When you think about the best places to live in Canada, well-known metropolises like Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver are often the first places that come to mind. However, the downside to these major Canadian cities is that their housing and job markets can be a challenge for newer residents to navigate.
Canada offers dozens of other attractive places to call home. The best places to live in Canada are not always the big cities but rather small cities and towns like Ottawa, Burlington, and Halifax. Many feature affordable housing, strong job markets, a lower cost of living, and great options for entertainment, recreation, and nightlife.
Several — but certainly not all — are located in Ontario’s suburban Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The GTA tends to draw newcomers because of its convenient proximity to the city of Toronto. Living abroad in Toronto, expats will find a year-round array of attractions, amenities, restaurants, and special events, not to mention an international airport and reliable public transportation.
Of course, Ontario is but one of many provinces that’s worthy of consideration when thinking about a move to Canada. Here’s a closer look at the nine best places to live in this beautiful country.
Learn More: How Much Is The Cost of Living in Canada?
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Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa tops nearly every list of the best cities to live in Canada. The Canadian capital city is known for its strong and stable economy thanks to a 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 due to having the sixth-highest number of doctors’ offices in the nation. Not only that, but there’s 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 paths for walking and biking. Some commuters even paddle or skate to work via the Rideau Canal.
Burlington, Ontario
A prime example of a city that benefits from being a stone’s throw from Toronto, the bedroom community of Burlington is known for being a city of commuters.
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.
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 the shores of Lake Ontario, giving a touch of rural beauty to the heart of this urban city.
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 average home sale 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. Further defining the job market are its strong industries in gold, diamonds, oil, and gas.
The prairie city is conveniently located near major road networks like the Yellowhead Highway, and offers a direct railway connection to Toronto. Other reasons driving Saskatoon’s population growth are its rich nature and history (such as Wanuskewin Heritage Park), affordable housing options, and low tax rates.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Thinking of retiring to Canada? The historic city of Charlottetown is a place that many retirees like to call home.
It’s also beloved for its picturesque waterfront views and charming Victorian architecture. Furthermore, the city is clean, has a low rate of crime, and is an easy drive to several popular beaches, from Brighton Shore to Langley Beach.
Prince Edward Island is known as “Canada’s Food Island,” so here you’ll find a vibrant culinary scene with diverse restaurant options and exciting food festivals. It also happens to be one of the most affordable cities in all of Canada: the real estate prices in Charlottetown are considerably lower than in many parts of the country.
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Brandon, Manitoba
The decidedly family-friendly destination of Brandon is quite attractive for new residents of Canada.
In addition to small-town charm, its strong points include low monthly daycare costs that are a few hundred dollars lower, on average, than other 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 it’s 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 rate of unemployment overall.
Canmore, Alberta
Few cities in Canada can compete with the natural beauty of Canmore, Alberta. Nestled within the picture-perfect Rocky Mountains, the city borders Banff National Park and is home to Canmore Nordic Centre 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.
Read More: Health Insurance for Foreigners in Canada
St. John’s, Newfoundland
One of the oldest cities in North America – and one of the closest to the European continent – St. John’s, Newfoundland, is Canada’s easternmost provincial capital. Famously friendly, it’s been welcoming people from around the world ever since the Vikings landed 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.
As well, St. John’s has a strong education sector topped off by the well-respected Memorial University.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax is sometimes referred to as the hub of Atlantic Canada, and it’s a small coastal city that’s growing fast. Home to the world’s second-largest natural harbor, Halifax is simply charming, with great restaurants, excellent culture, and six universities that draw thousands of international students every 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 has an above-average public healthcare system, and it’s not just for citizens. Having said that, people who are not citizens of Canada do not have immediate free access to public healthcare upon arrival to the country. Even once they do have access, many expats still opt for a private health insurance plan to supplement the coverage that the public healthcare system provides.
There are several reasons why people who live abroad in Canada choose to purchase an international private health insurance plan. Despite top-notch hospitals and immediate access to emergency treatment, Canada’s healthcare system can be prone to longer wait times for non-urgent procedures. Some physicians and other specialists may not accept new patients without a referral. These issues tend to be most evident in rural areas.
Purchasing a private health insurance plan can give expats peace of mind. Never assume that your domestic health insurance will cover you if you seek treatment when you’re living or traveling outside of your home country. In Canada, expats who seek medical attention at a hospital but who don’t have international medical insurance should be prepared to pay cash in full at the time of service.
A private plan can help to cover the cost of services and treatments not covered under the single payer healthcare system. At International Citizens, we’re specialized international insurance brokers who can help you find the best insurance plans for your needs. Take a look at our broad range of health insurance plans for international citizens to learn more about what options are available on the market.
Conclusion
Canada’s high quality of life spans charming hamlets with a small-town feel as well as some of the largest cities in the Commonwealth nation. From British Columbia to Prince Edward Island, its high standard of living, universal healthcare, strong economy, and natural beauty are an unmatchable option for immigrants, digital nomads, and other international citizens.
Find the Best International Insurance
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