Our most recent vacation entailed crossing our Northern borders and ending up in Ontario, Canada – giving us a chance to explore our not too distant neighbors. We were helped by the gentle hospitality of Katherine’s aunt, uncle, and cousin.
Of course the best way to write about our adventures will be a side-by-side comparison to ultimately determine which country is better. This will obviously be done with the cavaet that not living in Canada does not provide us the best framework for comparison. I will still do it anyway.
1. The Metric system is the standard system used in Canada and most other countries in the world. I was subsequently startled when picking up my rental car that everything (including GPS directions) were listed in kilometers instead of miles. It took a little bit of driving for me to get used to. In the end, I would say both systems are fine, and perhaps I am a little biased having used the imperial system my entire life. However, pumping gas was a bit confusing since I did not quite know in my head how to calculuate ounces instead of gallons. +1 point to the USA.
2. However, gas ended up being cheaper in Canada for this very reason. +1 Canadian Point.
3. The Costco in Canada has french fries and chicken strips instead of a Chicken Bake. The fries themselves were pretty delicious, although a bit starchy. Due to this great variety in their menu, in addition to providing poutines, Canada gets +1.
4. Canada also has an assortment of strange snacks, such as Lay’s Ketchup and Ruffle’s Sour Cream and Bacons. Though these were odd at first, they were quite tasty. +1 point to Canada.
5. We went to Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto, where we encountered many different fishies. Plenty of fish in the sea, but all I need is Katherine. It’s vastly superior to the biggest acquarium near me in Southern California, the Long Beach Aquarium. I’m going to have to give +1 point to Canada.
6. The CN Tower is one of the tallest buildings in Toronto, and we obviously went all the way up. Honestly, it’s nothing special – and pretty similar to the Seattle Space Needle… as well as the Stratosphere in Las Vegas… a nice view, sure… of a bunch of buildings. Nothing particularly striking or adventurous for either of us. However, the Space Needle gives free digital photos from the tower, whereas the CN Tower makes you purchase it for about $50 Canadian money. Hence, making America better.
7. Speaking of money, the value itself of a US dollar is currently roughly $1.38 cents in Canadian money. This added value gives the USA +1.
8. How’s the driving? Well, a good point of frame of reference would be Downtown Toronto, which is very similar to Downtown Los Angeles in many ways. Bad drivers. Impatient drivers. Annoying drivers. And lots of traffic. So much so that it would induce dizziness and unhappiness in both of us. I wouldn’t say either city is particularly better. A tie for me.
9. How’s the food? Well, I wouldn’t say it’s much different to be honest. Canadian and Americans seem to possess the same taste buds. The McDonald’s also happens to taste nearly identical in nature. However, because Phil’s BBQ happens to be in the USA – America wins that point.
10. We got to feast and enjoy the beautiful countryside, eventually ending up eating lunch with friendly Alpacas. I have no frame of reference to compare this with in the states, having only gone to Iowa in the past (but not for much farming activities). +1 to Canada.
11. We spent a majority of our time in the suburbs in Waterloo Canada, giving us chances to enbrace fun activities in the name of Escape Rooms and VR Gaming. Not necessarily things we couldn’t do in the states, but they were remarkable core memories for sure.
12. The sales tax in Canada is about 13%, but mostly determined by province. This is a bit too high for my liking being used to our current sales tax of 8.75% in the states. +1 point to the USA.
13. Claw Machines. When it comes to winning from actual claw machines, Canada cannot be beat. Allowing us the opportunity to play un-rigged machines at UniClaw we were able to haul in a decent amount of plushies (with guidance from Kat’s cousin). +1 Canada
14. Niagara falls is an unbeatable landmark built by nature. From everyone I talk to, the Canadian side is far superior to the lameness of the USA. +1 to Canada. Grateful for the privilege to see its majestic beauty firsthand.
15. Of course, a real vacation would not be complete without a few Boba Runs. Canada has its share of bad milk tea places (Presotea included), but the uniqueness of some drinks like watermelon and banana milk tea make it a force to be reckoned with. I would not say either is better, but both equally savory and delicious.
16. Musuems in Canada were visited as well, although they weren’t that particularly interesting. I’m probably biased cause Canadian history does not interest me in the slightest. +1 point to the USA. This is a picture of my Bae with the Bae plane.
17. We went to a butterfly conservatory. It was a bit overpriced and not really worth it. I would say the San Diego Zoo is a lot better when it comes to seeing butterflies in action. +1 to the USA
18. The Canadian flag itself is cute, but not that cute. I do think having a maple leaf on your flag is unique, but I like the stars and stripes of the USA more. Go America +1
19. We went to Toronto’s Chinatown, which was disappointing. Which closely matches the disappointment of Los Angeles’s Chinatown. Although, Toronto’s had more shops closed down for whatever reason. +1 point to the USA
20. Musical theatre was a fantastic way to end our last night in Canada, with the musical La Cage Aux Folles. It was pretty funny, but my headache and my preference for more pop-pish music makes The Book of Mormon and other American musicals better. +1 to America.
21. We went to a few Dollaramas in Canada, but most of them were only the price of $1. Their dollar trees are also $1.50 instead of $1.25 in the states. I guess America wins by being closer, although not by much. +1 to the USA.
22. The Farmer’s market at St. Jacob’s is vastly superior to any Farmer’s Market in the states… even though it was incredibly hot that day. Still not as crowded as Seattle’s Pike Place. +1 point to Canada.
23. The lack of guns in Canada translates to a decreased amount of crimes committed. This also translates to less police being witnessed in our exploration of various regions of the country. I think this is an remarkable achievement and the US could do some soul searching to try to fix that problem in the future. +1 to Canada
24. And of course, this wonderful trip would not be possible without the hospitality of Katherine’s aunt, uncle, and cousin. Their kindness and due diligence in making sure we were healthy (and providing free housing) ensured our trip would be a magical one to be remembered forever. +1 Canada
In the end, it was an unforgettable experience, and though America ultimately ended up winning in points (11 to 10), Canada has its own share of remarkable features that deserved to be explored and loved by all who visit in the future.
