I have dual USA/Canadian citizenship and know both countries very well. First, the USA has incredible opportunity and upside but you have to know how to navigate the system. I grew up in the USA but my dual-citizen kids grew up in Canada. I could go back to live in the USA no problem but I doubt my kids could handle it. That said, I live in quite possibly the best Canadian city (Victoria, BC) and it is very very safe, peaceful, and pleasant; so it’s unlikely I will be moving back to the gun-loving USA since for me it would be crazy to leave Victoria.
@@klauswigsmithThat's one way of looking at it. You can be 100% both or can even hold three citizenships, maybe you felt compelled to renounce it for tax purposes...
Awesome I live in Vic, as well. So much cool places on island , even close to city, at Thetis Lake for example, there's a old stone sundial the size of a drinking fountain located on one of the highest plateaus at the lake, you can hike up there but its tricky to find but worth it.
Well, long time / permanent New Yorkers (either by birth or transplant - and survived / thrived) are so nice, kind, helpful … because we know how hard / tough it is … yet we always welcome kindness, diversity, challenge, talents, grit, innovation, collaboration, inclusion etc etc. You can be in the same subway train or biking together next to actors, billionaires, academics, murderers / criminals … and posers. There are billionaires who dress up like broke / humble Joe Schmo and there are broke ass posers / interns etc etc who wear $$$$$ branded clothing. NYC (the five borough) is not USA … it is a country in itself (figuratively speaking). @makethatchange
I am a French immigrant to Canada from the 60s. On our way from East to West we travelled through the US from NY to Florida to Texas to Washington and finally to BC. What impressed us back then was how open and hospitable were the Americans and the size of food portions, but over the years I saw what to me is a downward spiral of the society and love of guns is too much for someone who grew up in France in WW2.
To be clear: we have guns - 26% of Canadian households own at least one gun compared to around 50% of American households. We just don't make them a part of our culture and lifestyle.
The roads are better in the US because they are built better. Vermont's, NH, ME are all freeze/thaw states and as soon you cross the border the difference is obvious.
@@JeanFrancoisDesrosiers NO!!!!Go to upstate New York , near Buffalo , the roads are trash . Quebec is run by corrupt French Canadians , so I can imagine that the roads are bad .Go to British Columbia and see how well highway 3 A is managed , especially in the winter .
Its not the freeze-thaw cycles that affect road stability, moreso it is the ratio of road salt to sand that is used. If you travel to Gimli, Man (or Sturgeon falls, ON), you will note that roads in those areas suffer from fewer potholes, breaks, cracking and shifting. Once the January median temperature dips below -20, salting a road becomes less and less effective as the salt won't be able to drop the melting point of ice. Instead, more northern communities use sand, and allow for studded tires, given the lower demand for road useage. Once you get to Montreal - you are now in the capital of road salt central. Montreal has milder winters than, say, Winnipeg (where a block heater is required), but is downwind from very humid air coming from the great lakes and the St-Lawrence canal. Plus, you have over 4 million people living just along the core island + Laval. All the freeze-thaw-freeze-thaw-freeze-plowscrapesawaythetopcoating-thaw-freeze is a killer for road surfaces. It is well known that picking "Montreal" as your "learn to drive" city is like choosing EXPERT-HARDCORE mode. Many do not survive, and end up getting paved over during Montreal's annual 'festival of road construction'. Now you know - and knowing is half the battle.
American living abroad (Québec). I'd say you saw the "as advertised" USA. LA and surrounding area feature prominently in pop culture, so going there feels like stepping into a movie, as so many of them were made there. Las Vegas is entirely manufactured for moneymaking so again, not really representative. I'd recommend exploring: Vermont (friendly, Canadian-like but the U.S.), New York City (roads are as bad or worse than Canada, but the energy is electrifying), Boston (if you want to see a European-style city in the U.S. with excellent seafood). Other places to consider are: Florida (beaches also look like movies, and Miami is gorgeous) and New Orleans, Louisiana (another dream-like place). Hard to compare people, but what we've observed is: Canadians think of others, Americans tend to be a bit more "me first", Canadians are polite but passive-agressive while Americans are more "what you see is what you get", Canadians are more laid back and helpful. I hope this helps!
I’m a North American native and I have dual citizenship. Back in the 70’s I spent a lot of time in Simi Valley. It was a great place to live and work. I’m from Yellowknife Northwest Territories Canada in the Canadian arctic. Yellowknife is a great place to live . The down side is we have some very cold weather . Temperatures can drop to 40 degrees F. I stopped going to the US when gun violence was spiking. We have guns in Canada but we have strict gun laws. Maybe in the future if the US government rains in the gun industry and makes better gun laws I might consider going back. But until that happens I’m staying in Canada.
We try to control guns in Canada , but with Bill C-23 , a bill that did not get much publicity , we now allow U.S . Customs guards stationed at Canadian Airports to carry guns and have powers of arrest at Canadian Airports . I believe that U.S. Customs Officer here in Canada may also have impunity .
@@robertdamin8723 The thing that I find totally weird , is that the U.S. parties on Memorial Day . I can just imagine a poor soldier dying in battle , so a store in the U.S. can have a sale on furniture on Memorial Day and advertise it loudly .
@@josephforest7605U.S customs officers can only carry fire arms in the same places as Canadian customs guards and Local P.D and RCMP and FBI agents are at Canadian airports anyway and RCMP are stationed in American airports as well as other countries and American and Canadian law enforcement work hand in hand but only a Canadian officer can arrest on Canadian soil. An American agency can ask for the detention but a Canadian does any arrest unless an arrest takes place in the air by an RCMP or FBI Air Marshal under cover. Stay Blessed 👊🏼
As a Canadian retired from a career in computer technology I spent a lot of time working for and visiting at least the tech centers of US. This video does capture a lot of the good things I saw as well. I would suggest the NE including Boston, Maine and Vermont as another travel experience. My impression of US has been compromised by the political extremisms since 2016. I hope the joy and optimism returns in 2025. I lived there for four years. It was great, but it made me appreciate Canada even more. Public health care, gun sanity, diversity and a more socially level playing field are the things that I appreciate about Canada. US could have the best of both worlds and I hope they achieve it.
Well Trump has a majority and is introducing tariffs that will bring about international reprisal. The Trump Depression is about to become reality. Tit for tat is the way Republicans like it, starve the middle class into submission all for Elon and his pals. So again I will take Nova Scotia's South Shore over New England or anywhere in America. Granted, the beaches in America were sunny places, once, but now a cloud of noxious gasses and politicians with, TRUMP GAS, ruins the America of the movies. 😪
I've lived in the US all my life (born 1952) and my impression of the US has been compromised by the political extremism./Fascism since before 2016 (Newt Gingrich and the Tea Party). I would move to Canada in a heartbeat. My Grandfather was Canadian and I was born just across the river from Kingston, Ontario so I have always felt as "at home" in Canada as I have in the states.
In my teens, I spent several summers in Maine and met people from all over the east coast of the U.S. and can say without a doubt that the vast majority were very welcoming and friendly.
Few years ago I hiked a park at the north end of Powell River British Columbia where giant trees still grow, fantastic experience no matter where you see it up close.
Im a dual American Canadian and can say like in Canada, the States are so different from each other. The local cultures are so different on the region you are. I live in Canada but spend the winters in the US.
I’ve never noticed any real difference between customer service in the US and Canada, to the point where I would mention it. Pre-Covid - grocery stores were open til 10pm or even midnight. Now they usually close at 10pm. I’m in vancouver.
This is one of the big changes post covid, here in Victoria we no longer have a 24 hour grocery store. It's not a big deal for me but obviously some people live on a different schedule to me
They take tipping seriously in the US more so now then before Covid and the percentages have gone up now normal or poorer people are complaining that its to high. I think the days of 5 to 10 percent are gone in the US.
The weather in Canada is much harsher on the roads than most of the US. That has something to do with the conditions of the roads and also the time allowable to repair them.
this is also an effect of population density - Canada is HUGE, larger than the US, and has about a 10% of the US population - a much lower tax base to maintain all the roads etc.
Thanks for sharing this: In the warmer States, where there is not the freeze and thaw cycles, roads will always be better. It’s the climate that affects the quality.
iI’s also the amount of money spent on roads, climate is not the biggest factor in my opinion, that’s a cop out from our authorities so we will buy the idea that money spent on roads is not necessary, upstate New York has great roads compared to where I live in Ontario. In fact road quality varies across Ontario from really good to terrible, at least that is what I see when driving around the province.
@@chrisgraham2904 That may be true, but comparing the roads in climates that are the same in Canada (as I have experienced) it’s rather odd how in some places the roads are well paved, smooth, well marked and a joy to drive on, while others are not. That is the fault of the priorities of our political leaders. We have the money in Canada for so many other things…roads are not the priority they should be.
Because it's the holiday Christmas time of year 5:02 I came to realize that it's all a Dream from childhood that continues and drives the excitement even when you an adult to somehow relive the magic of anticipation and fantasy.
Glad you visited US and made this positive video. I lived in Canada at a young age and was raised to believe that US is inferior. Actually visiting the US opened my eyes. Referencing your "ugly truth" video, US corporations do have immigrants at top positions: Google, Microsoft, IBM. This capitalist/performance based culture is what makes US so successful. I recommend visiting NYC+Washington DC (free Smithsonian museums) next, or Florida (Key West+Everglades air boat).
In any way that matters, i.e. intellectually and morally, the US is inferior. It has just elected for the second time a disgusting lump of ignorance and depravity. A democracy is only as good as its voters, and a majority of the Usonian electorate is gullible, massively ignorant, and apparently malevolent. They've been brainwashed into voting against their own interests. You couldn't pay me to live in such a sick country, and I won't even visit.
I'm an American that moved to Montreal back in February 2020. I experienced a lot of culture shock (or at least cultural/linguistic differences) like, of course, French is everywhere all the time. I also noticed a huge difference in the experience of driving- roads are much more narrow and filled with obstacles here, everything closes much more early, and the sense of urgency when completing a necessary task is virtually non-existent. I love it here, but there were some things to get used to lol. I think that Fast Food tastes 100x better in the US. I also think that there's a big cultural difference in terms of being polite (Canada) vs. being friendly (USA). People here in Canada are very polite, but I wouldn't necessarily say friendly. Oddly enough, I've found myself more naturally trusting of French Canadians vs. English Canadians as I trust that the French Canadians will be more direct with me and I'll never have to wonder if they like me or not, whereas English Canadians are more likely to be passive aggressive or polite before being forced to be direct with someone. But with that being said, being born and raised in the US, I'd really have to recommend you try visiting Chicago, and maybe some of the surrounding area by car. The reason isn't necessarily as much about specific things to do, but rather more about the cultural experience of the United States. Anywhere in the Midwest is going to give you that stereotypical "American" vibe. If you drive from Toronto to Chicago, you'll see (driving on the highways through Michigan and Indiana) road signs that say, "HELL IS REAL, REPENT NOW BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!" followed by a road sign that says, "FIREWORKS AT EXIT 54", followed by a road sign that says, "ABORTION KILLS A BABY EVERY 30 MINUTES", followed by a road sign that says, "LION'S DEN XXXOTIC ADULT STORE AT EXIT 55" (you get my point lol). You'll see the best and the worst parts of American culture in the small towns and big cities of the Midwest. I think it paints a more accurate picture of what the US is as a country vs. what it wants to be seen as. And in some ways, especially when you're in Michigan, it's like an alternate universe of, "What would Ontario be like if it was American instead of Canadian?" If you drive further north into Michigan you can reach Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore which is a really pleasant surprise for this region of the continent. Nobody would ever expect to see such massive sand dunes in the Midwest brushed up against one of the Great Lakes.
