The Best Places to Live in Canada

When you think about the best places to live in Canada, well-known metropolises like Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver are often the first to come to mind. However, the downside of these major Canadian cities is that their housing and job markets can be difficult for newcomers to navigate.

Luckily, Canada offers many other attractive places to call home. The best places aren’t always big cities; rather, they’re small cities and towns like Ottawa, Burlington, and Halifax. These locations tend to offer affordable housing, strong job markets, a lower cost of living, and plenty of opportunities for entertainment, recreation, and nightlife.

Some of these cities are located in Ontario’s Greater Toronto Area (GTA), which is a popular choice for newcomers due to its proximity to Toronto. Expats living near Toronto can enjoy a year-round array of attractions, amenities, restaurants, and special events, not to mention an international airport and reliable public transport.

Of course, Ontario is one of many provinces worth considering if you’re thinking about moving to Canada. Here’s a closer look at the nine best places to live in this beautiful country.

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The Top Canadian Expat Destinations

Beyond the major metropolitan hubs, Canada is home to a wide range of smaller cities and towns that offer an excellent quality of life for expats.

These destinations often combine affordability, strong local communities, and easier access to housing and jobs, making them an appealing alternative to larger, more competitive urban centers.

Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa tops nearly every list of the best cities to live in Canada. The Canadian capital city is known for its strong, stable economy, thanks to its large concentration of government workers.

Ottawa’s affordable cost of living and well-established arts scene are some of its best traits.

There’s also easy access to healthcare, as the city has the sixth-highest number of doctors’ offices in the nation.

There’s also a respectable mix of general hospitals and specialty institutions, like the Ottawa Heart Institute.

Another reason to associate Ottawa with good health is its alluring access to green space. When it comes to cities where it’s popular and easy to walk to work, Ottawa’s residents rank among the top 10 nationwide.

The city features ample walking and biking paths. Some commuters even paddle or skate to work via the Rideau Canal.

Read about the cost of living in Canada.

Burlington, Ontario

A prime example of a city that benefits from being a stone’s throw from Toronto is the bedroom community of Burlington, known for being a commuter city.

That’s because Burlington’s average cost of living is lower than Toronto’s. It also has a strong economy and even stronger employment opportunities.

Meanwhile, young families are fond of the area’s public parks, recreation facilities, and competitive school system.

Best of all? It’s a gorgeous waterfront city. Burlington has easy access to hiking trails and nature, so there’s never a lack of outdoor activities – even in the winter.

You’re also a short drive from the American border and New York State. One caveat: traffic can be a problem. Only 2% of the population regularly walks to work, and in-city transit use is low.

Read about the most popular international jobs in Canada.

Oakville, Ontario

Activities like the annual Downtown Oakville Jazz Fest and the New Art Festival are central to Oakville’s reputation for arts and culture.

The vibrant downtown sector flanks Lake Ontario, giving the heart of the city a touch of rural beauty.

The tight-knit city has a neighborly feel that skews towards young professionals and families. Oakville’s only major drawback is its housing market. Housing prices are high, with the median home sale price at over $1.4 million.

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Saskatoon credits its rapid development to a burgeoning economy and low cost of living. One of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, it’s also a top exporter of oats, flaxseed, and durum wheat.

Its strong gold, diamond, oil, and gas industries further define the job market.

The prairie city is conveniently located near major road networks, including the Yellowhead Highway, and offers a direct railway connection to Toronto. 

Other factors driving Saskatoon’s population growth include its rich natural and historical attractions (such as Wanuskewin Heritage Park), affordable housing options, and low tax rates.

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

If you’re thinking about retiring in Canada, the historic city of Charlottetown is a top choice. Known for its picturesque waterfront views and charming Victorian architecture, this city offers a peaceful and scenic environment.

Charlottetown is also clean, has a low crime rate, and is just a short drive away from several beautiful beaches, including Brighton Shore and Langley Beach.

Prince Edward Island is often called “Canada’s Food Island,” and Charlottetown lives up to the name with its vibrant culinary scene, diverse restaurants, and exciting food festivals.

