The east coast has produced some great well-known and lesser known artists: Sloan Great Big Sea, being a couple of the former. Peter Elka, who I believe is still recording 'solo' had a really terrific alt-pop band called Local Rabbits, they put out I think 3 really well made and catchy CDs in the 90's, but definitely under the radar.
On the west coast we had in particular the Grapes of Wrath that were a real standout to me.
In the 70's one of my faves was Crowbar, insane marathon live shows. Another insane (one man) live show is Ashley MacIsaac.