Best Cities to Live in Canada

No doubt about it, Canada is a great place to live, work and raise families. There are several factors that play a part in ranking Canada #18 out of 193 countries on the United Nations Human Development Index. The Human Development Index (HDI) is a measurement system to rank human development per country, in three important areas: health and longevity, education levels and access, and quality of life.

Canada offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, friendly citizens, multiculturalism, and industry growth, making it appealing to those looking for a higher quality of life.

We’ve compiled a list of 8 of the best cities to live in Canada based on quality of life, economic growth and employment opportunities.

Vancouver

For appreciators of natural beauty, to know Vancouver is to love Vancouver. This mild-weather city offers easy access to mountains, forests and beaches in almost every direction. Vancouver’s multicultural communities add flavour to the city’s selection of restaurants as well as the music scene.

Vancouver attracts outdoor enthusiasts for the abundance of choices in recreational activities such as hiking, mountain biking, sailing, parasailing, windsurfing, fishing, skiing and snowboarding.

Career opportunities abound as the city is a hub for tech, film, tourism, and green industries. The city’s growing industries appeal to entrepreneurs and startups as there are a multitude of resources for business development. Sustainability advocates are drawn to Vancouver for its various climate initiatives and activated DIY crowd.

Things to consider

Foreign ownership of real estate has caused the market to skyrocket in the last decade. As the third most expensive city in the world, Vancouver’s high cost of living and exorbitantly-priced housing market are major challenges for both residents and those looking to relocate there.

Vancouver has some of the most expensive real estate and rent prices, pricing out a huge demographic of people. Living in Vancouver requires careful budgeting and lifestyle considerations.

READ: The Cost of Living in Vancouver (2024)

Montreal

For history buffs and lovers of nightlife and multiculturalism, Montreal is the place to be. This affordable bilingual city attracts artists, musicians, performers and students, keeping the city fresh and diverse, and the arts scene thriving. Montreal is a city that perfectly combines European charm and elegance, with North American modernity and comforts.

Montreal’s economy is highlighted by a thriving aerospace industry, and the city is known as a gaming development hub. The city hosts a dozen universities, 60 colleges and over 50 vocational training institutes, making Montreal one of the top educational industries in North America.

Being a bilingual city, there is a demand for multilingual professionals looking to relocate and put their language proficiency to use.

Things to consider

French is the primary language spoken in Montreal and a crucial part of the culture. Even though many residents are bilingual, fluent French is often required for jobs and schooling.

Montreal has cold, snowy winters, with average winter temperatures ranging from around -6°C to -15°C (21°F to 5°F). Adaptability is alive and well in Montreal, as locals have learned to embrace the winters with enthusiasm. Winter festivals, ice skating and snowshoeing keep residents busy outside, and there's a network of underground paths to help people get around comfortably.

Victoria

B.C’s capital city is great if you want all the conveniences of a larger city, without the big-city traffic, pollution and congestion to contend with. With beaches in three directions and ancient garry oaks sprinkled throughout town, picturesque would be an understatement to describe Victoria.

Known as the “Hawaii of the North”, Victoria receives a high number of sunny days and almost no snow. When it does in fact snow, it usually sticks around for a day. The mild, temperate climate allows for year-round outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and beach walks.

You can find a beach in every corner of Victoria’s waterfront, and many of the city’s parks are left wild and natural. Mount Doug park has a network of trails through the forest as well as a beach lined with old growth trees. Beacon Hill Park offers a sizable green space full of established gardens, within walking distance to downtown.

Government services and tourism offer the most career opportunities, with tech jobs adding to the pool. Education in Victoria continues to grow, and UVic is a renowned Canadian university.

Some joke that VIctoria is for the “newly-wed and the nearly-dead”, a morbid expression used to describe a large portion of Victoria residents. That being said, the retirement sector and services geared towards seniors make up a lot of the city’s employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Things to consider

Despite being a smaller city, Victoria is pricey. Real estate and rental rates in Victoria are comparable to Vancouver, and grocery prices are high due to food needing to be shipped on the ferry. Due to Victoria’s desirability, the job market can be competitive and limited in certain industries.

Halifax

Halifax is loaded with interesting maritime history. It’s exceptionally multicultural for a small city, and its residents are friendly and welcoming. Locals enjoy a coastal lifestyle which includes boating, fishing and whale watching. Seafood is a common luxury to enjoy, and longtime residents are proud of their unique Acadian heritage.

The city is one of the most affordable smaller cities in Canada, with both real estate and rentals being exceptionally accessible. An added bonus is shorter commute times for residents, in fact most areas in Halifax are reachable by bicycle. Cycling is a popular activity during spring and summer.

Being a port town, the shipping industry in Halifax is prominent and provides a lot of jobs for locals. The city’s affordability makes it appealing to entrepreneurs and startups.

Things to consider

Ask yourself if you can handle a lot of fog and rainy days. The maritime climate of Halifax is mild, but wet. Luckily, the steady rainfall keeps things lush and green year round.

Kelowna

B.C.’s Okanagan Valley is Canada’s only desert, filled with rolling green vineyards and orchards. Glimmering lakes can be found beside every town, and hills covered in buffalo sage and ponderosa pines rise up in the background. Kelowna is the epicentre, and one of the fastest growing cities in Canada.

Kelowna gets warm, sunny summers and mild winters. The city enjoys over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually, and winters are mild, with moderate snowfall.

The area is famous for wineries and wine tours that bring enthusiasts from all over Canada. Locals and visitors alike enjoy lake activities such as boating and waterskiing. Despite its rapid growth, Kelowna has managed to maintain a laid-back vibe and a strong community spirit.

Agriculture and tourism are the main industries in Kelowna, and UBC’s Okanagan Campus adds energy to the culture. Just like any other cities, there are always employment opportunities in education and healthcare.

Things to consider

Kelowna’s popularity has caused rentals and real estate rates to climb. Also, every summer the city is flooded with tourists. Be prepared for heavier traffic, busy recreational areas and downtown congestion.

Canmore

Canmore is a beautiful little mountain town tucked in the Rocky Mountains. Most people flock to Canmore for the attractive outdoor lifestyle, which includes hiking, mountain climbing, skiing and snowboarding.

The community is tight knit and the energy of the city attracts artists and musicians from all over. Canmore is only a 1 hour drive from multicultural Calgary, a bustling metropolis where all of the big city amenities and thrills can be found.

Tourism, hospitality and environmental services are the top three industries offering employment in Canmore, and the area is especially appealing for remote workers and entrepreneurs who are into outdoor recreation.

Things to consider

Just like many ski towns in Western Canada, the cost of living in Canmore is high, despite it being a small city. Some may struggle with seasonal employment variability. Luckily, most seasonal establishments offer a generous employment insurance package.

Final Thoughts

Canada offers diverse opportunities for a high quality of life. Canadians are known for being warm and welcoming to newcomers. When choosing a city to live in, spend some time considering your personal preferences such as climate, employment, cost of living and community. This will help better inform your decision so that you can thrive in your new location.

READ: How to Become a Citizen of Canada: A Detailed Guide