If you're referring specifically to Vancouver, it's a great city for the most part! The current fall and expected winter weather of rather frequent rain and cloud makes things a bit dreary, but there's still plenty to do. You're on the West Coast, right?

I like sweets for occasional treats, but as a regular food staple...not so much.

Yeah, most album releases are the same for the US and Canada, although occasionally release dates drift. For example, Rammstein's latest album came out in the States a week before the Canadian release.