If any of you follow me by now, I’m sure most of you—if not all of you—have read my article about which state in America identifies as the most otaku, from least to most, courtesy of Google Trends. In that article, I not only included basic information about the states and their landscape of otaku life (such as anime conventions, shops, etc.), but also detailed what life would be like for an otaku there. It was done through a quick yet in-depth analysis. The reception to these five articles that I published? Well…

They were critically acclaimed, and I’d argue these articles are what kick-started the growth for Animangemu. I received a wave of interest from fellow otakus in all 50 states. Some were dying to know who would be number one, or if California or Texas is better, or how the heck Florida ended up only at (insert rank). Because of this, I’ve also received interest from fellow otakus around the world—Europe, Latin America, Asia, etc.—to publish an article exactly like this. My fellow otakus around the world, as you all know, I work tirelessly to bring you the best content for the otaku life. Indeed I am, but believe me when I tell you: making articles like these IS NOT EASY!!! Of course, I sincerely hope to deliver them to you as soon as possible! Time after time, I would like to work on these types of articles more. So, who am I starting with? None other than our fellow northern neighbors, Canada! Like in America and the rest of the world, the popularity of anime and manga has grown significantly in Canada. In fact, check this out! Did you know that Canadian otaku life gave birth to many famous phenomena that are important in the anime and manga community?

First, Canada is known for dubbing many iconic anime in English dubs that became well known: Death Note, Inuyasha, and yes, Dragon Ball! That’s right—WAY before the Funimation dub. Numerous Canadian cartoons were inspired by Japanese anime, and some are even well known here in America. Canada is also home to well-known iconic anime conventions that even industry professionals from Japan and America attend. Anime and manga have enjoyed significant growth in Canada. Like many nations around the world, Canada had its first exposure to anime and manga in the 1960s and 1970s. However, it was not until the 1980s and 1990s that anime and manga began to build a massive stronghold in Canada, thanks to television networks. In the 2000s, the popularity of anime and manga experienced an unprecedented explosion in the country, all in part due to the rise of the internet and dedicated online communities. In the 2010s, the popularity continued strongly through the rise of social media and streaming services. Today, it’s stronger than ever, and like everywhere else in the world, the otaku life is thriving. The question is: which province is the most passionate?

In my previous article for America, I used Google Trends to see which state searches for anime the most, and the results were interesting. However, this time I wanted to see which province identifies most as otaku by simply checking which one looks up the definition the most. Not only that, but I will also be using sources and research to back up and explain why each province is ranked where it is. Now, for Canada, this list—unlike the previous one for the states in America—makes a lot more sense, and some of the provinces you will see ranked will probably surprise you. Also, unlike my previous article on the same topic which required five separate articles for all 50 states, I will be able to do the entire article in one go thanks to Canada having just ten provinces. That way, readers won’t be turned off by the horrific TL;DR issue of scrolling through a long page full of nothing but text, and instead can enjoy reading the article with a moderate amount of reading while waiting in anticipation for the next one on the same topic. Without further ado, let’s get started!

10. New Brunswick

Nickname: The Picture Province
Population: 860,000
Region: Atlantic region
Capital Fredericton
Abbreviation: NB
Number of Conventions: 1
Number of shops: 0

Kicking off the list at number ten is New Brunswick, also known as The Picture Province. It is the first province to appear on this list and the first from the Atlantic region. Fun fact: Want to know why New Brunswick is nicknamed The Picture Province? It’s because the province is known for its stunning, beautiful, and diverse natural scenery.With a population of 860,000 people, unfortunately, the same cannot be said about its otaku landscape. Owing to its size, The Picture Province is home to just one dedicated anime convention. That anime convention is called Animaritime, located in Fredericton, the capital of New Brunswick. The name Animaritime is likely a reference to the Maritime region. First inaugurated in 2004, Animaritime is considered The Picture Province’s premier anime and gaming convention. It has become New Brunswick’s sole anime convention and arguably the only go-to anime con in the province. Animaritime holds a very humble status: its attendance is only around 1,000+, which by convention standards is considered a small con. Nonetheless, Animaritime is still of great importance for those residing in New Brunswick and even Canada as a whole. The anime con itself enjoys extensive coverage from local media outlets as well as online media outlets across Canada.Sadly, when it comes to anime and manga shops, there are none… New Brunswick is home to ZERO dedicated anime and manga shops.Overall, as expected, for an otaku living in New Brunswick, there is not much to expect. Although The Picture Province has beautiful scenery and is considered notable among many, the otaku landscape is bleak. For many otakus living in The Picture Province, there will only be one anime convention available to attend. Animaritime will be their sole anime con to look forward to, and knowing it’s considered a small, humble anime convention. Of course, small humble cons aren’t bad—in fact, they are always encouraged to attend. The only challenging issue is that that’s all New Brunswick has, meaning fellow otakus of New Brunswick will only have one anime con to look forward to and nothing else. That will force many in The Picture Province to rely a lot on other provinces, such as Toronto or Montreal, and attend the bigger and well-known anime conventions in Canada. To make matters even worse, there are no dedicated shops to keep otakus invested in goodies, meaning—like anime conventions—shops will have to be relied on elsewhere in the country.For otakus living in New Brunswick, true dedication will be the key to enjoyment in the otaku life. Otakus in New Brunswick will indeed have to rely on other locations to get the most out of it. Nonetheless, at least New Brunswick has an anime con, which is a positive at least.

