Overview Best Places Overall Map The Ideal City Infographic Methodology





What makes a city great? When we were determining our 8th annual list of Best Places to Live in Canada, we looked at all the data we could find to name the communities that offer the best overall quality of life. We started with incomes and employment. After all, most people’s experience in a city is more positive when they have a high-paying job—and the ability to get a new one if they so choose. We looked at the price of housing, giving high scores to cities where home prices are affordable when compared with local salaries. Weather was also key. Sure, some Canadians love cold weather, but most will agree that extra sunny days, days above zero and days without precipitation are nice to have. Crime rates and access to medical treatment are also important factors, so we awarded points to communities with low rates of crime, good access to hospitals and high numbers of medical professionals.

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Quality of life isn’t only about practical concerns. The ability to take part in cultural activities adds richness to our lives, so we gave points to communities with high numbers of people working in the arts or sports. We tracked whether a city has a movie theatre or easy access to an airport. Of course, statistics don’t capture the personality, scenery or people that make each place special, but they provide a good idea of what life would be like if you lived there. Did your hometown make it to the top of our list of Best Places to Live in Canada?

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Stories

St. Albert: Best Small City

This Edmonton suburb takes the top prize in our ranking of picket fence towns.

Burlington: Best Mid-Sized City

This city makes the most of being sandwiched between the economic engine of Toronto and the industrial powerhouse of Hamilton.

Calgary: Best Large City

Go west, young woman. Calgary has a laid back feel and plenty of job opportunities.