This is very well-put. Sleeping Bear is ridiculously beautiful. Also, re: the people, I would say English Canadians are very bland and interesting whereas Quebecois are some of the most fun-loving people you'll ever meet. I would choose Quebec any day over anywhere in English Canada.
Toronto here, on roads, California and Nevada don't get frost which heaves the roads. Here in Toronto we have numerous grocery stores that are open 24x7. I would recommend Colorado.
Have you visited British Columbia since moving here? The west is very different from eastern Canada. All of Canada s beautiful but BC is exactly like the license plate says. From the south coast to the west coast, to the beautiful Okanagan valley. If you haven’t,I hope you get the chance to come visit the west. 🙂
I grew up in the US. I am working to transition to move to Canada currently. Depends what you are looking for to do in America. I have visited over 30 states and each state has its own culture or vibe. I think you would enjoy Florida, New York, Washington D.C., Texas, North Carolina and Georgia off the top of my head. If you want something slower paced for the most part South Carolina, Indiana, Ohio, Alabama, Tennessee are states that can be slower paced as examples. I also enjoyed Arizona. It really depends on what you are looking for but those are some states you could look into depending on what you want.
I live in Texas and got PR through express entry. Totally agree with your comment, I have traveled everywhere in the US, the nature is beautiful and they have some interesting looking town. Having said that,one of my favorite states is South Carolina. Charleston must be the most picturesque and European town there is in north America.
You really captured the essence! And the value is up to you. It’s a learning process like many experiences there. I would say if you are alive and not damaged you will always have learned something of value. Canada is a long step down in excitement, but the experience can be very unique too.
Everything is great when you are visiting the US but to live there is much more difficult. I appreciate the Canadian way of life and all the things we have to be grateful for. Americans are having a real tough time these days and I feel sorry for some of them . There is such a difference in those that have and those that don't. 😢
I taught on contracts at US universities and am very glad to be in Canada. Wo. a job there, you have no health care, yet Canada's per capita med. costs are lower. So little economic security there. I always felt safer back in Canada and in no danger of being under govt surveillance-imagined or not- especially right after 9-11.
Canada is sadly catching up….problems I used to only see on the streets of American cities in the 70’s and 80’s are now right here on our streets, and not only in the larger cities. My life in Canada is more peaceful but I spend winters in the U.S. and love it there as well, peaceful, warm and relaxing.
Currently in the UK. Just spent three months in the Schengen zone (Spain, Portugal and Switzerland) and I don’t mind paying for the bathroom because they are clean, stocked and best of all private. None of this door two feet off the ground with two inch panel gaps that you get in NA.
I'm American but I love visiting Canada. The little differences amuse me. Canadian waiters/bartenders will get almost offended if you refuse ketchup for your morning breakfast potatoes, like you're committing a grievous social faux pas. The polite thing to do is accept it graciously (but you don't actually have to eat it). I like hearing the Canadian accent. If I'm in Canada for a few days I start saying "sorry" in that uniquely Canadian way. It's also weird that in most provinces you have to go to a liquor store to buy craft beer. In the USA you *can* buy beer in a liquor store, but most of the time beer & wine are purchased in regular grocery stores. Canadians seem happier and more pro-social; billboards encourage you to recycle your batteries. At most the USA tells you don't throw your batteries in the trash (but we do anyway). I have been surprised that outside the major cities, Canada is just as car/bus dependent as the USA. So far I've managed to visit Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and most recently Vancouver.
Appreciate the kind sentiments, but, just a fyi there isn't a "Canadian accent" in the same way there isn't an American accent. There are numerous accents across each country. A Texas accent is very different from a Boston or Louisiana accent, much like a Saskatchewan accent is greatly different from a Newfoundland or Québécois accent. Only one area says "aboot"....😆
@@Somewhereintime7 Not all did. Hell most didn't and don't. We have many different accents across the country. You're probably talking about a Maritime accent, likely Newfoundland or Nova Scotia.
@@Mordraneth watch old Canadian shows like Beech Combers 4 ex: in early 80s, I could tell a Canadian actor save 4 people like Michael Ironside who was accentless--> like most u.s t.v stars.
Yet another dual citizen here. I grew up in Brooklyn, I love that I can name just a part of a city and almost anyone in the world will know exactly where I'm from, but I digress. For a beautiful and different holiday experience consider a fall vacation. Drive from Toronto through beautiful New England staying at various Bed and Breakfast inns along your trip. Fall in New England is breathtakingly beautiful and it will stay in your memory forever. There are many, many historic site from both the Revolutionary and Civil wars, old Pilgrim style sites and on and on. First and foremost though, the fabulous colors of the leaves, the plethora of squirrels... I could write a book here, anyway, beautiful and different. Travel as far as you choose but ending up in Washington DC would top it off beautifully! The Smithsonian Institure, The National Art Gallery, the statues and monuments...
I am glad you had a good experience in the western US as a tourist. I taught in 2 inland California universities over 3 yrs in the central valley. Loved the Pacific coast, the sequoias, Anza Berrago desert in the south, Santa Barbara, San Diego, and san Francisco. For a paleontologist teaching biology and evolution, it was interesting how many of my students were creationists. Not found in Canada, much. If you live in Toronto, I suggest driving across the border into Buffalo and in New York state and Pennsylvania. Many US Americans comment on how clean Canada seems by comparison. People are friendly enough until you get on to politics. More often it turns rapidly into a shouting match where Canadians are more inclined to discuss. Glad you went with such a positive attitude. I am very glad to be back in Canada with our universal tax-payer funded health care. About half of US Americans are $10,000 or more in debt for medical bills. You must have a job to have health care unless you want to pay about $700 plus a month. Even with a job you pay for half of it.
Canadian, from Edmonton Alberta. Ride motorcycles and have been coast to coast across the states, travelled through over 2/3rd's. Have a lot of great US motorcyclist friends, good people and friendly. Since i've been cross country and know people from many states, i can say there are differences more between US people themselves, however yes Canadians and Americans in general are very much alike - we are cousins essentially. One thing i've noted, and trying not to be disparaging, is that though my fellow US motorcyclists like to travel and go different places, that people who aren't motorcyclists really don't have a clue about Canada - they hardly know it exists... they have no geography knowedge not only of the states but of Canada either... i got asked once, in July, by some people from Texas, where they can see the Igloos... yeah, it's that bad...
yes totally! on top of that it sometimes feels like road engineering is a bit weak in Canada. exits or lanes are confusing, interchages are sometimes borderline dangerous - for example signage is posted too close to the exit, or loops and turns are too sharp. We've felt a lot more safe driving in the US.
I live in Montreal, which probably has the worst roads in North America. I drive 1 hour into Vermont and the roads are close to perfect, so it’s not the weather. Montreal infrastructure had been controlled by the Mafia with the complicity of the city for decades (look up Charbonneau commission). You make more money making a road that needs to be repaired in 6 months than one that lasts for 10 years.
@@MakeThatChange I live in a place that used to have great roads, but they have become much more dangerous due to misguided traffic calming initiatives. Basically they have made them more difficult to drive on purpose to force people to slow down. They are narrowing roads by adding serpentine medians and forcing you to share one lane with buses and bikes. They are adding barriers in the middle of the street so it feels like an obstacle course. The roads used to be wide and straight, now they are narrow and winding. Easy turning lanes have been replaced with hairpins or turned into intersections. It's creating traffic congestion where we never used to have any at a time of massive population growth. So more idling. How's that better for the environment? The only good thing they've done is add roundabouts, which I love.
I'd say visiting Washington D.C. and maybe making a comparison with the peer capital of Canada, Ottawa would be an interesting video. Exploring the Virginia-Washington-Maryland area might be a worth it to have an idea of South meets North culture in the USA.
Looking forward to visiting Winnipeg in the new year.I am from New Jersey and this would be my first time ever leaving the U.S 😎 can't wait to see what Canada is like
Now I haven't been to Winnipeg in many years but I can tell you having worked for 5 Summers there that there was plenty going on in the summertime in Winnipeg beyond that I think it might be awfully cold outside of the summer months, so choose your visiting window wisely.
California is beautiful and I agree with you in that Americans are friendly and helpful, all my interactions with them when visiting anywhere in the US have been like that. And they were kind and willing to share information with obvious visitors. As a Canadian it made me realize that we here are more reserved than that with visitors, at least that is my experience with travelling in Canada! (Of course other Canadians seeing I am a hoser are probably thinking "You should know how to get around here already!") Anyway one thing I will disagree with you about American roads, at least some in California, and that is the lack of decent guard rails! It was scary!!
A pleasant video but it really is a tourist video v.s. any type of appraisal of the USA. Most tourists to the USA have a positive experience as you did. What I found odd was that you would make two observations that seemed contradictory but would not elaborate. Some stood out for me. You say your recognize the impact of climate on roads but still talk about how great the roads in the desert are compared to roads in areas that have freeze-thaw cycles. Roads in the USA in states with freeze-thaw cycles are similar to Canada. You enjoyed the wider roads and highways but later said you would not get into car dependency or poor walkability. Yet that is a core part of SW USA. Not only is it a physical necessity due to distances, as it is in Canada, but it is also a well established culture as well. You also speak of deserts but then enjoy seeing orchards and other crops. Clearly a conflict between having agricultural lands in a desert - it means massive effort to bring water to the desert. This has been causing many problems in western USA for year. Finally there wasn't a conflict for you but there was for me with the idea that retail shops are open so long. Of course that is necessary when you have a culture that works people very hard and gives them a fraction of the social benefits found in other western countries. Long hours means people work so hard at minimum wage while sacrificing any positive time spend with family and friends. And not only for the employees but for the customers who don't stay home with friends and family as they can go shopping instead. Just seems like an negative element that will hurt employees and family relationships in the long term.
When I was a kid, I heard someone from Texas complain that he couldn't get a steak at 3am in Canada. And I thought, who the hell NEEDS a steak at 3am? It just seemed preposterous to me at the time. But of course, if you live in a 24 hr society, some people are just getting off work at 3am and will want food. It's a vicious cycle.
Very valid observations but the generalization that all Americans are wage slaves with no time off contradicts the fact that we spend so much time filling airplanes, cruise ships, hotels, resorts and giant theme parks. So many Americans are on vacation that foreigners in tourist destinations are telling us to go back to work!
Texans are the bane of decent Americans on vacation. They are constantly the ones offending the locals like bawling out French people for not speaking English. Their motto is “Texas, it’s like a whole ‘nother country!” Don’t we wish.
@@Kieop I've heard similar things. I remember years ago on vacation in LA-TX and being up very late as I had been out looking for night birds and nocturnal mammals and stopped at a Walmart around 3 am and it was open. It was a little bizarre to go into such a large store opened that late at night. It wasn't overly busy but they did have some customers.
American here and living in Los Angeles, I'm glad you guys enjoyed your stay here ( except for the homeless problem which is getting out of control). Great job driving! 1 week is not enough to appreciate CALIFORNIA . I suggest a second visit. I have to say " the grass is always greener on the other side" We have family in North Vancouver, that we visit 3-4 times a year and i'm always excited to visit and enjoy British Columbia in the 7-10 days that we're there. My suggestion for the next state, if you guys have never been.. is Hawaii.
you're so right - grass is always greener. On the flip side, travelling also may make you appreciate your own home more too!. What parts of California would you suggest to explore next? Anastasia is a big fan of California.
