Top Canadian Cities Shine in 2026 Global Rankings & PNP News
Top 5 Canadian Cities Ranked Among the World’s Best for 2026
Canada continues to shine on the global stage, with five of its cities earning spots in the 2026 edition of the World’s Best Cities Report. Toronto led the pack, ranking in the top 20, but it wasn’t the only Canadian gem to make the list. From coast to coast, our cities are being recognized for their livability, culture, and economic opportunity.
The rankings, compiled by British Columbia-based Resonance Consultancy, evaluated cities using a mix of hard data and user-generated content to determine the best places in the world to live, visit, and invest in. Let’s take a closer look at how Canadian cities performed and what makes them stand out.
Key Highlights
- Toronto ranked 17th globally, praised for multiculturalism and economic growth
- Vancouver earned 41st place, recognized for its environment and talent pool
- Montreal came in at 46th, celebrated for innovation and vibrant urban design
- Ottawa placed 73rd, noted for its reinvention and tech investment
- Calgary ranked 85th, thanks to its affordability and youthful energy
- Rankings were based on three main pillars: Livability, Lovability, and Prosperity
Which Canadian Cities Made the Top 100?
Here’s how our homegrown cities stacked up in the 2026 World’s Best Cities Report:
| City | 2026 Global Ranking |
|---|---|
| Toronto | 17 |
| Vancouver | 41 |
| Montreal | 46 |
| Ottawa | 73 |
| Calgary | 85 |
How the Rankings Were Determined
To build this globally respected list, Resonance Consultancy used a unique “Place Power” score. This score blends measurable data (like GDP, infrastructure, and educational institutions) with online sentiment gathered from platforms like Google, Instagram, and TikTok.
The ranking system is built around three pillars:
- Livability: Measures the quality of natural and built environments
- Lovability: Looks at culture, entertainment, dining, and nightlife
- Prosperity: Evaluates economic performance, job markets, and ability to attract talent
Spotlight on the Top-Ranked Canadian Cities
Toronto (#17)
Although Toronto slipped slightly from 15th place last year, it remains firmly in the global top 20. The city’s strong economic growth, multicultural population, and reputation as a newcomer-friendly hub helped secure its high ranking. In fact, a majority of Toronto’s residents were born outside of Canada, making it one of the most diverse cities in the world.
Vancouver (#41)
Vancouver continues to impress with its stunning natural scenery and top-tier livability. It’s described in the report as “gorgeous and smart”—a nod to its clean air, respected universities, and innovation-driven economy. If you’re a nature lover who also wants access to tech-driven job markets, Vancouver ticks all the boxes.
Montreal (#46)
Montreal earns high marks for its progressive urban planning, bustling cultural scene, and growing reputation as a global innovation hub. The city’s pedestrian-only main streets and strong university network make it a magnet for students, creatives, and entrepreneurs alike.
Ottawa (#73)
Canada’s capital is quietly making waves. Ottawa is being recognized for its transformation into a cosmopolitan centre, supported by investments in AI and tech, revitalized downtown spaces, and top educational institutions. About a quarter of its population was born abroad, showing the city’s growing appeal among immigrants.
Calgary (#85)
Rounding out the list is Calgary, a city known for its youthful population and rapidly expanding tech scene. Affordable housing compared to other major cities and robust urban development projects are helping Calgary draw both talent and investment.
Immigration’s Role in City Development
Immigration was a key factor in the success of cities like Toronto and Ottawa. Both were praised for their openness to newcomers and population growth driven by immigration.
Toronto was described as “Canada’s sensible gateway for immigration,” reflecting its long-standing role as a major entry point for skilled newcomers. Meanwhile, Ottawa’s evolution is also linked to increasing immigration levels and the development of transit-friendly communities.
Speaking of immigration, Canada recently announced its targets for the coming years. Under the Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028, the government aims to welcome 380,000 new permanent residents in 2026. Interestingly, 64% of these admissions will be under economic immigration programs, such as Express Entry and the Manitoba PNP.
Thinking About Starting a New Life in Canada?
If you’re inspired by the global recognition of Canadian cities and are considering a move, there’s no better time to start planning. Canada’s immigration system is designed to attract skilled talent through programs like Express Entry, which includes:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Applicants are evaluated using a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns points for factors like work experience, education, and language ability. The higher your score, the better your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Not sure where to begin? Start by checking your eligibility and exploring provincial programs like the Manitoba PNP, especially if you’re drawn to cities like Winnipeg or smaller communities that offer a lower cost of living and high quality of life.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s continued presence in the top rankings of the World’s Best Cities report is more than just national pride—it’s proof that our cities offer incredible opportunities for newcomers, investors, and travellers alike. Whether you’re eyeing Toronto’s global energy, Vancouver’s natural beauty, or Calgary’s growth potential, there’s a Canadian city that could be your perfect fit.
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