From the mountains of the west to the fishing villages of the far east, Canada is a beautiful country with friendly people, natural wonders, and vibrant cities. Bustling cosmopolitan streets fill unique cities, so each of these five cities is amazing no matter where you live or visit.
With various world-class cities, each Canadian city on this list offers unique experiences, lively arts scenes, fabulous restaurants, and plenty to see and do. With both large and medium-sized cities to explore, Canadian cities offer something for everyone.
There are many factors to consider when compiling a list of the best cities in Canada. Among those are quality of life, attractions and activities, economic opportunities, safety and security, accessibility, and environmental sustainability.
Toronto
Arguably one of Canada’s best cities, Toronto has it all. It is Canada’s largest city, with a population of over six million people, and it is the capital of Ontario. Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, this colossal city has a huge footprint. It is known for its diverse culture, world-class arts and entertainment, and delicious restaurants that serve everything from global classics to regional specialties like peameal bacon.
Some of Toronto’s highlights include:
- CN Tower — An iconic landmark offering stunning views from an observation deck.
- Toronto Islands — A short ferry ride from Toronto, these outlying islands offer parks, beaches, and a peaceful escape from the city.
- The Distillery District — A pedestrian-only area filled with shops, restaurants, galleries, and more.
Toronto offers an excellent quality of life, though real estate prices have risen recently, and living in the city is now quite expensive. Easy access to public transportation, great education, and excellent healthcare exist. Toronto remains one of the country’s most visited cities, with tourists coming from around the world.
Vancouver
Vancouver is Canada’s West Coast gem. Fondly called Raincover or Rain City by locals, this popular city gets over 1,000 millimeters — or 40 inches — of rainfall per year. Surrounded by mountains and water, the climate is mild, the scenery is gorgeous, and with a rich cultural diversity, everyone is welcome.
Vancouver is more than just a great spot to live. Tourists flock to this coastal city all year long. Major attractions include:
- Stanley Park — A 1000-acre park complete with walking and cycling paths, beaches, and stunning views of the city.
- Granville Island — A popular spot that is home to artisan markets, theaters, and a wide variety of restaurants offering global cuisines.
- Skiing and Snowboarding — Vancouver is just a short drive from world-class ski resorts like Whistler and Grouse Mountain.
Ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world, Vancouver offers excellent health care, education, social and cultural events, some of the country’s best Asian fare, and more. It is also a very green city, emphasizing environmental practices; take a look at things to do in Vancouver at night.
Montreal
Montreal is the largest city in Quebec and one of the country’s most charming and unique cities. With a blend of European and North American cultures, you’ll find everything from cosmopolitan galleries and nightlife to lovely cafes serving classic French fare and cobblestone streets in this stunning city.
Montreal is Canada’s second-largest city, with over 1.7 million residents. It is housed on an island in the St. Lawrence river, with access to the island from several bridges and highways. Montreal is also reasonably close to the US border with easy access to New York state and Vermont.
Known for its vibrant blend of French and English cultures, this city is also famous for the following:
- Old Montreal — A historic district with cobblestone streets, charming shops, and restaurants.
- Mount Royal — A park located in the city’s heart, offering stunning views and outdoor activities such as hiking and picnicking.
- Notre Dame Basilica — A stunning cathedral with intricate stained glass windows and a rich history.
- Montreal Botanical Garden — An urban oasis; this is a beautiful garden with a wide range of plants and flowers, including Chinese and Japanese gardens.
From the famous Montreal Jazz Festival to the fantastic restaurants and European-inspired nightlife, this lively city offers plenty for residents and tourists.
Calgary
Located in the southern half of Alberta, Calgary is known for its great quality of life, stunning natural beauty, and thriving arts and entertainment scene. There’s more to this amazing city than just the Calgary Stampede, oil, and cows. It is home to top-ranking universities and, of course, Banff National Park.
Banff National Park is located just a short drive from the city and offers some of the most gorgeous mountain scenery and natural beauty. There’s hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and more to try here, or stick in town and check out the other attractions, including:
- Calgary Tower — An iconic landmark that offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck.
- Glenbow Museum — Showcasing a wide range of art, history, and culture from Western Canada.
- Calgary Zoo — Home to over 1,000 animals from around the world.
With a diversified economy, Calgary’s focus on energy, technology, and tourism makes it a very livable city. This vibrant and affordable city offers plenty to those who love the outdoors or want to visit a city that’s different from any other in the country.
Halifax
Known by locals as the City of Trees, Halifax is the largest city in Atlantic Canada. Known for its rich history, stunning coastal beauty, and strong sense of community, Halifax is an affordable city that offers plenty for both tourists and residents.
With a rich history, Halifax is infused with historic architecture, which lends charm and beauty to the city. Maintaining its fishing village vibe, Halifax is both an urban city and a sleepy village. You’ll find friendly locals here, in addition to plenty of great seafood and regional specialties like Blueberry Grunt, sizzling entertainment, and lots to see and do, including:
- Halifax Citadel National Historic Site — A fort located in the heart of the city, offering stunning views and a glimpse into Halifax’s military history.
- Peggy’s Cove — A picturesque fishing village just a short drive from Halifax, with a lighthouse and stunning coastal views.
- Halifax Public Gardens — A beautiful garden in the heart of the city with a wide range of flowers, plants, and sculptures.
- Maritime Museum of the Atlantic — Showcasing the rich maritime history of Halifax and Atlantic Canada.
- Halifax Waterfront — A bustling waterfront area with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
With its stunning coastal beauty, rich history, and commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, Halifax is a great place to visit or call home.
There are many more must-visit cities in Canada, each with its unique charm. No matter which city you visit or live in, every city in Canada is committed to being the best it can be.
Jenn Allen is a retired chef turned cookbook author, blogger, and traveler. She lives at home with her family and the cats that rule them all. Sign up for all her best recipes at Cook What You Love.