What are the main cities for creative, arts and media scenes in Canada?

September 17, 2012 5:06 AM

What are the main cities for creative, arts and media scenes in Canada?

Over the last few years, I've travelled the United States looking for potential places to move with my girlfriend and try to find work in the Art, Design and Media industries.

Amongst other places we have travelled to San Francisco, Seattle, New York and for obvious reasons loved our time in Portland, Oregon.

Many people have also recommended we visit Canada and as such we are planning to travel to Vancouver next year and would like suggestions of other cities in Canada for a similar vibe.

If it helps, I am a Graphic Designer of 6+ years for a major Video Games developer, my girlfriend is involved in marketing for the arts and cultural travel industries.

Thanks so much for any suggestions.

posted by stackhaus23 to travel & transportation around Canada (9 answers total)

I should add that we are from the United Kingdom, so the ability to obtain a Visa is the main issue preventing us from moving to the United States.
posted by stackhaus23 at 5:07 AM on September 17, 2012

Speaking as a web developer who's married to an arts & culture marketing professional, you may want to look into Toronto.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 5:30 AM on September 17, 2012

If you're doing video games, than your suggestion of Vancouver is going to be high on the list.
Also on that list: Montreal (Ubisoft has their major dev studio there) - tons of arts-related stuff there. French is not necessary day-to-day but would be handy, especially for your girlfriend.
There's a burgeoning arts scene in St. John's, NL. Your job might be harder to find, there.

Did you see this question on artsy/progressive towns in Canada?
posted by Lemurrhea at 6:12 AM on September 17, 2012

Lumurrhea, thanks for the pointers. I'll take a good look through that thread too.
posted by stackhaus23 at 6:14 AM on September 17, 2012

Victoria BC has a rapidly growing games sector, although it is based on casual games. Vancouver's creative sector has been hit hard over the past five years as studios close (or get bought by larger studios that close them).

Toronto may be your best bet in Canada, simply because that is where the head offices are, and where projects get approved.
posted by KokuRyu at 6:43 AM on September 17, 2012

Yeah, I came in to suggest Montreal what with Ubisoft being there and all. But Toronto and Vancouver are also good choices, and might be better for your gf unless she speaks French? Good luck!
posted by Grither at 7:49 AM on September 17, 2012

Thanks guys, I should again add that I don't speak a word of French.

My girlfriend has very basic conversational French but does have a keen interest in the language and French culture.
posted by stackhaus23 at 8:58 AM on September 17, 2012

Thanks guys, I should again add that I don't speak a word of French.

If you can get jobs before you move here, and are both good at learning languages, Montreal is okay, though I'd be surprised if your girlfriend could get a job in that field without French (you'd be fine).

I cannot believe I am saying this, but Toronto is probably good. If the weather worries you, though, go to BC.
posted by jeather at 10:40 AM on September 17, 2012

I should add that we are from the United Kingdom, so the ability to obtain a Visa is the main issue preventing us from moving to the United States.

You also need a visa or work permit to work in Canada. You should be aware that these can take a while to process and generally require you to have a job lined up already.
posted by one more dead town's last parade at 1:28 PM on September 17, 2012