm clock for the next day, because this chic city believes in having a good time (and sleeping in).
Ringed by mountains and set on the expansive blue of the Pacific Ocean, British Columbia’s gateway city of Vancouver has a laid-back cool all of its own. Thanks to a sizeable Asian community, the colourful Chinese New Year Parade is a spectacle not to be missed.
Vancouver neighbourhoods are an eclectic mix, from the historic Gastown to the vibrant Yaletown. This is really the place for those who relish the outdoors – in winter, skiers are an easy hop from world-famous Whistler, and in summer locals bath, paddle board and skim board along the waterfront. In the spring, you can do both in one day.
Three brilliant cities, three facets of Canada’s urban character, but they’re just the beginning. There’s Ottawa, Canada’s capital jewel, which sees enormous celebrations every Canada Day on July 1; Quebec City, the first historic port in French speaking Canada; Calgary, home to the annual Stampede; and Halifax, Atlantic Canada’s gateway, just five hours’ flying time from the UK. Each one of them is worth getting to know. But the only way to do that – the only way to start re-defining what Canada means to you, is to experience them for yourself. So, what are you waiting for?
To find out more about Canada and book your visit, go to keepexploring.com.au
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