Try annuals. Petunia, marigold, begonia, vinca, lantana, etc. The big box stores are now selling hanging baskets. Just make certain you water at least every other day.

Here is a link that might be useful: Propagating Perennials

Hi Brazenspider,
I'm in Toronto and also face west. In summer I get about 6 hours of solid sun. This isn't enough for some plants that need 'full sun' so potalucas didn't flower as well as I would have liked but petunias in red did well for me last year. I'm experimenting with flax seed this year, flowers are red also. You should be able to plant most annuals.

Given our winters, you probably want to stay away from perennials, at least until you're more familiar with gardening generally, because very little will survive unless its in a very large container, and the container would probably need to be insulated.