Canada remains one of the most desirable countries to live in the world thanks to its access to education and healthcare, affordability, and strong economy. If you’re looking to move to Canada but unsure where’s best to live, this handy guide to the best regions to live in will help you on your way.
First of all, if you’re considering moving to Canada, here’s a tip to make your apartment or house hunt even easier: check the local renting sites. Wide known Rentola offers outstanding rental opportunities across the country at affordable prices. You can filter apartments by the regions you like and choose the proper one. Choosing your apartment has the same importance as choosing the region to live in.
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada’s capital city is home to approximately 1 million people. That number is expected to grow by up to 3% in the next three years, thanks to Canada’s immigration drive and high investment in housing and infrastructure.
The city is culturally diverse and has a youthful feel thanks to its two universities, which attract students to Ottawa in their thousands. The city boasts stunning architecture that provides glimpses throughout its 170-year history and offers plenty of green space.
Its running paths and trails next to the Rideau Canal are perfect for those with an active lifestyle, while many cycle lanes make it one of Canada’s most bike-friendly cities.
Ottawa is officially bilingual, although historically, French was its mother tongue, and knowing French can help your integration into the local community and city life.
The cost of living is higher than the national average; however, renting an apartment is still relatively affordable, with rents costing between $700 and $1400 per month.
St. Albert, Alberta
Alberta has historically been known mainly for its rich sources of natural oil. However, in recent years, its strong economy and wealth of highly paid jobs have made it a more attractive prospect for Canadians and expatriates.
St Albert is a small town located 30km outside of Edmonton, Alberta’s provincial capital, and boasts high levels of greenery, with several parks dotted around town, increased access to healthcare and excellent schools, and falling crime rates.
During the winter, there is an abundance of outdoor skating rinks and more than 80km of cycle trails that track their way along the Sturgeon River.
The town’s proximity to Edmonton makes it a popular commuter haunt for those with jobs in the city, and transport links are excellent. However, the pace of life is more sedate and attractive for many.
Average rents for a 1- or 2-bedroom apartment in St Albert are approximately $1300 to $1400 and increase to around $1600 for a 3-bedroom property.
Trenton, Nova Scotia
A beachside city on the banks of the East River in Pictou County, Trenton is a beautiful city located only 3½km outside the town of New Glasgow in Nova Scotia.
Home to Trenton airport and near the Abercrombie Country Club, which will wow golfers and those that like a taste of high living. Trenton is a city that has traditionally been popular with healthcare workers and truckers.
Trenton Park, which provides differing, yet equally beautiful colors across the four seasons throughout the year, is considered one of the finest in Nova Scotia, boasting more than 550 acres of old woodland and 6½km of walking trails.
The cost of living is significantly below the national average, with the average apartment price costing less than $700 per month. In addition, Trenton’s crime rate is more than 10% lower than the provincial and national average, making it one of the safest cities in Canada.
Quebec City, Quebec
The provincial capital of Quebec, Quebec City, offers inhabitants an almost unrivaled quality of cross, not just in comparison with the rest of Canada but North America as a whole.
One of the oldest cities in North America, dating back to 1833, Quebec combines beautiful architecture, eye-catching landmarks, gorgeous parkland, and fascinating museums with its modern reputation as a thriving hub for culture and art.
Although smaller than many other cities, Quebec remains popular thanks to its low unemployment rates, high wages, especially in the tech industry, and low cost of living.
Less than 2% of inhabitants speak English fluently, so excellent knowledge of French is essential for anyone choosing to move to Quebec; however, with 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments available for between $1100 and $1450, that is a small price to pay for excellent city living.
Vancouver, British Columbia
What list of the best places to live in Canada would be complete without arguably its most beautiful city, Vancouver?
Situated on the southwestern coast of British Columbia, this vibrant city is bustling with energy, business and commerce, yet connected to nature like few other places in the world.
Adjacent to the central business district and the West End neighbourhood is Stanley Park, a 1,001-acre public park with stunning forest trails that will make you forget you’re in the middle of one of Canada’s largest cities, as well as sandy beaches, lakes, children’s play areas, an Aquarium and a seawall perfect for strolling and cycling.
Vancouver is one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities in Canada, with 52 per cent of residents identifying as non-native English speakers. There is a vibrant and dynamic food and restaurant scene in the city, with cuisine to rival some of the best in Asia.
The city is one of the most expensive places to live in Canada, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment at approximately $2,176 – with prices higher in downtown core and on the west side of the city. Lower prices can be found in the suburbs of Surrey and Coquitlam, among others.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown may be familiar to anyone that read the Anne of Green Gables series of books growing up and is one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities.
Prince Edward Island lies off the coast of Nova Scotia in the Gulf of St Lawrence and is a largely rural community that relies on local agriculture for much of its produce and sustenance. It offers a beautifully slow pace of life, with only Charlottetown giving off vibes of downtown North America, yet with its population of 35,000, life is much slower than in cities on the mainland.
Most jobs in Charlottetown are in the public sector. The city offers cultural highlights throughout the year, with festivals, museums, exhibitions, and sporting events proving popular with islanders and visitors from the mainland.
Rental prices on the island are affordable, with around $1500 to $1600 per month, the average for a 2-bedroom property.
