7 Best Places to Live in Canada

Canada is loaded with natural beauty. The country is filled to the brim with gems. It’s no surprise that Canada has been ranked as one of the most beautiful countries in the world. 

If you are looking for a place to settle down, you should consider moving to one of these great cities. They are all beautiful and offer many opportunities for those willing to consider.

Ready to find out where to move to? Read on!

Why You Should Move to Canada

Canada is a large country that is ideal for those that enjoy cold weather activities. If you’re thinking about moving to Canada, here are some reasons why you should consider it:

1. Safe environment – The Canadian government takes safety very seriously. There have been cases when there were terrorist attacks, but they haven’t happened too often. Canada is extremely safe and it’s easy to feel at home in the country!
2. Low cost of living – Canada’s living costs aren’t as high as in other countries worldwide. Renting an apartment or house can also be cheaper than what it would cost in many parts of Western Europe or the US.
3. Good education system – The quality of education in Canada is top notch because most schools provide free tuition to students from low-income families. In addition, there are plenty of post-secondary institutions such as universities, colleges, technical institutes, etc.
4. Many job opportunities – With so much land available, Canada attracts investors from different industries. As such, there are always new jobs being created by entrepreneurs which makes this country attractive to work at.
5. Beautiful nature – Many Canadians love spending time outside, especially during the summer months. So, if you enjoy going outdoors, then Canada is perfect for you.
6. Affordable healthcare – Healthcare services in Canada are cheap compared to those offered in America. Also, medical facilities are well equipped and staffed by competent doctors.
7. Strong economy – According to reports by Statistics Canada, Canada had the most robust economic growth between 2016 and 2017. And, unemployment rates dropped significantly over the last few years.
8. Less crime rate – Compared to other developed nations, crimes happen less frequently in Canada, most likely because police forces are highly efficient.
9. Largest English speaking nation – Although Canada isn’t officially bilingual yet, more than half of its population speaks both French and English fluently.
10. More affordable property prices – Property prices tend to be lower in Canada compared to other countries.

Top Places to Live in Canada

1. Victoria, BC – Vancouver Island

Victoria is one of the most popular destinations among Canadians and is the warmest city in Canada. The city was founded back in 1843, and it is home to some great attractions such as Chinatown, Gastown, Gassy Jack’s Pub, the Empress Hotel, the Royal Roads University, and others.

The city has a population of around 600,000, so there are plenty of interesting people to meet. For avid golfers, there are over 20 golf courses within a 30 minutes drive from downtown.There are also more than 400 wineries scattered across the island which means no matter what your interest may be, you’ll never be far from great wine!

Furthermore, there are plenty of parks, gardens, museums, art galleries, and more here, so this makes it an ideal destination if you enjoy spending time outdoors.

Essential amenities in Victoria, BC include:

• Great food choices
• Lots of shopping malls
• Beautiful beaches

The transport system within the city includes buses, ferries, taxis, bicycles, car rentals, etc. There are also several bus routes available here which make getting around very convenient. This means that even though there are thousands of tourists that visit every year, they can still get around quickly without having to worry about traffic or parking issues.

On the downside, living in Victoria, BC is expensive compared to other Canadian locations. Still, considering how much fun you can have here, many don’t mind paying extra for accommodation and entertainment. However, property prices tend to increase with each passing year.

In terms of employment options in Victoria, BC, two primary industries dominate the area’s economy – tourism and education. Both sectors pay well and provide good job prospects. Tourism jobs require customer service, sales, marketing, restaurant management, event planning, and transportation. Education jobs mainly involve:

• Teaching English as a second language.
• Tutoring students.
• Working in elementary schools.
• Managing student activities.

2. Calgary, AB – Alberta

Calgary is another major city in western Canada, and it is known as “the City of Champions” because of the success of local athletes throughout history. The city has a population of 1 million residents, and it is home to the famous Stampede, where thousands of visitors come together to celebrate summertime traditions. If you love sports, then you will find plenty of events happening here too.

Calgary is also loved by locals due to its wide range of cultural activities, including theatre, music concerts, festivals, museums, galleries, restaurants, bars, pubs, cafes, clubs, cinemas, bookstores, casinos, nightclubs, nightlife, comedy shows, and more.

