Is Canada a good place to live?

Canada is a vast country filled with forests, prairies, mountains, lakes, as well as many smaller and major cities scattered from coast to coast. Canada is renowned for its natural beauty and welcoming spirit to newcomers from around the world. But is Canada a good place to live? This guide has everything potential homeowners need to know about moving to Canada.

Second only to Russia in size, Canada is a massive nation, occupying roughly the northern two-fifths of the continent of North America. Canada stretches across six time zones, with six provinces and three territories. Most Canadians live in the southern portion of the country, largely due to the warmer climate. However, Canadians live throughout the country, including within the Arctic territories.

Where to buy a home in Canada?

Canada contains places to live throughout every province and territory, from the bustling metropolis of Vancouver to the village of Harbour Grace in Newfoundland. Most of the country’s population resides in its six major cities. Three of these cities are in the western part of the country, and three are found in the eastern portion.

Toronto

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and the capital of Ontario, situated on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. With a population of over 2.7 million in the city proper and over six million in the Greater Toronto Area, it is a busy metropolis known for its exceptional diversity, with over half of its residents born outside Canada. As a global city, Toronto is a major centre for business, finance, arts, culture, and technology, boasting a skyline dominated by skyscrapers including the iconic CN Tower.

The city is renowned for its multiculturalism, reflected in its numerous ethnic neighborhoods, diverse culinary scene, and over 200 ethnic origins represented among its inhabitants. Toronto is also a significant hub for education, sports, and entertainment, home to several universities, professional sports teams, museums, galleries, and a thriving theatre scene. With its high quality of life, robust economy, and reputation for safety and tolerance, Toronto consistently ranks among the world’s most livable cities.

Parliament Hill in the fall - Is Canada a good place to live? — Adobe Stock

Ottawa

Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, is in eastern Ontario on the south bank of the Ottawa River. With a population of over one million in the city proper and nearly 1.5 million in the metropolitan area, it is the country’s sixth largest city. Originally named Bytown after Colonel John By who oversaw the construction of the Rideau Canal in the 1820s, Ottawa was chosen as Canada’s capital by Queen Victoria in 1857 to resolve political disputes between other major cities.

The city is known for its bilingualism, with both English and French widely spoken due to its location on the Ontario-Quebec border. As the seat of the federal government, Ottawa is home to important national institutions, including Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada, and numerous museums. The city boasts a high quality of life, combining urban amenities with abundant green spaces and outdoor recreational opportunities along its rivers and canal. Ottawa’s economy is primarily driven by the public sector, but it also has a significant technology industry, earning it the nickname “Silicon Valley North”.

Montreal

Montreal is the largest city in Quebec and the third largest in Canada, with a population of nearly 1.8 million in the city and over 4.3 million in the metropolitan area. Founded in 1642 as Ville-Marie, it is now named after Mount Royal, the triple-peaked hill around which the early settlement was built. Located on the island of Montreal at the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers, the city is a major centre for culture, commerce, and industry in Canada.

French is the official language, with 85.7 per cent of the city’s population considering themselves fluent in French, while the city is also known for its bilingualism, with 58.5 per cent of residents able to speak both English and French. Montreal contains a diverse cultural scene, including art, music, and cuisine, as well as its historical architecture, blending old-world charm with modern urban development. The city has hosted numerous international events, such as the 1976 Summer Olympics, and is recognized as a UNESCO City of Design, consistently ranking among the world’s most livable cities and best places for university students.

Calgary

Calgary is the largest city in Alberta, Canada, with a population of over 1.3 million people in the city and nearly 1.7 million in the metro, making it the fourth largest city in Canada. Located at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers in southern Alberta, Calgary sits in the transitional area between the Rocky Mountain Foothills and the Canadian Prairies. The city is known for its strong economy, driven by sectors such as energy, financial services, technology, and tourism, and boasts the second-largest number of corporate headquarters in Canada.

Calgary is renowned for its cultural diversity, with over 240 different ethnic origins represented. The city was the site of the 1988 Winter Olympics, and each summer it hosts the famous Calgary Stampede, a 10-day rodeo event that showcases its cattle ranching heritage. With extensive walking and cycling networks, a vibrant arts scene, and proximity to the Rocky Mountains, Calgary offers a unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty.

Edmonton

Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta, Canada, located along the North Saskatchewan River. With a population of approximately 1.1 million people in the city and nearly 1.5 million in the metro, it is the northernmost North American city with over one million inhabitants. Founded as a Hudson’s Bay Company trading post in 1795, Edmonton has grown into a major economic centre, particularly in the energy, technology, and education sectors. The city is known for its cultural diversity, extensive park system, and as a gateway to northern Canada.

Edmonton hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the renowned Edmonton Fringe Theatre Festival. As the seat of Alberta’s government, it is home to the province’s legislature and plays a significant role in provincial politics. The city has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, open data transparency, and efforts to become a “smart city”, including initiatives such as turning garbage into biofuels.

Vancouver

Vancouver, located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia, is the most populous city in the province and the third largest in the country, with a population of approximately 737,000 in the city and over 2.6 million in the metro. Known for its high population density, Vancouver is one of Canada’s most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities, with nearly half of its residents being non-native English speakers and over half belonging to visible minority groups. In 2010 Vancouver welcomed the world as the host of the Winter Olympic Games.

The city has a rich history, with Indigenous settlements dating back over 10,000 years and European settlements beginning in the late 18th century. Vancouver’s economy is diverse, driven by its major seaport, technology, film and television production, and tourism industries. The city is renowned for its scenic beauty, surrounded by mountains, ocean, and extensive parklands, making it a major tourist destination and one of the world’s most appealing cities.

Things to do after moving to Canada

For a uniquely Canadian experience, newcomers to the country can explore activities that showcase Canada’s natural beauty, urban attractions, cultural diversity, and outdoor adventures from coast to coast.

Lake Moraine In Banff National Park - Is Canada a good place to live? — Adobe Stock

Visit Banff National Park

Known for its turquoise lakes, thermal hot springs, and stunning mountain scenery, Banff is a year-round destination offering world-class skiing in winter and kayaking and hiking in summer.

Ride the Rocky Mountaineer

This scenic train journey through the Canadian Rockies offers spectacular views of the mountains and surrounding landscapes.

Explore Niagara Falls

One of Canada’s most famous attractions, you can get up close to the falls on a boat ride or enjoy aerial views.

Discover Vancouver’s Stanley Park

This urban park features diverse flora, historical totem poles, bike paths, and scenic outlooks.

Experience Montreal’s festivals

Montreal hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including Festival Mural, a graffiti and hip-hop event, and the Montreal International Jazz Festival, among many others.