@@MakeThatChange next visit, try 1.Solvang , a danish village in California 2. Hearst Castle 3. Cambria,CA which is cute town hidden among the Monterey Pines and 4. Los Robles ( vineyards, wine tasting etc). :)
The best thing about the US is that everything is streamlined to make it easy for you to spend lots of money. The worst thing about the US is that everything is streamlined to make it easy for you to spend lots of money.
Someone once said there is very little difference between Canadian s and American s and the quickest way to see that tiny difference is to point that out to a Canadian.
I think there are significant differences between Canada and the US, which haven't diminished over time but actually strengthened. Such as our lack of gun culture and openness to immigrants and diversity (despite the ridiculous, current problems caused by the Trudeau government). These things are just not the same in the US. I went to college in the US, so I have first-hand experience too.
I recommended you visit Maine. I was born and raised here in Maine and find it to encompass a lot of kind, down to earth people. The natural landscape is amazing no matter where you are in the state; western mountains like the White’s or Bigelow to Baxter state park in the central region, or rocky coastline like Bar Harbor. Great small fishing villages and Portland, our largest city, is currently experiencing a foodie and art movement! Art is everywhere and there is a new quirky restaurant coming in seemingly every week! Road suck though so be prepared!
Great video! Enjoyed hearing your perspective on America. It really is such a diverse country, but the top cities I would recommend visiting are New Orleans, Portland (Oregon), and New York. All three have completely different flavors of America.
I had a friend who lived in Florida for several years, he put it like this. "Florida is like 10 country's in one state", he lived in California for over 10 years aswell. He said its vastly different from the rest of the U.S., its big, the food is great if you like authentic Mexican cuisine and culture.
Canadian here. I was in Portland many years ago for work. It's a lovely city. Would love to see New Orleans and New York someday. I do love my Canada though.
@@MakeThatChange I would recommend Toronto as it offers government incentives and variety of people including those in the states come visit Toronto. There is less crime rates and everything is in the same spot when taking the bus without vehicle and is like a village!
Power to you! And a belated welcome to CANADA!!! Great travelog and good practice for your English articulation. Have you visited Montreal? It is kind of a little of Europe and North America.
Lol, I actually avoid US cities like the plague. (I'm a Canadain who wants to leave Canada) and bought a cottage in the US and go weekly. However the ex-burbs and suburbs are the people are great.
Om Canadian have been traveling into the US since 70s. Big city, small town, doesn't matter, top notch friendliness everywhere. And a more free mindset
As an American living in Canada, I will NEVER go back to the US...Go to Alabama or Mississippi and experience how low income and black and brown people are treated...you really saw very little of conservative America...
She basically went to the nicest part of the US, and she seemed to avoid almost all of the homeless problem in California. Drive from Austin to Orlando, or Orlando to Washington DC, and things will look VERY different.
Having travelled between the US and Canada most of my life, overall I feel the Pros of living in Canada outweigh those of living in the US. Neither is perfect, but Canada is simply a fairer and more just society towards its citizens.
I think the perception most Canadians have of "bad Americans" comes from tourists - when they travel they tend to be demanding. My experience while IN the US was like yours - very nice people.
Just going across the border to Buffalo, the people are friendly. Though I do find Toronto and Southern ON peeps are friendlier when they come and shop in Buffalo. Time you came down to Buffalo and checked out my adopted hometown.. And not just for shopping. We have museums and architecture and history that can't necessarily be found anywhere else. As a matter of fact, we have recently reopened the Albright Knox, now known as AKG Museum. Delaware Park is worth seeing as is the Buffalo Zoo. But the biggest thing in my opinion is Canalside and the waterfront on Lake Erie-that was the brainchild of my friend's mother who worked for the city of Buffalo government. And if you like a Greenwich Village atmosphere, you should check out Elmwood Ave. My adopted hometown is open to Canadians and I hope you come on down.
A drive down Genesee Street and Sycamore Street , is an eye opener in Buffalo .I took a Toronto friend of mine down the above mentioned streets .He asked me to head straight to The Peace Bridge and back to Canada
@@josephforest7605 Those streets alone don't represent Buffalo. Agree not great area but that is only one part. Go on Trip Advisor and see what Buffalo has to offer.
Stereotypes were shattered when visiting the east coast of the U.S. Boston, NY State, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Florida. Met people from Virginia, North Carolina and Texas. I found American's to be very easy going, helpful and polite. New York City is a culture shock, its a massive city with an endless sea of people. There is so much to see, there is no way to see everything in one visit of one or two weeks. California and the west coast states must be incredible, its the largest state and culture is vastly different from the east coast. Middle America is another world to discover, the U.S. is such an exciting place to visit.
USA roads in California can be really really cheaply made. In Illinois, which is similar to Toronto, you have to dig a 3-ft roadbed to make a road that will survive ground-freezing in the winters. In Florida I have seen badly maintained roads that were only THREE inches thick, with the underlying dirt showing through some holes.
I've travelled to the US a fair bit over the past four decades and my experience is that the relative condition of the highways is a cyclical thing. In the 80s and 90s the highways in Ontario were in terrific shape and those in New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio were falling apart. By the 2000s that had started to change with Ontario's highways getting bumpier and the American ones getting smoother, although the US still had an awful lot of dangerously decrepit bridges.
@@MakeThatChange I guess it depends on the people vs the country. I was in the states and if you look at a person the wrong way they shoot you since guns are in their constitution. I don't know the ratio when it comes to people with their devices and not looking at others. However I'm guessing it's every area however twenty percent might not be in their devices in the states which is higher than Toronto. Homeless issues and inflation is the same in any area, Toronto or the states. Canadians are more afraid or polite and Americans are more rude and direct. However if you get to know any person regardless which area they are in, it is perhaps the same!
Why is no one mentioning the fact that the US has 10 times the population of Canada, hence the increased money in taxes to pay for infrastructure? While Canada has many more square miles, winter/spring thaws and freezes, just as many geographical challenges as the US, a lot less money to spend on infrastructure, and yet we manage just fine to keep our roads, highways, and bridges operating well. I suggest, if you truly want to see a difference in the two countries especially culturally, try visiting Alabama or Mississippi.
I’m a Californian (from Palm Springs ) living in Southwestern Ontario for the last three years. I think the great lake Megaregion, that is, Detroit, Cleveland, Toledo, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Cincinnati, Chicago, Indianapolis, and everything in between are great places to visit in the United States. Many of these cities are coming back in a big way, the people are real and friendly- this is the real America- and not so far from Toronto, where you live.
I would suggest you take a trip to rural West Virginia, tour of the countryside there and then fly to San Francisco, take a walking trip around downtown certain areas, see what your opinion is after that. Then see if you still have the same outlook about the US.
A nice driving trip from Ontario is through Ny state Adirondacks down through Corning,into Pennsylvania to Gettysburg, then on to Washington dc. So much to see and do from all the monuments to Smithsonian ,Arlington to Baltimore and back home😊
I really appreciate watching your video girls, well documented as always;) I’ve been to Florida once and the first impression I had was positive in terms of some elements that you mentioned about American lifestyle, roads are large, huge spaces, people were nice and smiling easily diverse culture and last but not least fast food was tasty especially real burgers and bagels at the airport. you feel good vibes and people there are “caliente” maybe thanks to the presence of a great community of Latinos mami! 😊 a part of the windy weather in Miami I had a nice trip and I noticed that the American dream could be true at that time in the 90s . I’m from a country who was the First Nation that recognized the USA so maybe the strong relationship we have makes me always attracted to move one day there. God bless USA 😎bless you 🤩
American here -- I agree with Anastasia in that California is not at all a typical US state. It's arguably the most liberal and one of the wealthiest states to visit, which is why LA has such a staggering volume of tourism. Same with NYC -- these are absolutely necessary cities to visit for any visitor looking for the best that America has to offer. However, if you only look at the big cities you miss out on nearly half of the population and their individual culture. I would propose smaller cities, for their more **RELATIVELY** nuanced impressions of American life. Cities like Phoenix AZ, Seattle WA, Atlanta GA, Miami FL, Boston MA, Washington DC, Chicago IL -- this gives you a balanced view of life in the major regions of the country (West, South, Northeast and Midwest) and you'll be able to see quite clearly how different life is for **AGAIN... RELATIVELY** rural citizens based on their geographical region.
@@MakeThatChange - Come visit Cleveland, Ohio. We have the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame! Check out our museums! California is a very small taste of The USA. There are 49 other states!
Ok the example of grocery being closed it is Loblaws discount store. Shoppers open till a minimum of 10 pm where can get basics, superstore Loblaws main grocery store in the west. East they are just Loblaws, Safeway is open till 10 as well. Most stores in Canada in any major city open till 10 pm or later, yeah true California is most like Canada as well.
Team Pepsi - Americans are absolute masters at marketing. Nobody comes even close to them. It's all those little things they have developed over the yrs that make them so good at selling anything to everybody. As I said - MASTERS of MARKETING
Roads are better because they do not freeze in winter and thaw in the spring. Roads are great in American cities as long as you own a car...public transit is the pits EVERYWHERE
Roads in america don’t have the same weather related issues. They also have a much higher population density so there are more roads going to more destinations hence not as much congestion. That being said, try Atlanta, LA or New York during rush hour.
I would recommend you visit New Orleans, amazing architecture, culture, nightlife, and food. And taking a boat on the bayou and seeing alligators is spectacular. I also really liked San Francisco, but I heard it's a dystopian hellscape right now. Manhattan is a must see too, there is no other city like it.
If you go to the southeast your opinion about the roads might change. It's dirtier and there are more potholes than out west. That being said, the Federal Highway system is really well maintained pretty much everywhere. That being said, come down to Charleston, South Carolina some time. It's a great place for your next visit to America.
6:19 haha I find this hilarious because I wish I could feel what she felt for the harry potter world (not a fan of theme parks) but when I see those prices I am definitely the first to say NO THANKS. Sometimes I hate having to do it but it’s for the exact same reasons. Like we bought our daughters a $40 wand that they broke in like two months. They don’t care but man that thing was costly.
I just came across your channel. I'm very interested to follow your story, because you have a very unique view of America US and Canada. Being your not from here. I am Canadian and I possible have a tainted view of America. So it is nice to view it from someone else's eyes who have not been subjected to it for very long. I will admit America has some great aspects to its culture. And you have pointed out a few of them. The ability to sell ice to the Inuit. It also has some very detrimental aspects as well. I won't go into them I'll let you show me what you think. Cheers and happy wandering!
Before Cov..d we used to have 24 hour grocery stores and some of the Walmarts were the same. I don't know if it is still like that in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) bc as an older person l no longer go out at night. Our area is fairly safe but l can go out in the day so l do.
