Canada continues to shine in global rankings, with all its top cities scoring above 80 in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) 2025 Global Liveability Index. From the breathtaking landscapes of Vancouver to the suburban calm of Saskatoon, discover where Canadians and newcomers thrive.
🌍 What Makes a City Truly Livable?
The EIU Global Liveability Index assesses 173 cities on five key dimensions:
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Stability – safety, crime, political calm
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Healthcare – access, quality, and public health
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Culture & Environment – climate, green spaces, diversity
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Education – availability of quality schooling
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Infrastructure – transport, utilities, housing
The global average score is 76.1. Canadian cities consistently overperform, with Vancouver scoring a high 95.8
🎯 Canada’s Top 10 Most Livable Cities (2025)
Here’s our curated ranking, merging EIU’s international data with national insights from The Globe and Mail:
| Rank | City | Province | Est. Score | Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vancouver | BC | 95.8 | Culture, environment, education |
| 2 | Calgary | AB | 94.7 | Affordability, economy, infrastructure |
| 3 | Toronto | ON | ~90 | Culture, education, job opportunities |
| 4 | North Vancouver | BC | ~85 | Community, amenities, nature access |
| 5 | Victoria | BC | ~84 | Mild climate, services, healthcare |
| 6 | West Vancouver | BC | ~83 | Safety, community, environment |
| 7 | Ottawa | ON | ~82 | Education, stability, infrastructure |
| 8 | Montreal | QC | ~80 | Culture, affordability, education |
| 9 | Oakville | ON | ~80 | Safety, economy, suburban charm |
| 10 | Saskatoon | SK | ~79 | Affordability, community, schooling |
Source: EIU rankings for big cities; The Globe and Mail and local insights for smaller centres
🇨🇦 Deep Dive on Canada’s Top 3
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Vancouver (95.8 | 10th globally): Lauded for its stunning Pacific setting, vibrant multicultural scene, top universities (like UBC), and excellent transit. Challenges include high housing costs and healthcare wait times
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Calgary (94.7 | 18th globally): Known for affordability and robust economy, with proximity to the Rockies. However, the city dropped from 5th due to healthcare strains
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Toronto (~90 | 16th globally): Canada’s economic nucleus offers unmatched cultural diversity and educational excellence. High living costs and traffic congestion are offset by infrastructure projects like the Ontario Line .
🌐 Global Comparison
In worldwide rankings, cities like Copenhagen (98.0) and Vienna (97.1) lead. Vancouver stands alone as North America’s only city in the global top 10, ranked 10th
🔍 Challenges Facing Canada’s Cities
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Healthcare: Systemic strains lowered scores in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and Montreal
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Housing Costs: Skyrocketing prices hit Vancouver and Toronto hardest.
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Infrastructure & Climate: Traffic congestion and harsh winters impact Montreal, Toronto, and Saskatoon.
Still, Canada’s cities rank among the world’s best, offering stability, safety, and opportunity
🌱 Trends Shaping Liveability
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Healthcare Investment Needed – key to maintaining rankings.
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Affordability Lures – smaller cities like Saskatoon and Oakville are gaining attention.
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Green & Sustainable Growth – eco-friendly initiatives in Vancouver and Victoria set benchmarks.
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Community-Centric Living – North and West Vancouver emphasize tight-knit communities.
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Welcoming Newcomers – Victoria leads in newcomer friendliness.
✅ Choosing Your Ideal Canadian City
Tip #1: Know Your Priorities
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Families: Safety and schools → Oakville, North Vancouver
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Young professionals: Jobs and culture → Toronto, Vancouver
Tip #2: Budget Mindfully
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Urban: Vancouver, Toronto
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Affordable alternatives: Calgary, Saskatoon
Tip #3: Mind the Climate
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Mild: Victoria
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Adventurous: Calgary’s winters
Tip #4: Visit Before Moving
Experience lifestyle differences firsthand (e.g., vibrant Montreal vs serene Ottawa).
Tip #5: Check Medical Access
Some systems are strained—so choose with foresight.
🛂 How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada
Choosing where to live is only part of your journey. ICC Immigration provides expert guidance on making Canada your home through legal, efficient, and risk-free immigration pathways:
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Permanent Residency (PR) Applications via Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
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Work & Study Permits as secure steps toward PR.
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Family Sponsorship to bring relatives into Canada hassle-free.
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Legal Guidance to navigate immigration regulations confidently.
Avoid the uncertainty of asylum; choose a strategic and secure path to permanent residency with ICC Immigration.
🔎 Final Take
Canada’s 2025 liveability rankings are a testament to the country’s quality of life—from the global prestige of Vancouver to the promising potential of Oakville and Saskatoon. As healthcare and housing pose challenges, Canada remains enviably livable. And with ICC Immigration at your side, you can not only pick the best city for your lifestyle—but also confidently build a stable, welcoming future through tailored immigration solutions.