Canada is a country of diverse cities, each with its own unique culture and atmosphere. As a Canadian myself, I've had the pleasure of experiencing the friendliness of various cities across the country. While some cities are known for their warm and welcoming nature, others have a more guarded or even prickly exterior. In this article, I'll be ranking seven major Canadian cities based on friendliness, from least friendly to most. I'll be sharing my personal experiences and insights, as well as offering a deeper analysis of the broader implications and trends at play. So, let's dive in and explore the friendliness of Canada's cities.
Vancouver: The Least Friendly City
As someone born and raised in Vancouver, I can confirm that it is indeed the least friendly city in Canada. The locals' prickly exterior is one of the reasons I left Vancouver for L.A. and never really looked back. While I don't think Vancouverites mean to be this way, I do think that they are the most concerned with looking cool. The city is obsessed with sameness, and people tend to dress alike. This can make it difficult for newcomers to make friends, especially if they work remotely and don't want to join a run club.
Toronto: The City of Busy People
Toronto has that New York energy, with everyone busy and always on the go. While it can be hard to break in, once you do, Torontonians show their softer side. However, the city's fast-paced nature can make it difficult to form deep connections. People build their lives quickly, with careers, partners, routines, and friend groups all falling into place at a young age. This can affect the friendly vibe, as there's less room for spontaneity.
Calgary: The City of Two Sides
Calgarians have two sides: the Southern Belle charm and the Southern judgment. They are warm, chatty, and welcoming, but they can also be gossip-prone. While they are nice to your face, they can't help but gossip about you on the car ride home. This can make it difficult to form deep connections, as people tend to run with like.
Ottawa: The City of Ambition and Midness
Ottawa suffers from being extremely mid. There's a lot of ambition, but also a lack of pulse. People don't move to Ottawa unless they want a government job or are pursuing their third graduate degree. While Ottawans are genuinely decent people, they're also watching the clock and thinking in the big picture. This can make it difficult to form deep connections, as people tend to be more focused on their goals.
Edmonton: The City of Kindness
Edmonton doesn't care if you think it's cool, and that's exactly why it is. There doesn't seem to be much social climbing, and people are grounded, unpretentious, and happy to stop for a chat without sizing you up first. The city has a warmth that makes it surprisingly easy to settle into, and people are kind and uncomplicating.
Victoria: The City of Island Energy
Victoria has serious summer-house energy, with a barefoot, easygoing atmosphere. The city feels welcoming, and people are open-hearted and easygoing. The servers actually hang around and chat after you've paid, not because they're working for a bigger tip, but because they're genuinely enjoying the conversation. This is in stark contrast to Cactus Club Coal Harbour, where servers ask what your plans are for the night while handing you the bill.
Montreal: The City of Unbothered Confidence
Montrealers are just... unbothered. They're comfortable in their own skin and not constantly trying to impress each other. This changes the way they treat strangers, as they're down for the plot and won't flinch that you're there alone. Montreal has a romantic, European spontaneity that the rest of English Canada often lacks. People aren't constantly sizing each other up; they're simply enjoying their lives and making room for you to enjoy yours too.
In conclusion, each city has its own unique culture and atmosphere, and friendliness is just one aspect of that. While some cities may be more welcoming than others, it's important to remember that everyone has their own experiences and perspectives. Canada is a country of diverse cities, and each one has its own charm and character. So, whether you're a newcomer or a long-time resident, take the time to explore and appreciate the unique qualities of each city. After all, friendliness is just one aspect of what makes a city great, and there's always more to discover and enjoy.