9. Nova Scotia

Nickname: The Bluenose Province, Canada’s Ocean Playground
Population: 1.079 million
Region: Atlantic Region
Capital: Halifax
Abbreviation: NS
Number of Conventions: 0
Number of shops: 1

Now, for number nine, we are still in the Atlantic region of Canada. Next up is Nova Scotia, also known as The Bluenose Province. At first glance, you’re probably asking, what’s up with the nickname? Well, here’s a little fun trivia: it’s called Bluenose because it was an early nickname for people, stemming from potential origins like cold noses from sea winds, blue-dyed mittens, blue potatoes, or even rum. Nova Scotia is also referred to as Canada’s Ocean Playground due to its rich and pivotal history of ocean life.With a population of 1.079 million, unfortunately, like New Brunswick, the otaku landscape in The Bluenose Province is in fact about the same, but also in some parts, even worse. When it comes to the amount of anime conventions in Nova Scotia, The Bluenose Province is home to zero anime conventions. This makes Nova Scotia one of the few provinces in Canada that does not host an anime convention. For the longest time, Nova Scotia never had an anime convention in its history. The last time an event took place in Nova Scotia for otakus was a one-day mini-event called Animinitime in Halifax in 2010. However, Animinitime was connected to New Brunswick’s Animaritime and was not continued. In 2025, Nova Scotia continued its streak of not hosting an anime con, but in 2026, that will change. Nova Scotia will have its first anime con, and it’s the Halifax Anime-Fest, located in Halifax.If we are talking about the most popular convention that otakus attend as a whole, then it’s Hal-Con. However, keep in mind, Hal-Con is a comic convention, and as you all know, comic conventions are usually just a mixture of all pop cultures into one. Anime and manga are there, but merged with the others, which lowers or hinders the otaku feel. When it comes to shops, Nova Scotia is home to just one shop that specializes in anime and manga, and it’s called Anime Halifax. It is based in Dartmouth, part of the Halifax Regional Municipality. Now that’s a plus at least.Overall, just like New Brunswick, the otaku landscape for otakus living in Nova Scotia is bleak. To make matters even worse, there are no anime conventions at all for those living in The Bluenose Province. Even with the eventual arrival of Halifax Anime-Fest in 2026, it’s the only anime con available, and it’s just a one-day anime convention that functions mostly as a small anime con with some merchandise and panels. Even then, for otakus in Nova Scotia who want to experience the best of the anime conventions in Canada, travel will be required, and from the looks of it, the travel looks brutal. It’s far away from other big-name provinces like Quebec and Ontario, which host well-known anime conventions in Canada.On the bright side, knowing that Nova Scotia is home to at least one dedicated anime and manga shop is enough to make any Canadian otaku feel happy—especially since investment is available. Even though it’s not a dedicated anime con, Hal-Con should at least fill the void to an extent. For otakus living in Nova Scotia, the situation is essentially similar to New Brunswick. Dedication will be the driving force, and travel is a must for those wanting a bigger experience. The only thing that can be hoped for is growth in the future.

