What are some great SMALL to mid size cities with great cultural attractions in Canada?

Question

My family and I are greatly considering a move to Canada. We are trying to do some research on different areas of Canada to see what would fit us the best - hopefully we can start to visit some of the locations that we narrow down.

We would really prefer a small to mid-size town in Canada. But we would really like a solid cultural base - with a strong music scene, museums, arts, good education, good hospitals, & liberal - minded friendly folks. These towns can be somewhat hard to pin point as they tend to be small "pockets" outside of major cities. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Answer 1

Check out Nelson, B.C.

Answer 2

I'd vote for Halifax.  It has about 300,000 people so I would consider it a smaller city.  It has seven universities and excellent public and private schools.  As a provincial capital it houses an excellent art gallery, many private galleries, 2 significant museums and numerous smaller museums, a symphony, a major theater company and numerous smaller companies, an opera company, etc The cultural scene is very lively.  As a city it has a small town feel.  Dalhousie University houses a medical school and works in conjunction with local hospitals.  As a regional center, they have top notch medical facilities and much shorter waiting lists to see specialists than bigger cities.  Politically Halifax is mixed with representatives from all parties including NDP (left) and liberal (center-left) representatives.  You'll be hard pressed to find a more advanced city on environmental and community issues.  It's also on the coast, so beautiful and housing is still affordable.

You could also consider Ottawa, the nation's capital.  It's still relatively Small but also has excellent universities, schools, and hospitals.  Ottawa still feels small and has the best national museums and galleries as well as a more diverse population.  Ottawa is easy driving distance to Montreal and Toronto, which means weekend trips to explore the "bigger" cities is within reach.

Answer 3

Courtenay BC is swarming with musicians and artists, there's some kind of festival just about every weekend in summer, and craft fairs and a farmer's market. There's a very lively amateur theatre scene too. One hospital very close by in Comox, no museums to speak of, a community college, and you're about 3 and 4 hours driving from Victoria and Vancouver respectively but you can fly too.  You're also close to a variety of outdoor activities--boating, skiing, hiking. Excellent shopping in downtown Courtenay.

Answer 4

Victoria  BC  See  hellobc  tourismvictoria  they have free guides to mail you if your comming from the UK you will feel  at home  its very British   allso The capital city in British Columbia

Answer 5

I have been to Quebec city many times and have enjoyed it. Outdoor activities are year round but the winters can be long. Lots of museums and historic spots to see. A rich French history also. It really feels like you are living in Europe.  If you like the west coast area better, there are several towns outside of Vancouver. The burbs really unless you get 30-50 miles out. Get a map and look up the areas and either Google them or write or email the board of tourism.