Vancouver vs. Toronto vs. Montreal

[rupeshhari]

Hello

Assuming one had jobs in all these cities, which of these is the best to live in? I know Vancouver has better weather but how is the social, cultural life there?
I would love to hear from those who have immigrated to Canada or experienced any of these cities.

Maaties

 

[computergeek]

Having lived in Vancouver for the past four years now, I can say that this is a great place to be if you like out-of-doors experiences. With the ocean and mountains close by, it really does encourage you to get out and do things - walk the sea wall, bike, ski, snowshoe, kayak, etc. The restaurants here are quite good, although expensive, and there are plenty of cultural events as well. Public transit is good (I live in the centre of the city and walk or take transit everywhere on a routine basis).

Downsides include the high cost of living, large homeless population, and steady stream of tourists. Employment opportunities do not seem to be as good in Vancouver as in Toronto and I know a number of people who have moved back to the GTA to find employment. Then again, it can depend very much on what you do (for me, I don't care where I live, since I basically can take care of my clients most anywhere I live.)

Good luck!

 

[computergeek]

Isn't a steady stream of tourist is a good thing?

If you have a business dependent upon tourism, yes. But the street closures, protests, and crowds outside my condo in Vancouver for the Olympics, and the excitement of watching hockey riots is not nearly as entertaining when you watch it out the window versus watch it on the news.

Then again, one reason we have so many amazing things to do - sunset dinner cruises, 20 minute helicopter rides to Victoria, float planes to Vancouver Island, excellent restaurants, the ability to walk to the cruise ships, awesome fireworks displays, etc. is also why we have so many tourists.

 

[steaky]

That's only because you live in the downtown area.

I used to live in downtown too. I remember the crowds in St. Patricks Day, BMO Vancouver Marathon with road closure on West Georgia street. I also remember people set up tents outside the art gallery staging occupy Vancouver and marijuana related activities.

But if you live in the suburbs, you won't experience such excitement unless you go there.

 

[rupeshhari]

Thanks guys. I have been to Vancouver, but only for four days. Loved it. I do want the whole outdoor lifestyle (not that i am very sporty). I was in Toronto for 2 days and loved its diversity. I have never been to Montreal, but living in a space that is essentially a different culture might be exciting. I am currently applying for jobs in Vancouver and Toronto and will only move to either place if I get a job. Thanks for your inputs.

 

[qorax]

Thanks guys. I have been to Vancouver, but only for four days. Loved it. I do want the whole outdoor lifestyle (not that i am very sporty). I was in Toronto for 2 days and loved its diversity. I have never been to Montreal, but living in a space that is essentially a different culture might be exciting. I am currently applying for jobs in Vancouver and Toronto and will only move to either place if I get a job. Thanks for your inputs.

Between the three (Vanc, Torro, Mont) - Montreal is tad less multicultural IMHO, but has a warm night life, vibrant arts & drama culture, very classy [mostly], superb architectural facade, amusing street-troupes all along etc. But tends to have a determined affinity to Francophones... if u aren't one - u might find urself out-of-place [mostly]... that kinda mars our opportunities [non-francophiles]! Which is why, ur choice between the other two is pretty much wise.

Qorax
Ps.: Good to have u back RH.

 

[srana]

Between the three (Vanc, Torro, Mont) - Montreal is tad less multicultural IMHO, but has a warm night life, vibrant arts & drama culture, very classy [mostly], superb architectural facade, amusing street-troupes all along etc. But tends to have a determined affinity to Francophones... if u aren't one - u might find urself out-of-place [mostly]... that kinda mars our opportunities [non-francophiles]! Which is why, ur choice between the other two is pretty much wise.

Qorax
Ps.: Good to have u back RH.

 

[rupeshhari]

Hey Qorax, Srana

Thanks for the reply. Hope you are all doing well. I definitely can't speak French so Montreal might be out, but would love to experience that city someday (in the summer).

 

[qorax]

Hey Qorax, Srana

Thanks for the reply. Hope you are all doing well. I definitely can't speak French so Montreal might be out, but would love to experience that city someday (in the summer).

Yep, been there twice and r planning once again while on the Trans-Canada route... the city is splendid [for a visitor though - if s/he isn't francophone]. The horse-carriage tour of downtown [especially if u could spot & catch Elena -- her horse is named 'Budweiser'], the Son-et-lumière of Basilica Notre Dame, feasting on the gyros, tour of the BMO-HO and a short trip to Mont Tremblant are ever calling !