8. New Prince Edward Island

Nickname: The Garden of the Gulf, Birthplace of Confederation
Population: 178,550
Region: Atlantic Region
Capital: Charlottetown
Abbreviation: PE
Number of Conventions: 0
Number of shops: 0

Next on this list is Prince Edward Island, also known as The Garden of the Gulf and Birthplace of Confederation. The nicknames given to Prince Edward Island are due to its lush agriculture and being the birthplace of Canada—when, in 1864, the conference led to the formation of the country. In other words, this province you see here is the oldie that started it all. Notably, Prince Edward Island is the least populated province in Canada with a mere population of 178,550, as well as the smallest province in the country.Staying true to its small size and small population, the landscape for otakus in Prince Edward Island is essentially non-existent—and when I say non-existent, I literally mean it. When it comes to the anime convention scene, The Garden of the Gulf is home to zero anime conventions in the province. This makes Prince Edward Island one of the provinces in Canada to have virtually no anime conventions located there. As of 2025, Prince Edward Island has no history of ever hosting an anime convention at all either, making it the only province to hold such a record. The closest otakus will have in terms of attending an event that mostly revolves around otaku life would be the Atlantic Entertainment Expo, also known as AEX. However, like most expos, this convention is based on general pop culture, meaning anime and manga will be lumped in with the others mentioned. As expected, this will hinder the full otaku experience that dedicated anime conventions provide.When it comes to the amount of anime and manga shops in Prince Edward Island, like anime cons, there are no dedicated shops in The Garden of the Gulf either—making Prince Edward Island the only province in Canada to have neither an anime con nor a shop. It does, however, have shops that contain anime and manga merchandise, but they blend it with other pop culture icons.Overall, the truth is, for many otakus living in Prince Edward Island, there isn’t much to say really. Sadly, for many, The Birthplace of Confederation may have been the birthplace of Canada as a whole, but when it comes to the otaku life, The Garden of the Gulf has yet to give birth to such a niche. So, for otakus living in Prince Edward Island, they will have no choice but to fully rely on other provinces in order to experience the otaku fun to its fullest. There are virtually no anime conventions in the province, meaning otakus will not be able to occupy themselves with full interactive fun activities and engage in the community with others. Again, AEX can do the job, but it won’t be the full otaku experience of dedicated anime conventions that you typically see and that are considered a must-attend for otakus.Travel isn’t just an option—it’s literally mandatory, and many will have no choice but to make long trips, whether it be to Quebec or Ontario. Even then, since it’s an island, the travel will be even harder, especially considering the distance from the location to big anime cons in Canada. The shops? Well, the same story… none at all either. Investing in merchandise will be hard for the otaku, but shops that have anime and manga merchandise through pop culture blends will help at least.This awful record makes the case brutally lame for otakus in Prince Edward Island. The only choice that can be made is traveling and relying heavily on the internet for all things otaku. This is another case of underground otaku life in an area where there is virtually none at all whatsoever. The only thing that can be hoped for is eventual growth that will make otaku life better.

7. Newfoundland and Labrador

Nickname: The Rock
Population: 549,000
Region: Atlantic Region
Capital: St. John’s
Abbreviation: NL
Number of Conventions: 0
Number of shops: 0

