So, you’re a Kamala Harris fan and you feel pretty devastated. I get it.
Hey, there was a time when Obama was president and Canadians were stuck with Conservative Stephen Harper as Prime Minister. A lot of Canadians at the time were googling “How do I move to the United States.” But now the snow boot is on the other foot, and it’s disappointed Americans that don’t like Trump who are glancing over the border.
I don’t blame you. I’m from California. Oakland, to be exact, the same city Harris was born in. I voted for her. But I’ve been living in Toronto since 1981 and am a dual citizen who gets to live in a country that values health care and decent wages and (mostly) doesn’t consider the word “government” to be an evil oath.
I don’t love the winter and it’s not a perfect country, but I like the way Canadians approach life, and politics. So, if you’re thinking of moving, here are some things to consider in terms of where you’d like to settle down.
TORONTO: This is the biggest city in Canada, with a regional population (depending on where you draw the boundaries) of around 7 million people. The people are pretty nice. The food is superb. The traffic is godawful. Winters can be cold, but it was over 70 degrees Fahrenheit yesterday and it’s about 68 today as I sit in my back yard in pants and a t-shirt with leaves still on many of the trees. The only Canadian city with teams in Major League Baseball, the NBA and the NHL. Not to mention Major League Soccer and the Canadian Football League. Need your NFL fix? Buffalo is two hours away and Detroit only four.
VANCOUVER: The city is similar to Seattle in terms of weather and culture, with lots of outdoorsy types and tons of great coffee shops. It can be pretty grey and miserable in winter, but daffodils bloom in February, and you’re only a short flight from California if you need sunshine. Some of the world’s best skiing is just up the road in Whistler, as well.
MONTREAL: I love this city. It really has a special “joie de vivre,” and there are fabulous neighborhoods and excellent restaurants, not to mention numerous great festivals. No, you don’t need to speak French to live here. It helps, and people are happy when you speak it, but it’s not remotely necessary. It IS necessary, however, to be a fan of the NHL Canadiens.
CALGARY: A little too chilly for me, but you’re only an hour from Banff and the most beautiful mountains in North America (sorry, Colorado). A very good and improving food scene, and nice, welcoming people. The Calgary Stampede is a wonderful summer event, and there are lovely parks along the Bow River, which runs through the middle of town.
Downtown Dartmouth, just across the bay from Halifax, has a lively feel and great restaurants. JIM BYERS PHOTO
HALIFAX: This city is a real gem, with a wonderful waterfront and some of the nicest people in the world. The drivers even slow down to let you jaywalk. Great restaurants and bars in a fine university town. Take the ferry over to the hip downtown in Dartmouth, or take your car out to Peggy’s Cove for one of Canada’s most iconic coastal views.
SASKATOON: I doubt many Americans know about this city in Saskatchewan, but it’s a great town with a good university, pleasant and funky neighborhoods, and, again, some very nice restaurants. The people in Saskatchewan are hard-working, fun-loving folks I always enjoy spending time with. And they love their Canadian Football League team, so if you’re a sports fan you’ll feel right at home.
VICTORIA: The closest thing Canada has to a banana belt is this city. Victoria gets less rain than Vancouver, and I’ve been in January when it’s pushing 50 Fahrenheit. That’s not a normal winter’s day, but it happens. And they don’t get a ton of snow. Yes, there’s afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress Hotel, but I don’t think the city feels terribly British. A great food scene and gorgeous coastal scenery all around.