As a person of colour, I just have to say that I feel more accepted in Canada than the US. The segregational past of the US still casts its shadow in so many places, not only the Deep South. There is still cultural segregation based on neighbourhoods, and race riots still happen in the US, as we know. While Canada isn't immune to racism by any means, race riots are unheard of here. The question: "Where are you from?" gets bandied around a lot from well-meaning people but quickly gets tiresome and offensive when it seems to imply "You're not from around here." Yes, actually, I was born and raised in N. America. Why do you think otherwise? I get this question much more in the US than in Canada. 😠
Canadians and Americans are quite different on their views of health care, law and guns. The world wonders why Americans have school shootings every week and do nothing about it. It is not normal for anyone in civilized countries to carry guns around the streets. For profit Health Care or Penal System is not the norm in most countries. The USA has 5% of the world's population but 25% of the world's incarceration. FOR PROFIT ARRESTS. No one in civilized countries goes bankrupt because of health care. The poor in America struggle but not the upper middle and above. Life is great for the wealthy.
Since im a trucker.. Its had been relieving crossing border into us from Manitoba in the winter. Can expect seasoned wide roads in US. Visit countryside. Guarantee different experience 😅
Your assessments are pretty balanced overall. Maybe keep in mind that agriculture in states like California and Nevada are largely based on irrigation and monoculture. The first creates salinization of the soil over time. The latter increases pests and also depletes the soils minerals which are non-renewable. And that the tax base in California is equivalent to all of Canada largely spread along the border. Did you know that about half of Canada’s population is below the 49th parallel?
@@MakeThatChange Alright! I started watching and it’s more in depth than some of the other videos on the topic. Looking forward to seeing it. Maybe look into how soil is a non-renewable resource as it relates to patent material (geology and glaciation in Canada). And regenerative agriculture, including No Till farming research from the 1989s. You might already be familiar with these topics. Thanks for the videos!
To get a more accurate sense of the USA, I suggest visiting Texas and Kentucky in the South, and then New York and Florida in the East, and then Washington and Maine in the North.
Your description was fairly accurate IMO. As a Canadian who has had a lot of interaction with the United States, including 5 years of U.S. schooling, Americans are very friendly. They are one of the few nationalities, as a generalization, that will enact with complete strangers. One of my U.S. friends owns his own bungee jumping company in Idaho and the first time I met him he invited us to stay the night at his place. In Canada I find you generally need an invite to a group to make friends, while in the U.S. they will very often be openly friendly to complete strangers. When I lived in Norway it was even harder than Canada or the U.S. to make friends. As for what place I would recommend New York City a lot. I had very low expectations and was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. Everywhere I looked something was going on and the diversity was incredible; do not miss Broadway, it is the best in the world (and I have been to London). That said I visited the city September 2nd-4th, 2001 and went up to the observation deck of the World Trade Center on its last day, so it was also a sad trip with unfortunate, but fortunate, timing.
lol I dont know where in Toronto you have lived but there are five different grocery stores near me that all close at 10 pm on weekends lol yes I have visited Miami NYC and San Fran in the us. I found the customer service people excellent and yes the portions sizes on food I was definately like WOOW.
This Canadian lived in the Los Angeles area from 2001 to 2010 before returning to Vancouver. at 6:50 it looks like you found the outlet mall near Barstow. Everyone is inside as the heat there on a sunny day is horrific. 9:40 Yes the US roads are better in California, southern Nevada and such. Winter is the great destroyer of road. Anyplace that almost never goes below freezing will have better roads. In Canada, water gets in under roads. When it freezes, water expands and cracks the roads. Hence, Canada has issues with roads. 10:24 About the signage, the USA and Canada use the same guidelines for signage. the AASHTO standards are used in both countries. The Canadian provinces are involved with all the US stares on making signage the same all over both countries.
No doubt water getting into roads and freezing does cause trouble but I did recently see a video in which the narrator said that the main thing that causes potholes is actually the damage caused by heavy cars and trucks travelling over roads rather than the freeze/thaw cycle. He pointed out that on bicycle paths and on roads which are pedestrian friendly and are not used by cars there aren't all the pot holes which one sees on roads regularly travelled by cars and trucks even if they are located in areas which have a regular freeze/thaw cycle.
I strongly recommend you check out NY State and not just NYC and Long Island please. We have the Finger Lakes, Western NY including Buffalo, North Country and the Adirondacks. If you are still living in Toronto, there is no reason why you should not be able to check it out. And a specific constructive suggestion: Check out Women's RIghts Museum in Seneca Falls, NY. It is located in the FInger Lakes Region of NY.
People are suggesting the obvious big cities like Miami (booze, beaches, anything sleazy) Chicago (overrated and windy) or NYC (probably close to Toronto in terms of lifestyle) but if you really want a more accurate American experience, please try Atlanta first and then Dallas. Those cities have everything like Chicago but also have conservative culture intertwined with the urban experience. You might not like it (I know I don't) but it is definitely a part of American culture most foreigners don't experience and I think it show you a very different part of America. I would have suggested go to Dallas or Houston first, but Texas might be too much of a culture shock for you guys when you are new to America haha. If you thought portions are bigger in California, you would be shocked to see what happens in Texas. There is a saying that everything is bigger in Texas (food portions, roads, buildings, homes, people lol). Especially Houston, considering how much bigger it is than LA and how it can take 1.5 hours to drive from side of the city to another.
America is no longer the "American dream", but still you can have different options where to live: from hot to cold and from cheap to expensive and, in all those places, you will find job Haaaa, also portions of food are big because there is quite a lot of obese people Well, you should go, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Florida and then go to the northern states and compare again, very different the people, the labdscape, the rods, the food, the climate, the taxes and the cost of living....and the labor force
Easy to have nice wide roads where there was nothing before, and smooth roads where the climate doesn't change between -40c and +40c every year, and the roads don't freeze, crack and heave.
If you say USA is expensive, I'm curious about what one would say about the European countries like Switzerland, France. I've heard that water is not free
Glad you lived to tell your tale! I've lived in both countries, and believe me- you'd be hard pressed to give me a reason to go back to the USA! Your first mistake is using your Toronto experience as the benchmark for your opinions. (I've lived there too...) I can be over the border in 5 minutes from my house, and went over for the first time since Covid about a month ago. Maybe you should make a video comparing Canada to Russia and count your blessings we took you in!
I agree with your opinion about Toronto. I can think of a dozen other Canadian cities to use as my base line. Your comment about her counting her blessings that we let in is close minded and ignorant. The very vast majority of Russians are good hard working people. They have the misfortune of being ruled by Putin and his oligarchs.
@@MakeThatChangetry BC.. West Coast .. Wine country in the Okanagan, Cdn. Rocky Mnts., Vancouver Island .. Victoria, Tofino (beaches & surfing) BC is more laid back than Toronto
There's a larger population and you tested roads in southern dry states where there is no winter. So more people, larger roads systems and check the roads in Pennsylvania or New York, you'll see plenty of crappy roads.
For a great US experience nothing beats travelling Route 66. It has changed over the years but if you take the side roads and detours to older parts of the route the history and the people are extraordinary. Texas and New Mexico (balloon fiesta) have to be my favourite States - truly Gods Country!
Texans are nice people but the summer heat is so bad that " only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noonday sun". Not even young healthy people find that kind of heat ' enjoyable ' for more than half an hour . A lot of people there carry guns, which strikes me as very creepy.
Don't listen to what the Canadians are saying to you because you live in Canada. I'm also a foreigner who has lived in southern California the past years and I have been everywhere in California and it's topnotch. The infrastructure is outstanding, strong economy, abundance of freeway connections from one state to another. Currently I live in Oregon, another state full of nature and I have been to several states. Concluding i will say no Country is developed nationwide like USA.
My only inconvenience about the US is that they use the imperial system compared the metrics adopted most of the world including Canada. And I know in Canada they mixed both systems a little bit in some cases. But switching to full imperial could take a long long time to adapt. About the people part, I presume the rude stereotypes could be from NYC rather than California you have visited, as both East-West coast cultures are drastically different. More over, if you interested in history and US heritage, I may suggest visiting Boston or the US Northeast.
I have dual USA/Canadian citizenship and know both countries very well. First, the USA has incredible opportunity and upside but you have to know how to navigate the system. I grew up in the USA but my dual-citizen kids grew up in Canada. I could go back to live in the USA no problem but I doubt my kids could handle it. That said, I live in quite possibly the best Canadian city (Victoria, BC) and it is very very safe, peaceful, and pleasant; so it’s unlikely I will be moving back to the gun-loving USA since for me it would be crazy to leave Victoria.
I used to be a dual citizen but I renounced my US citizenship last year and I have no regrets.
It feels great to now be 100% Canadian.
@@klauswigsmithThat's one way of looking at it. You can be 100% both or can even hold three citizenships, maybe you felt compelled to renounce it for tax purposes...
@@valeria-militiamessalina5672 Sure, you can hold multiple citizenships but with American is a bit different story; it's called IRS.
Awesome I live in Vic, as well. So much cool places on island , even close to city, at Thetis Lake for example, there's a old stone sundial the size of a drinking fountain located on one of the highest plateaus at the lake, you can hike up there but its tricky to find but worth it.
Do they still roll the streets at night ?
I am Canadian and visited NYC. Surprisingly, every person I asked for help with directions was super friendly. Great city! You should go there!
Great to hear! Would love to visit NYC soon!
Well, long time / permanent New Yorkers (either by birth or transplant - and survived / thrived) are so nice, kind, helpful … because we know how hard / tough it is … yet we always welcome kindness, diversity, challenge, talents, grit, innovation, collaboration, inclusion etc etc. You can be in the same subway train or biking together next to actors, billionaires, academics, murderers / criminals … and posers.
There are billionaires who dress up like broke / humble Joe Schmo and there are broke ass posers / interns etc etc who wear $$$$$ branded clothing.
NYC (the five borough) is not USA … it is a country in itself (figuratively speaking). @makethatchange
What lol 😂
I need to travel with you lol 😂
Same experience.
''Surprisingly'' why u say that aha
I am a French immigrant to Canada from the 60s. On our way from East to West we travelled through the US from NY to Florida to Texas to Washington and finally to BC. What impressed us back then was how open and hospitable were the Americans and the size of food portions, but over the years I saw what to me is a downward spiral of the society and love of guns is too much for someone who grew up in France in WW2.
And the size of the food portions is why you see soooooo many obese Americans.
The food portions are why there all fat
Americans are friendly. Canadians are kind.
American, moved to Canada 30 years ago. In Canada, no guns, no culture wars, polite people. Much better.
To be clear: we have guns - 26% of Canadian households own at least one gun compared to around 50% of American households. We just don't make them a part of our culture and lifestyle.
@@TheoWerewolf And getting a gun is an arduous process.
@@TheoWerewolfexactly. We have hunting culture, not gun culture, though there are some people who are trying very hard to change that.
The roads are better in the southern states than in Canada because they don't have freeze thaw cycles.
Came here to say that.
The roads are better in the US because they are built better. Vermont's, NH, ME are all freeze/thaw states and as soon you cross the border the difference is obvious.
@@JeanFrancoisDesrosiers NO!!!!Go to upstate New York , near Buffalo , the roads are trash . Quebec is run by corrupt French Canadians , so I can imagine that the roads are bad .Go to British Columbia and see how well highway 3 A is managed , especially in the winter .
@@JeanFrancoisDesrosiers That is false
Its not the freeze-thaw cycles that affect road stability, moreso it is the ratio of road salt to sand that is used.
If you travel to Gimli, Man (or Sturgeon falls, ON), you will note that roads in those areas suffer from fewer potholes, breaks, cracking and shifting. Once the January median temperature dips below -20, salting a road becomes less and less effective as the salt won't be able to drop the melting point of ice. Instead, more northern communities use sand, and allow for studded tires, given the lower demand for road useage.
