Canada’s Best: 11 Extraordinary Cities That Put Toronto to Shame

Photo of author

By Samantha Collins

We’ve gone through maple syrup—a Quebec original—and beyond. That means Toronto’s not always the top city to visit, although it’s a good one. This has been a recent subject online, where a Canadian asked others about their favorite cities in the country. So, cheers to those looking for their next destination in the so-called “Great White North.”

1. Ottawa

Ottawa, Ontario
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

This city stands out as one of the best cities to explore in Canada for various reasons. Contrary to its reputation, Ottawa is far from boring, with its vibrant cultural scene and lively party district in the market.

And it’s particularly enchanting during the winter season, offering you the opportunity to skate along the picturesque Rideau Canal and admire the stunning ice and snow sculptures. It was perfect for one user who happened to be right there before Christmas saying, “The history and geological features are fascinating, and I got a sense of multiculturalism in true Canadian fashion…”

2. Halifax

Halifax
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

One Canadian shared that Halifax is clean, close to the sea, and with very chill vibes everywhere you go. They continued that everyone they met was amicable.

Another admitted Halifax has the best seafood they have ever had. “The Bicycle Thief was a great place to eat. The scenery and drives we took to Peggy’s Cove and Blomidon were also incredible.”

3. Montreal

Montreal
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

One teacher said they loved walking around Montreal so much they would take a pay cut to get back there. They elaborated that it was one of the best decades of their life. Another admitted, “Sometimes I wish I lived there, while other times I’m glad that I don’t because I’d blow all of my income having fun.”

4. Edmonton

Edmonton, Canada
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

One user said they thought they would hate their trip to Edmonton, but they loved it in Edmonton. Another user explained how the skies seem more “open” in Edmonton, and it’s an incredible sight that can’t be put into words.

5. Canmore

Canmore, Canada
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

According to several in the thread, Canmore is hugely underrated as a place to visit because it is a smaller town. One Canadian explained that the smaller, cozy town vibe is why they enjoyed Canmore as much as they did. Another shared how impressed they were in Canmore and were surprised it doesn’t get more attention as a place to visit.

6. Banff

Banff
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

A Business person said Banff is one of the best places they have traveled to in Canada for their career. They deemed Banff as one of their favorite places on the planet. A second person remembered visiting Banff during the 2002 Olympic games at 14. They continued how they had an epic time watching hockey at the Banff ski hill lodge.

7. Calgary

Calgary
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

A resident ensured that Calgary is fantastic, with access to the mountains and untouched wilderness at your fingertips. They also suggested that Calgary beats out Vancouver due to the higher cost of living.

Another shared how underrated Calgary was as a destination. Stating there are lovely, small towns all around, the weather is excellent even in the winters, and the Calgarians are always pleasant.

8. St. John’s

St. John's, Canada
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

A college student indicated how beautiful St. John’s is—elaborating on everything from nature, the architecture and activities. They continued by stating that St. John’s was not too big of a city where you couldn’t learn your way around after a few trips.

9. Saskatoon

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

One confessed, “Saskatoon is the cleanest city I have ever visited. Adding Saskatoon is beautiful in the summertime months. The following person responded how they loved the underrated town. It is big enough to accommodate your essential needs yet small enough to see the stars at night.

10. Vancouver

Vancouver
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

One traveler claimed Vancouver to be their favorite major Canadian city to visit. However, the traveler disclosed they had yet to see many Canadian cities. Still, they love Vancouver for its “Toronto by the ocean” vibes. Several others noted the fun nightlife in Vancouver.

Another suggested, “Toronto and Vancouver are ridiculous for housing and rent prices. But Vancouver is one of the most visually beautiful cities in the world. And the people are more likable than in most larger cities.”

11. Charlottetown

Charlottetown, Canada
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

One traveler said they went to Charlottetown recently and enjoyed the farmers market, live music, and a visit to a great brewery. Additionally, you’re surrounded by beautiful ocean, a great city to visit all year round.

A final user confessed, “I went to Charlottetown for the first time this past May to meet my wife’s family that live there, and I absolutely loved it! Very historic, has lots of charm, fresh ocean air, the freshest seafood, and the nicest people. It is definitely on our radar if we decide to relocate.”

11 Underrated Travel Experiences You Didn’t Know Were Fun

Common travel activities often fail to capture the essence of pure enjoyment we usually don’t notice. But there is a certain thrill and excitement that we tend to miss out on when we engage in our usual travel routine. And just like many people say, it’s the small things—the unnoticeable encounters—that truly make a journey memorable. This rings true for people who talk about such experiences in an online forum.

From Average Adventures To Extraordinary Excitement: 11 Underrated Travel Experiences You Didn’t Know Were Fun

The World’s 25 Most Beautiful Cities To Visit in Your Lifetime

There are over 4,000 cities worldwide, all with distinctive personalities and allure. But amongst them are a few that are particularly enchanting. They have a natural beauty, captivating landmarks, and rise above the rest. Here are the world’s 25 most beautiful cities that should be on your bucket list:

The World’s 25 Most Beautiful Cities To Visit in Your Lifetime

Looking To Liven Up Your Days? Here Are Ways You Can Turn Mundane Tasks into Extraordinary Experiences

Whether it’s trying out a new hobby, exploring a different route to work, or experimenting with unique recipes, embracing creativity can spark joy and inspire you to think outside the box. By infusing your daily activities with a dash of creativity, you can break free from the monotony and inject excitement into your life.

Looking To Liven Up Your Days? Here Are Ways You Can Turn Mundane Tasks into Extraordinary Experiences

15 Times Ignoring Travel Advice Led to Falling in Love with a City 

Everyone has different opinions about traveling, and they experience various cities uniquely. People tend to bandwagon about destinations, saying some places are phenomenal while others are a waste of time. But when you ignore what other people say and follow your own path, it can lead to profound experiences. Check out 15 times people visited undervalued cities and had a glorious time despite what people told them.

15 Times Ignoring Travel Advice Led to Falling in Love with a City 

15 Places Around the World Serving Foreign Dishes that Top Their Originals

Believe it or not, the origins of certain dishes don’t automatically mean that it’s where they’ll taste best. Although such a phenomenon baffles many food enthusiasts, I beg to differ. I just think there are places able to add their own identity or unique flavorings that make such foreign dishes taste better. And the best people to ask which dishes taste better than their native counterparts are those who’ve already gone there. Here’s what they shared in an online forum.

15 Places Around the World Serving Foreign Dishes that Top Their Originals

Leave a Comment