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Writer's pictureFrancisco Vogel

Canada's walkable citites

Updated: Sep 5, 2022

For more information and travel tips about cities and what they have to offer, we suggest visiting our city guide with over 100 cities in the USA, Canada and many other countries around the world.

 


Are you planning to travel to Canada and don't want to depend on car or individual transport? We have this guide full of tips and information to help your itinerary and contribute to your ideal trip.


That’s according to rankings from Walk Score®, a Redfin company that rates the walkability of cities, neighborhoods and addresses. Cities where daily errands do not require a car score 90 points and above, a score of 70 to 89 points means most errands can be accomplished on foot and a score of 50 to 69 indicates that some errands can be completed on foot.



Here’s a look at our debut ranking of the top five Canadian cities (with populations of more than 200,000) for walking:


RANK

CITY

WALK SCORE

1

79,8

2

65,4

3

61,0

4

BURNABY

60,1

5

LONGUEUIL

54,4


In Vancouver, well-built properties in walkable areas often sell for a premium, according to Redfin Vancouver market manager Brooks Findlay.


“Over the past 10 years, Vancouver has placed a strong emphasis on development that supports walkability. Many of the new developments are focused on areas that are close to transit—specifically our monorail system,” Findlay said. “The city itself has also been very focused on building new walking and bike paths, allowing for a green commute and discouraging single-driver vehicles. Many young professionals in Vancouver don’t even consider owning a car. Developers have created mini villages in high-traffic areas, meaning you don’t have to travel more than five or six blocks to get anything you need.”

Toronto, with a Walk Score of 61, also made it into the top three.


“A lot of Toronto is connected underground, so when it gets cold in the winter, there are still ways to get around. Then there’s the boardwalk, which allows people to walk across much of the city right on the waterfront,” Redfin Toronto market manager Blair Anderson said. “One thing people don’t always realize about Toronto is that there are lots of nature walks and trails right in the city. If it was just a concrete jungle, people wouldn’t be so inclined to walk places, but since it’s so beautiful, walking is appealing. Plus, city traffic is less than desirable these days, so being able to get around on foot is very advantageous.”


Walk Score is available for any address in the U.S. and Canada. We rate 2,800 cities and more than 10,000 neighborhoods. Go to Walk Score’s website to see the rankings. If you’re interested in a specific region, use the following URL structure with your province abbreviation: https://www.walkscore.com/CA-BC/


 



Vancouver, BC is known for it's beautiful scenery and being immersed in nature, as well as it's wet and rainy climate. It is known as the Hollywood of the North and as the home of Lululemon. The city is also known for it's seafood, expensive housing market, and for the laid back west coast vibes of the people.



FAQ:


Is Vancouver worth visiting?


Yes. It is worth visiting. It has beautiful scenery. It has beautiful parks. It is a clean city. It is one of the world's most livable cities. It has beautiful mountains in the background. It has a beautiful town in up mountains called Whistler. Whistler is a big ski town.

Gracie Nguyen - Lives in Arlington, VA



Is 2 days enough in Vancouver?


Vancouver has so much to see and do! I think spending at least 5 days would be more reasonable. You can go hiking in the local mountains and wilderness parks, all of which are accessible by public transportation. Vancouver also has dozen of beaches and dozens of film, music and theatre festivals, ever year. It would take you at least a week to see it all! ENJOY!

Marie E. LeBlanc - Lived in Vancouver, BC (1983–2016)



This valley is vast with rivers and lakes to explore. African animal zoos, suspension bridges free and not so cheap, bird sanctuaries, beaches. There are a large of Universities and colleges.

You could spend scores of years and not see everything this beautiful city has to offer. Many golf courses and ski hills.

Jim Rosevear – Lives in Vancouver, BC



What time of year can you see the Northern Lights in Vancouver?


In Vancouver in British Columbia, you can sometimes catch a glimpse of the elusive Aurora Borealis. The best time is during winter, from December to March. At times, the lights are so bright that they are even seen in the urban Vancouver areas despite the city lights and pollution, reducing visibility.




How do I get from Vancouver to Vancouver Island?


The most common way to get to Vancouver Island is by BC Ferries. There is regular car ferry service from: Vancouver (Tsawwassen) ferry terminal in Delta to Victoria (Swartz Bay) ferry terminal (1 hour 35 minutes) Vancouver (Tsawwassen) ferry terminal to Nanaimo (Duke Point) ferry terminal (2 hours).

 



Toronto is Canada’s largest city and a world leader in such areas as business, finance, technology, entertainment and culture. Its large population of immigrants from all over the globe has also made Toronto one of the most multicultural cities in the world.



FAQ:


Do you need a car to visit Toronto?


