Most Livable Places 2021: Canada's Livability Report

If you could move anywhere in Canada, where would it be?

It’s a question Canadians are asking more than ever thanks to the misfortune that is the pandemic. A new Leger survey conducted on behalf of RATESDOTCA found that almost one quarter (23%) of those who moved or plan to move since April 2020 cited COVID-19 as a reason for relocating. 21% of those who moved or plan to move are moving from a major city hub (Greater Toronto Area, Greater Ottawa Area, Greater Montreal, Metro Vancouver, Calgary Region and Metro Edmonton) to smaller towns/rural areas.

But Canada’s a big place. There may be special towns you never even thought about. That possibility is precisely what inspired this report, which had one simple mission: to identify Canada’s best places to live outside of big metro areas — for folks who can live and work anywhere in the country.

We call it the Livability Report because not only does it factor in traditional metrics like affordability and growth, but it also gives weight to lifestyle-oriented criteria like scenery, nightlife, outdoor activities and accessibility. In fact, the survey revealed that one of the top deciding factors when looking for where to move is scenery (proximity to mountains, major water bodies, forest, etc.) (17%), after affordability (33%). Other top factors include economic and job growth (12%), size of city/town (8%) and outdoor activities (8%).

After two months of research, we ended up with a list of more than 150 communities. The list was then refined and ranked using a formula that awards points for positives like a growing population, low mortgage costs and scenic beauty, to name a few criteria. All cities and towns were compared to each other with some ratings (e.g., scenery and nightlife) necessarily being subjective. The result is a compendium of the best communities this country has to offer.

RATESDOTCA's Top 10 Places to Call Home for 2021

A map of the top 10 most livable places in Canada.

Rank City/ Town Prov Pop. (Latest) Pop. Growth Avg Home Price
2020
Avg 1-year
home price growth
Avg Mortgage
Payment (20% Down)
Minimum Income
Required (20% Down)
Scenery Rating
1 Langford BC 42,653 5.2% $725,300 11.6% $3,024 $107,604 ****
2 Kelowna BC 222,748 2.0% $553,175 5.6% $2,307 $86,616 ****
3 Trois-Rivières QC 163,287 1.5% $224,600 32.8% $937 $48,866 ***
4 Bathurst NB 31,691 0.0% $112,850 0.3% $471 $34,444 ****
5 Rossland BC 4,108 2.5% $443,889 39.9% $1,851 $73,477 ****
6 Niagara-on-the-Lake ON 18,865 1.3% $515,000 32.1% $2,147 $86,848 *****
7 Cowichan Bay BC 90,448 1.2% $561,900 16.5% $2,343 $85,415 *****
8 Sydney NS 95,901 -0.3% $157,338 49.9% $656 $43,055 ***
9 Penticton BC 46,885 0.9% $523,386 21.7% $2,182 $83,821 ****
10 Quebec City QC 832,328 0.9% $283,000 11.4% $1,180 $55,724 *****

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#1 on the list – Langford, BC - is an attractive, small but fast-growing west coast city. #2 – Kelowna, BC - is a lakefront mountain town in the heart of Canada’s wine country. #4 Bathurst, NB has an average mortgage payment under $500 a month!

Some of these places are undiscovered gems, at least outside of their local regions. For that reason, many of these places—particularly those with higher-than-normal population growth—may have above-average investment potential.

If you find a place that sounds interesting, you can check out how much you’d qualify for (mortgage-wise) with RATESDOTCA’s affordability calculator. Then, assuming your finances, employment, and family circumstances all support a move, the next step is to call a realtor and make it happen.

Full Livability Rankings for 2021

The following is the full list of Canada’s top communities. The columns are sortable so play around with it a bit and see what towns match your top criteria. And if we missed your favourite place, let us know and maybe it can be part of next year’s review.

Rank City/Town Province Population Population growth Avg home price 2020 Avg 1-year home price growth Avg mortgage payment (20% down) Min. income required (20% down) Proximity to large water body Proximity to mountains Scenery rating Nightlife rating Outdoor activity rating Climate rating Drive to commercial airport (minutes) Summary Google Maps

1

Langford

BC

42,653

5.2%

$725,300

11.6%

$3,024

$107,604

Yes

Yes

****

***

****

****

30

A fast-growing city with endless green spaces

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Langford,+BC

2

Kelowna

BC

222,748

2.0%

$553,175

5.6%

$2,307

$86,616

Yes

Yes

****

***

****

*****

19

Beautiful city on Okanagan Lake, with one of the best climates in Canada

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kelowna,+BC

3

Trois-Rivières

QC

163,287

1.5%

$224,600

32.8%

$937

$48,866

Yes

No

***

****

***

**

13

An industrial port city with plentiful culture, history, lifestyle options and nearby scenery for a city its size

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Trois-Rivières,+QC

4

Bathurst

NB

31,691

0.0%

$112,850

0.3%

$471

$34,444

Yes

No

****

**

****

**

11

Charming city on the southern end of Chaleur Bay

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bathurst,+NB

5

Rossland

BC

4,108

2.5%

$443,889

39.9%

$1,851

$73,477

No

Yes

****

*

*****

**

31

Mountain town with pretty downtown and some of the best uncrowded alpine and cross-country skiing in BC

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rossland,+BC

6

Niagara-on-the-Lake

ON

18,865

1.3%

$515,000

32.1%

$2,147

$86,848

Yes

No

*****

****

***

****

65

A victorian town on Lake Ontario known for its beauty and arts scene

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Niagara-on-the-Lake,+ON

7

Cowichan Bay

BC

90,448

1.2%

$561,900

16.5%

$2,343

$85,415

Yes

Yes

*****

*

****

****

35

A coastal Vancouver Island town with a small-town feel, dubbed by some as "the Salmon Capital of the World"