Although it is not considered part of the Pacific Northwest region, Calgary shares similar characteristics with other province areas. For example, both regions produce wheat, barley, oats, potatoes, oilseeds, vegetables, fruits, and cattle.

In terms of employment, there are various industries present in Calgary such as mining, agriculture, manufacturing, services, construction, energy production, education, health care, finance, transportation. The opportunities in the city are plentiful!

These companies pay competitive salaries and benefits, so anyone interested in working in any industry would benefit significantly from relocating here.

Some essential amenities in Calgary:

• World-class shopping malls such as Chinook Centre, Southcentre Mall, West Edmonton Common, Sunridge Shopping Center, Scotiabank Saddledome, Telus Spark Arena, Olympic Plaza, and many others
• Excellent healthcare facilities at Foothills Medical Centre, Rockyview General Hospital, Glenmore Regional Health Centre, University of Calgary Medicine Clinic, Cross Cancer Institute, and many others
• Great educational institutions such as Mount Royal University, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, SAIT Polytechnic, NAIT, Athabasca University, Red Deer College, Lethbridge Community College, Grande Prairie Regional College, Okotoks Campus, and many others
• An abundance of recreational opportunities such as golf courses, parks, trails, lakes, rivers, beaches, mountains, forests, ski resorts, horseback riding, fishing, boating, camping, hiking, biking,

3. Winnipeg, MB – Prairie Provinces

Winnipeg is yet another fantastic location to call home. With about 612,000 inhabitants, this mid-sized city is full of culture, history, and fun things to do.

You will love visiting Assiniboine Park, taking part in outdoor adventures at Fort Whyte, or enjoying delicious food while shopping along Portage Avenue. 

The cost of living within the city limits is relatively low compared to most major cities across Canada. However, you should expect a higher property tax rate than what you’d find elsewhere in Manitoba. The average house price in Winnipeg is $300,000 which makes it one of the least expensive Canadian cities.

There are plenty of jobs available in the area that can provide good income potential. These jobs include retail salesperson, administrative assistant, customer service representative, office manager, receptionist, accountant, financial analyst, software engineer, web developer, I.T. specialist, etc.

If you want to enjoy some entertainment during your stay, then check out the following venues: MTS Iceplex, BellMTS Place, Shaw Conference Centre, Centennial Concert Hall, Richardson Theatre, National Arts Centre, Art Gallery of Ontario, Harbourfront Centre, St. Vital Amphitheatre, Kapyong Barracks, Canad Inns Stadium, Investors Group Field, Tim Horton’s BMO Harris Bradley Center, Molson Hockey House, and more!

If you’re looking for something different, then head over to the Forks Market, where you’ll be able to try authentic First Nations cuisine. You might also consider checking out the local art scene by attending events hosted by galleries such as the Contemporary Art Gallery, Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, and the Winnipeg Art Gallery. 

4. Toronto, ON – Greater Toronto Area

Toronto has been named “the best place to live in North America” on several occasions due to its high-quality lifestyle. Toronto is the capital of Ontario, and it’s the largest city by population within Canada. Due to its popularity, it’s also one of the most expensive cities in Canada.

Located just northeast of Lake Ontario, this stunning metropolis boasts excellent public transport systems, modern infrastructure, urban landscapes, fine dining options, entertainment venues, top-rated schools, shops, theaters, and so much more!

Just like other major cities around the world, the cost of living in Toronto is relatively high. Property prices here tend to increase every year, but they remain affordable compared with similar locations worldwide. The median household income in Toronto is approximately $70k per year. This means that even though people earn decent salaries, their spending power remains limited because of rising costs.

According to data from 2016, 1 million households resided in the GTA, making up roughly 25% of all households in Ontario. If you plan to move into Toronto, make sure to choose an apartment near Lake Ontario for tons of cultural and outdoor activities.

Job opportunities within Ontario are plentiful as well. There are many companies located in the region, including IBM Corporation, Cisco Systems Inc., Accenture PLC, Bombardier Inc., Rogers Communications Inc., T.D. Bank Financial Group Ltd., Royal Bank of Canada, Scotiabank N.A., CIBC World Markets Corp., HSBC Holdings plc., Manulife Financial Corp., Sun Life Assurance Co. Limited, RBC Dominion Securities Inc Desjardins Capital Markets, ScotiaMcLeod Real Estate Investment Trust, Tanger.

