These neighbourhoods in Canada are ranked among the coolest in the world

Canada’s trendiest areas are getting global recognition. TimeOut’s 6th annual ranking of the 40 coolest neighbourhoods in the world has been released, and two in Canada made the cut!

The publication polled thousands of city dwellers and talked to local experts to find out which cities stand out from the crowd when it comes to fun, food, culture, and community.

“Over 12,000 people had their say in this year’s shortlist, naming the neighbourhoods in their hometowns where everyone wants to be right now,” says TimeOut.

From there, the outlet narrowed down the shortlist with the help of local experts and editors “who know their cities better than anyone else.”

The final 40 were selected based on factors such as community, social ventures, access to green space, and street life.

You may not be too surprised that the Canadian cities home to the coolest neighbourhoods in the world are none other than Toronto and Montreal.

However, it’s not the Queen West strip and Le Plateau that received honourable mentions.

In this year’s ranking, Toronto’s The Annex and Downtown Montreal have landed on the list.

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That’s because, despite the transformations that these neighbourhoods have experienced over the years, “they remain resolutely local at heart,” says TimeOut.

The Annex has landed in 38th place and is described in the ranking as “Queen Street West’s uptown younger sibling.”

From the Hot Docs festival to the Michelin Guide restaurants to the shiny new Mirvish Village, “the Annex is making a comeback in 2023 – and is Toronto’s coolest place to be right now.”

As for Montreal’s Downtown, which came in 36th place, “this region is in the midst of a boom,” writes TimeOut.

The heart of Montreal is “now cooler than ever” thanks to the incredible free activities in every season, rooftop bars, incredible restaurants, and a growing population of creatives and young professionals.

In case you’re curious, here are the top 10 coolest neighbourhoods in the world according to the ranking:

1. Laureles, Medellín, Colombia
2. Smithfield, Dublin, Ireland
3. Carabanchel, Madrid, Spain
4. Havnen, Copenhagen, Denmark
5. Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
6. Brunswick East, Melbourne, Australia
7. Mid-City, New Orleans, USA
8. Isola, Milan, Italy
9. West, Amsterdam, Netherlands
10. Tomigaya, Tokyo, Japan

So, there you have it, friends! If you’re looking for the coolest place on this side of the border, you’ve officially found it!