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cowichan+Bay,+BC

8

Sydney

NS

95,901

-0.3%

$157,338

49.9%

$656

$43,055

Yes

No

***

***

***

*

15

A former maritime industrial hub that's now driven largely by its harbour, culture and tourism

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sydney,+NS

9

Penticton

BC

46,885

0.9%

$523,386

21.7%

$2,182

$83,821

Yes

Yes

****

**

****

****

11

An Okanagan Valley town on the lake, known for its terrific climate

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Penticton,+BC

10

Quebec City

QC

832,328

0.9%

$283,000

11.4%

$1,180

$55,724

Yes

No

*****

****

***

**

20

Dating back to 1608, Quebec City is a beautiful walk back in time -- with more history in a few blocks than most cites have total.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Quebec+City,+QC

11

Courtenay

BC

60,120

1.3%

$550,800

4.2%

$2,297

$92,201

Yes

Yes

****

***

****

*****

11

A seaside town in the Comox Valley of Vancouver Island

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Courtenay,+BC

12

Halifax

NS

448,544

2.1%

$397,378

19.4%

$1,657

$68,286

Yes

No

****

****

***

**

29

A historic capital city with one of the biggest and deepest ice-free natural harbours in the world

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Halifax,+NS

13

Duncan

BC

48,495

0.8%

$509,600

5.1%

$2,125

$81,367

Yes

Yes

***

***

****

*****

28

A near-coastal town with ample green space, a walkable downtown and a location just minutes from the mountains of Vancouver Island

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Duncan,+BC

14

Fernie

BC

5,744

1.5%

$705,929

47.3%

$2,944

$106,950

No

Yes

****

**

*****

***

69

Beautiful town in the Kootenay mountains

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Fernie,+BC

15

Miramichi

NB

27,997

0.2%

$146,361

10.4%

$610

$39,478

Yes

No

***

**

****

**

8

A laid back waterfront city with lots of open space

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Miramichi,+NB

16

Ottawa–Gatineau

ON

1,461,494

1.6%

$545,500

22.3%

$2,275

$90,982

Yes

No

****

*****

***

**

16

Canada's cleanest large city (and Capital city) with incredible history, cultural and activity options

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ottawa–Gatineau,+ON

17

Saguenay (CMA), Quebec

QC

163,354

0.5%

$194,000

9.0%

$809

$44,619

Yes

Yes

****

***

***

*

16

This hilly riverfront town has an active core and reasonably quick access to stunning sceneray in the Saguenay Fjords

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Saguenay+(CMA),+Quebec,+QC

18

Salaberry-de-Valleyfield

QC

42,854

1.5%

$279,950

33.0%

$1,167

$54,099

Yes

No

***

***

***

**

47

Situated on an island in the Saint Lawrence River, its historic downtown and waterfront partkland is a major draw

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Salaberry-de-Valleyfield,+QC

19

Lachute

QC

13,472

1.5%

$247,000

33.0%

$1,030

$48,503

Yes

No

***

**

***

**

57

On the edge of forest, this green town has a pleasant downtown

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lachute+,+QC

20

Chilliwack

BC

116,626

1.8%

$647,300

11.8%

$2,699

$99,042

Yes

Yes

****

**

****

****

28

A city next to the Fraser River, nestled in mountains with a vibrant economy

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Chilliwack,+BC

21

Yarmouth

NS

6,825

-0.1%

$177,248

30.8%

$739

$41,956

Yes

No

***

**

***

*

5

Unpretentious seaside city tied to ship building and the fisheries

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Yarmouth,+NS

22

Nelson

BC

19,709

0.6%

$476,600

1.1%

$1,987

$79,368

Yes

Yes

*****

*

*****

****

30

Quiet but attractive lakeside town with historic downtown, amid lush green mountains

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Nelson,+BC

23

Sherbrooke

QC

224,557

1.5%

$329,372

25.9%

$1,373

$62,961

Yes

Yes

***

***

***

**

22

A regional hub with a diversified economy, active downtown and a wide array of outdoor activities and scenery within an easy drive

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sherbrooke,+QC

24

Lunenberg

NS

25,644

0.7%

$378,055

37.3%

$1,576

$66,998

Yes

No

*****

**

****

**

79

A charming old world fishing village designated a UNESCO World Heritage site

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lunenberg,+NS

25

Montreal

QC

4,364,189

0.7%

$426,500

18.2%

$1,778

$71,751

Yes

No

***

*****

***

**

24

Quebec's largest city, one of its' most historical and a cultural focal point

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Montreal,+QC

26

Quispamsis-Rothesay

NB

18,970

0.7%

$142,988

23.6%

$596

$41,138

Yes

No

***

*

***

**

10

A green suburb on the Kennebecasis River

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Quispamsis-Rothesay,+NB

27

Vancouver (Greater Vancouver Area)

BC

2,737,698

1.1%

$1,047,400

5.4%

$4,367

$173,767

Yes

Yes

****

*****

****

****

26

Canada's most beautiful major city, with a great climate the majority of year (if you can handle rain) and a strong economy

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Vancouver+(Greater+Vancouver+Area),+BC

28

Bromont

QC

10,174

4.1%

$411,000

15.0%

$1,714

$70,884

No

Yes

****

**

****

**

68

Lots of outdoor activities, including skiing and golf, make Bromont a desirable resort-feel destination—plus it's got a technology park

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bromont,+QC

29

Fredericton

NB

111,024

1.2%

$189,750

4.5%

$791

$49,621

Yes

No

****

**

****

**

16

Historic capital city on the St. John River

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Fredericton,+NB

30

Victoria

BC

408,883

1.3%

$736,400

5.7%

$3,071

$109,157

Yes

No

***

****

****

****

30

One of Canada's most popular retirement desitnations with some of the country's best weather