Once you get to Montreal - you are now in the capital of road salt central. Montreal has milder winters than, say, Winnipeg (where a block heater is required), but is downwind from very humid air coming from the great lakes and the St-Lawrence canal. Plus, you have over 4 million people living just along the core island + Laval.
All the freeze-thaw-freeze-thaw-freeze-plowscrapesawaythetopcoating-thaw-freeze is a killer for road surfaces.
It is well known that picking "Montreal" as your "learn to drive" city is like choosing EXPERT-HARDCORE mode. Many do not survive, and end up getting paved over during Montreal's annual 'festival of road construction'.
Now you know - and knowing is half the battle.
American living abroad (Québec). I'd say you saw the "as advertised" USA. LA and surrounding area feature prominently in pop culture, so going there feels like stepping into a movie, as so many of them were made there. Las Vegas is entirely manufactured for moneymaking so again, not really representative.
I'd recommend exploring: Vermont (friendly, Canadian-like but the U.S.), New York City (roads are as bad or worse than Canada, but the energy is electrifying), Boston (if you want to see a European-style city in the U.S. with excellent seafood).
Other places to consider are: Florida (beaches also look like movies, and Miami is gorgeous) and New Orleans, Louisiana (another dream-like place).
Hard to compare people, but what we've observed is:
Canadians think of others, Americans tend to be a bit more "me first",
Canadians are polite but passive-agressive while Americans are more "what you see is what you get",
Canadians are more laid back and helpful.
I hope this helps!
I’m a North American native and I have dual citizenship. Back in the 70’s I spent a lot of time in Simi Valley. It was a great place to live and work. I’m from Yellowknife Northwest Territories Canada in the Canadian arctic. Yellowknife is a great place to live . The down side is we have some very cold weather . Temperatures can drop to 40 degrees F. I stopped going to the US when gun violence was spiking. We have guns in Canada but we have strict gun laws. Maybe in the future if the US government rains in the gun industry and makes better gun laws I might consider going back. But until that happens I’m staying in Canada.
We try to control guns in Canada , but with Bill C-23 , a bill that did not get much publicity , we now allow U.S . Customs guards stationed at Canadian Airports to carry guns and have powers of arrest at Canadian Airports . I believe that U.S. Customs Officer here in Canada may also have impunity .
I am toaling agree to your statement above. I am Canadian and I am proud to be one.
@@robertdamin8723 The thing that I find totally weird , is that the U.S. parties on Memorial Day . I can just imagine a poor soldier dying in battle , so a store in the U.S. can have a sale on furniture on Memorial Day and advertise it loudly .
Simi Valley?! 😖RIP to Rodney King.
@@josephforest7605U.S customs officers can only carry fire arms in the same places as Canadian customs guards and Local P.D and RCMP and FBI agents are at Canadian airports anyway and RCMP are stationed in American airports as well as other countries and American and Canadian law enforcement work hand in hand but only a Canadian officer can arrest on Canadian soil. An American agency can ask for the detention but a Canadian does any arrest unless an arrest takes place in the air by an RCMP or FBI Air Marshal under cover. Stay Blessed 👊🏼
As a Canadian retired from a career in computer technology I spent a lot of time working for and visiting at least the tech centers of US. This video does capture a lot of the good things I saw as well. I would suggest the NE including Boston, Maine and Vermont as another travel experience.
My impression of US has been compromised by the political extremisms since 2016. I hope the joy and optimism returns in 2025.
I lived there for four years. It was great, but it made me appreciate Canada even more. Public health care, gun sanity, diversity and a more socially level playing field are the things that I appreciate about Canada. US could have the best of both worlds and I hope they achieve it.
@@kenmartin861 Just my life experience.
Agreed.
Qq@@nikkikindinger2718
Well Trump has a majority and is introducing tariffs that will bring about international reprisal. The Trump Depression is about to become reality. Tit for tat is the way Republicans like it, starve the middle class into submission all for Elon and his pals. So again I will take Nova Scotia's South Shore over New England or anywhere in America. Granted, the beaches in America were sunny places, once, but now a cloud of noxious gasses and politicians with, TRUMP GAS, ruins the America of the movies. 😪
I've lived in the US all my life (born 1952) and my impression of the US has been compromised by the political extremism./Fascism since before 2016 (Newt Gingrich and the Tea Party). I would move to Canada in a heartbeat. My Grandfather was Canadian and I was born just across the river from Kingston, Ontario so I have always felt as "at home" in Canada as I have in the states.
Many of those TV Shows & Movies are filmed in BC & Vancouver = Hollywood North .
so true!
Many movies made in Winnipeg as well
In my teens, I spent several summers in Maine and met people from all over the east coast of the U.S. and can say without a doubt that the vast majority were very welcoming and friendly.
Few years ago I hiked a park at the north end of Powell River British Columbia where giant trees still grow, fantastic experience no matter where you see it up close.
Im a dual American Canadian and can say like in Canada, the States are so different from each other. The local cultures are so different on the region you are. I live in Canada but spend the winters in the US.
I’ve never noticed any real difference between customer service in the US and Canada, to the point where I would mention it.
Pre-Covid - grocery stores were open til 10pm or even midnight. Now they usually close at 10pm.
I’m in vancouver.
This is one of the big changes post covid, here in Victoria we no longer have a 24 hour grocery store. It's not a big deal for me but obviously some people live on a different schedule to me
I'm in Québec and our grocery stores usually close between 9 and 10, depending the area. Some smaller cities might close at 8.
Ohhhhhh I'm in Vancouver also and I've noticed a huge difference in service at US stores as opposed to searching for someone to help you in Canada....
They take tipping seriously in the US more so now then before Covid and the percentages have gone up now normal or poorer people are complaining that its to high. I think the days of 5 to 10 percent are gone in the US.
@@ThePhantom712 Tips are a racket.
The weather in Canada is much harsher on the roads than most of the US. That has something to do with the conditions of the roads and also the time allowable to repair them.
In the Northern US, you'll find that toll roads have good conditions and other roads don't.
This would also depend on where in Canada you are. It depends on the city budgets and weather conditions that vary across the country.
this is also an effect of population density - Canada is HUGE, larger than the US, and has about a 10% of the US population - a much lower tax base to maintain all the roads etc.
Thanks for sharing this: In the warmer States, where there is not the freeze and thaw cycles, roads will always be better. It’s the climate that affects the quality.
iI’s also the amount of money spent on roads, climate is not the biggest factor in my opinion, that’s a cop out from our authorities so we will buy the idea that money spent on roads is not necessary, upstate New York has great roads compared to where I live in Ontario. In fact road quality varies across Ontario from really good to terrible, at least that is what I see when driving around the province.
The roads in climates without harsh winters also last four times longer and require far less maintenance. Huge cost saving per kilometer.
@@chrisgraham2904 That may be true, but comparing the roads in climates that are the same in Canada (as I have experienced) it’s rather odd how in some places the roads are well paved, smooth, well marked and a joy to drive on, while others are not. That is the fault of the priorities of our political leaders. We have the money in Canada for so many other things…roads are not the priority they should be.
I loved your video. To see a Russian/ Canadian girl see the differences between countries. It was a real treat to watch.
Because it's the holiday Christmas time of year 5:02 I came to realize that it's all a Dream from childhood that continues and drives the excitement even when you an adult to somehow relive the magic of anticipation and fantasy.
Glad you visited US and made this positive video. I lived in Canada at a young age and was raised to believe that US is inferior. Actually visiting the US opened my eyes. Referencing your "ugly truth" video, US corporations do have immigrants at top positions: Google, Microsoft, IBM. This capitalist/performance based culture is what makes US so successful. I recommend visiting NYC+Washington DC (free Smithsonian museums) next, or Florida (Key West+Everglades air boat).
The US is great to visit. Its not great to live there.
@@nikkikindinger2718 It depends what parts.
In any way that matters, i.e. intellectually and morally, the US is inferior. It has just elected for the second time a disgusting lump of ignorance and depravity. A democracy is only as good as its voters, and a majority of the Usonian electorate is gullible, massively ignorant, and apparently malevolent. They've been brainwashed into voting against their own interests. You couldn't pay me to live in such a sick country, and I won't even visit.
I'm an American that moved to Montreal back in February 2020. I experienced a lot of culture shock (or at least cultural/linguistic differences) like, of course, French is everywhere all the time. I also noticed a huge difference in the experience of driving- roads are much more narrow and filled with obstacles here, everything closes much more early, and the sense of urgency when completing a necessary task is virtually non-existent. I love it here, but there were some things to get used to lol. I think that Fast Food tastes 100x better in the US.
I also think that there's a big cultural difference in terms of being polite (Canada) vs. being friendly (USA). People here in Canada are very polite, but I wouldn't necessarily say friendly. Oddly enough, I've found myself more naturally trusting of French Canadians vs. English Canadians as I trust that the French Canadians will be more direct with me and I'll never have to wonder if they like me or not, whereas English Canadians are more likely to be passive aggressive or polite before being forced to be direct with someone.
But with that being said, being born and raised in the US, I'd really have to recommend you try visiting Chicago, and maybe some of the surrounding area by car. The reason isn't necessarily as much about specific things to do, but rather more about the cultural experience of the United States. Anywhere in the Midwest is going to give you that stereotypical "American" vibe. If you drive from Toronto to Chicago, you'll see (driving on the highways through Michigan and Indiana) road signs that say, "HELL IS REAL, REPENT NOW BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!" followed by a road sign that says, "FIREWORKS AT EXIT 54", followed by a road sign that says, "ABORTION KILLS A BABY EVERY 30 MINUTES", followed by a road sign that says, "LION'S DEN XXXOTIC ADULT STORE AT EXIT 55" (you get my point lol).
You'll see the best and the worst parts of American culture in the small towns and big cities of the Midwest. I think it paints a more accurate picture of what the US is as a country vs. what it wants to be seen as. And in some ways, especially when you're in Michigan, it's like an alternate universe of, "What would Ontario be like if it was American instead of Canadian?"
If you drive further north into Michigan you can reach Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore which is a really pleasant surprise for this region of the continent. Nobody would ever expect to see such massive sand dunes in the Midwest brushed up against one of the Great Lakes.
Thank you for sharing all this! Would definitely like to experience such a drive! Well noted 🙏
This is very well-put. Sleeping Bear is ridiculously beautiful. Also, re: the people, I would say English Canadians are very bland and interesting whereas Quebecois are some of the most fun-loving people you'll ever meet. I would choose Quebec any day over anywhere in English Canada.
i live in michigan. sleeping bear dunes is freaking awesome
Toronto here, on roads, California and Nevada don't get frost which heaves the roads. Here in Toronto we have numerous grocery stores that are open 24x7.
I would recommend Colorado.
Have you visited British Columbia since moving here? The west is very different from eastern Canada. All of Canada s beautiful but BC is exactly like the license plate says. From the south coast to the west coast, to the beautiful Okanagan valley. If you haven’t,I hope you get the chance to come visit the west. 🙂
I grew up in the US. I am working to transition to move to Canada currently. Depends what you are looking for to do in America. I have visited over 30 states and each state has its own culture or vibe. I think you would enjoy Florida, New York, Washington D.C., Texas, North Carolina and Georgia off the top of my head. If you want something slower paced for the most part South Carolina, Indiana, Ohio, Alabama, Tennessee are states that can be slower paced as examples. I also enjoyed Arizona. It really depends on what you are looking for but those are some states you could look into depending on what you want.
