As a sometime follower of this list, I've noticed that
Western Canadians tend to get bloody defensive in their
reactions to what Easterners say. I'm a Brit with
relatives and friends all over Canada, been three times,
and don't understand what the fuss is.
Perhaps I, as an outsider, could give a more objective
opinion?
The Eastern cities of Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec
City are all charming in their own ways, and hear this - of
all the western cities I've been to, only Winnipeg comes
close to having any of the urban atmosphere of their
Eastern cousins. Calgary and Edmonton are dull dull dull,
pointless as destinations for non-Canadians wanting to see
Canada. Vancouver is blessed by its surrounding beauty -
the city itself is, again, devoid of any charm.
But then, one goes to the West to see the Rockies, no? In
fact, one goes to Canada for its natural beauty, and not to
see cities. Toronto is no New York, no matter its status
as the world's most diverse city. If you were going to see
only one city in Canada, it would have to be Quebec City.
Who would disagree?
So why all the argument?
[There are 10 posts - the latest was added on Thu 6 May, 5:30]
Use the form at the end of this page to add your own post.
Topics
| Thorn Tree
| Home
Hey did you know that there are people and even cities east
of Ottawa and Quebec City? We may be small compared to the
rest of the larger cities in Canada. I think we, as
maritimers are just as nice if not nicer then Canadian out
west, hey most of the people out west are from Atlantic
Canada. Maybe people should look beyond Toronto and Ottawa
and see more of Canada. Don't forget Nova Scotia, New
Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. We do exist!!!
First you ask what our problem is in the west, and then you
go on to answer your own question. An outsider is hardly
able to understand the conflicts between East and West
better than a Canadian-- Let me disabuse you of these ideas
and let you in on one or two of Canada's dirty little
secrets. First no one has ever said that Calgary or
Edmonton were exciting places in terms of night life -
places with more rural connections hardly ever are - but
there is a trade off - Toronto has a good music scene,
Calgary has a good climbing scene - Toronto has unaffordable
housing and no job opportunitues, Calgary is an ideal place
to raise a family. Toronto has lots of bars and clubs blah
blah blah, but for how long does that stay interesting? -
I'm going mountaineering again tomorrow - how many in the
East can say that? Basically what we westerners don't like
is the utterly shallow view that we are dull - and there is
nothing to do - end of story, and dismiss us like we don;t
count because we don't have a theatre district -just like
you have done my friend. I say get your head out of arse,
and you'll never be bored here.
(as a side note - I have travelled the world - and I still
believe that the prarie/foothill landscape surrounding
Calgary is the most beautiful.)
You might have a point in your comparison list, although I
am sure neither city has 100% of on thing and the other 0%
of it.
Anyway, that's not what I wanted to say. I just would like
to react on what you said about Southern Alberta being the
most beautiful place on earth.
Isn't it a little too much to say (objectivly)? You must
have some kind of an emotional involvment with that region
(pride, childhood, etc...) to say that.
It's a nice place for sure but not the greatest.
Hi there.
I think that this might be a better discussion to carry out
in the "your choice" branch of the thornbush.
Hi there.
I think that this might be a better discussion to carry out
in the "your choice" branch of the thornbush.
One persons opinion is another's pain in the arse! Don't get too upset by the original posters remarks, as they can only see with their own eyes.
looky here mate, this tree was clogged with this drivel for
weeks, and now it isn't. or is it?
please, let us not succumb yet again to this endless debate.
Ok, I'm FROM Edmonton and I agree. It is dull, although
it's cozy and homey and a damn good time. Go to Whyte Ave
and it's all you need. Then again, the best city in Canada
remains Montreal. Quebec City is beautiful, but only the
Old Town... Montreal is just gorgeous no matter where you
go.
Enjoy!
And don't miss Edmonton!
Ok, I'm FROM Edmonton and I agree. It is dull, although
it's cozy and homey and a damn good time. Go to Whyte Ave
and it's all you need. Then again, the best city in Canada
remains Montreal. Quebec City is beautiful, but only the
Old Town... Montreal is just gorgeous no matter where you
go.
Enjoy!
And don't miss Edmonton!
I'm a Brit too and I have worked at many places across Canada and they all have their good points :
In Newfoundland try Gross Mourne National Park
In Nova Scotia, Halifax has lots of history and some night life. For scenery try the Cape Breton Highlands
In New Brunswick visit the Fundy National Park
Before going to mainland Quebec, visit Isles de la Madelene (spelling?) - very friendly people
I agree with you that Quebec City (Old Town) is, to
European eyes the most beautiful city in North America.
I think Montreal has gone downhill since the 70s.
For a mixture of English and French, language & Music,
try
Sentiers Carman Trails at Wakefield Quebec
an International Hostel 25km (16M) North of Ottawa
e-mail carman@magma.ca
Phone 819 459 3180
For Quebec City, Montreal or Toronto take the
Moose Bus, a hop-on, hop-off service which does
to Carman Trails from those cities
Out West try Waterton National Park in southern Alberta
and beyond Vancouver go to the Gulf Islands ;
Hornby and Quadra are good places for beach parties
Go to Canada and enjoy yourselves Peter