Surrounded by natural beauty, Vancouver consistently ranks high on the Economist’s “liveability” ranking and also draws in government grants for innovation, providing the ideal context and value alignment.

Image: By Roland Tanglao from Vancouver, Canada (Canucks Outsider Live -20070421-6) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Vancouver startup facts:

Accelerators in Vancouver: 17
Academic programs: Simon Fraser University, University of British Columbia
Top startups in Vancouver: Build Direct Technologies, Hootsuite Media, Themis Solutions, Vision Critical Communications, Unbounce

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The dot com bust laid the foundation for a split culture in a revived Ottawa: talent from fallen tech multinationals supports the next generation of startup founders.

Image: By G. Baranski (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

Ottawa startup facts:

Accelerators in Ottawa: 2
Top startups in Ottawa: Shopify, Ranovus

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‘Kayak o’clock’: Victoria’s laid back, island attitude appeals to tech founders.

Image: By Bobak Ha’Eri (Own work) [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Victoria startup facts

Accelerators in Victoria: 2 (3 if including UVic incubator)
Academic programs: University of Victoria
Top startup in Victoria: Metalab

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The Halifax Startup Community on Facebook is bringing entrepreneurs together to forge a new collaborative startup culture.

Image: By Saffron Blaze (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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Creativity is king: gaming companies are big players in London’s tech startup culture thanks to the Ontario Media Development Corporation fund.

Image: By Rjsbird287 (Own work) via Wikimedia Commons

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Calgary’s growing post-oil culture makes space for tech startups, including renewables and energy tech.

Image: By Gorgo (Photo taken by author) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Calgary startup fasts

Accelerators in Calgary: 6
Academic programs: University of Calgary

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Edmonton’s sport culture translates into a competitive startup landscape and entrepreneurial spirit.

Image: By WinterE229 WinterforceMedia (Own work) [CC 1.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Edmonton startup facts:

Accelerators in Edmonton: 1
Academic programs: University of Alberta

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