Wow so many interesting options, thank you for advice!😊
I live in Texas and got PR through express entry.
Totally agree with your comment, I have traveled everywhere in the US, the nature is beautiful and they have some interesting looking town. Having said that,one of my favorite states is South Carolina. Charleston must be the most picturesque and European town there is in north America.
I think USA is a Super country. The 50 states are like 50 different country united under one flag 🇺🇸
@@Broccoli-m9hthe un United States
As a 90 year old Canadian who has been all over the USA, I'd pick the Oregon coastal regions. Beautiful, including the people.
You really captured the essence! And the value is up to you. It’s a learning process like many experiences there. I would say if you are alive and not damaged you will always have learned something of value. Canada is a long step down in excitement, but the experience can be very unique too.
Best time to visit is in the winter! I spent a Christmas down in San Diego and it was so great compared to December in Montreal 😊
Sounds great!
Everything is great when you are visiting the US but to live there is much more difficult. I appreciate the Canadian way of life and all the things we have to be grateful for. Americans are having a real tough time these days and I feel sorry for some of them . There is such a difference in those that have and those that don't. 😢
I taught on contracts at US universities and am very glad to be in Canada. Wo. a job there, you have no health care, yet Canada's per capita med. costs are lower. So little economic security there. I always felt safer back in Canada and in no danger of being under govt surveillance-imagined or not- especially right after 9-11.
Canada is sadly catching up….problems I used to only see on the streets of American cities in the 70’s and 80’s are now right here on our streets, and not only in the larger cities. My life in Canada is more peaceful but I spend winters in the U.S. and love it there as well, peaceful, warm and relaxing.
And now, with another Trump presidency, it will get even worse.
@@DaRk_UbIqUiTy I’m moving to Toronto pre inauguration. It’s why I’m watching these videos lol
One thing I like about North America is : most of the public washroom is free, in Europe,they charge you everywhere for using the public washroom
Facts!
Currently in the UK. Just spent three months in the Schengen zone (Spain, Portugal and Switzerland) and I don’t mind paying for the bathroom because they are clean, stocked and best of all private. None of this door two feet off the ground with two inch panel gaps that you get in NA.
Really? They charge you to take a pee?
T@@Buckshot99Twice as much for a shit!
so if you forgot/ lost your walet and HAVE to go you just find an alley?
I'm American but I love visiting Canada. The little differences amuse me. Canadian waiters/bartenders will get almost offended if you refuse ketchup for your morning breakfast potatoes, like you're committing a grievous social faux pas. The polite thing to do is accept it graciously (but you don't actually have to eat it). I like hearing the Canadian accent. If I'm in Canada for a few days I start saying "sorry" in that uniquely Canadian way. It's also weird that in most provinces you have to go to a liquor store to buy craft beer. In the USA you *can* buy beer in a liquor store, but most of the time beer & wine are purchased in regular grocery stores. Canadians seem happier and more pro-social; billboards encourage you to recycle your batteries. At most the USA tells you don't throw your batteries in the trash (but we do anyway). I have been surprised that outside the major cities, Canada is just as car/bus dependent as the USA. So far I've managed to visit Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and most recently Vancouver.
Do you know the official language of the U.S. ? Answer the U.S. ,does not have an official language .
Appreciate the kind sentiments, but, just a fyi there isn't a "Canadian accent" in the same way there isn't an American accent. There are numerous accents across each country. A Texas accent is very different from a Boston or Louisiana accent, much like a Saskatchewan accent is greatly different from a Newfoundland or Québécois accent. Only one area says "aboot"....😆
@@MordranethCanadians used to pronounce like the o on minisoda ,
@@Somewhereintime7 Not all did. Hell most didn't and don't. We have many different accents across the country. You're probably talking about a Maritime accent, likely Newfoundland or Nova Scotia.
@@Mordraneth watch old Canadian shows like Beech Combers 4 ex: in early 80s, I could tell a Canadian actor save 4 people like Michael Ironside who was accentless--> like most u.s t.v stars.
Yet another dual citizen here. I grew up in Brooklyn, I love that I can name just a part of a city and almost anyone in the world will know exactly where I'm from, but I digress. For a beautiful and different holiday experience consider a fall vacation. Drive from Toronto through beautiful New England staying at various Bed and Breakfast inns along your trip. Fall in New England is breathtakingly beautiful and it will stay in your memory forever. There are many, many historic site from both the Revolutionary and Civil wars, old Pilgrim style sites and on and on. First and foremost though, the fabulous colors of the leaves, the plethora of squirrels... I could write a book here, anyway, beautiful and different. Travel as far as you choose but ending up in Washington DC would top it off beautifully! The Smithsonian Institure, The National Art Gallery, the statues and monuments...
I am glad you had a good experience in the western US as a tourist. I taught in 2 inland California universities over 3 yrs in the central valley. Loved the Pacific coast, the sequoias, Anza Berrago desert in the south, Santa Barbara, San Diego, and san Francisco. For a paleontologist teaching biology and evolution, it was interesting how many of my students were creationists. Not found in Canada, much. If you live in Toronto, I suggest driving across the border into Buffalo and in New York state and Pennsylvania. Many US Americans comment on how clean Canada seems by comparison. People are friendly enough until you get on to politics. More often it turns rapidly into a shouting match where Canadians are more inclined to discuss. Glad you went with such a positive attitude. I am very glad to be back in Canada with our universal tax-payer funded health care. About half of US Americans are $10,000 or more in debt for medical bills. You must have a job to have health care unless you want to pay about $700 plus a month. Even with a job you pay for half of it.
Thank you for sharing your insight🙏
Canadian, from Edmonton Alberta. Ride motorcycles and have been coast to coast across the states, travelled through over 2/3rd's. Have a lot of great US motorcyclist friends, good people and friendly. Since i've been cross country and know people from many states, i can say there are differences more between US people themselves, however yes Canadians and Americans in general are very much alike - we are cousins essentially.
One thing i've noted, and trying not to be disparaging, is that though my fellow US motorcyclists like to travel and go different places, that people who aren't motorcyclists really don't have a clue about Canada - they hardly know it exists... they have no geography knowedge not only of the states but of Canada either... i got asked once, in July, by some people from Texas, where they can see the Igloos... yeah, it's that bad...
The roads are bad in Canada because of freeze/thaw in the winter.
yes totally! on top of that it sometimes feels like road engineering is a bit weak in Canada. exits or lanes are confusing, interchages are sometimes borderline dangerous - for example signage is posted too close to the exit, or loops and turns are too sharp. We've felt a lot more safe driving in the US.
@@MakeThatChangeroad infrastructure is much better in Canada.
I live in Montreal, which probably has the worst roads in North America. I drive 1 hour into Vermont and the roads are close to perfect, so it’s not the weather. Montreal infrastructure had been controlled by the Mafia with the complicity of the city for decades (look up Charbonneau commission). You make more money making a road that needs to be repaired in 6 months than one that lasts for 10 years.
@@MakeThatChange I live in a place that used to have great roads, but they have become much more dangerous due to misguided traffic calming initiatives. Basically they have made them more difficult to drive on purpose to force people to slow down. They are narrowing roads by adding serpentine medians and forcing you to share one lane with buses and bikes. They are adding barriers in the middle of the street so it feels like an obstacle course. The roads used to be wide and straight, now they are narrow and winding. Easy turning lanes have been replaced with hairpins or turned into intersections. It's creating traffic congestion where we never used to have any at a time of massive population growth. So more idling. How's that better for the environment? The only good thing they've done is add roundabouts, which I love.
Frost heaves.
Highways in NYC area are confusing, especially Long Island Expressway and roads in NJ near NYC.
I'd say visiting Washington D.C. and maybe making a comparison with the peer capital of Canada, Ottawa would be an interesting video. Exploring the Virginia-Washington-Maryland area might be a worth it to have an idea of South meets North culture in the USA.
That is an excellent idea! Thank you 💯
Looking forward to visiting Winnipeg in the new year.I am from New Jersey and this would be my first time ever leaving the U.S 😎 can't wait to see what Canada is like
Not the best city in Canada to visit.
@@ronhadfield2418 why is that?
Why Winnipeg? It's not the best place to start, for sure.
Now I haven't been to Winnipeg in many years but I can tell you having worked for 5 Summers there that there was plenty going on in the summertime in Winnipeg beyond that I think it might be awfully cold outside of the summer months, so choose your visiting window wisely.
Go in the Winter, i'm sure you will remember for the rest of your life.
California is beautiful and I agree with you in that Americans are friendly and helpful, all my interactions with them when visiting anywhere in the US have been like that. And they were kind and willing to share information with obvious visitors. As a Canadian it made me realize that we here are more reserved than that with visitors, at least that is my experience with travelling in Canada! (Of course other Canadians seeing I am a hoser are probably thinking "You should know how to get around here already!") Anyway one thing I will disagree with you about American roads, at least some in California, and that is the lack of decent guard rails! It was scary!!
Interesting observation on Canadians being more reserved, totally see it! We will pay attention at the guard rails next time. Stay safe! 🙏
You cannot solely visit the State of California, and say you have experienced The USA! There are 49 other states!
A pleasant video but it really is a tourist video v.s. any type of appraisal of the USA. Most tourists to the USA have a positive experience as you did. What I found odd was that you would make two observations that seemed contradictory but would not elaborate. Some stood out for me. You say your recognize the impact of climate on roads but still talk about how great the roads in the desert are compared to roads in areas that have freeze-thaw cycles. Roads in the USA in states with freeze-thaw cycles are similar to Canada. You enjoyed the wider roads and highways but later said you would not get into car dependency or poor walkability. Yet that is a core part of SW USA. Not only is it a physical necessity due to distances, as it is in Canada, but it is also a well established culture as well. You also speak of deserts but then enjoy seeing orchards and other crops. Clearly a conflict between having agricultural lands in a desert - it means massive effort to bring water to the desert. This has been causing many problems in western USA for year. Finally there wasn't a conflict for you but there was for me with the idea that retail shops are open so long. Of course that is necessary when you have a culture that works people very hard and gives them a fraction of the social benefits found in other western countries. Long hours means people work so hard at minimum wage while sacrificing any positive time spend with family and friends. And not only for the employees but for the customers who don't stay home with friends and family as they can go shopping instead. Just seems like an negative element that will hurt employees and family relationships in the long term.
This. 100%.
When I was a kid, I heard someone from Texas complain that he couldn't get a steak at 3am in Canada. And I thought, who the hell NEEDS a steak at 3am? It just seemed preposterous to me at the time. But of course, if you live in a 24 hr society, some people are just getting off work at 3am and will want food. It's a vicious cycle.
Very valid observations but the generalization that all Americans are wage slaves with no time off contradicts the fact that we spend so much time filling airplanes, cruise ships, hotels, resorts and giant theme parks. So many Americans are on vacation that foreigners in tourist destinations are telling us to go back to work!
Texans are the bane of decent Americans on vacation. They are constantly the ones offending the locals like bawling out French people for not speaking English. Their motto is “Texas, it’s like a whole ‘nother country!” Don’t we wish.
@@Kieop I've heard similar things. I remember years ago on vacation in LA-TX and being up very late as I had been out looking for night birds and nocturnal mammals and stopped at a Walmart around 3 am and it was open. It was a little bizarre to go into such a large store opened that late at night. It wasn't overly busy but they did have some customers.