Next up on this list is yet another province from the Atlantic region in Canada: Newfoundland and Labrador, also known as The Rock due to its rocky climate, which mostly contains ancient geology, bedrock, ancient Precambrian rocks, and much more. Located in one of the northernmost and easternmost parts of Canada, and with a population of around 549,000—which makes it the second least populated province in Canada—the otaku landscape for anime conventions, like the previous provinces, is practically non-existent. Similar to most provinces from the Atlantic region, unfortunately, for otakus residing in The Rock, Newfoundland and Labrador is home to zero anime conventions. This makes Newfoundland and Labrador one of the three provinces in Canada without an anime convention in the Atlantic region, and also one of the provinces without an anime convention in the country as a whole.One thing I have learned from doing research about the provinces of Canada is how the otaku landscape in the eastern Atlantic region of Canada lacks a dynamic otaku scene. Demographics such as age may play a role in this issue. Also, Newfoundland and Labrador has no history of ever hosting an anime convention in the past. The two primary pop culture conventions for otakus to attend in The Rock are Sci-Fi on the Rock and Avalon Expo. However, like most of the other pop culture conventions in Canada and elsewhere in the world, the otaku experience is bare minimum and lacks the full authentic otaku fun that dedicated anime conventions have.Newfoundland and Labrador also lacks any dedicated anime and manga shops in the province. The Rock is home to zero shops that specialize in anime and manga, making Newfoundland and Labrador one of only two provinces in Canada to lack either. Shops such as Timemasters and Downtown Comics are the only options for otakus living in Newfoundland and Labrador. This is, unfortunately, another disappointment for Canadian otakus.Overall, otakus in Newfoundland and Labrador, like those living in Prince Edward Island, virtually have no options whatsoever. The otaku landscape in The Rock is utterly bleak, with otakus in the province having neither conventions nor shops to enjoy. For most otakus living in Newfoundland and Labrador, they will have no choice but to rely on travel to enjoy the otaku experience elsewhere. As stated before, Newfoundland and Labrador does not have an anime convention, meaning otakus in The Rock will have to travel to other provinces in Canada to enjoy a better otaku experience in the country. The closest for otakus living in Newfoundland and Labrador would be Animaritime, which is located in New Brunswick province. Of course, we are talking about the closest anime convention, but for bigger anime conventions in Canada—such as the ones you see in Ontario and British Columbia—one will need to do some long traveling. Worse if the desired anime conventions are located in the Pacific region.However, otakus living in Newfoundland and Labrador will be pleased knowing that at least they are close to Quebec, which means easier and quicker travel—and especially knowing the fact that Otakuthon, which is located in Montreal, will be a major plus. As stated before, the shops are non-existent, and in order for otakus to enjoy investing in otaku goodies, one will need to rely on online shopping or travel once again. However, Timemasters and Downtown Comics will partially fill the void at least.Overall, while the scene is non-existent, otakus in Newfoundland and Labrador will be pleased knowing that even in this digital age, the otaku life still thrives. Travel and online shopping will be the bread and butter for otakus living in Newfoundland and Labrador. For now, growth and potential still await.

6. Saskatchewan

Nickname: Land of The Living Skies, Canada’s Breadbasket
Population: 1.26 Million
Region: Central Region
Capital: Regina
Abbreviation: SK
Number of Conventions: 1
Number of shops: 1

On to number six, and here we have Saskatchewan, also known as the Land of the Living Skies and Canada’s Breadbasket. This province is the first on this list to not be from the Atlantic region, and also the first to have a population of over 1.26 million. Saskatchewan is also the first province on this list to be bordered by the United States and the first from the central region of Canada. Known for its beautiful landscape, from its northern climate to stunning views from the sky, Saskatchewan is also recognized for its flat prairie and agricultural landscape—hence why it’s called Canada’s Breadbasket.Similar to most provinces, the otaku landscape in Saskatchewan, for its size and resources, could be described as modest. The Land of the Living Skies is home to just one anime convention in the province. Interestingly, this makes Saskatchewan the first province in Canada on this list to have an anime con since New Brunswick, the first province on this list. Analyzing it, that took quite a while, but here we are! Saskatchewan’s sole anime convention is called Ganbatte Con, located in Saskatoon. Described as a small anime con by attendees, it was first inaugurated in 2016. It has since become Saskatchewan’s premier anime convention, and next year, Ganbatte Con will be celebrating its 10th anniversary, proudly remaining as the only anime convention in The Land of the Living Skies. Although Ganbatte is a small anime convention, it enjoys a large number of attendees and also receives extensive coverage from local media and even national media outlets. Saskatchewan also has another pop culture convention called Pop Con YXE.When it comes to the amount of anime and manga shops located in Saskatchewan, it’s home to just one, and it’s called Star Cast Anime, which has served otakus since 2014. Other notable shops that carry anime and manga goods include Saskatoon Amazing Stories, ComicReaders, Dragon’s Den Games, and Express Hobbies. This is overall a major improvement compared to the previous ones.Overall, although the otaku landscape of Saskatchewan isn’t among the best in the region or one of the best in the country, for a province like this, it’s still a decent improvement compared to the rest of the previous provinces mentioned before. Perhaps the most delightful positive that otakus from The Land of the Living Skies can feel happy about is that it’s at least home to an anime convention. Otakus in Saskatchewan will feel happy knowing that Ganbatte Con will be their go-to anime con. The best part is that Ganbatte Con is a thriving anime convention that continues to grow. In 2024, it recorded a record number of attendees, and even the owners were stunned by the numbers. Ganbatte Con is expected to grow more and more, and otakus who want to invest time in interactive fun and engaging with the community will be delighted knowing that their province has an anime con.Although the location kinda puts them at a disadvantage—as they are living smack in the middle of Canada, meaning anime cons in the western region of Canada (such as the ones in British Columbia) or the ones in Ontario will certainly require some decent travel. Although the number of shops is bare minimum, for Canadian otakus, knowing that their province is home to a dedicated anime and manga shop is enough for them to feel pleased with investing in otaku goodies. Although growth has been slow, it’s most likely to continue growing in the upcoming years.