It also happens to be one of the most affordable places to live in Canada, with real estate prices in Charlottetown significantly lower than in many other parts of the country.

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Brandon, Manitoba

The decidedly family-friendly destination of Brandon is becoming a top choice for new residents in Canada.

In addition to its small-town charm, its strong points include low monthly daycare costs that are, on average, a few hundred dollars lower than those of comparable cities.

There are several kid-focused museums and attractions. More than 27% of all families in Brandon have children. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the city’s public school system is excellent.

But Brandon is more than just a great place for children to grow up. Working adults in Brandon have one of the shortest commutes in Canada, averaging under 12 minutes. The city also has a low overall unemployment rate.

Canmore, Alberta

Few cities in Canada can rival Canmore, Alberta, for natural beauty. Nestled within the picture-perfect Rocky Mountains, the city borders Banff National Park and is home to Canmore Nordic Center Provincial Park. Skiing, mountain biking, kayaking, and canoeing are popular activities.

Unemployment is low, and residents find plenty of job opportunities in the tourism and outdoor recreation sectors.

Canmore is only an hour’s drive from Calgary, which is considered one of the most livable cities in the world.

It’s the perfect place to move if you want to be close to a major urban center while residing in a quieter, less-expensive suburb with a better work-life balance.

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St. John’s, Newfoundland

One of the oldest cities in North America and the closest to Europe, St. John’s, Newfoundland, is Canada’s easternmost provincial capital.

Known for its famously friendly atmosphere, the city has welcomed people from around the globe since the Vikings first arrived a millennium ago.

Its arts, culture, and history scenes are alive and well. New and younger residents will adore the city’s quirky style and brightly colored homes, not to mention its steep cobblestone streets, investment in small businesses, and emerging reputation for great food.

St. John’s also has a strong education sector, topped off by the well-respected Memorial University.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax is a rapidly growing coastal city often referred to as the hub of Atlantic Canada.

Home to the world’s second-largest natural harbor, it exudes charm with its vibrant restaurant scene, rich cultural offerings, and six universities that attract thousands of international students each year.

This East Coast gem is known for affordable housing, a lower cost of living when compared to Canada’s biggest cities, and calmer weather.

Although it lacks the robust job market or nightlife of cosmopolitan hubs such as Toronto and Montreal, it’s a worthy choice if you prefer a slower pace of life.

Health Insurance Options in Canada

Canada boasts an above-average public healthcare system available to both citizens and residents.

However, newcomers who are not citizens may not have immediate access to free public healthcare. Even once eligible, many expats choose to purchase private health insurance to supplement the coverage provided by the public system.

There are several reasons expats living in Canada choose international private health insurance. While the country offers top-notch hospitals and immediate emergency care, non-urgent procedures can often face longer wait times.

Additionally, some physicians and specialists may require a referral or may not accept new patients. These issues are most evident in rural areas.

Having private health insurance gives expats peace of mind. It’s important to remember that your domestic health insurance may not cover you when living abroad.

Without a global medical plan, expats in Canada who seek hospital treatment may be required to pay out of pocket.

A private plan can help to cover the cost of services not covered under the single-payer healthcare system, such as treatments or medications outside the scope of public healthcare.

At International Citizens, we specialize in helping expats find the best health insurance plans to meet their needs. Take a look at our broad range of health plans to find the best coverage for your time in Canada.

Why Canada Is a Top Choice for Foreigners

Whether you’re an immigrant, a digital nomad, or an expat seeking a fresh start, Canada remains a top destination for those looking to build a fulfilling and prosperous life abroad.

From vibrant metropolitan hubs to peaceful small-town communities, the country offers an exceptional quality of life.

Whether you’re drawn to the stunning landscapes of British Columbia or the charm of Prince Edward Island, Canada promises universal healthcare, a thriving economy, and abundant natural beauty.

For anyone seeking a dynamic and rewarding experience, Canada truly stands unmatched.

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