American here and living in Los Angeles, I'm glad you guys enjoyed your stay here ( except for the homeless problem which is getting out of control). Great job driving! 1 week is not enough to appreciate CALIFORNIA . I suggest a second visit. I have to say " the grass is always greener on the other side" We have family in North Vancouver, that we visit 3-4 times a year and i'm always excited to visit and enjoy British Columbia in the 7-10 days that we're there. My suggestion for the next state, if you guys have never been.. is Hawaii.
you're so right - grass is always greener. On the flip side, travelling also may make you appreciate your own home more too!. What parts of California would you suggest to explore next? Anastasia is a big fan of California.
@@MakeThatChange next visit, try 1.Solvang , a danish village in California 2. Hearst Castle 3. Cambria,CA which is cute town hidden among the Monterey Pines and 4. Los Robles ( vineyards, wine tasting etc). :)
Thank you, well noted!
I think most (not all) homeless people are either lazy or drug addict and they suffer the consequences of their own actions.
The best thing about the US is that everything is streamlined to make it easy for you to spend lots of money. The worst thing about the US is that everything is streamlined to make it easy for you to spend lots of money.
Someone once said there is very little difference between Canadian s and American s and the quickest way to see that tiny difference is to point that out to a Canadian.
🤣
I think there are significant differences between Canada and the US, which haven't diminished over time but actually strengthened. Such as our lack of gun culture and openness to immigrants and diversity (despite the ridiculous, current problems caused by the Trudeau government).
These things are just not the same in the US. I went to college in the US, so I have first-hand experience too.
@@lak1294 - What’s wrong with Trudeau?
This is good...and as a Canadian I think you're probably right.
@@thegreypath1777. Nothing. The Conservatives, with the help of foreign governments, actively try to demonize him.
I recommended you visit Maine. I was born and raised here in Maine and find it to encompass a lot of kind, down to earth people. The natural landscape is amazing no matter where you are in the state; western mountains like the White’s or Bigelow to Baxter state park in the central region, or rocky coastline like Bar Harbor. Great small fishing villages and Portland, our largest city, is currently experiencing a foodie and art movement! Art is everywhere and there is a new quirky restaurant coming in seemingly every week! Road suck though so be prepared!
I'd be too afraid to visit Maine. Too much weird and scary stuff happens there. Stephen King is always writing about it.
Maine is so beautiful, lovely people. Greetings from your Quebec neighbour
Maine New Hampshire northern mass and vermont are absolutely beautiful. Great little towns
Great video! Enjoyed hearing your perspective on America. It really is such a diverse country, but the top cities I would recommend visiting are New Orleans, Portland (Oregon), and New York. All three have completely different flavors of America.
I had a friend who lived in Florida for several years, he put it like this. "Florida is like 10 country's in one state", he lived in California for over 10 years aswell. He said its vastly different from the rest of the U.S., its big, the food is great if you like authentic Mexican cuisine and culture.
Canadian here. I was in Portland many years ago for work. It's a lovely city. Would love to see New Orleans and New York someday. I do love my Canada though.
I think she should visit Cleveland, Ohio. There is no way you can capture the real “flavor” of The USA until you visit Cleveland, Ohio.
Otherwise known as the mistake by the lake. And don’t waste the money on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Not sure where in Canada you live but here in Regina SK grocery stores are open until at least 10:00 pm.
Major grocery stores close at midnight in Vancouver. Smaller ones at midnight in popular streets.
Washington is great, too. It's one of the most similar states to Canada geographically next to Alaska.
Thanks a lot guys for sharing…u just made my day thank u
thanks for watching! ❤ Have a great rest of the weekend!
@@MakeThatChange I would recommend Toronto as it offers government incentives and variety of people including those in the states come visit Toronto. There is less crime rates and everything is in the same spot when taking the bus without vehicle and is like a village!
Power to you! And a belated welcome to CANADA!!!
Great travelog and good practice for your English articulation. Have you visited Montreal? It is kind of a little of Europe and North America.
Thanks! 😃 I have been to Montreal a few times - it's a wonderful city!
Lol, I actually avoid US cities like the plague. (I'm a Canadain who wants to leave Canada) and bought a cottage in the US and go weekly. However the ex-burbs and suburbs are the people are great.
Om Canadian have been traveling into the US since 70s. Big city, small town, doesn't matter, top notch friendliness everywhere. And a more free mindset
As a Canadian i very much appreciate your unbiased commentary 😊
Glad to hear that!
unbiased? I would suggest she's good at her job. The question is who is her employer?
As an American living in Canada, I will NEVER go back to the US...Go to Alabama or Mississippi and experience how low income and black and brown people are treated...you really saw very little of conservative America...
She basically went to the nicest part of the US, and she seemed to avoid almost all of the homeless problem in California. Drive from Austin to Orlando, or Orlando to Washington DC, and things will look VERY different.
Having travelled between the US and Canada most of my life, overall I feel the Pros of living in Canada outweigh those of living in the US. Neither is perfect, but Canada is simply a fairer and more just society towards its citizens.
I think the perception most Canadians have of "bad Americans" comes from tourists - when they travel they tend to be demanding. My experience while IN the US was like yours - very nice people.
Just going across the border to Buffalo, the people are friendly. Though I do find Toronto and Southern ON peeps are friendlier when they come and shop in Buffalo. Time you came down to Buffalo and checked out my adopted hometown.. And not just for shopping. We have museums and architecture and history that can't necessarily be found anywhere else. As a matter of fact, we have recently reopened the Albright Knox, now known as AKG Museum. Delaware Park is worth seeing as is the Buffalo Zoo. But the biggest thing in my opinion is Canalside and the waterfront on Lake Erie-that was the brainchild of my friend's mother who worked for the city of Buffalo government. And if you like a Greenwich Village atmosphere, you should check out Elmwood Ave. My adopted hometown is open to Canadians and I hope you come on down.
I live in Toronto, We have a Big tourism industry here.
A drive down Genesee Street and Sycamore Street , is an eye opener in Buffalo .I took a Toronto friend of mine down the above mentioned streets .He asked me to head straight to The Peace Bridge and back to Canada
@@josephforest7605 Those streets alone don't represent Buffalo. Agree not great area but that is only one part. Go on Trip Advisor and see what Buffalo has to offer.
Stereotypes were shattered when visiting the east coast of the U.S. Boston, NY State, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Florida. Met people from Virginia, North Carolina and Texas. I found American's to be very easy going, helpful and polite. New York City is a culture shock, its a massive city with an endless sea of people. There is so much to see, there is no way to see everything in one visit of one or two weeks. California and the west coast states must be incredible, its the largest state and culture is vastly different from the east coast. Middle America is another world to discover, the U.S. is such an exciting place to visit.
USA roads in California can be really really cheaply made. In Illinois, which is similar to Toronto, you have to dig a 3-ft roadbed to make a road that will survive ground-freezing in the winters. In Florida I have seen badly maintained roads that were only THREE inches thick, with the underlying dirt showing through some holes.
I've travelled to the US a fair bit over the past four decades and my experience is that the relative condition of the highways is a cyclical thing. In the 80s and 90s the highways in Ontario were in terrific shape and those in New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio were falling apart. By the 2000s that had started to change with Ontario's highways getting bumpier and the American ones getting smoother, although the US still had an awful lot of dangerously decrepit bridges.
@IslandHermit - Another factor: It depends on WHO the president is.
Great vídeo about your vacation in The U S my friend Anna. Thank you so much !!!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you ☺️
@@MakeThatChange I guess it depends on the people vs the country. I was in the states and if you look at a person the wrong way they shoot you since guns are in their constitution. I don't know the ratio when it comes to people with their devices and not looking at others. However I'm guessing it's every area however twenty percent might not be in their devices in the states which is higher than Toronto. Homeless issues and inflation is the same in any area, Toronto or the states. Canadians are more afraid or polite and Americans are more rude and direct. However if you get to know any person regardless which area they are in, it is perhaps the same!
Why is no one mentioning the fact that the US has 10 times the population of Canada, hence the increased money in taxes to pay for infrastructure? While Canada has many more square miles, winter/spring thaws and freezes, just as many geographical challenges as the US, a lot less money to spend on infrastructure, and yet we manage just fine to keep our roads, highways, and bridges operating well. I suggest, if you truly want to see a difference in the two countries especially culturally, try visiting Alabama or Mississippi.
loved your video... many around the world feel the same
Thanks for watching & have a great weekend!
I’m a Californian (from Palm Springs ) living in Southwestern Ontario for the last three years. I think the great lake Megaregion, that is, Detroit, Cleveland, Toledo, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Cincinnati, Chicago, Indianapolis, and everything in between are great places to visit in the United States. Many of these cities are coming back in a big way, the people are real and friendly- this is the real America- and not so far from Toronto, where you live.
Great video! You should try New York next.
I would suggest you take a trip to rural West Virginia, tour of the countryside there and then fly to San Francisco, take a walking trip around downtown certain areas, see what your opinion is after that. Then see if you still have the same outlook about the US.
thank you for the tip.
A nice driving trip from Ontario is through Ny state Adirondacks down through Corning,into Pennsylvania to Gettysburg, then on to Washington dc. So much to see and do from all the monuments to Smithsonian ,Arlington to Baltimore and back home😊
I really appreciate watching your video girls, well documented as always;) I’ve been to Florida once and the first impression I had was positive in terms of some elements that you mentioned about American lifestyle, roads are large, huge spaces, people were nice and smiling easily diverse culture and last but not least fast food was tasty especially real burgers and bagels at the airport. you feel good vibes and people there are “caliente” maybe thanks to the presence of a great community of Latinos mami! 😊 a part of the windy weather in Miami I had a nice trip and I noticed that the American dream could be true at that time in the 90s . I’m from a country who was the First Nation that recognized the USA so maybe the strong relationship we have makes me always attracted to move one day there. God bless USA 😎bless you 🤩
God bless you!
A lot of my fellow Canadians live in Los Angeles. Many of them working in Hollywood, be it actor, producer etc. Welcome to my adopted country.
❤️
American here -- I agree with Anastasia in that California is not at all a typical US state. It's arguably the most liberal and one of the wealthiest states to visit, which is why LA has such a staggering volume of tourism. Same with NYC -- these are absolutely necessary cities to visit for any visitor looking for the best that America has to offer. However, if you only look at the big cities you miss out on nearly half of the population and their individual culture. I would propose smaller cities, for their more **RELATIVELY** nuanced impressions of American life. Cities like Phoenix AZ, Seattle WA, Atlanta GA, Miami FL, Boston MA, Washington DC, Chicago IL -- this gives you a balanced view of life in the major regions of the country (West, South, Northeast and Midwest) and you'll be able to see quite clearly how different life is for **AGAIN... RELATIVELY** rural citizens based on their geographical region.
Thank you for the insight! Would really love to visit Boston, heard it’s old city is beautiful
@@MakeThatChange - Come visit Cleveland, Ohio. We have the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame! Check out our museums!
California is a very small taste of The USA. There are 49 other states!
Ok the example of grocery being closed it is Loblaws discount store. Shoppers open till a minimum of 10 pm where can get basics, superstore Loblaws main grocery store in the west. East they are just Loblaws, Safeway is open till 10 as well. Most stores in Canada in any major city open till 10 pm or later, yeah true California is most like Canada as well.
