Calgary vs. Toronto
I was reading the Globe and Mail's feature article to find another level to the Calgary versus Toronto debate. They sent a died in the wool Calgarian to Toronto, and vice versa.
As someone who has lived in both cities I did find it quite interesting. I'm also not someone who believes that you have to pick one city or the other.
I loved Toronto because everything was there, almost at your doorstep, and the doorstep probably had some character and some strange people nearby. I loved being able to walk practically everywhere and to be able to pick a direction and find something new. I loved the variety of restaurants, variety in ethnicity and price range. I loved the quirky neighbourhoods and shopping adventures around every corner. And though I hear there are great clubs in Toronto I wouldn't know, I preferred anywhere with a good patio.
I love Calgary for different reasons. I love how spaced out Calgary is compared to Toronto. As much as it feels like a pain in the ass too have to drive everywhere, I never feel claustrophobic in Calgary. Like many who visit Calgary from Toronto, I have noticed that a lot of the house looks the same, but to me that's part of the charm and it's always a fun game to drive through the neighbourhoods in Calgary and try to find the houses that weren't built by the same two companies as the rest. And even if the houses aren't as unique as the old houses of Toronto, Calgary houses come with newer plumbing, backyards and no rats. Calgary is quite exciting right now, my favourite bars are still there but it's starting to attract places that even some in Toronto would deem hip. There's good food everywhere, though I still haven't found a $3 falafel. And there's great, non-mall shopping to be done, you just have to know where to go.
I'm not sure if this proved anything to anyone, or if it's just my way of saying 'can't we all just get along?' I guess my message is, Toronto, get over yourself and check out Calgary-- there's no cowboy hat necessary, but bring some jeans. And Calgary, stop whining and go see what all the fuss is about.
posted by Nicole @ 10:55 PM
13 Comments:
Nicole! So happy you like it out there. Write soon and tell me everything!
Miss you!
Toronto, get over yourself and check out Calgary-- there's no cowboy hat necessary, but bring some jeans. And Calgary, stop whining and go see what all the fuss is about
Amen, sistah!
Go Leafs! Go Flames! Fuck you, Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning...
i will always luv toronto more even tho i live in Calgary rite now
I live in Toronto and will always live in Toronto Imean ther's everythinh here shopping malls,recreation and Toronto is very residentail!! Not only that but the downtown is so similar to Manhattan and their is alot of cultures well I think yyou get the idea Toronto is wayyyy better...did I metion the TSX ...lol I'll stop now!:P
Toronto rules Calgary drools ...lol that was lame but you get the point Toronto is THE BEST city in Canada
I live in Toronto. Like mentioned above, there is everything at the door step in Toronto. It is a great city and everyone should visit it. I really want to go see Calgary. I know it's smaller but I'm sure it'll offer different experience. How is the traffic there??? Traffic is one bad thing about TO.
I recently moved to Calgary from TO. It was quiet a culture shock, and has taken some getting used to. I have yet to find good roti, and find the downtown area dead on a saturday night. But I can see the mountains, the air is clean and the people are friendly. As for traffic, people here complain about sitting for 10mins. My average car commute was at least an hour. Watch out for Calgary drivers too. Although Albertans as a whole are generally polite and courteous, you will see no evidence of this on the road.
What about modern skyscrapers of Calgary? Some forum say Calgary construction market is robust, it is the next Dubai!! Toronto boomed decades ago, but now it looks old. But Calgary is a new city, you expect to see new modern architecture in it don't you? Can we expect it to be better than Dubai? (BTW I live in greater Toronto)
Toronto verse Calgary… comon folks there is no comparison it is not even a fair debate worthy of discussion. Toronto verses Chicago or Toronto verses Bonies Airies or Melbourne would be more like it. Living in Australia and having traveled the world I have to say that if you have ever been to TORONTO you immediately know your in a large vibrant world class cosmo and exciting place.. you can feel the pace and your senses being stimulated. Take a drive on the mighty 401 and you can feel the buss and pace even long befor you lit the big smoke.
Let me tell you mates as an citizen from another country I find it appauling and strange that Canadaians bash Toronto as they do. You either don’t appreciate the treasure you have in Toronto or your outright envious. I have been to both Montreal and Vancouver as well in my travels but they don’t have the buss that you experiance when in Toronto. We in Australia brag about our large cities such as Sydney and Melbourne and take pride in them …whats with Canadians and your hate for your best know metroplis. Let me say that in international circles it is Toronto that garners the attention and interest from those who like to travel to big cities. I will say that Vancouver is also of interest but more so for Asians and those who love Vancouvers natural beauty but not for a big city multicultural buss like you get in Toronto. Montreal lost it luster many years ago and has been vastly overtaken by Toronto. If you have been to Montreal of recent you can see it it pretty run down.
Comon you blokes from Canada take a little pride in your truly world class city Toronto and stop rubishing it when you should be bragging bout it… you only show your own low self esteem. Toronto your way to far ahead to worry what you fellow Canadian citiens thing about you … don’t be bothered with that apparent bitterness and envy. Take it from some who has traveled to many cities around the world, when it come to Canada YOU WIN HANDS DOWN
I have lived in both cities and I have found Toronto to be a better city, there is so much to do in Toronto such as shopping, events and many diffrent cultures. You can always find something to do on a weekend night, unlike in Calgary where the downtown gets dead at 5PM. There also is the nice beach and lake Ontario here, wich is nice in summer.
I lived in both cities and I chose Calgary. Is much more clean and Rocky Mountains are just gorgeous... the air is clean and people are friendly. Calgary has better schools for children and crime rate is much lower.
In generally it depends on your lifestyle. If you are married with children - chose Calgary. If you are wild and young - Toronto.
I am leaving Toronto and moving to Calgary after 3 years here. The rudeness, pollution and humidity are awful. Very hard to make friends here and I've lived in London, UK and Vancouver without any trouble meeting friendly people. Toronto is a great city, it's a shame the people are so self-absorbed to make any effort towards new comers here. No class Manhattan wanna-bes. This ain't New YOrk and will never be. Get over yourselves. If you have family in Toronto, that would make the city more liveable if your lungs don't kills you first.
I am born and raised in the GTA and have been going to calgary to visit a friend over the last couple years. Toronto is an exciting place with lots going on, and thats great if thats what you like... myself, i am love the outdoors. camping, hiking, rock climbing, fishing etc. and Calgary is where I would much rather be. The air smells so much better, and the watter tastes so much better! 45 minutes to one of the most AMAZING places in the world vs. 3 hours to get to cottage country... plus housing prices are SO much better. 5 bed 2 bath and a big garage in calgary is 100k less than a house the size of a garage in Mississauga! Im working on making the switch. calgary is the up and coming city of Canada IMO.
My stupid husband forgot the boxes! Thank god for moving boxes calgary when we had to move at the end of April.
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