This one is quite simple. They stole theirs from Toronto. The Waterloo ION LRT system uses the same Bombardier Flexity family of train as the TTC streetcars and the new Eglinton Crosstown LRT. My guess is they decided to go with the off the shelf noise that was already loaded in. Another argument is that because they are within the reach of GO Transit (which uses the TTC chime as well) they use it to be consistent with the region. I do not feel this is necessary but nevertheless, it is an interesting point.

Take a listen: youtu.be/xnjSvEXnXOY?si=a2_CM6MDFgY8Jy_x&t=16 

Out of all the chimes, this one is definitely the one that attacks the ears the most. While common in the UK and Europe, a simple pinging alert is seldom used in Canada or the US, but Calgary has employed its use across the C-Train network. Despite having the same announcement system as the Edmonton LRT network to the north (complete with the same 'dong' played before next stop announcements), it opted for a more abrasive and alerting one. My verdict -  probably effective but not pleasant.

Take a listen: youtu.be/jYx4QL07mgo?si=wS_4C4ScDQJiN_O_&t=162 

Third from the bottom is another LRT system - Ottawa, which alongside numerous shutdowns and teething issues in its first years has a door chime which left me slightly perplexed. You see, after visiting Ottawa and taking a ride on the O-Train for the first time, it was the door chime and next stop system that made me want to make a ranking in the first place mainly because of how much I disliked it. There is somehow a poor execution of 'whimsical', in my opinion. When opting for a musical chime, I have always found the best to be short and sweet but also melodic and soothing. Ottawa's - to me - sounds straight out of a children's cartoon, not a respected and global city. Some will disagree with my analysis, but I find the O-Trains multi-note extravaganza of a chime to be too much whimsy in not the right way.

Take a listen: youtu.be/yZm9gDOWEF4?si=_YTaGMHwqpVUT20d 

Canada's newest metro system takes a bold approach to door chimes that has left it squarely... in the middle. It's hard to say anything about the REM's chime because while it is an awesome sound, it is so much that it loses its distinctiveness. You can't hum the REM's chime... unless you can hum the noise that the gates of heaven make when they open? Hearing the ephemeral noise when the doors open and close again is a cool experience, but for 'iconicity', the chime needs to be easily reproducible.

Take a listen: youtu.be/c8d-AKvalcw?si=iyAZsE-8lAPkd1ne 

Edmonton's high-floor LRT system is the first of its kind in North America. It's door chime is perhaps to some boring, but to me is a good example of a well done chime. Nothing more, nothing less. It is a low two-tone chime that is recognizable and unique to the city, while not doing too much. It sits at number four. The new Valley Line also uses the same chime as the TTC, but because it is different from the rest of the system, I chose not to include it in the ranking.

Take a listen: youtu.be/eeIzmEEYwWA?si=goyBWINpOxMX3uQr 

Starting off the podium-level chimes is Vancouver's SkyTrain which is Canada's second but largest driverless rapid transit system (Toronto's Scarborough RT being the first). Short and simple is the name of the game at the top, and Vancouver does it very well with this unique and great-sounding ascending chime. The three-tone chime is not a typical triad, going up an entire octave in the process. The last note is delightfully syncopated if my ears are right. It is a perfect tone but does not crack the top two.

Take a listen: youtu.be/oJdvfMdSAGw?si=Ftyd6YdAxTvwu3pH 

Claiming the second spot, the Toronto Subway is the oldest in Canada. Until 1991, it actually used guards and whistles to alert passengers of closing doors instead of an electronic chime. The classic three-tone chime has gone through many variations in key over the years but has remained a descending melody with the doors closing on the final and lowest note. This melodic audible cue that the doors will close feels totally iconic, recognizable, and useful, and secures it the silver medal spot.

Take a listen: youtu.be/m18Qhy1EdLk?si=FwgGGPAjLYExhwpH 

Is there anything Montréal is not the best in Canada at? The Montréal Metro claims the gold medal by being perhaps the most perfect door chime in Canada, or maybe even the world. It is so connected to the system it serves that it evolved from the motor sound of train! The ascending low three-tone chime was adopted from the acceleration noise of the MR-73 series of trains, which had a distinctly in-key and satisfying sound. It works perfectly alongside the Metro's top-notch next stop announcement voice (perhaps also the best in Canada) and in my opinion is the best sounding door chime in the country.

Take a listen: youtu.be/RqjujiiDTDk?si=VT85dQATlFaHPgWd 

Now take a listen to the MR-73 train, alongside the chime: youtu.be/HBxbX6RbovY?si=GGfT7O9Q8F8U-vyR