The Most Livable Cities in Canada for Newcomers in 2026

To help, the Globe and Mail recently released its third annual list of the most livable cities in Canada. There’s also a list showing the best cities for newcomers to Canada.  

Some cities rank highly overall thanks to lifestyle, amenities, and long-term livability. But, the best cities for newcomers often stand out for different reasons — like affordability, access to jobs, and strong community support. This comparison shows that a “top” city isn’t always the best place to start your newcomer journey, and choosing the right city can make settling in Canada smoother and more successful.  

The same top four cities appear in both the overall full rankings and the best cities for newcomers, while the fifth-best spot for newcomers offers something a little different. Here is a deeper dive into the top five cities for newcomers.  

North Vancouver Topping the Charts  

North Vancouver tops the list for both the most livable cities overall and as the best city for newcomers. As the name indicates, it’s located on the north side of Vancouver Harbour.  

It ranks high for climate, access to outdoor activities, proximity to mountains, water, and overall cleanliness. It also has a higher-than-average median household income, which means people who live here tend to earn more than the average Canadian resident.    

It doesn’t get as cold as the rest of Canada either, with no days colder than –15 C°.  

It does fall a little short in affordability, though. The cost of an average family home is just over $1.5 million, with average rent at $2,366 per month.  

Ottawa is the Top Major City  

If you are considering a bigger city, the Globe ranks Ottawa as the best major city to live in overall. It is the highest-ranking major city on the list of best cities for newcomers and the fourth-best city overall.   

Ottawa ranks among the most affordable major cities in Canada, with an average home value of $654,106. It also gets points for outdoor access and cultural activities, such as art galleries and it is home to several national museums.   

There is also a large population of newcomers. Statistics Canada puts the foreign-born population at approximately 313,845 as of 2021.  

Ottawa also made the news lately as the best Canadian city in Numbeos’ annual Quality of Life index report.   

Pitt Meadows for a Small Town  

Two more Vancouver areas round out the top four cities on both the full ranking and the newcomers list.   

Pitt Meadows is the second-most livable city for newcomers and the third-most livable place in Canada overall.  It is a smaller town located a little inland from Vancouver.   

It has the feel of a small town (a population of just 20,000) while still being considered part of Metro Vancouver. It’s a good option for newcomers looking for a quieter place to live.   

West Vancouver, Mid-sized and Coastal  

West Vancouver is more coastal and is known for its many amenities and a strong sense of community. Like North Vancouver, it offers outdoor living in a temperate climate and has a smaller population.  

Also, like North Vancouver, affordability could be an issue. The Globe and Mail ranks it 387 out of 454 cities in terms of housing affordability.   

Regina, Canada’s Sunniest Capital  

Regina is something of a departure from BC’s mountains and oceans, but the Globe ranks it 5th among the best cities for newcomers.   

Saskatchewan’s biggest city is both affordable (average primary real estate value:  

$341,746) and cold with more than 60 days a year below –15C. But it doesn’t rain often! In fact, it’s the sunniest provincial capital in Canada.  

Those willing to bundle up might find it’s the right fit. The population is mid-sized at 256,847, and the Globe reports that over 70% of residents have a strong sense of community.   

Still can’t Decide?  

At the end of the day, choosing where to settle in Canada is a personal decision. It’s really about knowing what you want and if you can make it work. Reach out to friends or family who have immigrated to Canada, check social media and join groups to get first-hand feedback on the places you are considering. Just remember that no move comes without a few surprises, but surprises can be good!   

Need more information? Check out our destination guides for more information on Canadian cities and join the Moving2canada community for more insights on life in Canada.