Canada’s capital city has just earned a major title, and it might have you looking at a move to the 613.
For the third year in a row, the Globe and Mail has released its definitive ranking of the most livable spots in the country, and Ottawa has officially been crowned the #1 most livable major city in Canada.
Beating out heavyweights like Vancouver and Toronto, the capital climbed an impressive 12 spots this year to claim the top position for cities with populations over 500,000.
While many know the city for its political buzz, the ranking highlights a lifestyle that balances big-city perks with a surprisingly accessible cost of living. To determine the winner, the study analyzed 454 communities across 58 different factors, ranging from healthcare and education to the economy and transportation.
The capital truly shines when it comes to quality of life. With a median household income of roughly $119,990 and average real estate values sitting significantly lower than Toronto’s, Ottawa is proving that you don’t have to sacrifice your savings to live in a world-class hub.
Beyond the data, it’s the city’s unique charm that makes it a standout. From the iconic Rideau Canal, which transforms into the world’s largest skating rink every winter, to the bustling stalls of the ByWard Market, there is a distinct sense of community that is often hard to find in a metropolis.
Residents also enjoy immediate access to nature, with the sprawling trails of Gatineau Park located just 15 minutes from the downtown core. While North Vancouver took the top spot for overall livability across all population sizes, Ottawa’s rise to the peak of the major city category marks a shift in what Canadians are looking for: a place where you can actually afford to enjoy the culture and greenery around you.
If you’re curious how other cities fared, here are the top 10 cities in this year’s ranking:
- Ottawa, ON
- Vancouver, BC
- Winnepeg, MB
- Quebec, QC
- Hamilton, ON
- Halifax, NS
- Toronto, ON
- Calgary, AB
- Edmonton, AB
- Mississauga, ON
You can find the full breakdown of the 100 most livable cities on the Globe and Mail’s website.