<BR>As the dollar continues yet another decline, the Euro gains and Air Canada continues to gouge overseas travelers I am going to spend my vacation in Canada this year. I really want to visit a place that has soul, a good vibe that's a lot different from Edmonton - it is where I live, a good place all in all (thye Folk Fest is only three weeks away!), but not exactly a city of ambience (no intention to offend the sensitive pro-Edmonton types. I've lived here all of my life and, other than a small bit of the southside, this city just hasn't got a lot of soul). Vancouver hasn't got it either. What about Montreal, St. John's, Halifax? I've never been to those places. WHich one do I go for?<BR>Thank-you!

Obvious troll.<BR>City with soul? To ask is to answer. You know... the M place. (Hint: it's not Moose Jaw)

Halifax, Halifax, Halifax. I've never been to St. John's but have heard nothing but good things about it. In another year or so Westjet will fly to Halifax and we'll be able to avoid Air Canada. I've spent time in Montreal, Quebec City, Vancouver, Ottawa and Toronto. Go to Halifax.<BR>

<BR>Actually Cloe, I promise you I am not a troll. I assumed 'M' would come up a few times as it is a very popular topic on this thread. I've heard a lot of good things about the Maritime cities too. I love the ocean and port cities which could include Montreal, I suppose. <BR>Thanks for your reply, 'M' is sooo tempting but I will wait for more responses.

Cloe, why do you think PaulS is a troll? He is asking a legitimate question and although I don't agree Vancouver doesn't have 'soul', I must admit what 'soul' Vancouver does have pales in contrast to Montreal. So PaulS if you're looking for a great CANADIAN vacation go to Montreal and while you're at it visit Quebec and Ottawa as well. I think it will rank as one of your more memorable holidays.

<BR>Will someone PLEASE tell me WHY when a post differs from the majority, that the poster is suspected of being a troll? <BR><BR>And by the way, what IS a troll anyway??<BR><BR>Incidently, I totally agree that MONTREAL has mega soul --- waaaaaaay more than the V city, the H city or the T city put-together.<BR><BR>That is MY opinion and I am NOT a troll.<BR><BR>Just ask my husband! tee hee hee

I see a lot of you saying that Montreal has soul, no to Toronto, Vancouver Halifax etc... but, a serious question --what is soul?<BR>I have been to all cities mentioned and have never considered Montreal anything special. Old Montreal is a very small area, Halifax has more history, Vancouver certainly has all of them beat for scenery and variety, Toronto is, well, Toronto.<BR>I think Quebec city is certainly the most unique of all --does it have soul ?<BR>What am I missing? Am I without soul?

I'm not really sure what you meanby "soul" however, Montreal is probably the place for you. It's a very happening city with lots of affordable eateries (try a sandwich place called SanTropol, on St. Denis I think. Biggest and best sandwiches around.) Also check out the old city, it feels really similar to Europe in some spots. If you can get up to Quebec City, I'd also recommend the trip. Even more European old school (but minus the Montreal night life, which is the best in Canada)<BR><BR>good luck

<BR>What is soul? I certainly do not mean a religious reference when I use the term. Perhaps 'ambience' is a better word. Or even 'duende', a term the Spanish use when a matador or flamenco player/singer has that little something that hushes a crowd and takes a person into their world. I would say that, for the most part, New Orleans has soul. It has an unique ambience, a lot of music (styles which are unique to Louisiana), great food and an element of joie de vivre that can't be found elsewhere. I don't mean Bourbon street either. Vancouver is beautiful, has the ocean and all but the city itself doesn't capture me I guess. I suppose that's because it's truly an outdoors city. Sure there are great restaurants but it's not a place of corner eateries and a good street vibe for the most part. I mean, how easy is it to come across a small, cheap diner that serves oysters and shrimp? It doesn't exist in 'V'.

<BR>Oops. I accidently hit 'post' and ended prematurely there. <BR>I like Vancouver, but the last few visits there I actually felt bored. Paris has soul. It's in the mix of architecture, countless bars, cafes, eating spots. Madrid also. It ain't necessarily pretty but it's got soul. Toronto is a vibrant place with a lot to do but it's not really a unique city. It's just another North American city, to me anyway. I hope this helps. It's really hard to define, this 'soul' thing. Then again, we are all attracted to different places for different reasons. 'M' is sounding like a place for me to experience. <BR>Thanks for your help!

Interesting that you write about New Orleans and Paris. I think that you'll find places in Montreal that will remind you of both. Even others that are much like Edimburgh (if you have been there, I think that Edimburgh has soul, but not Glasgow). After all there is strong historical connection between all of these places.

It certainly seems that Montreal is what you are looking for. I can't argue as I am soon going for my second visit this year. That said, do make the effort to visit St. John's sometime.

If I understand what you mean, Montreal's got it. On a smaller scale, so does Quebec City. Come here and laissez les bon temps rouler !

Personally I love Toronto. I think it is one of the best cities in the world...so much to do and so much variety!! Perfect for me anyways!!

Toronto gets my vote too...but you have to explore all the little pockets of the city - Chinatown, the Greek area, the Jewish area..the boutiques, Eglinton st., Avenue Rd., ...a great city. I've been to St. Johns Nfld. and Love it there but its pretty small. Montreal doesn't do it for me but then I haven't been there in several years. Now Quebec City - that has soul!