5. Manitoba

Nickname: The Keystone Province
Population: 1.3 Million
Region: Western Region
Capital:Winnipeg
Abbreviation: MB
Number of Conventions: 2
Number of shops: 3

Here we are at number five: the province that is sandwiched in the middle between the 10th and the 1st, and that province is Manitoba, also known as The Keystone Province. Its nickname is mainly due to its location in the centralmost part of Canada, which bridges the eastern and western parts of the country—similar to what a keystone would hold. Despite this, Manitoba is still classified as a province in the western region.The otaku landscape in Manitoba, for its resources and location, is surprisingly much better than anticipated. Although its numbers are not among the best in the region or in the country as a whole, it’s an improvement—especially when compared to other provinces. The Keystone Province is home to at least two anime conventions. Of course, if we are talking about which one is the notable one, then it’s the one called Ai-Kon. It is one of the biggest and also one of the most well-known anime conventions not just in Manitoba, but throughout all of Canada and even in the United States. Located in Winnipeg, it was first inaugurated in 2001. Ai-Kon is a 3-day anime convention as well as a 24-hour anime convention. It enjoys a large number of attendees and is known to bring in numerous guests and pros. It not only attracts a large amount of attendance, but it also receives extensive coverage from both local and nationwide media outlets. Also, Ai-Kon enjoys a high number of visitors from other provinces in Canada and even some from the United States.Manitoba also has an event called Manitoba Anime Fest, which is known to be a down-to-earth anime convention focused on merchandise and small events. When it comes to the amount of anime and manga shops, Manitoba is home to at least three of them: Little Star Gifts, Raven Anime, and Dark N Light Hobbies. Although not a gigantic list, it’s a significant number for a province like Manitoba.Overall, the truth is, can there be any complaints about Manitoba’s otaku landscape? Sure, there’s huge room for improvement, and when compared to other provinces like British Columbia and Ontario, it’s generally considered inferior. But when compared to the previous provinces before it, they make Manitoba’s otaku landscape look like a paradise—especially since it’s the first province in this list to have more than one anime convention and shop. Otakus living in The Keystone Province will be utterly pleased knowing that they live in a province that’s not only home to anime conventions and more, but also home to one of the biggest anime conventions in the country: Ai-Kon. Not only that, but it’s a 3-day anime con that runs as a 24-hour anime con, which makes it even more amazing and better for those wanting to attend.Of course, when it comes to other provinces with bigger anime cons, it’s quite the mixed bag as Manitoba is smack right in the middle of Canada—meaning travel distance to either the west (British Columbia) or the east (Ontario) will require some travel. Nonetheless, it’s deep into the mainland, so it won’t be so much of a problem. The shops aren’t the most numerous, but they will definitely maintain strong activity and investment in otaku goodies for otakus living in The Keystone Province. Although much of the landscape has remained the same, signs of the otaku life growing are felt, and with more to come, it’s no doubt things will get better.

4. Alberta

Nickname: The Energy Province, The Sunshine Province
Population: 5.01 Million
Region: Western Region
Capital:Edmonton
Abbreviation: AB
Number of Conventions: 3
Number of shops: 5