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Victoria,+BC

31

Whistler

BC

13,763

2.9%

$954,700

4.5%

$3,981

$131,690

No

Yes

*****

****

*****

**

125

Canada's #1 ski destination, a world class resort with stunning surroundings

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Whistler,+BC

32

Vernon

BC

66,966

1.7%

$541,900

14.0%

$2,260

$85,814

Yes

Yes

***

***

***

****

45

An Okanagan Valley town in Canada's wine country

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Vernon,+BC

33

Charlottetown

PE

80,347

1.6%

$349,000

10.8%

$1,455

$69,980

Yes

No

*****

***

***

**

12

The borthplace of the confederation, it's an oceanfront city rich in history and beauty

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Charlottetown,+PE

34

Corner Brook

NL

31,936

-0.3%

$207,733

20.4%

$866

$44,588

Yes

Yes

***

**

****

*

43

A hilly city on an inlet on Newfoundland's west coast, situated in a snow belt but with excellent access to oudoor activities

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Corner+Brook,+NL

35

Kamloops

BC

116,896

1.1%

$472,131

17.0%

$1,969

$78,677

Yes

Yes

***

**

***

****

14

A hiker's paradise nestled between two major mountain ranges, with a relatively mild climate

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kamloops,+BC

36

Summerside

PE

18,042

1.2%

$220,000

41.9%

$917

$45,764

Yes

No

**

**

**

**

52

PEI's second largest city, located on the ocean

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Summerside,+PE

37

Campbell River

BC

42,166

1.4%

$473,000

12.0%

$1,972

$79,113

Yes

Yes

***

**

****

***

9

A seaside town in beautiful northern Vancouver Island

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Campbell+River,+BC

38

Windsor

ON

356,880

1.1%

$438,643

35.2%

$1,829

$84,673

Yes

No

**

****

*

*****

13

Across the river from Detroit, Michigan, Windsor is a mid-size manufacturing-based city with one of Canada's best climates

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Windsor,+ON

39

Sault Ste. Marie

ON

81,238

0.7%

$224,960

24.6%

$938

$50,450

Yes

No

**

**

****

**

18

Stable economy and border city near beautiful Lake Superior scenry

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sault+Ste.+Marie,+ON

40

Picton

ON

4,702

2.5%

$546,053

52.6%

$2,277

$96,269

Yes

No

****

*

***

***

62

Historic country town with plenty of bed and breakfasts and farmland scenary

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Picton,+ON

41

North Vancouver

BC

57,325

0.6%

$1,146,605

0.0%

$4,781

$156,037

Yes

Yes

***

****

****

****

42

Vancouver's neighbour to the north across the Burrard Inlet

https://www.google.com/maps/place/North+Vancouver,+BC

42

Saint John

NB

131,772

0.6%

$202,195

9.0%

$843

$53,366

Yes

No

****

***

***

**

22

Canada's oldest incorporated city with plenty of historic architecture and a seaport on the Bay of Fundy

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Saint+John,+NB

43

Cranbrook

BC

27,938

0.2%

$289,500

3.3%

$1,207

$56,350

No

Yes

****

*

****

***

14

A scenic mountain town with decent infrasturcture and ample outdoor activiies

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cranbrook,+BC

44

Wasaga Beach

ON

23,475

1.7%

$603,000

51.7%

$2,514

$99,323

Yes

Yes

****

*

****

**

82

A beach town overlooking Georgian Bay and the Blue Mountains

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Wasaga+Beach,+ON

45

St Andrews By-the-Sea

NB

1,832

0.5%

$265,897

11.1%

$1,109

$54,596

Yes

No

*****

**

****

**

80

A charming seaside town and national historic site with a distinctly old world feel

https://www.google.com/maps/place/St+Andrews+By-the-Sea,+NB

46

Abbotsford

BC

158,457

1.9%

$969,375

22.9%

$4,042

$138,299

No

Yes

***

**

***

****

10

A mid-size Canadian city adjacent to the Greater Vancouver area and USA, with a diverse economy and easy access to nature

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Abbotsford,+BC

47

Merrickville

ON

3,373

2.9%

$389,124

35.8%

$1,623

$68,460

No

No

****

*

**

***

55

A historic artsy 19th-century village on the Rideau Canal

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Merrickville,+ON

48

North Bay

ON

73,749

0.2%

$270,400

26.1%

$1,128

$57,198

Yes

No

***

**

****

*

13

A working class town on Lake Nipissing, with great sunsets and boating in the summer

https://www.google.com/maps/place/North+Bay,+ON

49

Moncton

NB

158,695

1.8%

$214,736

11.3%

$895

$54,984

Yes

No

**

***

***

**

12

New Brunswick's largest city and its economic hub, with a lovely downtown on the riverfront

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Moncton,+NB

50

Salt Spring Island

BC

11,592

2.3%

$548,600

7.3%

$2,288

$86,789

Yes

No

*****

**

***

***

69

Pictureasque and quaint artisan island community off Vancouver island

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Salt+Spring+Island,+BC

51

Val-d'Or

QC

34,513

0.5%

$252,500

11.0%

$1,053

$48,285

Yes

No

**

**

***

*

7

A high-north town on the Canadian shield with gold driving its economy

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Val-d'Or,+QC

52

Collingwood

ON

24,539

2.8%

$875,000

39.4%

$3,649

$136,437

Yes

Yes

***

***

****

**

95

Popular Ontario ski town next to Georgian Bay

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Collingwood,+ON

53

Edmundston

NB

23,778

-0.5%

$101,213

29.9%

$422

$32,328

No

No

**

**

**

***

134

A modest friendly inland city on the U.S. border with rolling hill vistas

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Edmundston,+NB

54

Nanaimo

BC

117,144

1.3%

$569,400

1.0%

$2,374

$90,986

Yes

Yes

***

**

****

***

13

An oceanside Vancouver Island city that's a major ferry hub with the Vancouver mainland

