Top 10 Happiest Cities in Canada (2025) Backed by Real Government Data

Key Takeaways

• This ranking is based on official well-being indicators from Statistics Canada’s Quality of Life Hub.
• The ranking is based on a recent survey conducted by Statistics Canada.
• The happiest cities are evaluated using six core metrics: life satisfaction, sense of purpose, hopeful outlook, low loneliness, community belonging, and social support.
• Rouyn-Noranda, QC is recognized as the happiest city in Canada for 2025.
• The data was released in July 2025.
• Smaller cities in Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador dominate the top 10, suggesting a strong link between community size and well-being.

The Importance of Measuring Canada’s Happiest Cities

Understanding which cities in Canada rank highest in happiness isn’t just a feel-good exercise—it’s a meaningful way to assess the overall quality of life experienced by residents. Happiness is increasingly recognized as a key indicator of societal well-being, going beyond traditional economic metrics like GDP or employment rates.

By measuring factors such as life satisfaction, sense of purpose, social support, and community belonging, we gain valuable insights into how people truly feel about their lives and environments. The information gathered provides valuable insights for policy and urban planning, and also helps individuals make more informed decisions about where to live, work, or raise a family.

In a country as diverse and vast as Canada, identifying the happiest cities highlights what’s working well—and where there’s room for growth. Now, thanks to the Government of Canada’s Quality of Life Framework, we can access data that reflects how people truly feel in their communities, using 6 well-being indicators. The Quality of Life Framework relies on survey data collected from residents across Canada to ensure the information is accurate and representative.

Top 10 Happiest Cities in Canada (2025)

Using the most recent data from Statistics Canada (Quality of life indicators by census subdivision), we calculated the Composite Happiness Score for each city, using the six key well-being indicators used in the survey:

• High Life Satisfaction: This refers to the percentage of individuals who rated their overall life satisfaction as 8, 9, or 10 on a scale from 0 (very dissatisfied) to 10 (very satisfied).
• Strong Sense of Meaning and Purpose: This measures the share of people who feel their daily activities are meaningful, scoring 8 or higher on a scale from 0 (not at all) to 10 (completely).
• Hopeful Outlook: This represents the proportion of respondents who reported that they “often” or “always” feel hopeful about their future.
• Low Levels of Loneliness: This captures the percentage of individuals who said they “rarely” or “never” experience feelings of loneliness.
• Reliable Social Support: This indicates how many people feel they “often” or “always” have someone they can rely on during times of need.
• Strong Community Belonging: This reflects the percentage of people who described their connection to their local community as “very strong” or “somewhat strong.”

Each indicator was expressed as a percentage, and the final score was derived by equally weighting and averaging these six values. The order of cities in the table below is based on their composite scores, which were determined from survey responses.

This approach provided a balanced perspective on overall happiness, capturing both emotional well-being and social connectedness. Here are the results:

The Nation’s Well-Being Winner

And the winner is Rouyn-Noranda. Nestled in western of Quebec province, it is a vibrant city of around 42,300 residents, known for its strong community spirit and rich artistic energy. It hosts major cultural events like the Festival de musique émergente (FME) and the Festival du cinéma international en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, which draw creatives and visitors from across the country.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes and boreal forests, the city offers easy access to nature and year-round outdoor recreation. With its unique blend of culture, connection, and calm, Rouyn-Noranda proudly earned the title of Canada’s happiest city to live in for 2025.

Quebec is the most represented province, with five cities making it into the top 10 and the happiest province. This strong showing suggests that Quebec’s communities may benefit from a combination of cultural cohesion, accessible public services, and a high quality of life that supports overall well-being.

Newfoundland and Labrador also performs remarkably well, with three cities featured in the top rankings. This highlights the province’s reputation for close-knit communities and strong social support networks—factors that are often linked to higher levels of happiness. Meanwhile, New Brunswick and Manitoba each contribute one city to the list, showing that smaller provinces can also foster environments where residents thrive emotionally and socially.

On the other hand, several provinces are notably absent from the top 10. These include Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan. While these provinces are home to many vibrant and diverse communities, their absence from the list may reflect challenges such as urban stress, higher living costs, or lower scores in areas like community belonging and perceived social support.

From a demographic perspective, the cities on the list vary widely in size. Lévis, Quebec, is the most populous among them, with an estimated 145,000 residents. It offers a blend of urban infrastructure and community well-being, proving that larger cities can still foster happiness when the right conditions are in place. In contrast, Clarenville, Newfoundland and Labrador, is the smallest city in the top 10, with just 6,500 residents. Its inclusion underscores the idea that smaller towns, with their tight-knit communities and slower pace of life, can be powerful incubators of happiness.

These insights not only highlight where happiness thrives in Canada but also offer a deeper understanding of the social and regional dynamics that contribute to well-being across the country.

What These Cities Have in Common

The cities that ranked highest in happiness across Canada share several key characteristics and features that contribute to their residents’ well-being. Most are small to mid-sized communities, where people often enjoy a slower pace of life, lower population density, and stronger social ties. These cities tend to foster a greater sense of belonging, with residents reporting high levels of social support and community connection. Access to nature, shorter commutes, and a more affordable cost of living may also play a role in boosting life satisfaction and reducing stress.

Another common thread is the tight-knit nature of these communities. There are many ways these communities foster happiness, such as organizing community events, building support networks, and encouraging participation in local traditions.

Whether it’s Rouyn-Noranda’s cultural vibrancy or Clarenville’s small-town charm, these places offer environments where people feel seen, supported, and engaged. The data suggests that happiness in Canada isn’t necessarily tied to economic power or urban scale, but rather to the quality of everyday life and relationships.

In contrast, many of Canada’s largest and most well-known cities—such as Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, and Montreal—did not appear in the top 10. While these urban centers offer diverse job markets, cultural attractions, and global connectivity, they also face challenges that can impact well-being. High housing costs, long commutes, and urban isolation are common issues in larger cities. Residents may have access to more services, but often at the expense of community cohesion and personal connection. These cities may score well in economic indicators, but the emotional and social dimensions of happiness can be harder to sustain in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.

This contrast highlights an important takeaway: happiness is not just about opportunity—it’s about connection, purpose, and support. And in Canada, those qualities are often found in the places you might least expect. Other cities can learn valuable lessons from the happiest cities in Canada by adopting similar features and exploring new ways to strengthen community bonds.

Happiness Levels in Canada

As we look ahead, it’s clear that happiness in Canada is about more than just numbers—it’s about the lived experiences of people in cities and towns from coast to coast. The 2025 happiness index shows that well-being thrives where there’s a strong sense of community, reliable social support, and a meaningful connection to place.

The future of happiness in Canada will likely be shaped by ongoing changes in how we live, work, and connect. As more people seek out cities and provinces that align with their values and lifestyle, the importance of well-being indicators will only grow. Governments, companies, and communities are increasingly using data and similar technologies to improve content, provide safer experiences, and help people make informed decisions about where to live.

Choose the Best City for you!

For those considering a fresh start in Canada—or already planning their move—the message is clear: this country places a high value on happiness and is actively working to create communities where people can truly thrive.

But as this ranking shows, not all cities or provinces offer the same experience. That’s why it’s so important to stay informed about the differences between regions, from lifestyle and affordability to social support and overall well-being. Making a big move is about more than just geography—it’s about finding the right fit for your goals and values.

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