Onto the last remaining four now comes another province from the western region, and that’s none other than the province of Alberta. Well known as The Energy Province due to its massive contribution to energy, oil, natural gas, and other resources, it’s also known as The Sunshine Province because it nods to the sun. Alberta is also jokingly referred to as The Texas of the North for its oil and politics. As one of the most populated provinces in Canada and also one of the biggest, Alberta’s landscape for otakus is among one of the best in the country. Although the numbers may look small or even bad, one must consider the climate, size, and structure of the country—and Alberta, for a province in Canada and compared to the previous provinces, is a major upgrade and looks like a well-established atmosphere for Canadian otakus.When it comes to the anime convention scene, Alberta is home to three anime cons. When it comes to which one is the most well-known anime con, that title belongs to Animethon, located in Edmonton. First inaugurated in 1994, Animethon is not only Alberta’s oldest anime convention but also Canada’s oldest anime convention. Animethon is also the fourth oldest anime convention in North America, only behind Otakon in Washington D.C. (1994), Anime Expo in Los Angeles (1992), and A-Kon in Dallas, Texas (1990). Animethon enjoys having a large number of attendees, with over 10,000 to 15,000 each year. It attracts big names from the industry and is well known throughout all of Canada and even in the United States. It receives extensive media coverage from both local and national media outlets. The other known anime cons in Alberta are Otafest, located in Calgary, and Calgary Anime-Fest, located in Calgary as well.When it comes to the amount of shops that specialize in anime and manga, Alberta is home to at least five of them. That’s a massive improvement—especially when compared to the previous provinces. Notable ones include Kawaii Alley, Warp Comics & Games, Comex Hobby, West Edmonton Coin Shop, and Da Pop-Up Shop. Now that’s what I call a robust scene!Overall, Alberta’s otaku landscape for otakus living in The Energy Province is more than what one could ask for! Basically, Alberta nails the most important parts of what makes an area have a good otaku landscape—especially when compared to the previous provinces before Manitoba, which either lacked an anime con, a shop, or even both! A major positive for Alberta otakus is knowing that their province is home to not just one anime con, but three of them. Not to mention that their go-to anime con, Animethon, is one of the biggest and also the oldest in the country. Three days plus big names and a large crowd is enough to make one feel happy knowing their province is home to such an anime con. The other two are enough to make one feel happy that they can invest more time attending anime conventions in Alberta.Travel is a bit lopsided, as most otakus in Alberta will enjoy attending anime cons with easy travel in the western part—like British Columbia or Manitoba—but will require more travel to the eastern part, such as Quebec and Ontario. Also, if the chance ever pops up, travel to the US for anime cons like Sakura-Con in Washington or Anime Expo in California is possible too! The shops are in good numbers as well—especially since Alberta has stores that specialize in anime and manga—meaning investment in otaku goodies will be in abundance! So far, Alberta’s otaku life is robust, and growth is expected to continue for The Energy Province!

3. Ontario

Nickname: The Heartland Province, The Loyalist Province
Population: 16.12 Million
Region: East-Central
Capital: Toronto
Abbreviation: ON
Number of Conventions: 5
Number of shops: 8

Welcome to number three, and it is a return to the eastern part of Canada. This time, in the east-central region, and it’s none other than Ontario, also known as The Heartland Province because Ontario is Canada’s most populous province, as well as economically the most powerful province in the country. It’s also known as The Loyalist Province due to a surprising history of being a major destination for Loyalists to the British Crown during the American Revolution. As the most populated province in the country with 16.12 million people, the otaku landscape in The Heartland Province is arguably one of the best in the country—and that does not come as a surprise at all. Of course the Heartland needs to have a good landscape for otakus.As a province with a robust scene, the anime convention scene in Ontario is utterly amazing. The Heartland Province is home to at least five anime conventions. In terms of trivia, this makes Ontario the province with the most anime conventions in the country. However, when it comes to which anime convention is the most well known, it’s Anime North, located in Toronto. It was first inaugurated in 1997, making Anime North one of the oldest anime conventions in Canada and North America—and also one of the few anime conventions in North America to be inaugurated before the 21st century. Anime North enjoys a large number of attendees, with at least 25,000 of them attending. It is also well known throughout all of Canada as well as the United States. Big-name guests also attend Anime North. It enjoys a large amount of popularity and receives extensive media coverage from both local and nationwide media outlets. Other notable anime conventions in Ontario are AnimeFiesta, Anirevo Toronto, Orillia Anime-Fest, and Anime Ottawa.When it comes to the amount of anime and manga shops in Ontario, similar to the anime cons, it’s arguably the best in the country. Ontario is home to at least eight of them, making Ontario the province with the most dedicated anime and manga shops. The most notable ones include AnimeXtreme, Navito World, Anime City Incorporated, Doki Doki Land, X2Akihabara, Anime Alley, Just You Sarah & Tom, and Mindzai. Now that’s what I call a robust otaku life!Overall, there’s not much to say really… All you need to know is that Ontario’s landscape for otakus is probably the best in the entire nation. Like, the truth is, when you compare it to the previous provinces and even the provinces after Ontario, it’s beyond better than what any of us would have imagined—and no, it’s no surprise why the epicenter of all the best otaku activity comes out of Ontario. Now, of course, the other two waiting after Ontario will probably equalize, or—for opinions based on others—be better than what Ontario has to offer, but back to the analysis, Ontario’s otaku landscape is perfect. It’s not just the fact that Ontario has one of the most well-known anime cons, but it’s also home to four other anime cons in the province. Otakus in Ontario will be utterly pleased knowing that their province is home to one of the most well-known anime conventions in the country: a three-day anime con plus a large crowd, big-name guests, and so much more.This is supported by the fact that those living in Ontario have the options to travel to other anime conventions from different provinces—yes, even those that are considered small—so that makes travel even easier and better. However, travel to the west, such as British Columbia and Alberta, will take a bit more time owing to Ontario’s eastern location. The shops are guaranteed to keep otakus fully invested in buying up chunks of otaku goodies too—especially considering the fact that their province is home to a good number of eight shops. Ontario is stacked, solid, and from what it looks like, growth is not slowing down anytime soon. For otakus living in The Heartland Province, they are living in a near-perfected province for otakus.