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Nanaimo,+BC

55

Whitehorse

YK

33,480

1.9%

$529,350

17.3%

$2,207

$90,237

No

Yes

****

**

****

*

7

Northern Canada's biggest city with pristine fresh air (cleanest in the world, says Guiness), a friendly pioneering sprit and mesmerizing scenery nearby

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Whitehorse,+YK

56

Bracebridge

ON

9,232

1.1%

$868,636

87.0%

$3,622

$141,097

Yes

No

****

*

****

*

101

A pretty town in the heart of Muskoka cottage country

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bracebridge,+ON

57

Calgary

AB

1,543,283

1.9%

$418,400

1.5%

$1,745

$71,758

No

No

**

*****

***

**

22

A cosmopolitan city that's the hub of Alberta's economy

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Calgary,+AB

58

Squamish

BC

23,335

2.4%

$808,000

5.2%

$3,369

$117,012

Yes

Yes

****

**

*****

**

87

Mountain town at the head of the Howe Sound, and a world class rock climbing destination and home to a major new winter resort

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Squamish,+BC

59

Greater Toronto

ON

6,555,205

1.4%

$909,500

11.0%

$3,792

$132,670

Yes

No

**

*****

***

***

24

Canada's largest city and economic engine, home to countless Canadian companies 27+ million visitors a year

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Greater+Toronto,+ON

60

St. John's

NL

214,014

0.4%

$268,200

5.7%

$1,118

$65,283

Yes

No

****

***

****

*

11

One of the most easterly cities in North America with a historic Harbour and a down-to-earth martime way of life

https://www.google.com/maps/place/St.+John's,+NL

61

Prince Rupert

BC

13,606

0.9%

$345,405

15.2%

$1,440

$63,547

Yes

Yes

****

*

****

*

39

A temeprate rainforest city far up the BC coast, and one of Canada's wetest locations

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Prince+Rupert,+BC

62

Canmore

AB

15,458

1.0%

$791,800

0.5%

$3,302

$115,727

No

Yes

*****

***

*****

**

79

A Rocky Mountain town with stunning scenery and some of the best outdoor recreation in Canada

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Canmore,+AB

63

Cheticamp

NS

5,042

-0.7%

$200,300

-1.3%

$835

$44,604

Yes

Yes

*****

*

*****

**

135

Beautiful town on Cape Breton on one of the most scenic roads in the world, next to one of the most scenic parks in Canada

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cheticamp
,+NS

64

Cochrane

AB

32,010

2.9%

$409,700

4.3%

$1,708

$70,527

No

No

***

**

****

**

35

A fast-growing city on the Trans Canada Highway, in close reach of nature given its proximity to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cochrane,+AB

65

Saskatoon

SK

336,614

1.9%

$333,000

5.2%

$1,389

$60,818

No

No

**

****

***

*

7

A mid-sized Canadian city that's highly livable with beautiful riverfront parks and big-city cultural activities

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Saskatoon,+SK

66

Parksville

BC

31,144

0.9%

$639,100

9.5%

$2,665

$99,165

Yes

Yes

****

*

****

***

37

Vancouver island town on the Strait of Georgia

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Parksville+,+BC

67

Clarenville

NL

5,809

1.2%

$171,562

10.1%

$715

$39,441

Yes

No

****

*

***

*

116

A pretty seaside town with larger town amenities

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Clarenville,+NL

68

Thunder Bay

ON

126,861

0.2%

$237,582

15.2%

$991

$52,487

Yes

No

**

**

****

*

9

A quiet city that's a short drive to stunning Lake Superior scenery

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Thunder+Bay,+ON

69

Carignan/Chambly

QC

10,949

4.6%

$600,000

20.0%

$2,502

$92,914

No

No

***

*

***

**

35

Home of historic Fort Chambly, it's got a lovely downtown and proximity to a canal system and smaller lake

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Carignan/Chambly,+QC

70

Saint-Jérôme

QC

78,747

1.7%

$301,680

25.0%

$1,258

$57,592

No

No

**

**

***

**

45

A gateway to the Laurentian Mountains, the town has a walkable downtown and easy commute to Montreal

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Saint-Jérôme,+QC

71

Leamington

ON

52,649

1.0%

$335,723

22.3%

$1,400

$67,890

Yes

No

**

*

**

*****

37

Leamington is one of the warmest cities in Canada and has a national park—known as the tomato capital of Canada it has the diversity of a large Latin American worker population

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Leamington,+ON

72

Kingston

ON

176,184

0.8%

$504,712

18.8%

$2,105

$89,353

Yes

No

***

***

***

**

14

Kingston lies on the St. Lawrence River and is replete with history, and it's also home to Queens University and Canada's biggest penetentiary

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kingston,+ON

73

Milton

ON

133,812

4.5%

$963,618

22.3%

$4,018

$141,302

No

No

**

**

***

***

31

A fast growing commuter city connected by Go Train to Toronto, and adjacent to the Niagara Escarpment

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Milton,+ON

74

Rimouski

QC

56,394

0.4%

$217,600

21.0%

$907

$46,588

Yes

No

***

*

**

*

26

A maritimate town on the banks of the St. Lawrence, and home to a major regional medical centre

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rimouski,+QC

75

Baie-Comeau

QC

26,776

-0.7%

$145,213

29.0%

$606

$39,467

Yes

No

**

*

**

*

27

A remote feeling industrial town on the shores of the Saint Lawrence River

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Baie-Comeau,+QC

76

Longueuil

QC

249,997

1.4%

$426,999

26.9%

$1,780

$75,697

Yes

No

**

**

***

**

30

Near amenities of Montreal

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Longueuil,+QC

77

Regina

SK

263,184

0.9%

$273,900

6.4%

$1,142

$53,858

No

No

**

***

***

*

7

Saskachewan's second largest city with a well developed downtown, stable economy and ample green space

