The eight most livable cities for newcomers to Canada—and how to move there

Most newcomers choose one of Canada’s three “gateway cities” (Toronto, Montréal, and Vancouver), upon initially moving to the country due to work and schooling opportunities.

While these cities are often regarded as the most popular among new arrivals, the world’s second-largest country has much more to offer newcomers in terms of livability.

The Globe and Mail’s third annual livability rankings sought to uncover the best cities for newcomers in Canada, with consideration to multiple factors including housing, healthcare, economic opportunities, demographics, community, and more.

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This article will cover the top eight most livable cities for newcomers based on the ranking—as well as options that foreign nationals can pursue to move to each, to study, work, or settle permanently.

For each city, options will include:

Possibility of low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) supported work permit processing, per current restrictions;
Schools that can accept international students, and offer Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)-eligible programs; and
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams that can facilitate settlement to the city.

North Vancouver, British Columbia

North Vancouver appeals to newcomers who want the economic advantages of being next door to Vancouver with a quieter, more residential feel. It’s known for quick access to outdoor recreation in the North Shore Mountains, strong schools and family-friendly neighborhoods, and a very multicultural population with a lot of newcomer services across the wider Metro area.

The trade-off is cost: housing and day-to-day expenses are generally high compared to many other Canadian cities, so it tends to suit newcomers who have a solid job offer, are in higher-demand fields, or are comfortable with shared housing while they get established in British Columbia.

Low-wage LMIA processing: Yes.

As of the most recent update to regions in which low-wage LMIA applications will be processed (covering January 9, 2026, to April 9, 2026), the Census Metropolitan Area of Vancouver (which covers North Vancouver) was included (with an unemployment rate of 5.9%), allowing greater work permit access for newcomers.

PGWP-eligible schools

North Vancouver features eight Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) that offer PGWP-eligible programs, including:

British Columbia Institute of Technology;
Can Quest International College Inc.;
Capilano University;
DEA Canadian College;
Northeastern University;
Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver;
SAE Institute; and
Think Tank Training Centre.

PNP streams that newcomers can use

With the exception of the Regional Entrepreneur stream, all other pathways of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), would allow successful applicants to move to North Vancouver.

Pitt Meadows, British Columbia

Pitt Meadows is a quieter, family-oriented option within Metro Vancouver, offering a more suburban pace while still being within commuting distance of Vancouver. It can appeal to newcomers who want access to the Metro job market and services but prefer more space, parks, and a smaller community feel.

The trade-off is that it’s generally more car-dependent and less “big city” in terms of transit coverage and amenities—so it works best for newcomers who are comfortable commuting and using the wider region for work, school, and settlement supports.

Low-wage LMIA processing: Yes.

As of the most recent update to regions in which low-wage LMIA applications will be processed, the Census Metropolitan Area of Vancouver (which covers Pitt Meadows) was included (with an unemployment rate of 5.9%), allowing greater work permit access for newcomers.

PGWP-eligible schools

Pitt Meadows features eight DLIs that offer PGWP-eligible programs, including:

Canadian Aviation College;
Canadian Flight Centre (CFC);
Island Coastal Aviation Inc.;
Montair;
Pacific Rim Aviation Academy Inc.; and
Vancouver Aviation College.

PNP streams that newcomers can use

With the exception of the Regional Entrepreneur stream, all other pathways of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), would allow successful applicants to move to Pitt Meadows.

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Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa appeals to newcomers looking for a stable job market anchored by the federal public service, plus a growing tech ecosystem and a high quality of life. It’s also one of Canada’s most bilingual big cities (English/French), which can be a big advantage for francophone newcomers or anyone building French-language experience.

The trade-off is that winters are long and cold, and while Ottawa can be more affordable than Toronto or Vancouver, housing costs have still risen—so budgeting and neighbourhood choice matter.

Low-wage LMIA processing: No (currently)

Ottawa is in the Ottawa–Gatineau CMA, and the current published unemployment rate for the CMA is 6.8% for applications submitted January 9, 2026, to April 9, 2026—which triggers the “refusal to process” rule for low-wage LMIA applications (with limited exemptions for specific sectors/roles).

PGWP-eligible schools

Ottawa features 22 DLIs that offer PGWP-eligible programs, including (but not limited to):

Académie de Dessin de Mode Richard Robinson Academy of Fashion Design;
Academy of Learning College;
Algonquin Careers Academy;
Algonquin College;
CLLC Inc.;
Canadian National Institute of Health Inc.;
Carleton University;
Collège Boréal;
Herzing College;
International Business University; and
La Cité collégiale.

PNP streams that newcomers can use

There aren’t Ottawa-specific nominee streams, but most Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) pathways can support settling in Ottawa as long as the applicant intends to live in Ontario (i.e., on the Ontario side—not across the river in Gatineau, which is considered part of Quebec).

West Vancouver, British Columbia

West Vancouver appeals to newcomers who want the career and service advantages of being minutes from Vancouver, but with a quieter, more residential (and often more upscale) environment. It’s especially attractive if you value nature and views—easy access to places like Ambleside Park, Horseshoe Bay, and Cypress Mountain—while still being connected to the wider Metro job market.

The trade-off is cost: housing and day-to-day expenses are among the highest in the region, so it tends to work best for newcomers with a strong income plan (or who are comfortable commuting and using nearby municipalities for more budget-friendly options).

Low-wage LMIA processing: Yes.

