People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has named Vancouver one of the most vegetarian- and vegan-friendly cities in North America.

Tracy Reiman, PETA Executive Vice President, congratulated Vancouverites on the win. “Residents should be proud,” she said, “their hometown is on the cutting edge of healthy cuisine that is Earth- and animal-friendly.”

In sixth place, Vancouver was one of only two Canadian cities to make the list, with Toronto coming in tenth.

According to PETA, Vancouver’s restaurants set the bar high for healthy, local, vegetarian fare. A few “fine eateries” earned special mention: the masala cakes at Organic Lives earned the title of “showstopper” amongst PETA’s officials, while Gastown’s Gorilla Food helped put Vancouver on the veg-friendly map with its spicy falafel wraps.

Loving Hut also received a special mention for its golden rice bowl, a dish that mimics meaty fare with marinated faux chicken and vegan shrimp.

Topping the 2010 PETA survey was Washington, D.C. in first place, followed by Portland, Oregon, in second, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, in third.

Released just a few days after the PETA list was a “best city” ranking from The Onion, which names Boulder, Colorado, as “The Best Place to Raise Abducted Children.”

Shannon Smart is completing a practicum at The Tyee.