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Regina,+SK

78

Carleton Place

ON

36,916

3.0%

$439,796

21.3%

$1,834

$79,054

Yes

No

**

**

***

**

44

Bedroom community of metro Ottawa with historic downtown

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Carleton+Place+,+ON

79

Moose Jaw

SK

35,732

-0.7%

$263,733

42.3%

$1,100

$52,612

No

No

**

**

**

*

12

Situated on the Moose Jaw River and just off the Trans-Canada Highway, the agricultural-based city has enough activity to keep its residents busy

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Moose+Jaw,+SK

80

Alma

QC

33,014

0.3%

$160,000

6.0%

$667

$38,623

Yes

No

**

*

***

*

47

Located near Lac Saint-Jean, Alma is a town built on industry and hydro generation

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Alma,+QC

81

Medicine Hat

AB

79,450

0.4%

$294,486

15.5%

$1,228

$57,027

No

No

**

**

**

***

12

A pretty town on the South Saskatchewan River with natural gas and agriculture as major economic drivers

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Medicine+Hat,+AB

82

Port Alberni

BC

27,060

0.9%

$328,000

1.1%

$1,368

$59,042

Yes

Yes

***

*

****

**

75

A town on the Alberni inlet in the middle of Vancouver island, with good outdoor recreation and a somewhat commercial feel

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Port+Alberni+,+BC

83

White Rock

BC

21,027

0.3%

$1,615,223

18.0%

$6,735

$235,603

Yes

No

****

***

***

****

37

 

https://www.google.com/maps/place/White+Rock,+BC

84

Salmon Arm

BC

19,699

1.8%

$488,230

19.3%

$2,036

$80,889

Yes

Yes

****

*

***

**

87

Lakeside town in the Shuswaps with a pleasant downtown and numerous water activities

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Salmon+Arm,+BC

85

Granby

QC

90,459

1.8%

$270,000

25.0%

$1,126

$52,966

No

No

***

**

**

*

67

An hours drive to Montreal, this small town has ample green spaces

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Granby,+QC

86

Kleinburg/Nashville

ON

19864

3.2%

$2,100,000

40.0%

$8,756

$287,597

No

No

****

*

**

***

22

A lovely historic villaige with boutiques and restaurants in the hilly greenbelt of metro Toronto

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kleinburg/Nashville,+ON

87

Stratford

ON

33,868

0.9%

$419,400

20.8%

$1,749

$77,608

No

No

**

****

**

***

42

Home of the Shakespearean Stratford Festival and driven by tourism, Stratford has a stable economy and is peacefully situated in dairy country

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Stratford,+ON

88

Joliette

QC

52,261

1.5%

$265,000

26.0%

$1,105

$52,301

No

No

***

*

***

*

66

Built around a windy river, it's got a great downtown

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Joliette,+QC

89

Oshawa

ON

423,036

2.1%

$649,053

19.3%

$2,706

$109,885

Yes

No

***

***

***

**

45

Well developed industrial city on Lake Ontario with several lakeside parks, popular with Toronto commuters

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Oshawa,+ON

90

Mahone Bay

NS

920

-4.5%

$378,055

37.3%

$1,576

$70,778

Yes

No

*****

**

****

**

69

Idealic upscale town with one of the most photographed bays in Canada

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mahone+Bay,+NS

91

Victoriaville

QC

50,779

0.6%

$196,500

17.0%

$819

$45,108

No

No

**

**

**

**

51

A lively community with history, culture, a walkable downtown and proximity to nature in the hills to the east

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Victoriaville,+QC

92

Revelstoke

BC

8,259

1.2%

$461,472

-4.3%

$1,924

$75,817

Yes

Yes

****

**

*****

**

129

An outdoor enthusiasts haven, with a ski resort that boasts the highest vertical in North America

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Revelstoke,+BC

93

Powell River

BC

17,628

0.4%

$385,362

16.0%

$1,607

$69,540

Yes

Yes

***

*

****

***

98

A hillside town overlooking the George Strait, called a boater's paradise by some

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Powell+River,+BC

94

Rivière-du-Loup

QC

29,737

0.4%

$216,750

15.0%

$904

$47,162

Yes

No

***

**

***

*

90

A charming town on the eastern shore of the St. Lawrence River

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rivière-du-Loup,+QC

95

Laval

QC

438,973

1.1%

$435,000

20.8%

$1,814

$75,412

Yes

No

*

****

**

**

29

The largest suburb of Montreal

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Laval,+QC

96

Annapolis Royal

NS

21,638

1.1%

$234,841

11.9%

$979

$48,982

Yes

No

****

*

***

**

126

Quaint village laced in history on Nova Scotia's western shore

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Annapolis+Royal,+NS

97

Ucluelet

BC

2,434

7.1%

$626,500

-4.1%

$2,612

$98,258

Yes

Yes

*****

*

****

*

168

Nature lovers paradise but limitted insfrastructure

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ucluelet,+BC

98

Mission

BC

204,265

0.9%

$801,257

11.8%

$3,341

$117,270

Yes

Yes

***

*

***

***

23

A hillside, moslty-residential community on the Fraser River, minutes from mountain hiking trails

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Mission,+BC

99

Sudbury

ON

172,462

0.3%

$326,106

20.1%

$1,360

$65,174

Yes

No

**

***

***

*

24

An economic hub of Ontario's north, the city that got its roots in mining lies amid countless lakes and forests

