I can definitely agree with your points about the cities themselves not being the most interesting places, but consider what's around them : The thousand islands, absolutely spectacular. The Rideau canal (Admittedly, I don't find it that cool since I lived beside it for 17 years), Niagara falls,l. Also, in the winter, Quebec is the most beautiful city I've ever seen. There's also skiing everywhere - Bromont, St. Anne, Le Massif, etc. It all depends on what you're looking for. The east coast can be great, the west coast equally so. Areas like Banff are also amazing. It entirely depends on what someone is looking to do. Also, when were discussing Canadian culture, the eastern corridor is the heart of the hockey world.