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Summary

Canadians got real about what Vancouver does better than Toronto and the rivalry is strong

"Toronto cannot compare."😬

Person in Vancouver. Right: City of Vancouver.

Person in Vancouver. Right: City of Vancouver.

@wellthybyjess | Instagram, Volodymyr Kyrylyuk | Dreamstime
Editor

People love to pit city against city, trying to determine which deserves the title of the best in the country. In Canada, a go-to rivalry is Toronto vs. Vancouver – a never-ending battle between the West Coast and the East.

Recently, some Canadians voiced their opinions on the matter, revealing the things that give Vancouver a leg up in the competition. The biggest takeaway? The feud is alive and well, and people have strong opinions when it comes to Canadian metropolises.

The reality is that both cities have their perks, appealing to different people for different things. The West Coast outdoorsy vibe draws some in, while the bustle of Toronto attracts others. But alas, as two of the main (and most expensive) cities in the country, it's hard not to compare them.

So whether you're a Torontonian who is dreaming of looking west, or a Vancouverite who wants to feel a bit superior – here's what readers on the Narcity Facebook Page think Vancity does better.

The (sea)food

As two big cities in Canada they both have their own top-tier restaurants and food options (actually, Toronto has more Michelin-Starred spots, to be fair). A few people though shouted Vancouver's seafood scene out, and its sushi specifically – which is known far and wide to be premium. Vancouverites take pride in the sushi offerings of the city, with reliably good eats even at hole-in-the-wall spots, and some fancier places that are incredible.

Obviously, being right on the ocean has it's perks, and that goes for any of the seafood options there. Get that seafood platter or grab fish 'n chips at Steveston Fisherman's Wharf — you won't regret it in Vancouver (we make no promises for Toronto).

The scenery

Yes it's obvious, but it also has to be mentioned. Of course, when polled the people had to bring up the nature in Vancouver. It's called "Beautiful British Columbia," and comes by the name honestly.

No one said that Toronto is ugly, but it's hard to compete with the views that Vancouver offers. As one reader put it: "Scenery, the mountains, the ocean all that jazz. Toronto cannot compare."

A commute to work downtown is framed by the mountains and sparkling ocean. A lunchtime walk can take you into the lush forest of Stanley Park, surrounding you with towering trees. Oh, and happy hour? That can mean watching the sun go down on one of the city beaches, breathing in the salty fresh air.

So yeah, the West Coast has the advantage here!

The activities that come along with it

Again, the natural elements are what set this place apart, and that lends itself to a different way of life overall. Between the more mild weather and the nature woven into the very fabric of the city, it's just set up for recreation in a different way. People shouted out all of the activities that are commonplace in Vancouver, and make it that much better.

Incredible hikes that go deep into the forest and up to mountain peaks are literally right in Metro Vancouver, making it easy to take on weekend adventures. Skiing is right there too — with three different mountain options just in North Vancouver (Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain and Mt. Seymour).

Then you have the beach volleyball nets that fill up in the summer, ocean swimming, and even just the seawall for long runs or scenic walks.

While Toronto has these activities, at least nearby, Vancouver takes it to the next level in a way that makes it harder to stay inside.

The trees

Okay this is kind of part of the scenery, but it deserves its own section because people shouted it out specifically — and it's easy to see why.

One of the first things you might notice about a walk in a Vancouver park or a North Shore hike, is the towering trees all around. The forest in B.C. is unreal, and makes you feel like you've gone far away from the city, even though you might still be downtown in Stanley Park.

Wandering past Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir, among the lush greenery (thank you Raincouver) of a coastal temperate rainforest? There's nothing like it.

Will there ever be a definitive answer on the superior city? No, probably not. But it's clear from these responses that Vancouver has gotten a few things right, and it might just tempt an Ontarian to look west.

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    • Editor

      Morgan Leet (she/her) is an Editor for Narcity Media Group. After graduating from Carleton University’s School of Journalism and Communication, she jumped into fulfilling her dream as a journalist, merging her passion for travelling with writing. After working in the print media world on Canada’s East Coast, she joined Narcity with a move to B.C., drawn to the beauty of Western Canada. Since then, she's documented her experience moving to Vancouver, covering everything from local events to bucket-list travel destinations across Canada's West Coast.

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