Canada’s Most Livable Cities in 2026: Ottawa Tops the List
Ottawa Named Most Livable City in North America for 2026: See How Other Canadian Cities Ranked
- Ottawa is officially the most livable city in North America for 2026, topping Canadian and U.S. entries in the latest Numbeo rankings.
- 17 Canadian cities across 7 provinces made the global Quality of Life Index for 2026.
- Nanaimo, Victoria, and Vancouver secured top 5 national rankings alongside Ottawa and Quebec City.
- Six Canadian cities placed in the top 100 globally, showing Canada’s strong quality of life across the board.
- New cities on the 2026 list include Brampton, Hamilton, and Nanaimo.
- Rankings are based on key factors like cost of living, safety, healthcare, pollution, and commute times.
When it comes to choosing a place to live in Canada, a lot of factors come into play — from affordability to safety to access to green space. If you’ve ever wondered which Canadian cities offer the best quality of life, you’ll want to hear this: according to the latest 2026 data from Numbeo, Ottawa has taken top honours, ranking as not only the most livable city in Canada but also the best in all of North America.
Let’s unpack what that means, which cities made the cut, and how the rest of Canada stacks up.
Why Ottawa Took the Crown in 2026
In Numbeo’s global Quality of Life Index, Ottawa landed in the 28th spot worldwide, outperforming every other city in North America — including popular U.S. contenders like Boise, Idaho, which held that title in 2025. This year, Ottawa stood out thanks to its strong performance in key indicators like affordable living, low crime rates, and shorter commute times.
For residents and newcomers alike, Ottawa offers a well-balanced lifestyle. It combines the perks of a capital city — cultural institutions, green space, and government job opportunities — with a relatively moderate cost of living compared to other major cities like Toronto or Vancouver.
Which Canadian Cities Made the 2026 Quality of Life List?
Canada had a strong showing overall, with 17 cities across seven provinces making it into the global rankings. Ontario led the pack with six cities featured.
| Province | City |
|---|---|
| Ontario | Ottawa, London, Mississauga, Toronto, Brampton, Hamilton |
| British Columbia | Nanaimo, Victoria, Vancouver, Kelowna |
| Alberta | Calgary, Edmonton |
| Quebec | Quebec City, Montreal |
| Saskatchewan | Regina |
| Manitoba | Winnipeg |
| Nova Scotia | Halifax |
Notably, Brampton, Hamilton, and Nanaimo were new entrants for 2026, pushing the total up from 14 Canadian cities in last year’s list.
Top 5 Most Livable Cities in Canada for 2026
Within Canada, the top five cities stood out for their high scores across several categories:
- Ottawa, Ontario
- Nanaimo, British Columbia
- Victoria, British Columbia
- Vancouver, British Columbia
- Quebec City, Quebec
British Columbia had a particularly strong showing, with three cities in the top five. Nanaimo, a coastal gem on Vancouver Island, took the second spot — a big win for this smaller B.C. city that’s becoming increasingly popular with retirees and remote workers alike.
How Rankings Have Shifted Since 2025
There were some interesting shakeups in this year’s national rankings. Here’s how the top five cities from 2025 performed in 2026:
- Calgary dropped from 1st to 6th place
- Ottawa moved up from 2nd to claim the top spot
- Vancouver rose one place to 4th
- Edmonton dropped four spots to 8th
- Mississauga fell from 5th all the way to 12th
These changes reflect growing shifts in affordability, traffic, and housing — key concerns for many Canadians today.
Canadian Cities on the Global Stage
Globally, six Canadian cities ranked among the top 100 most livable cities out of a pool of 304 cities across 95 countries. That’s one less than last year, but still shows Canada’s strong presence in the world when it comes to quality of life.
Besides Ottawa, cities like Nanaimo, Vancouver, Quebec City, Montreal, and Toronto also appeared in the global top 100 — often tying with cities like Auckland, New Zealand or Salt Lake City, U.S., in terms of overall score.
It’s also worth noting that Winnipeg and Brampton tied with Lisbon and Windhoek respectively, suggesting that even outside Canada’s biggest metros, life is still pretty sweet.
What Factors Go Into Ranking Quality of Life?
The Quality of Life Index by Numbeo evaluates cities based on a blend of practical and lifestyle factors, including:
- Purchasing Power – Can residents afford everyday goods and services?
- Cost of Living – Is it relatively affordable to live in the city?
- Pollution – What’s the air and water quality like?
- Safety – How safe do people feel day and night?
- Healthcare – Are services accessible and high-quality?
- Climate – Are weather conditions comfortable year-round?
- Traffic Commute Time – How long does it take to get to and from work?
- Housing Affordability – How does the cost of housing compare with income?
These elements are weighted using both user-reported data and figures collected from reliable sources like government agencies and service providers. Each city is then given an overall score, which determines its place in the ranking.
Final Thoughts: What This Means for Canadians and Newcomers
Whether you’re a long-time resident, a newcomer, or someone considering a move within Canada, these rankings are a great starting point for making informed decisions about where to live. Cities like Ottawa, Nanaimo, and Quebec City show that you don’t always have to aim for the biggest or most expensive cities to enjoy a high quality of life.
If you’re looking to move to Canada through a provincial nominee program (PNP), this kind of data can also help guide your choices based on livability. For example, if Manitoba’s on your radar, check out our handy MPNP Points Calculator to see where you stand.
Curious about how your city compares? Stay tuned for more insights on Canadian immigration trends, city rankings, and lifestyle tips. And if you’re planning your next big move, don’t forget to explore our latest immigration guides or connect with a consultant for personalized advice.