2. Quebec

Nickname: The Beautiful Province (La belle province)
Population: 9.06 Million
Region: Northeastern
Capital: Quebec City
Abbreviation: QC
Number of Conventions: 2
Number of shops: 8

Here we are at number two: the highest-ranked province of the eastern hemisphere of Canada for those identifying as otaku according to Google Trends is The Beautiful Province (La belle province in French), Quebec. Known for its stunning beauty and strong identity of European culture, Quebec is by far the biggest province in terms of size and is also the only province with a francophone majority in the country. As one of the popular provinces in the country, The Beautiful Province’s otaku landscape is brilliant, but notably less than what other provinces such as Ontario or British Columbia have.When it comes to the anime convention scene in Quebec, it’s modest to small. Quebec is home to just two anime conventions. Although this makes Quebec one of the few provinces in the country to have more than one convention, it also makes The Beautiful Province the one with the lowest amount of anime conventions in the “big four” provinces of Canada. Nonetheless, Quebec is home to one of the biggest and most well-known anime cons in Canada as well as the United States, and that anime con is called Otakuthon. First inaugurated in 2006, Otakuthon is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary next year and will proudly celebrate twenty years of being Quebec’s go-to anime convention for otakus. Otakuthon is the second biggest anime convention in the country and enjoys receiving a large number of attendees from around the country. It receives extensive media coverage from local and nationwide outlets. Quebec’s other notable anime convention is Nadeshicon in Quebec City, which is a growing anime convention that emphasizes Japanese culture, tradition, and all important elements that involve anime, manga, and video games. Another notable event is G Anime, but it primarily functions as a small event.When it comes to the amount of anime and manga shops in Quebec, it’s one of the best in the country and is tied with Ontario for having the most—at least eight of them. Notable ones include Planete Anime, Sci-Fi Anime, Chez Rhox le Geek Shop, O-Taku Manga Lounge, Imaginaire, Kavy’s Collection, L’Expression De La Vie, and Boutique Randolph. Truly an impressive feat!Overall, there’s no doubt that although Quebec’s anime convention scene isn’t the biggest for those living in Quebec, the otaku landscape nonetheless can still be regarded as robust and stronger than most provinces—especially when compared to the provinces previously mentioned before. One of the positives that otakus in Quebec will most likely be happy about is knowing that their province is home to a gigantic anime convention: Otakuthon. The best part is, not only is it big, but it’s a full three-day anime con that’s 100% guaranteed to make the otaku engage with their fellow community members. Another positive: it’s the second biggest in Canada, meaning there’s no reason why one would miss out, right? Another positive is that Nadeshicon exists as well, meaning there’s an extra anime con for more fun.In terms of travel, like most provinces, it’s one-sided—meaning otakus living in Quebec in the eastern part of Canada will have an easy time traveling to fellow neighboring provinces like Ontario and the other east Atlantic neighbors with modest otaku landscapes. Of course, the central and western parts will definitely require more extensive travel, meaning more investment and movement will be required. The shops will 100% guarantee otakus in The Beautiful Province to enjoy buying up all of the otaku goodies as much as they want.In a very interesting note, because Quebec is the only province with French as their sole official language and majority, expect some interesting bilingual scenarios that make the otaku landscape more exotically interesting! Quebec’s scene is mostly robust, and growth with potential is in sight—there seems to be more room for growth in the future!

