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¡Bienvenidos! | The best cities for the Latin American Community inCanada

Latin American culture in Canada

Moving to a new country is a complex and lengthy process. However, the promise of different educational,economical and social opportunities in Canada lures thousands a year to make the big leap, including a considerablepopulation of Latin American immigrants hailing from countries like Chile, Mexico, Peru, Columbia and everywhere inbetween. Indeed, Latin Americans make up the second largest population of immigrants to Canada, just behind the Asiancommunity. As such,the Latin American community in Canada largely contributes to what makes Canada such aninteresting, economically-strong and culturally-diverse place. If you’re looking to move to Canada from Latin America andare searching for the Latin American Community in Canada, here are a few of the best (and most popular) cities wheremany Central and South American cultures have taken root! ¡Disfruten!

Toronto: Hot spot of the Latin American Community in Canada

Students from University of Toronto’s Organization of Latin American Students

As Canada’s largest and most diverse city, and as the center for Canadian business, it makes sense for Toronto to be oneof the best cities to find great examples of the Latin American community in Canada. In fact, according to statisticsCanada, over 31% of Latin American immigrants decide to make Toronto their home. The Latin American populationseems scattered across Toronto in smaller pockets, because over 20 different Spanish-speaking communities have madeit their home, as opposed to the existence of any major Spanish-speaking neighborhoods. However, the St-Clair Westneighborhood is a hot spot for great Latin American eateries and community. Many Latin Americans also find Toronto to bea great place to get a university degree and start new businesses, according to StatsCan. Additionally, should you chooseToronto, you will also encounter a number of exciting festivals, such as the Latin American Film Festival, or the OntarioLatin Arts Festival celebrating the best of South and Central American arts and culture.

Useful websites:

Latino Toronto: A central point for the Latino Community, including cultural events and resources.

Hispanocity Toronto: Helpful listings of Latin American cultural events.

To find out more about which Toronto neighborhood might be right for you, check out Navut’s Toronto NeighborhoodProfiles!

Montreal: A celebration of Latin American culture

Festivities at Weekends du Monde in Montreal

The second most popular city for Latin Americans in Canada is Montreal, in Quebec. Over 20% of Latin Americanimmigrants choose Montreal and make up 13% of the city’s population. Montreal is known for its French influence andgeneral old world European flair, but it is also made up of many culturally-diverse neighborhoods. While the addedchallenge of learning French might be a factor to some, it doesn’t seem to deter a very vibrant South American populationfrom making this city home, most notably in the case of newcomers from Chile, Peru and Columbia. Some popularneighborhoods with a distinct Latin American influence are Rosemont, and Villeray, while the famous Quartier Latin nearthe downtown core boasts a variety of gourmet restaurants of South an Central American flavors. Weekends du Monde inMontreal also feature and celebrate different cultural communities every weekend, including many from Central and SouthAmerica.

Useful Websites:

El Portal Latino: A useful site for all things related to the latino community in Montreal

Hispano City Montreal: Helpful listings of Latin American cultural events in Montreal

Center for Spanish Speaking Peoples Toronto: A key non profit resource helping new immigrants get settled inToronto

To find out more about the great neighborhoods of Montreal you’d like to live in, check out Navut’s Montreal NeighborhoodProfiles!

Vancouver: A melting pot of culture with Latin American vibes

Celebrations during Latin America week in Vancouver

If you are more of the West-Coast persuasion, perhaps beautiful Vancouver is for you! This West-Coast Canadian city,rated Canada’s most livable city, is the third most popular Canadian city for new Latin American Canadians. The West-Endof Vancouver is a popular spot for newcomers to Canada, as it boasts lower rents, a wonderful mix of modestly-pricedrestaurants and many employment opportunities. Additionally, despite it’s “Little Italy” appellation, Vancouver’sCommercial Drive area is also home to a melting pot of culture, including many Latin American eateries and shops.

Useful websites:

LatinCouver: Helps you connect with the Latin American community and businesses.

To find out more about what Vancouver neighborhood might be your new ideal home, check out Navut’s VancouverNeighborhood Profiles!

(Photos: Société Parc Jean Drapeau, MacLeans)