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sudbury,+ON

100

Beloeil

QC

24,037

2.5%

$399,000

25.0%

$1,664

$68,768

No

No

**

**

**

**

48

A quiet well-treed Montreal suburb

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Beloeil,+QC

101

Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu

QC

97,711

0.8%

$363,500

34.6%

$1,516

$64,579

No

No

**

**

**

**

44

A historic town on the Richelieu River, within a commute to metro Montreal

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu,+QC

102

Drummondville

QC

100,821

1.1%

$245,000

25.0%

$1,022

$49,306

No

No

**

*

**

**

50

A small very livable town with ample amenities

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Drummondville,+QC

103

Paris

ON

12,310

1.0%

$637,497

36.1%

$2,658

$103,741

No

No

****

*

**

***

35

One of Ontario's prettiest small towns, it's situated on the Grand River and offers a peaceful rural lifestyle

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Paris,+ON

104

Baie-Saint-Paul

QC

7,168

0.2%

$200,000

5.0%

$834

$43,744

Yes

Yes

****

*

**

*

83

A walkable town with mountain views on the shores of the St. Lawrence

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Baie-Saint-Paul,+QC

105

New Glasgow

NS

34,897

0.2%

$141,520

5.4%

$590

$38,929

Yes

No

**

**

**

**

80

Northern Nova Scotia city with a multi-faceted economy, active downtown core and safe residential feel

https://www.google.com/maps/place/New+Glasgow,+NS

106

Brockville

ON

40,912

0.9%

$367,486

22.6%

$1,532

$70,946

Yes

No

***

**

**

***

69

Lovely town on the north shore of the St. Lawrence River for great boating, and home to several industries

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Brockville,+ON

107

Edmonton

AB

1,468,926

1.8%

$321,500

2.7%

$1,341

$59,233

No

No

*

*****

**

*

31

Alberta's second-largest major city with a largely oil and gas-based economy, and home to North America's largest mall

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Edmonton,+AB

108

Lethbridge

AB

128,851

1.5%

$299,341

13.3%

$1,248

$58,842

No

No

**

**

**

**

12

A robust economy and relatively mild climate add to this city's appeal

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lethbridge,+AB

109

Yellowknife

NW

22,290

1.3%

$410,000

6.0%

$1,710

$68,703

Yes

No

***

*

***

*

8

Historically a mining town, Yellowknife sits on Great Slave Lake and has an economy supplemented heavily by government and tourism

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Yellowknife,+NW

110

Châteauguay

QC

49,927

1.2%

$338,750

24.0%

$1,413

$62,728

Yes

No

**

*

**

**

26

A Montreal suburb near the St. Lawrence River with a family vibe

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Châteauguay,+QC

111

St. Catharines

ON

437,114

0.7%

$511,500

19.0%

$2,133

$91,837

Yes

No

**

***

***

***

54

With 1000 acres of parks, a waterfront location and proximity to wine country, this working class city has a lot going for it

https://www.google.com/maps/place/St.+Catharines,+ON

112

Chestermere

AB

22,744

2.5%

$523,400

6.6%

$2,182

$82,633

No

No

***

**

**

**

25

A pretty commuter town near Calgary on the Trans Canada Highway

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Chestermere,+AB

113

Kenora

ON

15,772

-0.7%

$575,209

20.0%

$2,398

$99,940

Yes

No

****

**

****

*

17

A northern Ontario lake town based on resources and tourism, with tremendous access to miles of waterways

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kenora,+ON

114

London

ON

551,066

1.6%

$511,500

26.2%

$2,133

$90,907

No

No

*

****

*

***

17

A regional hub for education (University of Western Ontario) and healthcare, London is strategically located within two hours of the U.S. border (Detroit) and Toronto

https://www.google.com/maps/place/London,+ON

115

Sechelt

BC

10,809

0.7%

$708,100

22.4%

$2,953

$104,330

Yes

Yes

****

*

***

****

165

Situated on the Sunshine Coast, Sechelt is a place of natural beauty and mild temps

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sechelt,+BC

116

Sylvan Lake

AB

15,990

0.8%

$271,000

0.4%

$1,130

$53,407

Yes

No

***

*

***

*

28

A pleasant community on the southeast corner of Sylvan Lake where the population bulges in the warmer months given its access to summertime outdoor activities

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sylvan+Lake,+AB

117

Saint-Hyacinthe

QC

61,424

1.1%

$312,250

20.0%

$1,302

$57,877

No

No

**

**

**

**

56

An agriculture-based city with an appealing downtown

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Saint-Hyacinthe,+QC

118

Fort McMurray

AB

76,263

1.2%

$315,210

-6.0%

$1,314

$56,115

No

No

**

**

***

*

18

A far-north Alberta city in the heart of Canada's oil region

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Fort+McMurray,+AB

119

Port Dover

ON

70,489

0.6%

$577,184

14.5%

$2,407

$97,244

Yes

No

****

*

***

***

52

Perched on Lake Erie, Port Dover is a laid back beach town

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Port+Dover,+ON

120

Cobourg

ON

20,152

0.6%

$538,300

25.4%

$2,245

$88,293

Yes

No

***

**

**

***

74

Small town on Lake Ontario with a popular beach and active downtown

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cobourg+,+ON

121

Elora

ON

31,092

1.4%

$598,600

19.3%

$2,496

$99,947

No

No

****

**

**

**

29

Situated on the Elora Gorge, the town has an array of 19th century architecture that gives it its charm

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Elora,+ON

122

Red Deer

AB

105,767

0.6%

$322,437

8.3%

$1,344

$58,989

No

No

**

**

**

**

16

Alberta's third-larest city with a diverse economy and an active, well-developed downtown core

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Red+Deer,+AB

123

Kitchener-Waterloo

ON

593,882

2.0%

$642,100

22.8%

$2,677

$106,118

No

No

*

****

**

**

18

One of the strongest employment cities in Canada, the K/W region is one of Canada's hottest tech hubs

