I am from Canada, specifically Ontario. I would say Ottawa but that's if you want a cleaner place than Toronto. Low crime rate in Toronto? Haha now that's funny! Toronto is nice but busy and not particularly clean. However Ottawa is like a cleaner, cooler Toronto and no I am not from Ottawa. There are some really cool outdoor markets and lots of really nice pubs with live music. There are also some neat martini bars and clubs. The food is amazing
You are right next to the Quebec border too. The hotels are nice (at least the ones I've been to). My sister lived there for a while and I loved coming to visit her. I would take Ottawa any day over Toronto. You better be prepared to dress up big time if you are going out in Toronto. I have a gf who lives there and it's ridiculous the way you have to dress up to go out to a club! Anyhoo, that's JMO. Btw Vancouver is very nice and another good choice but be prepared for the rain. They also have a lot of markets, music and fun as well as beautiful scenery.