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Canada's top 13 SMALL cities to live or visit

Scattered across the vast expanse of Canada are great cities – Victoria, Vancouver, Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Quebec – the names everyone has heard of. But, aside from the suburbs of these major metropolitan areas, there are also some pretty interesting and wonderful small towns, fit for living in or simply for visiting.

Here are the top 13, based not only on their size, but also on their unique character.

13. Kamloops, British Columbia

A great little city in Southern British Columbia, Kamloops offers plenty of diversions for residents and visitors in any season. Outdoor activities take priority in the summer, with fishing, boating and other water-oriented activities high on the list. In the winter, hardy residents go ice fishing, but there are popular sleigh rides for those who prefer calmer pursuits.

12. Prince Rupert, British Columbia

Prince Rupert, situated on the North coast of British Columbia is the port of entry for all Southbound cruisers on the Inside Passage from Alaska. It is also the last city to Northbound vessels before reaching Ketchikan, and a good place to await favorable weather before continuing the journey.

11. Prince George, British Columbia

Sometimes called the northern capital of British Columbia, Prince George boasts a young and energetic population of more than 75,000. The all-Canada Winter Games will be held here in 2015. Sports, art, live theater and outdoor activities keep residents busy. Moreover, the economy is strong and life is good.

10. Banff, Alberta

Another small city with drop-dead scenery attracts visitors year round. Tourism is the reason for being here, but what a place it is. The Banff Centre is world-renowned for its residency programs and creative endeavors of all kinds organized for artists, musicians and writers.

9. Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

There are “surprisingly unexpected” things to do in Moose Jaw, from gallery visits to sports events, from nature hikes to a tour of a clay brick factory. This city “on the move” has a population of more than 35,000, and is the hub for the prairie province’s farming communities. It is also a tourist and retirement center.

8. Fort McMurray, Alberta

An “urban service area” at the heart of one of Canada’s oil production hubs, the Athabasca Oil Sands, Fort McMurray is also surrounded by stands of native trees, including varieties of spruce, aspen, poplar and birch. Even though it suffers from a remote location, and higher than average prices, it is considered a “boom town” because of its oil reserves.

7. Flin Flon, Manitoba

Named after a character in a science fiction novel, this mining community straddles the border between Saskatchewan and Manitoba, with part of the city on each side. It’s actually one of two Canadian communities that couldn’t make up its mind where it wanted to be. The copper mine is still producing, and one of the country’s largest smelters is here.

6. Medicine Hat, Alberta

This city in Southeast Alberta has been known as a natural gathering spot of the native tribes of the area and the bison. It is also said that oil and gas reserves “gather” in this valley. The waterways also converge here. When the railroad came through, the town at the halfway point between Winnipeg and Vancouver became Medicine Hat.

5. Thunder Bay, Ontario

On the North shore of Lake Superior, this beautiful town is the largest on the list, but there are so many outdoor places that let you experience the real nature that it feels like a small city. It is cold in the winter, particularly when the winds blow across the lake. But residents here are hardy. The big attraction each year is the Sleeping Giant Loppet, a cross country ski event held in the spring.

4. Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Yes, there’s a city of the same name just across the river in Michigan. They are joined by an international bridge, and have a joint history that goes back to the 17th century. Because of the accord between the U.S. and Canada, they function almost as one city. Rapids on the St. Mary’s River impede navigation at this point. Great Lakes shipping traffic uses the busy Soo Locks, and small recreational boats transit a canal on the Canadian side.

3. St. Georges, Quebec

Along the pleasant roadway on the way to Quebec City, not far from the international border with Maine, travelers arrive in a very French, very picturesque little town. If you stop, you will be charmed. There are baker’s and butcher’s shops, various other shops, good restaurants and excellent wine. Life seems to be well lived here.

2. Saint John, New Brunswick

A beautiful seaside town and harbor located where the Saint John River empties into the Bay of Fundy, this historic settlement retains all the charm of its past. You can experience this town by walking through its gardens, shopping or talking with local merchants.

1. Corner Brook, Newfoundland

This little city located on a remote island in the North Atlantic is nothing but a world in itself. Getting there is an unforgettable experience. Being there is even more unforgettable an experience. It won’t let you forget it easily because it’s simply wonderful!