Generally, if you want to live in Ontario, you should expect a monthly rent ranging between $1,000-$2,500, depending on the location. Apartments in downtown areas can range anywhere from $1,200/month to $3,400/month, while condos start at $800/month. However, these figures do not include utilities or taxes, adding another $100+/- each month.

5. Montreal, QC – French Canada

Montreal is the second biggest French-speaking city in North America after New York City. The city has a population of 2.8 million residents and is located in Québec. It features some of the most beautiful natural settings such as Mont-Royal Park, Parc Jean Drapeau, Notre Dame Basilica, Old Port, Château Dufresne, etc. In addition, the city offers plenty of shopping districts, museums, theatres, cinemas, sports facilities, and nightlife spots.

The average salary in Quebec ranges from $50K-$60K annually. A single person earns $30K per year while married couples make $40K. On the contrary, property prices in Montreal are among one the highest in Canada. An average house goes for about $600K. As far as accommodation is concerned, rental rates vary based on the area, size, and type of housing. 

For example, apartments generally go for $1,300-$1,700 per month. The rate of employment within Montreal is higher than the national average. Statistics show that over 3.6 million workers call this place home. Among them, more than 250,000 work in management positions, and nearly 300,000 are self-employed consultants, which bodes well for digital nomads. The city has tons of co-working spaces and opportunities for nomads. 

Many famous singers, actors, athletes, and musicians come from this gorgeous city. Famous landmarks include Olympic Stadium, Place des Arts, Notre Dame Basilica, Montréal Museum of Fine Art, Old Port, Château Ramezay, Parc Jean Drapeau, etc.

If you want to live in Montreal, it has a reputation for being a relatively expensive city. Prices here are very high compared with other Canadian cities due to higher taxes in Québec. This means that even though your income will cover your living expenses, you might still need to generate extra money through a side hustle every month.

6. Ottawa, ON – Central Canada

Ottawa is the national capital of Canada. It has a population of 651,000 people and often has a poor reputation. That’s too bad because Ottawa has a lot to discover!

Its economy relies heavily on federal government jobs, defense industry, and banking so it’s probably why Canadians see Ottawa as boring.

The rate of employment in Ottawa is slightly lower than the national average. More specifically, it stands at 4.4%. Nevertheless, there is no shortage of opportunities available for those who have skills. Moreover, there are also lots of career paths open for students looking to pursue their postgraduate studies. 

Apartments in Ottawa cost around $1,200/mo. Condos start at approximately $750K. To put things into perspective, the median household income is roughly $70K. However, one must remember that real estate does increase according to how close you get to Parliament Hill.

With such expensive apartments, the general cost of living in Ottawa can be pretty steep. However, since salaries are relatively low, taxes are not too heavy either.

Its landscape is filled with picturesque lakes, lush green hillsides, and tree-covered forests, making it quite charming. A perfect spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of our busy digital nomad lives.

7. Halifax, NS – Atlantic Canada

Halifax is the third-largest metropolitan area in Nova Scotia, and its economy is booming! It has a general population of 515,000 people. The unemployment level hovers around 7%, one of the lowest rates among all major cities in Canada.

There are two main reasons why so many people choose to settle down in this beautiful coastal town: firstly, because of its affordability; secondly, due to its quality of life. Both factors contribute significantly to the overall appeal of this city.

Living costs are highly affordable when compared to most big cities across North America. For example, 1-bedroom apartments go for as little as $700 while two bedrooms stand for only $800. They are some of the cheapest rentals available anywhere in Canada!

Secondly, the quality of life in Halifax is second to none. There’s always something fun going on or exciting events taking place. From festivals to concerts to sports events, there’s never a dull moment in this vibrant city!

If you plan on moving to Halifax, then reach out to some locals to better understand the city. It has a very local feel, but a downside is that it can feel quite small to those used to sprawling metropolises such as London or New York.

Conclusion

We hope that you found this valuable information if you were thinking about relocating to any part of Canada. We know that choosing an appropriate location is crucial, especially if your goal is finding a job opportunity or continuing your digital nomad journey.

Therefore, before deciding on anything else, try to take note of the following aspects: local weather conditions, crime rate, availability of schools, transportation system, etc. These will help you immensely in narrowing down your options for your next Canadian adventure!