Best Cities to Live in Canada for International Students and Families

Canada has been no. One destination for international immigrants as it provides a multitude of opportunities, free healthcare, a growing economy, and a better standard of living. As a massive country, Canadian residents can access excellent facilities like outdoor winter activities, breathtaking landscapes, and world-class education. Regarding moving abroad, Canada is one of the leading destinations to live in. Canada consistently offers a quality of life by providing a range of amenities that suit the needs of every immigrant, such as affordable cost of living, safety, and high career opportunities. The best cities to live in Canada welcomes people worldwide and is known for its multicultural population, inclusiveness, and cultural diversity.

List of Best Cities to Live in Canada

Canada consistently ranks high in global quality of life indexes. It has a stable economy with multiple job opportunities. Also, It is considered one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and a strong rule of law. As discussed earlier, Canada is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including mountains, lakes, forests, and wildlife watching. Moreover, Canada has a variety of immigration pathways for individuals and families, including skilled worker programs and family reunification. In this blog, we have shared some of the best cities to live in Canada based on factors like its main attractions, cost of living, climate, opportunities, who the cities are best for, and more.

1. Toronto, Ontario: Canada's largest city with 2.93 million population. It is a central economic hub with a diverse population, cultural attractions, and a strong job market. It's known for its vibrant arts scene, restaurants, and diverse neighborhoods. Some of the best universities include York University, University of Toronto, and Ryerson University. Toronto is one of the best choices for international students and many immigrants. It is the best place to live in, but the cost of living is high. It is a multicultural city with a wide range of resources and facilities. Toronto is a great place to experience new cuisines and cultures. The best places to visit in Toronto, Ontario, are CN Tower, Nathan Phillips Square, Yonge Dundas Square, and Eaton Centre.

 

2. Vancouver, British Columbia: Vancouver offers stunning natural beauty with its coastal location and proximity to mountains. It has a mild climate culture and is known for community engagement. Vancouver, BC, has a strong economy, is located in Pacific Northwest Canada, and is the largest island with outdoor recreational opportunities. Vancouver has a range of rural and urban cities, transportation systems, and healthcare facilities. Vancouver Island is one of the best cities to live in Canada, with family-friendly communities and a relaxing lifestyle. This city offers various outdoor activities such as hiking, walking trails, snowboarding, and skiing.

 

3. Montreal, Quebec: Montreal is a bilingual city known for its rich culture, arts, and festivals. It is Canada's largest city in Quebec and has a lower cost of living compared to Toronto and Vancouver. Montreal is famous for its culinary scene and arts, commerce, and culture hub. This city is known as French Heart (2nd French-speaking city) with plenty of employment opportunities. The rent of an apartment and entertainment and food cost is lower in Montreal, Quebec. It is best for students and young adults for social events and nightlife. Montreal's main tourist attractions are the Montreal Botanical Garden, the Museum of Fine Arts, Notre-Dame Basilica, etc.

 

4. Calgary, Alberta: Located in Alberta, Calgary is a bustling city with surrounding landscapes. Calgary has a strong economy with a focus on the energy industry. It offers a high quality of life with easy access to outdoor activities in the nearby Rockies. It is the most diverse city in Canada, with many employment opportunities in tourism, film, health, aerospace, and financial sectors. It is best for Canadians and young and offers attractions like Calgary Tower, Calgary Stampede, and WinSport. Overall, Calgary is primarily connected to nature and is the sunniest place in Canada. 

 

5. Edmonton, Alberta: Another Alberta city, Edmonton, has a growing job market and lower housing costs than many other Canadian cities. It's known for its festivals and cultural attractions. Edmonton has a high minimum wage and is an excellent choice for renters. Edmonton, Alberta, offers various winter activities such as outdoor skating, cross-country skiing, tobogganing, and snowshoeing. The best attractions in Edmonton include World Waterpark, Galaxyland, West Edmonton Mall, and the indoor amusement park.

 

6. Ottawa, Ontario: As the capital of Canada, Ottawa offers a stable job market in government and technology sectors and is home to the best companies like Shopify and GNX. Ottawa is the 4th largest urban region and officially bilingual city with world-class research centers. It has a rich cultural scene and is known for its historic landmarks. The two leading universities are Carleton University and the University of Ottawa. It is a beautiful, vibrant city offering paths, walkways, and bike lanes. The main attractions of Ottawa include Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal, and the National Gallery of Canada. Overall, it is best for visiting different museums and finding the best job opportunities. 

 

7. Quebec City, Quebec: Quebec City is known for its Old World charm and is a UNESCO (World Heritage site). It's an excellent place for history and culture enthusiasts. Quebec is Canada's most expensive city and is primarily a tourist destination. This city is Quebec's cultural and historical heart, and the official language is French. Quebec City is the least expensive and most picturesque place in Canada. This city is relatively safe and affordable, with the lowest crime rates in Canada. This city is best for festivals and tourism, with attractions like Fairmont Le Chateau, old Quebec City, and Montmorency Falls. 

 

8. Halifax, Nova Scotia: Located on the east coast, the capital of Nova Scotia in Atlantic Canada. Halifax offers a friendly and relaxed lifestyle. Halifax has a strong maritime culture and beautiful coastal scenery. It is a safe and affordable place to live, with a wide variety of restaurants and bars, affordable housing prices, and excellent healthcare. Many hiking trails and parks are nearby to feel like you're in a different city. It is a perfect place with city life, small-town charm, and a hub of food, sports, and business. The most visited attractions in Halifax include the harbourfront and the Citadel National Historic Site.

How to choose best cities to live in Canada 

You can choose the best cities to live in Canada by considering factors such as income, cost of living, safety, language, healthcare facilities, etc. Also, you can check the surroundings and best attractions if you are a nature lover. Cities like Ottawa and Toronto are best for newcomers due to the low cost of living and multicultural environment. Overall, Canada is the best place to live. It offers a high quality of life and is known for its good weather. So, consider some of the mentioned cities if you plan to move to Canada. Otherwise, you choose a good town in Canada by considering factors that suit your lifestyle. Western Overseas are the best immigration consultants to help you with immigration and visa processes.