As of the most recent update (covering January 9, 2026 to April 9, 2026), to regions in which low-wage LMIA applications will be processed, the Census Metropolitan Area of Vancouver (which covers West Vancouver) was included (with an unemployment rate of 5.9%), allowing greater work permit access for newcomers.

PGWP-eligible schools

West Vancouver did not feature any DLIs that offer PGWP-eligible programs.

PNP streams that newcomers can use

With the exception of the Regional Entrepreneur stream, all other pathways of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), would allow successful applicants to move to West Vancouver.

Regina, Saskatchewan

Regina appeals to newcomers who want a mid-sized Prairie city with a stable employment base and relatively manageable commuting. As Saskatchewan’s capital, it has steady public-sector and service-economy hiring and tends to be more affordable than Canada’s largest metros while still offering the amenities of a regional hub.

The trade-off is that it’s smaller and more car-oriented than the big metropolitan centres, and winters can be intense—so it’s best for newcomers who value stability, space, and a calmer pace over big-city density.

Low-wage LMIA processing: No (currently).

Regina is in the Regina CMA, and the unemployment rate listed for LMIA submissions from January 9, 2026, to April 9, 202,6 is 6.3%, which triggers the low-wage “refusal to process” rule.

PGWP-eligible schools

Regina features three DLIs that offer PGWP-eligible programs, including:

Regina Flying Club;
Saskatchewan Polytechnic; and
University of Regina (including Campion College, First Nations University of Canada and Luther College).

PNP streams that newcomers can use

Regina isn’t restricted or excluded under Saskatchewan’s Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)—successful nominees can settle in Regina as long as they genuinely intend to live in Saskatchewan.

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Winnipeg, Manitoba

Winnipeg appeals to newcomers who want a major Canadian city with a strong newcomer community, solid settlement supports, and a cost of living that’s often more manageable than the largest metros. As Manitoba’s economic hub, it offers a broad mix of jobs across public services, logistics, manufacturing, finance, and growing tech and professional sectors.

The trade-off is climate and distance: winters are long and cold, and travel to other major Canadian centres can feel less convenient—so it tends to suit newcomers who prioritize affordability and stability over mild weather.

Low-wage LMIA processing: Yes.

Winnipeg is in the Winnipeg CMA, and the unemployment rate listed for applications submitted January 9, 2026 to April 9, 2026 is 5.7% (below the 6% cutoff), so low-wage LMIAs are not refused on the unemployment-rate rule during this period (other low-wage rules and caps still apply).

PGWP-eligible schools

Winnipeg features 32 DLIs that offer PGWP-eligible programs, including (but not limited to):

Academy of Learning Winnipeg North (Computerized Accounting);
Assiniboine Community College;
Assiniboine Community College at Robertson College;
Aveda Institute Winnipeg (Hairstyling);
Booth University College;
CDI College (Winnipeg Campus) - [Intra-Oral Dental Assistant];
Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Studies;
Canadian Mennonite University;
Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) Manitoba;
Commonwealth College Inc. (Culinary Arts Level One, Hospitality, Logistics and Supply Chain Management); and
Heartland International English School.

PNP streams that newcomers can use

In general, most Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) pathways can support settling in Winnipeg.

Key exclusions to note:

The program’s regional initiatives are aimed at communities outside Winnipeg, and Manitoba’s Expression of Interest grid gives extra points for intending to settle outside Winnipeg (so Winnipeg-bound applicants may need stronger scores to compete).
In the Business Investor Stream, the Farm Investor Pathway is for establishing/operating a farm in rural Manitoba (not a Winnipeg-focused option).

Cranbrook, British Columbia

Cranbrook appeals to newcomers who want a smaller, more laid-back city that still functions as a regional hub for the surrounding East Kootenay. It’s a good fit for people who value space, a calmer pace, and easy access to outdoor recreation while still having essential services close by.

The trade-off is that it’s a smaller labour market than major metros and tends to be more car-dependent—so it often suits newcomers who already have a job lined up, work in in-demand local fields, or are comfortable with regional-style commuting.

Low-wage LMIA processing: Yes.

Because Cranbrook is a smaller census agglomeration (CA), low-wage LMIA applications “will remain eligible for processing” under this specific rule. Employment and Social Development Canada's LMIA-restrictions are only applicable to Census Metropolitan Agglomertations (CMAs)

PGWP-eligible schools

Cranbrook features one DLIs that offers PGWP-eligible programs: The College of the Rockies.

PNP streams that newcomers can use

All BC PNP work-based pathways can support settling in Cranbrook. Including the Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional pathway.

Quispamsis, New Brunswick

Quispamsis appeals to newcomers who want a quieter, family-friendly community with easy access to the jobs, services, and settlement supports of the wider Saint John area. It’s a good fit for people who prefer a suburban pace, parks and green space, and a smaller-town feel while still being close to a major regional hub.

The trade-off is that it’s generally more car-oriented and “commuter-style” than a big city—so, it works best if you’re comfortable relying on the broader Saint John region for work and some amenities.

Low-wage LMIA processing: Yes.

Quispamsis falls under the Saint John CMA. On Employment and Social Development Canada’s most recent CMA unemployment table, Saint John, New Brunswick is listed at 5.8% for applications submitted January 9, 2026 to April 9, 2026 (below the 6% cutoff), so low-wage LMIAs are not refused on the unemployment-rate rule during this period.

PGWP-eligible schools

Quispamsis did not feature any DLIs that offer PGWP-eligible programs.

PNP streams that newcomers can use

There aren’t Quispamsis-specific nominee pathways—successful nominees under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) can generally settle in Quispamsis as long as they genuinely intend to live in New Brunswick.

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