Our cities rock against large American rivals
URBAN SHOWDOWN: Some similarities exist between these pairings, but what’s not to like about Canada’s biggest places?
Canada is an incredibly diverse, distinct nation I am proud to call home. However, there are some striking similarities between our cities, and certain American cities. In the spirit of friendly competition, we’ve decided to pit Canada versus the U.S. in a city-on-city smackdown to determine which country reigns supreme. While I haven’t been to some of these places, sometimes reputations speak for themselves.
Vancouver vs. Los Angeles
The similarities: Both cities have beaches, booming movie industries and a laid-back, West Coast attitude.
Vancouver is better because: C’mon ... do we even need to mention anything? This is constantly listed as one of the greatest cities in the world ... which is a big place.
Los Angeles is better because: They’ve won a few more Stanley Cups than Vancouver, we’ll give them that. Also, In and Out Burger.
The verdict: Vancouver for all the reasons you think, and a few more.
Calgary vs. Houston, Texas
The similarities: Cowboy hats, country music and oil.
Calgary is better because: They actually have more in common with Denver than Houston. Denver is pretty awesome.
Houston is better because: They don’t have a stadium in the shape of a saddle. Honestly, Calgary, it looks ridiculous.
The verdict: Calgary. This will be the only nice thing to say about them, as the Flames/Canucks rivalry has intensified beyond compliments.
Ottawa vs. Washington, D.C.
The similarities: Federal capitals, Historic monuments, underachieving hockey teams.
Ottawa is better because: It’s just a generally nicer area. Tons of trees, limited traffic and the picturesque Rideau Canal.
Washington, D.C., is better
because: The threat of taking something “all the way to Washington ”is a great way to win any argument.
The verdict: Ottawa. (If anyone in the U.S. doesn’t like it, they are welcome to take it all the way to Washington).
Toronto vs. New York
The similarities: Both are viewed as the most prominent cities for their respective countries, whether that is true or not (it isn’t, Toronto).
Toronto is better because:
Boooooo!
New York is better because: Our West versus East rivalry is strong. Also, New York is a pretty incredible place. Respect.
The verdict: New York
Montreal vs. New Orleans
The similarities: French inspired, incredibly social party towns that don’t care what the rest of their respective countries think of them. All they want to do is have fun.
Montreal is better because: They’ve got the best version of the best food in the world. Poutine trumps everything.
New Orleans is better because:
Mardi Gras might just be the best
party on the planet. Who doesn’t love beads?
The verdict: Montreal. It’s like us having our own France in the middle of the country.
St. John’s, N.L.
vs. Boston
The similarities: Fishing industries, penchant for drinking and strange accents of undefinable origins.
St. John’s is better because: St. John’s has never stolen a Stanley Cup from the Vancouver Canucks.
Boston is better because: It isn’t. Sorry, the outcome of the 2011 Stanley Cup Final still hurts.
The verdict: St. John’s.
Final score
Canada 5, U.S. 1
(Way to go, Toronto. You cost Canada the clean sweep.)