When someone asks, “What are the best Canadian cities to live in?”, what do you say? A highly debated topic, a recent report from Global Citizen Solutions has just released the stats for Canada’s best cities.
Perhaps surprisingly– or unsurprisingly, depending on your opinion of the areas– two B.C. cities got ranked as among the best places to live in the country.
HOW ARE THE CITIES RANKED?
Global Citizen Solutions is an investment migration firm that offers citizenship solutions across many countries. Their recent ranking list is meant for people looking to move to Canada, but it’s especially illuminating if you already live there.
The list is based on a variety of factors, including housing, employment, and living expenses, just to name a few.
THE LIST
So, who’s at the top of the charts? Number one belongs to Calgary, Alberta. Global Citizen Solutions notes that the city is “one of the best places to work and live in 2025, with good incomes, opportunities for career growth, and a high quality of life.” With moderate living costs, they consider Calgary a very livable city.
Following that is Ottawa, Edmonton, Montreal, Hamilton, and then a B.C. city– specifically Victoria. Global Citizen Solutions says that Victoria has a wide range of factors that make it a great place for people to live, with plenty of career opportunities in tech, health, and tourism sectors. It’s also surrounded by lush landscapes and mild climates, making every day a beautiful day. One of its downsides is something every British Columbian knows, though: the high home prices.
Following Victoria is Halifax, and then B.C.’s most iconic city: Vancouver. Although expensive, Global Citizen Solutions mentions that its stability, healthcare, culture, environment, education, and infrastructure have put the city in the top 10 of on the EIU’s Global Livability Index 2025. Surrounded by mountain views, the Pacific Ocean, and plenty of greenery, Vancouver also offers plenty of outdoor recreational activities. It also has an excellent transport system, with citizens having constant access to buses, SkyTrain, and SeaBus.
You can find the full ranking list below for the best Canadian cities to live in. For more details about why they’re on here, check out Global Citizen Solutions.
- Calgary, Alberta
- Ottawa, Ontario
- Edmonton, Alberta
- Montreal, Quebec
- Hamilton, Ontario
- Victoria, B.C.
- Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Vancouver, B.C.
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Waterloo, Ontario
- Toronto, Ontario
- Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
- Charlottetown, P.E.I.
- Fredericton, New Brunswick
- Quebec City, Quebec
