coolest neighbourhoods canada

The 10 coolest neighbourhoods in Canada

The coolest neighbourhoods in Canada include one of North America's oldest Chinatowns and a district constructed entirely of stone. While this is no doubt a highly subjective list, one thing we can agree on is that Canada's cities are home to some vibrant and noteworthy places to live, eat, drink and hang out.

Here are the coolest neighbourhoods in Canada you need to check out next time you find yourself in any one of these major cities. 

Fraserhood, Vancouver 

Fraserhood has emerged over the past couple years due to a large influx of restaurants and bars. Nestled on the cusp of Mount Pleasant and Kensington–Cedar Cottage, it's now home to some of the city's buzziest restaurants including local favourite Pizza Carano and Say Mercy! which serves up a cross-between Italian and Southern barbecue. 

Saint Henri, Montreal

The quirky neighbourhood along the historic Lachine Canal, is home to the Atwater Market, one of the city's largest farmer's markets, and Notre-Dame, a street packed full of restaurants and bars. Arthur's Nosh Bar, a Jewish-style brunch spot and Cafe Saint Henri, one of the city's original third-wave coffee shops are among the local favourites.

Bloordale Village, Toronto

There's a bustling nightlife scene to be found in Bloordale, a small neighbourhood full of bars. This evolving area also offers a diverse collection of cuisine but places like Seoul Shakers, Sugo and Burdock have really put in on the map. There's vinyl record shops and galleries and even a place, Dupe Shop, where you can make your own mixed tape.

Inglewood, Calgary

Inglewood is Calgary’s original main street and oldest neighbourhood. Known as the shopping and arts districts of the city, this charming historical area has tons of local shops and galleries. One of the favourites being Plant, a beloved locally-owned garden centre with a huge range of succulents.

Exchange District, Winnipeg

This neighbourhood has tree-lined streets that are home to more than 150 heritage buildings built between 1880 and 1920. There's restaurants, art galleries, museums, and theatres, as well as lots of interesting boutiques like Vantage Vintage Boutique and Ordnry Clothing, a streetwear-focused clothing store with a barbershop on its second floor. 

The North End, Halifax

The small, but lively North End is known for its many edgy restaurants, bars and cafes. Like Halifax favourite, Lion and Bright. This cafe-bar hybrid serves a great roast in the morning, but at night transforms into a hip spot for cocktails, dancing, and local art. Field Guide and Bar Kismet are other local gems. 

Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Quebec City

The excellent shopping and lively nightlife makes this bohemian district as popular as ever. At the neighbourhood's Le Sacrilège bar you'll find one of the most beautiful interior terraces in the city, as well as karaoke nights, live shows, and DJ dance parties. 

Old Strathcona, Edmonton

Previously the downtown of the separate city of Strathcona, the historic district of Old Strathcona in south-central Edmonton is the second Provincial Historic Area in Alberta. It's also known as the entertainment and shopping district with the trendy Whyte Avenue offering a wide range of shopping options.

Chinatown, Victoria

Victoria's Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown in Canada and the second oldest in North America after San Francisco's. This national historic site consists of 500–600 blocks of Fisgard Street, including the famously narrow Fan Tan Alley. You'll find loads of culture and a vibrant mix of businesses. 

Westboro, Ottawa

Found in the west end of Ottawa, this bustling urban village is easily one of the city's trendiest neighbourhoods. One of the best spots in the area has to be Strawberry Blonde Bakery, serving delicious vegan sweets and baked goods. The area is also very walkable and even has its very own beach, only a short distance from the main strip. 

Lead photo by

Hector Vasquez at 3 Speed in Bloordale, Toronto


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