27 year-old actor Cory Monteith plays loveable football-playing songster, Finn Hudson, on the hit TV show Glee. Now a resident of Los Angeles, Monteith called Vancouver home for seven years before his recent catapult to fame. But the proud Canadian admits to loving Vancouver with a passion. “Any chance I get to talk about it, you really can’t shut me up,” says Monteith. “I spend as much time as I can there and [will definitely be] home for the holidays.” We asked Monteith to share his Van-city secrets…

When you think of Vancouver, what is the first thing that comes to mind?A big deep breath of completely clean, damp air.

What Vancouver neighbourhoods have you lived in and which are your favourites? Kitsilano, West End, Yaletown, Granville/Broadway… I love the West End. It’s a lot like Manhattan, actually! But friendlier and cleaner.

Finish the following sentence: Most people don’t know that Vancouver…
…is consistently rated in the top three cities in the world to live in.

What are your favourite Vancouver hangouts?
I love The Naam [restaurant], The Eatery [restaurant], Third Beach (I actually swim there), Caffè Artigiano (of course), and Subeez [restaurant] is a must.

What Vancouver food do you crave when you’re out of town?
Sushi. Great quality and dirt cheap! It leaves something to be desired here in LA.

What is your favourite live music venue in Vancouver? Any memorable experiences from that venue?
I once played a rock show to eight people at “The Columbia”.

What annual Vancouver festival or event do you try not to miss?
VIFF [Vancouver International Film Festival] is always a good time.

How do you like to spend a hot summer day in Vancouver?
Wreck Beach! Skim-boarding, naked.

How do you like to spend a cold winter day in Vancouver?
Snowboarding. I held a season’s pass to Cypress Mountain for several years… I’d go up in the morning, come down to audition or have meetings, and head up with friends again after dinner!