Most Canadian / Least Canadian

[Metro-One]

Simple thread, which 3 cities in Canada do you feel are the most “Canadian” and which 3 are the “least” Canadian in your opinion?

Instead of explaining any further I will give you my list as an example:

Most Canadian in no particular order:

1. Edmonton

For me everything about Edmonton, the climate, the built form, the sports culture, etc... screams Canada.

2. Ottawa

Similar reasons as Edmonton, just with an Ontario flare.

3. Anything in New Brunswick

Moncton, St. John, and Fredericton all scream smaller Canadian city.

Honorable Mentions: Regina, Saskatoon, Hamilton and Yellowknife.

Least Canadian in no particular order:

1. Victoria

Has a very Tasmanian and New Zealand feel. The built form, architecture (both old and new), landscaping, natural flora, climate, etc...

2. Quebec City

Always given the “European” descriptor. The built form plays a big role in its non typical Canadian feel. There is also of course the cultural aspect at play here as well.

3. St. John’s

The Nordic feel in architecture as well as the landscape and also the culture.

Honorable Mentions: Calgary, Windsor, Kelowna.


Interestingly the big 3, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, are all torn between the two categories. Each for different reasons have aspects that are very Canadian, and others that are very non Canadian in feel.