Team Pepsi - Americans are absolute masters at marketing. Nobody comes even close to them. It's all those little things they have developed over the yrs that make them so good at selling anything to everybody. As I said - MASTERS of MARKETING
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Roads are better because they do not freeze in winter and thaw in the spring. Roads are great in American cities as long as you own a car...public transit is the pits EVERYWHERE
Roads in america don’t have the same weather related issues. They also have a much higher population density so there are more roads going to more destinations hence not as much congestion. That being said, try Atlanta, LA or New York during rush hour.
Im from Toronto but regularly visit US, nearby states by road. Try visiting NY and Florida also. Cheers!
On our list! Thank you.
I would recommend you visit New Orleans, amazing architecture, culture, nightlife, and food. And taking a boat on the bayou and seeing alligators is spectacular. I also really liked San Francisco, but I heard it's a dystopian hellscape right now. Manhattan is a must see too, there is no other city like it.
If you go to the southeast your opinion about the roads might change. It's dirtier and there are more potholes than out west. That being said, the Federal Highway system is really well maintained pretty much everywhere. That being said, come down to Charleston, South Carolina some time. It's a great place for your next visit to America.
The most offensive thing you could do to a Canadian is to mistake us for American.
6:19 haha I find this hilarious because I wish I could feel what she felt for the harry potter world (not a fan of theme parks) but when I see those prices I am definitely the first to say NO THANKS. Sometimes I hate having to do it but it’s for the exact same reasons.
Like we bought our daughters a $40 wand that they broke in like two months. They don’t care but man that thing was costly.
Very interested Anna, thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
I just came across your channel. I'm very interested to follow your story, because you have a very unique view of America US and Canada. Being your not from here. I am Canadian and I possible have a tainted view of America. So it is nice to view it from someone else's eyes who have not been subjected to it for very long. I will admit America has some great aspects to its culture. And you have pointed out a few of them. The ability to sell ice to the Inuit. It also has some very detrimental aspects as well. I won't go into them I'll let you show me what you think. Cheers and happy wandering!
Before Cov..d we used to have 24 hour grocery stores and some of the Walmarts were the same. I don't know if it is still like that in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) bc as an older person l no longer go out at night. Our area is fairly safe but l can go out in the day so l do.
Your videos are better then the other ones people post. At least you are honest.😮
As a person of colour, I just have to say that I feel more accepted in Canada than the US. The segregational past of the US still casts its shadow in so many places, not only the Deep South. There is still cultural segregation based on neighbourhoods, and race riots still happen in the US, as we know.
While Canada isn't immune to racism by any means, race riots are unheard of here. The question: "Where are you from?" gets bandied around a lot from well-meaning people but quickly gets tiresome and offensive when it seems to imply "You're not from around here." Yes, actually, I was born and raised in N. America. Why do you think otherwise? I get this question much more in the US than in Canada. 😠
California and Nevada don’t have the -30 weather for 6 months. Winter is very hard on pavement.
Canadians and Americans are quite different on their views of health care, law and guns. The world wonders why Americans have school shootings every week and do nothing about it. It is not normal for anyone in civilized countries to carry guns around the streets. For profit Health Care or Penal System is not the norm in most countries. The USA has 5% of the world's population but 25% of the world's incarceration. FOR PROFIT ARRESTS.
No one in civilized countries goes bankrupt because of health care.
The poor in America struggle but not the upper middle and above. Life is great for the wealthy.
Since im a trucker.. Its had been relieving crossing border into us from Manitoba in the winter. Can expect seasoned wide roads in US. Visit countryside. Guarantee different experience 😅
👍🏻👍🏻
I am sorry you were in Quebec while the Pandemy. Grocery stores close at 10 pm now.
great to hear!
Your assessments are pretty balanced overall. Maybe keep in mind that agriculture in states like California and Nevada are largely based on irrigation and monoculture. The first creates salinization of the soil over time. The latter increases pests and also depletes the soils minerals which are non-renewable.
And that the tax base in California is equivalent to all of Canada largely spread along the border.
Did you know that about half of Canada’s population is below the 49th parallel?
We actually made a video about it just a week ago😊 ruclips.net/video/liAvYayYMiM/видео.htmlsi=KhVonNn43XmMUR1O
@@MakeThatChange Alright! I started watching and it’s more in depth than some of the other videos on the topic. Looking forward to seeing it.
Maybe look into how soil is a non-renewable resource as it relates to patent material (geology and glaciation in Canada).
And regenerative agriculture, including No Till farming research from the 1989s. You might already be familiar with these topics. Thanks for the videos!
To get a more accurate sense of the USA, I suggest visiting Texas and Kentucky in the South, and then New York and Florida in the East, and then Washington and Maine in the North.
Your description was fairly accurate IMO. As a Canadian who has had a lot of interaction with the United States, including 5 years of U.S. schooling, Americans are very friendly. They are one of the few nationalities, as a generalization, that will enact with complete strangers.
One of my U.S. friends owns his own bungee jumping company in Idaho and the first time I met him he invited us to stay the night at his place. In Canada I find you generally need an invite to a group to make friends, while in the U.S. they will very often be openly friendly to complete strangers. When I lived in Norway it was even harder than Canada or the U.S. to make friends.
As for what place I would recommend New York City a lot. I had very low expectations and was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked it. Everywhere I looked something was going on and the diversity was incredible; do not miss Broadway, it is the best in the world (and I have been to London). That said I visited the city September 2nd-4th, 2001 and went up to the observation deck of the World Trade Center on its last day, so it was also a sad trip with unfortunate, but fortunate, timing.
lol I dont know where in Toronto you have lived but there are five different grocery stores near me that all close at 10 pm on weekends lol yes I have visited Miami NYC and San Fran in the us. I found the customer service people excellent and yes the portions sizes on food I was definately like WOOW.
This Canadian lived in the Los Angeles area from 2001 to 2010 before returning to Vancouver. at 6:50 it looks like you found the outlet mall near Barstow. Everyone is inside as the heat there on a sunny day is horrific.
9:40 Yes the US roads are better in California, southern Nevada and such. Winter is the great destroyer of road. Anyplace that almost never goes below freezing will have better roads. In Canada, water gets in under roads. When it freezes, water expands and cracks the roads. Hence, Canada has issues with roads.
10:24 About the signage, the USA and Canada use the same guidelines for signage. the AASHTO standards are used in both countries. The Canadian provinces are involved with all the US stares on making signage the same all over both countries.
No doubt water getting into roads and freezing does cause trouble but I did recently see a video in which the narrator said that the main thing that causes potholes is actually the damage caused by heavy cars and trucks travelling over roads rather than the
freeze/thaw cycle.
He pointed out that on bicycle paths and on roads which are pedestrian friendly and are not used by cars there aren't all the pot holes which one sees on roads regularly travelled by cars and trucks even if they are located in areas which have a regular freeze/thaw cycle.
I strongly recommend you check out NY State and not just NYC and Long Island please. We have the Finger Lakes, Western NY including Buffalo, North Country and the Adirondacks. If you are still living in Toronto, there is no reason why you should not be able to check it out. And a specific constructive suggestion: Check out Women's RIghts Museum in Seneca Falls, NY. It is located in the FInger Lakes Region of NY.
Thank you for the recommendations! Noted.
People are suggesting the obvious big cities like Miami (booze, beaches, anything sleazy) Chicago (overrated and windy) or NYC (probably close to Toronto in terms of lifestyle) but if you really want a more accurate American experience, please try Atlanta first and then Dallas. Those cities have everything like Chicago but also have conservative culture intertwined with the urban experience. You might not like it (I know I don't) but it is definitely a part of American culture most foreigners don't experience and I think it show you a very different part of America.
I would have suggested go to Dallas or Houston first, but Texas might be too much of a culture shock for you guys when you are new to America haha. If you thought portions are bigger in California, you would be shocked to see what happens in Texas. There is a saying that everything is bigger in Texas (food portions, roads, buildings, homes, people lol). Especially Houston, considering how much bigger it is than LA and how it can take 1.5 hours to drive from side of the city to another.
Dallas ? JFK , need I say more .
Great video 🎉
Try New York and let us know your opinion 😊
Thank you! Will do NYC soon!
America is no longer the "American dream", but still you can have different options where to live: from hot to cold and from cheap to expensive and, in all those places, you will find job
Haaaa, also portions of food are big because there is quite a lot of obese people
Well, you should go, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Florida and then go to the northern states and compare again, very different the people, the labdscape, the rods, the food, the climate, the taxes and the cost of living....and the labor force
Thank you! So much to see and experience there.
Easy to have nice wide roads where there was nothing before, and smooth roads where the climate doesn't change between -40c and +40c every year, and the roads don't freeze, crack and heave.
Have you been to Vancouver? The canadian West Coast? If not check it out.
If you say USA is expensive, I'm curious about what one would say about the European countries like Switzerland, France. I've heard that water is not free
Glad you lived to tell your tale! I've lived in both countries, and believe me- you'd be hard pressed to give me a reason to go back to the USA! Your first mistake is using your Toronto experience as the benchmark for your opinions. (I've lived there too...) I can be over the border in 5 minutes from my house, and went over for the first time since Covid about a month ago. Maybe you should make a video comparing Canada to Russia and count your blessings we took you in!
Thanks for the suggestion, our audience is not that interested in Russia.
I agree with your opinion about Toronto. I can think of a dozen other Canadian cities to use as my base line.
Your comment about her counting her blessings that we let in is close minded and ignorant. The very vast majority of Russians are good hard working people. They have the misfortune of being ruled by Putin and his oligarchs.
@@MakeThatChangetry BC.. West Coast .. Wine country in the Okanagan, Cdn. Rocky Mnts., Vancouver Island .. Victoria, Tofino (beaches & surfing)
BC is more laid back than Toronto
@@stevietalk1 and, Nova Scotia is more laid-back than BC. This from a 'Bluenoser' who educated me (a Quebecer) in that regard...
Whoa. "Count your blessing we took you in!"? This comes across as very condescending.
There's a larger population and you tested roads in southern dry states where there is no winter. So more people, larger roads systems and check the roads in Pennsylvania or New York, you'll see plenty of crappy roads.
For a great US experience nothing beats travelling Route 66. It has changed over the years but if you take the side roads and detours to older parts of the route the history and the people are extraordinary. Texas and New Mexico (balloon fiesta) have to be my favourite States - truly Gods Country!
Texans are nice people but the summer heat is so bad that " only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noonday sun". Not even young healthy people find that kind of heat ' enjoyable ' for more than half an hour . A lot of people there carry guns, which strikes me as very creepy.
Don't listen to what the Canadians are saying to you because you live in Canada. I'm also a foreigner who has lived in southern California the past years and I have been everywhere in California and it's topnotch. The infrastructure is outstanding, strong economy, abundance of freeway connections from one state to another. Currently I live in Oregon, another state full of nature and I have been to several states. Concluding i will say no Country is developed nationwide like USA.
In a lot of states like Michigan the roads are an absolute minefield of potholes
My only inconvenience about the US is that they use the imperial system compared the metrics adopted most of the world including Canada. And I know in Canada they mixed both systems a little bit in some cases. But switching to full imperial could take a long long time to adapt.
About the people part, I presume the rude stereotypes could be from NYC rather than California you have visited, as both East-West coast cultures are drastically different. More over, if you interested in history and US heritage, I may suggest visiting Boston or the US Northeast.
Thank you! Boston is coming up to the top of our list to visit next 🙏