Which two cities were central to Japanese and Chinese immigration to Canada?

Vancouver and Victoria were indeed central to Japanese and Chinese immigration to Canada, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These cities served as primary entry points for many immigrants coming from Asia, especially due to their geographic proximity to the Pacific Ocean, which facilitated travel from Asia.

Vancouver, in particular, became a major hub for Chinese immigrants during the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, while Victoria was one of the first cities in Canada where Japanese immigrants settled, often taking on jobs in agriculture and fishing. The significant populations of Chinese and Japanese immigrants established in these regions led to growing cultural communities and played a vital role in the economic development of British Columbia during that period.

The other cities mentioned do not share the same historical significance when it comes to large waves of Japanese and Chinese immigration. Toronto and Montreal experienced some immigration, but they were not the primary destinations for these specific groups. Calgary and Edmonton, as well as Halifax and St. John's, were even less connected to the influx of Japanese and Chinese immigrants during the respective waves of migration.