The United States and Canada have a lot in common. Sharing the world’s largest land border, our cultures tend to blend into one another.
And while the Great White North may always be seen as America’s quiet upstairs neighbour, plenty of cities here are on par or — dare I say — even better than theirs. With that said, there’s no denying that both countries boast a lot of similarities to one another from coast to coast.
Similar enough that if you’re ever looking for a home away from home across the border, you have more than a few options.
Need proof? Here are the American counterparts of six large Canadian cities.
Montreal = Boston
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While they make up the two ends of a bitter hockey rivalry, Boston and Montreal are actually quite similar.
Both port towns have renowned local markets, European-style cobblestone streets, and large Irish populations. When these two cities are not going to war on the ice, they’re basking in the rich history surrounding them.
Honourable mentions: New York, Philadelphia, New Orleans
Toronto = Chicago
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Both these bustling metropolitan cities can boast about their Great Lakes, tall buildings, and diverse communities. They’re also very serious about their respective sports franchises.
While many say Toronto is the New York City of Canada, locals will agree that more similarities can be found between them and the Windy City. At 2.8 and 2.7 million, their population sizes are also roughly the same.
Honourable mentions: New York, San Francisco
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Hamilton = Buffalo
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While these cities are a short drive away from one another, they also both hold strong identities as industrial, blue-collar towns that border big cities.
Both towns are also crazy for their respective football teams.
Honourable mention: Pittsburgh
Vancouver = Seattle
Shipping harbours, majestic mountains and gloomy Pacific Northwest weather are some similarities these cities share.
Comparisons between these two towns have been made for decades, and the fact that they are so close to one another makes them the ideal counterparts.
Honourable mentions: Portland, Denver, San Francisco
Edmonton = Houston
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You often hear about Albertans being compared to Texans.
Between having an abundance of cattle and oil, both freedom-loving areas have similar big cities in Edmonton and Houston.
Not to mention, the NHL’s battle of Alberta is reminiscent of the friendly (yet heated) rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans.
Honourable mentions: Minneapolis, St. Louis
Calgary = Denver
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Not much needs to be said upon looking at these two photos. The similarities are striking.
Throw scenic rocky mountains, nearby oil rigs, and the fact they were founded a mere decade apart into the mix, and these two western frontier towns become eerily related.
Honourable mentions: Phoenix, Houston, Dallas
As an avid enthusiast with a deep understanding of the cultural nuances and geographical intricacies of North America, particularly the United States and Canada, I can confidently say that the article draws intriguing parallels between six large Canadian cities and their American counterparts. The connections presented reflect a nuanced understanding of both countries, encompassing historical, cultural, and demographic dimensions.
Let's delve into the concepts used in the article:
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Montreal = Boston:
- Both cities are portrayed as port towns with renowned local markets.
- European-style cobblestone streets are highlighted as a common feature.
- The presence of large Irish populations in both cities is emphasized.
- Despite a bitter hockey rivalry, they share a rich historical backdrop.
-
Toronto = Chicago:
- Both cities are characterized as bustling metropolitan areas with Great Lakes.
- Tall buildings and diverse communities are highlighted as shared features.
- The serious commitment to their respective sports franchises is pointed out.
- Similar population sizes (2.8 million for Toronto, 2.7 million for Chicago) are noted.
-
Hamilton = Buffalo:
- Proximity and a short drive away from each other are mentioned.
- Both cities are identified as industrial, blue-collar towns bordering big cities.
- A shared enthusiasm for their respective football teams is emphasized.
-
Vancouver = Seattle:
- Similarities include shipping harbors, majestic mountains, and Pacific Northwest weather.
- Decades-long comparisons between these cities are acknowledged.
- Proximity is noted as a factor contributing to their ideal counterparts.
-
Edmonton = Houston:
- Alberta's comparison to Texas is highlighted.
- Abundance of cattle and oil is mentioned as a commonality.
- The NHL's Battle of Alberta is likened to the rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans.
-
Calgary = Denver:
- Striking visual similarities are noted between the two cities.
- Commonalities include scenic Rocky Mountains, nearby oil rigs, and a founding proximity of a mere decade apart.
- Several honorable mentions of other cities with similarities are provided.
The article demonstrates a comprehensive grasp of the historical, cultural, and geographical elements that define each city pair. The comparisons go beyond surface-level observations, showcasing a nuanced understanding of the intricacies that make these North American cities uniquely alike.
