Canada is renowned for its exceptional quality of life, blending the vibrancy of urban centers with breathtaking natural landscapes. In 2025, the country’s cities continue to set global standards for liveability, offering residents a mix of safety, culture, education, healthcare, and robust infrastructure. This article explores the top Top 10 Most Livable Cities in Canada 2025, drawing on the latest data from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and The Globe and Mail, and provides practical insights for anyone considering life in these urban gems.
What Makes a City Liveable?
Understanding the Liveability Index
The EIU’s Global Liveability Index evaluates 173 cities worldwide using a 100-point scale across five key categories:
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Stability (25%): Safety, crime rates, and political stability.
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Healthcare (20%): Access to quality medical services and public health outcomes.
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Culture and Environment (25%): Recreation, climate, cultural diversity, and environmental quality.
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Education (10%): Access to quality schools and higher education.
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Infrastructure (20%): Transportation networks, housing, and utilities.
In 2025, the global average score is 76.1, while Canadian cities consistently score above 80, reflecting their exceptional liveability. Despite some challenges—especially in healthcare—Canada’s cities remain among the world’s best places to live.
Top 10 Most Livable Cities in Canada 2025
Below is a curated list of Canada’s top 10 most liveable cities for 2025, integrating EIU global rankings and national insights from The Globe and Mail.
| Rank | City | Province | Estimated Score | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vancouver | British Columbia | 95.8 | Culture, Environment, Education |
| 2 | Calgary | Alberta | 94.7 | Economy, Affordability, Infrastructure |
| 3 | Toronto | Ontario | ~90 | Culture, Education, Economy |
| 4 | North Vancouver | British Columbia | ~85 | Amenities, Community, Nature Access |
| 5 | Victoria | British Columbia | ~84 | Climate, Amenities, Healthcare |
| 6 | West Vancouver | British Columbia | ~83 | Safety, Environment, Community |
| 7 | Ottawa | Ontario | ~82 | Education, Stability, Infrastructure |
| 8 | Montreal | Quebec | ~80 | Culture, Affordability, Education |
| 9 | Oakville | Ontario | ~80 | Safety, Economy, Community |
| 10 | Saskatoon | Saskatchewan | ~79 | Affordability, Community, Education |
Top 10 Canadian Cities
1. Vancouver, British Columbia
Global Rank: 10th (EIU 2025)
Estimated Score: 95.8
Vancouver stands out for its stunning natural setting between mountains and the Pacific Ocean, multicultural vibrancy, and top-tier universities like UBC. It scores perfectly for culture and environment, and its bike-friendly transit and sustainability initiatives further enhance its appeal. However, high housing costs and hospital wait times remain significant challenges.
2. Calgary, Alberta
Global Rank: 18th (EIU 2025)
Estimated Score: 94.7
Calgary is celebrated for its affordability, robust economy, and proximity to the Rockies. The city’s CTrain transit and green spaces like Nose Hill Park add to its liveability. While healthcare access and harsh winters are drawbacks, Calgary’s lower costs and outdoor opportunities make it attractive for families and adventurers.
3. Toronto, Ontario
Global Rank: 16th (EIU 2025)
Estimated Score: ~90
Toronto is a powerhouse of diversity, economic opportunity, and cultural richness, hosting events like the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and Caribana. The University of Toronto and TTC transit are strengths, but high living costs and traffic congestion are persistent issues.
4. North Vancouver, British Columbia
North Vancouver excels in amenities, community, and access to nature, making it ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. However, high housing costs and limited job diversity are challenges.
5. Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria is known for its mild climate, walkable downtown, and quality healthcare. It is especially appealing to retirees and newcomers, though high housing costs and a smaller job market can be limiting.
6. West Vancouver, British Columbia
West Vancouver offers safety, stunning ocean views, and strong community ties. It is a haven for affluent families, though exorbitant housing prices are a drawback.
7. Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa’s stable economy, top universities, and extensive bike paths make it appealing to professionals and families. Cold winters and a less vibrant cultural scene compared to Toronto are notable challenges.
8. Montreal, Quebec
Montreal shines with its bilingual culture, affordable housing, and vibrant arts scene. It attracts creatives and students, though aging infrastructure and harsh winters are drawbacks.
9. Oakville, Ontario
Oakville is known for safety, a strong economy, and community vibrancy. Its proximity to Toronto and quality schools make it ideal for families, though high housing costs are a concern.
10. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Saskatoon stands out for its affordability, community spirit, and education, with the University of Saskatchewan as a major draw. Harsh winters and a smaller job market are challenges.
Comparing Canada’s Top Cities to Global Leaders
The EIU’s 2025 rankings place Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto among the world’s top 20 most liveable cities. Below is a comparative table with global leaders:
| Category | Copenhagen (1st) | Vienna (2nd) | Vancouver (10th) | Calgary (18th) | Toronto (16th) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stability | 100 | ~95 | ~95 | ~95 | ~95 |
| Healthcare | ~95 | 100 | ~85 | ~80 | ~85 |
| Culture/Environment | ~95 | ~95 | 100 | ~90 | ~95 |
| Education | 100 | 100 | ~95 | ~95 | ~95 |
| Infrastructure | 100 | 100 | ~95 | ~95 | ~90 |
| Overall Score | 98.0 | ~97 | 95.8 | 94.7 | ~90 |
Challenges and Trends in Canadian Liveability
Healthcare Strains
Healthcare remains the primary challenge, with long wait times, staffing shortages, and hospital overcrowding affecting scores in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and Montreal.
Housing Costs
Vancouver and Toronto face high housing prices, while Calgary and Saskatoon offer greater affordability.
Climate and Infrastructure
Harsh winters in Montreal and Saskatoon can be challenging, while Victoria enjoys a mild climate. Infrastructure investments are needed in Montreal and Toronto to address aging systems and congestion.
Sustainability and Community
Vancouver and Victoria lead in sustainability, with green initiatives and community-focused policies. Smaller cities like North Vancouver and West Vancouver emphasize community ties and safety.
Practical Tips for Choosing a Liveable Canadian City
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Define Priorities: Families may prefer safety and education (Oakville, North Vancouver), while professionals may seek jobs and culture (Toronto, Vancouver).
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Assess Costs: Calgary and Saskatoon offer affordability; Vancouver and West Vancouver are pricier.
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Consider Climate: Victoria’s mild weather suits retirees; Calgary’s winters appeal to adventurers.
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Visit First: Experience a city’s vibe—Montreal’s artsy charm vs. Ottawa’s stability.
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Check Healthcare: Confirm medical access, given national healthcare challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Which is the most liveable city in Canada in 2025?
A: Vancouver is Canada’s most liveable city in 2025, ranking 10th globally in the EIU Liveability Index.
Q2: What are the top 3 most liveable cities in Canada?
A: The top 3 are Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto.
Q3: What challenges do Canadian cities face in liveability?
A: Key challenges include healthcare strains, high housing costs, and infrastructure needs.