[wave46]

Most:

Ottawa-Gatineau - I've said it before and I'll say it again: The national capital embodies the spirit of the nation. 3/4 English, 1/4 French. Is a microcosm of the two solitudes thing - one crosses the bridges for work or the various things only available on the other side, but generally each kind of does its own thing. Big enough to show the changing demographics of Canada, but still definitely has 'old-stock' Canada there. Not exciting or flashy, Vegas it isn't. It does have a lot of things that make life nicer, if you choose to partake in them. A place you could see raising a family happily without drama.

Winnipeg - Resolute in averageness. It's not the big name of the Prairies in economic performance like Calgary or Edmonton. It doesn't have the oil-based enthusiasm or hangover. Has a 'Aw, shucks' modesty about it, in the sense that it's not a braggart. Probably covers the weather aspect of the country best in terms of highs and lows. Admittedly, a focal point of the poor relationship between Native and non-Native populations.

Montreal - I'm not super-sure about listing it here. On the extremes of English Canada and French Canada, it is fulcrum of the two. There's no river to separate the sides, no clear delineation. The meeting place of the two solitudes - both an Anglophone or Francophone could get by here, language-wise. It is large enough to cast its gaze to the world, but definitely its own thing. I think its unique flavour comes from that mix and history.

Least (no order):

Toronto - it's definitely aiming for the 'global city of tomorrow' thing. Reminds me most of Auckland in that sense. The gaze and aspirations of the city is cast towards the US and the rest of the world. Leading the demographic change into the globalized 21st century, it feels more indicative of where Canada is going, not where it's been. YMMV on whether that's a good thing or not.

Quebec City - probably the only major city in Canada you might have trouble communicating as an Anglophone outside of the touristy areas. Does have the old part of the city as an old-world analog, so there's that. Culturally, the city is the heart of old-stock Quebec, which usually is fairly diluted out in other areas of the country.

St. John's/Victoria - hanging on the edges of the country, each has its own vibe that isn't easily found elsewhere in the country. Victoria's the urban hipster dream, St. John's the centre of a universe that still is centred on the Rock.