I live right near where the main subway lines meet and I haven’t owned a car in over 30 years now. That being said, I do belong to a car sharing service. I didn’t use it too much since the pandemic started (Just once this year in fact) but prior to that I would frequently get a car to do stuff like go to Costco. I get along just fine on foot, or on transit, with the rare carshare or rental.

Steven Haddock – Lives in Toronto, ON (1959 – Present)



If you live where ever the subway system goes which means North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke and obviously downtown Toronto, then no you do not need a car. If you live beyond these areas yes you will need a car because the transportation system is slow. However if you are close to a commuter train which is called a “go train” then you can get into Toronto for work.

Wei Shen - Lives in Canada



The subway and Bus system can get you at any point in the GTA and it’s safe and reliable.

Michael Kiss - Lives in Toronto, ON



What kind of food dish is Toronto famous for?


We don’t have a main food- whatever that means! We are a city made of of many cultures and ethnicities, and you will find restaurants and eateries representing all of them, across the city and beyond.

Karen Rosenmeyer - Lives in Toronto, ON



What is Toronto famous for?


Toronto is known for being a Canadian metropolis with towering buildings, bustling streets, and a famous waterfront skyline dominated by the CN Tower, but that's not all. Toronto is also famous for its ethnic and cultural diversity, its world-famous professional sports teams, and its competitive universities.



What is the most visited place in Toronto?


See the View from the CN Tower. Toronto's famous landmark, the 553-meter CN Tower, is one of the city's must see attractions and also the most impossible to miss. Towering above the downtown, this Canadian icon can be seen from almost everywhere in the city.

 



Montreal is a true gem. Largest city in Canada. It is an island with a large dormant volcano that can be climbed to reveal amazing views of the city. Unlike any city in the World, Montreal has a special charm. Restaurants are amazing, people are friendly and you can get by on the cheap if you do some research and ask the locals.



FAQ:


Is Montreal worth visiting?


I would say most definitely! Be prepared to try some french speaking as the French population appreciates anyone who at least tries to speak French. Montreal is a beautiful city to soak up the culture of a bilingual city that offers so much more ambience than its competition- the other cities in Canada!

Marilyn Aikman - Lived in Montréal, QC



Yes for sure. Lots of restaurants and shopping. Festivals. A nice area by the water. With a Ferris wheel. Amusement park. Lots of parks. Depends when and what you’re interested in!

Natalie C Luck - Lives in Montréal, QC



Is 2 days enough in Montreal?


You could take a bus tour of old Montreal and then spend the day on beaver lake wake up the next morning meet a friend for breakfast. Walk down Saint Denise Street go to Schwartz‘s for lunch go to the Montreal museum have dinner in Old Montreal. And get to the airport.

There’s ethnic cuisine from all over the world you could spend two days in Little Italy and not see everything because there are just so many restaurants.

Stuart Nutik - Lives in Montréal, QC



Two days is enough to get a taste and feel of Montreal, but do go in more depth, add a third day.

Lynn - Legal Support Contractor



If you are traveling to Montreal first time, I suggest you spend at least 2 days in Montreal to explore the city's famous spots. If you have more time to spend, that's awesome!

Advocate Gaurav Bhalla - Immigration Consultant at Nationwide Visas Delhi



What is Montreal famous for?


Montreal is North America's number one host city for international events. Montreal is home to the famous Cirque de Soleil and hosted the Summer Olympics in 1976. Montreal also played host to Expo 67, considered to be the most successful world's fair in the 20th Century.



Is Montreal close to Niagara Falls?


The distance from Montreal to Niagara Falls is 318 miles. The road distance is 407 miles.




Do you need a car in Montreal?


Thanks to Montreal's public transportation system, there really is no need for a car. Parking is relatively cheap, but you might have difficulty finding a spot in the more touristy neighborhoods. Also, gas is expensive: You'll be charged by the liter rather than by the gallon.

 


BURNABY:



Burnaby is a city in British Columbia, Canada. Located in the centre of Metro Vancouver, it’s the third-largest city in the province with over 249,000 residents. Burnaby is known for its beautiful surrounding natural environments and diverse culture—making it a sought-after place to live, work and play.


 

LONGUEUIL:



Longueuil, city, Montérégie region, southern Quebec province, Canada, on the St. Lawrence River, opposite Montreal city. The city was founded in 1657 by Charles Le Moyne. Reached by railway in 1880, it grew to become an important residential and industrial suburb of Montreal; after annexing Montreal South in 1961, it nearly quadrupled its population. Longueuil is the eastern terminus of Montreal’s Metro (subway system) as well as of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, which gives access to the islands of Sainte-Hélène and Notre-Dame.


 

For more information and travel tips about cities and what they have to offer, we suggest visiting our city guide with over 100 cities in the USA, Canada and many other countries around the world.

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