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kitchener-Waterloo,+ON

124

Belleville

ON

112,980

1.6%

$434,797

28.9%

$1,813

$78,349

Yes

No

*

**

**

***

59

Located on the Bay of Quinte near the U.S. border, Belleville is in close proximity to the U.S. border and quaint Prince Edward county

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Belleville,+ON

125

Prince George

BC

96,015

1.1%

$406,943

9.6%

$1,697

$73,127

No

No

***

**

***

*

14

Northern BC's largest city and most stable economy

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Prince+George,+BC

126

Inverness

NS

17,382

-0.3%

$200,300

-1.3%

$835

$44,831

Yes

No

****

*

***

**

121

Beautiful town on the western cliffs of Cape Breton, home to arguably Canada's top golf course

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Inverness,+NS

127

Brooks

AB

25,246

0.6%

$226,350

19.4%

$944

$48,496

Yes

No

**

*

***

**

122

A southeast Alberta town on the Trans Canada Highway with a somewhat diversified economy, semi-arid climate and proximity to several lakes

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Brooks+,+AB

128

Kentville

NS

28,196

1.4%

$270,182

7.1%

$1,127

$56,981

No

No

**

*

***

***

71

An inland Nova Scotia town with plenty of trees and a pleasant downtown

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Kentville,+NS

129

Airdrie

AB

75,707

2.2%

$349,100

5.6%

$1,456

$62,616

No

No

**

*

**

**

22

A growing bedroom community just north of Calgary. Airdrie has a young demographic and more reasonable home prices.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Airdrie,+AB

130

Goderich

ON

8,115

1.9%

$419,400

20.8%

$1,749

$79,991

Yes

No

***

**

**

**

83

A lovely town on Lake Huron centred around a octagonal roundabout

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Goderich,+ON

131

Hamilton

ON

804,691

1.2%

$756,000

21.5%

$3,152

$123,464

Yes

No

*

****

**

**

20

Canada's industrial port city, Hamilton is in close proximity to the  Niagara Peninsula and escarpment

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hamilton,+ON

132

Huntsville

ON

6,482

0.6%

$613,297

42.7%

$2,557

$103,098

Yes

No

****

*

****

*

122

The biggest city in Ontario's cottage country, near countless lakes and Algonquin Park

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Huntsville,+ON

133

Truro

NS

47,031

0.4%

$184,004

0.6%

$767

$45,916

Yes

No

**

*

**

**

44

A town in central Nova Scotia with a diversified economy and homey downtown

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Truro,+NS

134

Brandon

MB

63,188

1.2%

$238,513

26.8%

$995

$60,594

No

No

*

**

**

*

10

A friendly town on the Trans Canada highway with a stable economy

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Brandon,+MB

135

Guelph

ON

167,509

1.5%

$672,400

19.6%

$2,804

$110,627

No

No

*

***

**

***

22

One of Canada's strongest economies, Guelph is a safe fast growing city with sufficient nightlife given its univertity-town status

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Guelph,+ON

136

Banff

AB

8,224

-2.1%

$753,000

7.2%

$3,140

$132,118

Yes

Yes

*****

**

*****

**

89

A vacation hotspot and outdoor activity mecca, not to mention one of the most scenic towns in Canada. But you have to work there to live there.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Banff,+AB

137

Blackfalds

AB

11,974

4.2%

$329,865

2.5%

$1,375

$62,804

No

No

*

*

***

**

67

A growing prairie town with light industry just north of Red Deer

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Blackfalds,+AB

138

Barrie

ON

218,188

1.8%

$613,200

23.3%

$2,557

$100,715

Yes

No

**

**

**

**

53

Gateway to the Muskokas, a growing city connected to the Greater Toronto Area by Go Train and highway 400

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Barrie,+ON

139

Grande Prairie

AB

69,025

1.1%

$322,799

-3.7%

$1,346

$62,485

No

No

**

**

***

*

14

A northern Alberta town with a mostly oil and gas and agriculture-based economy

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Grande+Prairie,+AB

140

Winnipeg

MB

850,056

0.7%

$285,800

7.6%

$1,192

$67,409

No

No

*

****

**

*

19

Manitoba's biggest city has a solid diversified economy and a notoriously fierce winter

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Winnipeg,+MB

141

Orillia

ON

34,002

1.6%

$540,000

23.3%

$2,252

$93,550

Yes

No

**

**

***

*

71

Town on Lake Simcoe within a short drive to cottage country

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Orillia,+ON

142

Sarnia

ON

100,985

0.4%

$407,297

18.2%

$1,698

$77,341

Yes

No

*

**

**

****

86

Industrial town on Lake Huron, just across the St. Clair River from the USA

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sarnia,+ON

143

Bowmanville

ON

39,371

2.4%

$983,476

26.5%

$4,101

$154,144

Yes

No

**

*

**

***

51

A small town on the shores of Lake Ontario, to be served by Go Train service to Toronto by 2024 or so.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bowmanville,+ON

144

Cornwall

ON

62,225

0.3%

$294,011

11.4%

$1,226

$61,372

Yes

No

**

**

**

**

75

Border city on the St. Lawrence River with beautiful waterfront park and marina

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cornwall,+ON

145

Midland

ON

39,971

1.4%

$494,369

26.6%

$2,061

$89,445

Yes

No

***

*

***

*

85

A town directly on Georgian Bay with lots of parland

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Midland,+ON

146

Keswick–Elmhurst Beach

ON

26,757

1.5%

$727,865

31.7%

$3,035

$116,196

Yes

No

**

*

***

*

49

A growing community on Lake Simcoe with easy access to the GTA via Highway 404

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Keswick–Elmhurst+Beach,+ON

147

Peterborough

ON

131,939

0.7%

$501,100

18.7%

$2,089

$89,975

Yes

No

**

**

**

***

83

Mid-side city that's home to Trent University numerous large employers, in close proximity to the Kawartha cottage region