1. British Columbia

Nickname: Pacific Province
Population: 5.68 Million
Region: Pacific Northwest
Capital:Victoria
Abbreviation: BC
Number of Conventions: 3
Number of shops: 9

My fellow otakus, may I introduce to you the king of all otakus in the provinces of Canada: British Columbia, also known as the Pacific Province, located all the way in the Pacific Northwest. Interestingly, it’s the only province to directly border the Pacific Ocean. British Columbia landing as number one on this list may not come as a surprise to most, and this may be due to location and demographics—as when it comes to regions, areas that mostly border the Pacific or aren’t too far from Japan usually wind up ranking the highest.So, how is the otaku landscape in Canada’s most otaku province? Well, in terms of numbers and what’s in store for the otaku, the Pacific Province can proudly boast one of the best landscapes for otakus in the country—and in fact, some might argue that British Columbia has the best otaku landscape of any province in Canada, although that may be up for some heavy debate among Canadian otakus.When it comes to the anime convention scene, British Columbia is proudly home to at least three anime conventions, making British Columbia—tied with Alberta—one of the provinces with the second-highest number of anime conventions in the country, second only to Canada’s heartland province, Ontario. British Columbia’s most popular and well-known anime convention is called Anime Revolution, located in Vancouver. It is British Columbia’s largest anime con and also its fastest-growing anime con. First inaugurated in 2012, Anime Revolution—despite its relatively young age in the 21st century—is one of the most well-known anime conventions in Canada and also in the United States, enjoying a large number of attendees from across the country and even from the United States. Notably, it’s the only anime con in Canada that invites guests directly from Japan. It receives extensive media coverage from both local and nationwide outlets.Other notable anime conventions in British Columbia include Tsukino Con, located in Victoria, and Vancouver Anime-Fest. British Columbia is also home to smaller events such as Akimatsuri and Anime Evolution.When it comes to the amount of shops that specialize in anime and manga, British Columbia is home to nine shops, making it the province with the most anime and manga shops. Notable ones include Halfmoon Manga & Anime, Sakura Media, Ame Toy & Gift Store, Toyka Collectibles, Hobby Bee Anime Figures & Collectibles, Golden Age Collectables, Gacha Gacha Hobbies & Toys, and Dilly Dally. Truly an amazing landscape, and it’s no wonder it’s number one…Overall, I mean… What else can I say…? British Columbia’s otaku landscape, being on the Pacific, is naturally robust. The truth is, it makes a lot of sense why British Columbia would be ranked number one by Google Trends—as I stated before, most areas in the Pacific that are close to Japan usually rank the highest due to demographics and location. Aside from that, many otakus living in British Columbia are heavily spoiled to the maximum. Not only is their province home to a big and well-known anime convention such as Anime Revolution, but they also have two other anime conventions they can attend in British Columbia. Of course, if we are talking about Anime Revolution itself, what makes it even better is that it’s big, three days, and even guests from Japan attend Anime Revolution, which in turn gives the otaku in British Columbia the ultimate experience. Small events in British Columbia will also satisfy otakus living there, as otaku activity is endless in abundance. Tsukino Con is another alternative, and it’s an anime convention that continues to grow in British Columbia and Canada as a whole.Neighbors like Alberta also have a significant otaku presence thanks to their anime conventions and shops, which makes otaku travel and experience even better. Sadly though, in order to attend the biggest anime cons in the country—such as Anime North in Ontario—one would need to do some extensive travel, as British Columbia to Ontario is a full trek from the far Pacific west to the eastern Atlantic, which means investment and movement are definitely needed.Shops are the highest in number for any province, which means otakus living in British Columbia will enjoy maximum investment in otaku goodies in the Pacific Province with virtually no limit or interruption whatsoever. British Columbia has at least nine of them—that’s by far the most of any province in Canada. From the looks of it, it seems like British Columbia has enjoyed an amazing amount of growth in the otaku landscape, and as anime and manga continue to grow as a whole, it’s no exception in British Columbia—of course, just like the rest of Canada as well.

Well, my fellow otakus, there you have it! This was the top 10 most otaku provinces according to Google Trends. What’s your opinion? Did you like the list? Did you think Google was accurate, or not? Where does your province rank? Regardless, I’m sure you have a LOT to say, right? Thank you for reading this article, and as always, stay tuned for more!

Sources: animecons