These are the most livable cities in Canada for newcomers in 2024

author avatar
Janice Rodrigues
Published: December 26, 2024

Victoria has been named the most livable city in Canada for newcomers, according to a new ranking.

Every year, The Globe and Mail releases its annual ranking of most Livable Cities in Canada.

Moving to Canada? Sign up for our special newsletter!

One of the six rankings is specifically designed for newcomers to Canada, which are defined as individuals who have arrived in Canada over the past five years.

In the 2024 ranking of Most Livable Cities for Newcomers, British Columbia's capital claimed the top spot, moving up from second place in 2023.

British Columbia was heavily featured in the list, with all the top three cities hailing from the province.

Winnipeg, in Manitoba, was named fourth on the list while Saskatoon, in Saskatchewan, came in fifth.

Few cities in Ontario made it into the top 20 of the Most Livable Cities for Newcomers list.

Erin was ranked as the most livable city in Ontario, placing 18th overall, followed by Oakville, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Ottawa, and Guelph.

The list of top 20 cities in Canada can be seen here.

  1. Victoria, British Columbia
  2. North Vancouver, British Columbia
  3. Penticton, British Columbia
  4. Winnipeg, Manitoba
  5. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
  6. Regina, Saskatchewan
  7. West Vancouver, British Columbia
  8. Pitt Meadows, British Columbia
  9. Whitehorse, Yukon
  10. Kamloops, British Columbia
  11. Fredericton, New Brunswick
  12. Vernon, British Columbia
  13. Calgary, Alberta
  14. Brandon, Manitoba
  15. Terrace, British Columbia
  16. Saanich, British Columbia
  17. North Cowichan, British Columbia
  18. Erin, Ontario
  19. Delta, British Columbia
  20. Vancouver, British Columbia

Methodology

The Globe and Mail’s rankings are designed to “help people find the best city for them based on their stage of life.”

The newcomer-specific ranking looks at factors such as easy integration into the community, access to basic amenities, and affordable housing.

It also places weight on demographic factors, the economy, and housing variables.

The Globe and Mail rankings looked at 448 cities across the country with populations over 10,000. Its evaluation included an analysis of 50 variables which spanned 10 categories such as healthcare, safety, education, community, transportation, and climate.

Earlier this month, another BC city received recognition, with Mercer’s annual Quality of Living survey naming Vancouver among the best cities for quality of life — and several other Canadian cities also made the cut.

Moving to Canada? Sign up for our special newsletter!

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
Interested in Canada’s H-1B pathway? Maximize your chances by keeping these documents ready
Businessman looking at documents
Looking to move to Canada as an American? Here are your work permit options
Person travelling to Canada
These occupations can lead to Canadian permanent residence without prior Canadian work experience
A lecturer in a college
These study programs offer the best shot at Canadian permanent residence for international student graduates
Man stands on a cliff, overlooking Peyto Lake in Alberta, Canada, with mountains visible all around.
Top Stories
Snowstorm caught you off guard? Here’s how to be better prepared for the next one
Quebec invites over 1,800 candidates across various sectors and occupations through the PSTQ
IRCC’s December processing times bring positive news for many study permit, PGP applicants
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Canada
IRCC’s December processing times bring positive news for many study permit, PGP applicants
Smiling man sitting at a test, with a laptop to his side and a tablet in his hands.
Interested in Canada’s H-1B pathway? Maximize your chances by keeping these documents ready
Businessman looking at documents
Permanent residence pathways you can qualify for with NCLC level 5 French
Upper body shot of a man in a white shirt and black blazer smiling as he walks outside.
Canada launches new streams to attract and retain top research talent from abroad
A group of researchers working hard as part of Canada's new global talent initiative.
Link copied to clipboard