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Peterborough,+ON

148

Owen Sound

ON

34,044

1.2%

$384,800

25.3%

$1,605

$71,737

Yes

No

***

*

***

*

129

Town on Georgian Bay with friendly northern feel

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Owen+Sound,+ON

149

Petawawa

ON

19,074

1.5%

$327,349

11.4%

$1,365

$66,175

Yes

No

***

*

***

*

110

Unassuming town along the Ottawa River with ready access to outdoor activities, including excellent boating

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Petawawa,+ON

150

Georgetown

ON

43,654

3.3%

$942,000

14.8%

$3,928

$140,869

No

No

*

*

**

***

28

Toronto bedroom community with ample green space

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Georgetown,+ON

151

Orangeville

ON

30,295

0.7%

$770,707

31.5%

$3,214

$127,637

No

No

*

**

***

**

46

Quiet but growing rural city with active downtown

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Orangeville,+ON

152

Welland–Pelham

ON

73,673

1.1%

$520,500

33.3%

$2,170

$95,164

No

No

*

*

**

***

59

A former industrial city on the famed Welland Canal in the Niagara region

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Welland–Pelham,+ON

153

Williams Lake

BC

19,391

0.4%

$233,491

-13.1%

$974

$49,542

No

No

***

*

***

***

152

A quiet resource dependent town in BC's central interior

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Williams+Lake,+BC

154

Bradford-West Gwillimbury

ON

42,968

4.2%

$908,299

16.5%

$3,787

$139,329

No

No

*

*

**

**

39

A fast growing somewhat rural region north of Toronto on the Go train line

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bradford-West+Gwillimbury,+ON

155

Tofino

BC

18,751

0.4%

$869,500

4.8%

$3,626

$124,818

Yes

Yes

*****

*

****

*

175

One of Canada's most beautiful, and wettest, places—a major summertime tourist destination right on the Pacific Ocean

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tofino+,+BC

156

Lloydminster (Part)

SK

36,473

0.1%

$274,143

11.8%

$1,143

$54,078

No

No

*

*

*

*

10

A friendly petroleum and agriculture based city on the AB/SK border

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lloydminster+(Part),+SK

157

Beaumont

AB

21,443

4.0%

$423,735

0.4%

$1,767

$74,382

No

No

*

*

*

*

19

A growing bedroom community of Edmonton

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Beaumont,+AB

158

High River

AB

14,178

0.2%

$364,700

4.2%

$1,521

$66,476

No

No

**

*

**

**

57

An intimate community south of Calgary, with a redeveloped downtown and a mostly stable economy including somewhat of a film industry

https://www.google.com/maps/place/High+River+,+AB

159

Whitchurch-Stouffville

ON

51,311

3.2%

$962,912

13.0%

$4,015

$142,305

No

No

*

**

*

**

36

A fast growing commuter town on the Go Train line in the Greater Toronto Area

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Whitchurch-Stouffville,+ON

160

Portage la Prairie

MB

13,495

0.1%

$177,375

-2.2%

$740

$50,278

No

No

**

*

**

*

67

A small agricultural town on the Trans Canada highway, arranged around a C-shaped lake

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Portage+la+Prairie+,+MB

161

King City

ON

26,593

2.0%

$1,671,311

12.1%

$6,969

$237,115

No

No

**

*

**

**

33

Fast-growing region in the greenbelt north of Toronto, popular with commuters

https://www.google.com/maps/place/King+City,+ON

162

Bolton

ON

26,378

-0.5%

$1,321,989

33.0%

$5,512

$191,118

No

No

**

*

*

**

23

Toronto rural suberb with a village-like downtown in a valley

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bolton,+ON

163

Cold Lake

AB

14,397

-0.8%

$255,000

-8.9%

$1,063

$50,854

Yes

No

***

*

****

*

205

A quaint town on a beautiful lake in Northern Alberta with an economy tied to oil and its military base

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cold+Lake,+AB

164

Camrose

AB

18,980

-0.2%

$285,443

7.7%

$1,190

$56,772

No

No

*

*

*

*

53

An agricultultural community in middle Alberta

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Camrose,+AB

165

Bonnyville

AB

12,833

-0.5%

$219,199

-6.4%

$914

$46,158

No

No

**

*

***

*

170

A northern Alberta town with largely an oil-based economy

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bonnyville,+AB

166

Steinbach

MB

15,809

0.0%

$430,785

13.5%

$1,796

$93,742

No

No

**

*

**

*

66

A growing family-friendly city in the prairies of Manitoba, with German heritage and a spirit economy

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Steinbach,+MB

Ranking Criteria Explained

Rank: Numerical rank of a city based on RATESDOTCA's internal scoring algorithm. A lower number is better.

Population Growth: Population growth year-over-year (Sources: StatsCan and municipal estimates for the year 2020)

Average 1-Year Price Growth: Home price growth year-over-year, as of December 31, 2020 (Sources: real estate boards and municipal estimates)

Average Home Price 2020: As of December 31, 2020

Minimum Income Required: Assuming 20% down, a 30-year amortization, a 4.79% qualifying rate, 1% property tax rate, $150/mo heat and $500 of other monthly debt

Proximity to Large Water Body: The city/town must be within 10 kilometers of a major river, lake (more than 10 km long) or ocean.

Proximity to Mountains: The city/town must be within 30 km of mountains (from downtown). A mountain is defined as a land mass 500+ meters in elevation.

Scenery: A subjective rating based on surrounding nature, parks, water bodies, mountains, forests, rolling hills, downtown aesthetics and other visually appealing aspects of an area.

Nightlife: A subjective rating of the restaurants, bars, theaters, and other notable entertainment venues wi