Looking for the best place to raise a family in Canada? You’re in luck!
This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to the best places to live in Canada for families.
Every province and territory is different, so it is important to do your research before making a decision.
- Best Places to Live in Canada for Families (including Young Families)
- 1. Burlington, Ontario
- 2. St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
- 3. Ottawa, Ontario
- 4. Edmonton, Alberta
- 5. Calgary, Alberta
- 6. Toronto, Ontario
- 7. Saint John, New Brunswick
- 8. Guelph, Ontario
- 9. Milton, Ontario
- 10. London, Ontario
- 11. Brandon, Manitoba
- 12. Victoria, British Columbia (BC)
- 13. Montreal, Quebec
- 14. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island (PEI)
- Best Places to Live in Canada for Young Couples
- 1. Trois-Rivieres, Quebec
- 2. Nelson, BC
- 3. Kingston, Ontario
- 4. Sherbrooke, Quebec
- Where Are the Best Places to Live in Canada for Families with Kids?
- What Are the Best Places for Families to Live in Canada? Best Place to Raise a Family in Canada
- Best Small Towns in Canada to Raise a Family
- FAQs: Best Places to Live in Canada for Families
- Final Words: Best Places to Live in Canada for Families
We’ll discuss everything involved, from the cost of living to the climate, so you can make an informed decision about where you’ll call home. So, what are you waiting for? Start reading!
Best Places to Live in Canada for Families (including Young Families)
- Burlington, Ontario
- St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Ottawa, Ontario
- Edmonton, Alberta
- Calgary, Alberta
- Toronto, Ontario
- Saint John, New Brunswick
- Guelph, Ontario
- Milton, Ontario
- London, Ontario
- Brandon, Manitoba
- Victoria, British Columbia (BC)
- Montreal, Quebec
- Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island (PEI)
Let’s dive in!
1. Burlington, Ontario
Burlington, Ontario, is a city that benefits from its proximity to Toronto. It is ideal for young families, and the area is affordable.
Burlington is a city in Ontario, Canada. The town has many benefits such as excellent access to public transit, high quality of life due to a low crime rate, among other things.
It has a strong economy and a low level of unemployment.
The small city of Burlington is located in the central region of Ontario. The area provides a stunning natural setting, making it an attractive place to live and work.
Burlington is an affordable option for families. It has a high population of people with children, which means there are plenty of activities and amenities catering to them.
2. St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
St. John’s is the oldest English-founded city in North America and has a high quality of life despite its low cost of living. This Canadian city also has one of the best school systems in Canada, which is great for young families.
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador is a city with all the big city amenities and its own small-town feel. With its old buildings and terrain that resemble San Francisco, it has an urban side to it as well.
3. Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada’s most populous province, Ontario. Ottawa has a diverse population, and immigrants come from Asia mostly.
It is the fourth largest metropolitan city in Canada. The weather changes from scorching hot summers to too cold for too long winters. Still, Ottawa offers many activities and things to do and see for all seasons!
Ottawa is one of the best places to live in Canada for families because it’s a safe city with good schools and high quality of life.
Ottawa is best known for its many museums and galleries that explore Canada’s history and art scene.
The best places to live in Ottawa are those close to downtown or along one of the rivers because these areas have access to public transportation.
4. Edmonton, Alberta
Edmonton is Alberta’s capital city, and the province is known for its oil sands. Edmonton has a culturally diverse population, with over 60% of its residents coming from other countries.
Edmonton, Alberta, is one of the best places to live in Canada for families looking for cultural diversity. The city also offers plenty of amenities, good schools, and a low cost of living.
Edmonton is known as Canada’s Festival City because it hosts numerous festivals throughout the year that celebrate everything from culture and cuisine to art and music!
It also has a great school system, with one of the best hospitals in all of Canada by far (it even has its own children’s hospital), plus a low crime rate.
Edmonton is best known for the West Edmonton Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in North America. The mall has over 800 stores, a waterpark, an amusement park, and more!
5. Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is the largest city in Alberta, and it has nearly one million residents. The town is popular for its annual rodeo event called the Calgary Stampede.
Calgary is one of the best places to live in Canada for families because it offers good schools, a low cost of living, and plenty of activities for all ages.
It is the best place to live in Alberta if you are looking for a city with something for everyone. The city offers excellent schools, ample job opportunities, and a wide range of activities to keep kids busy.
One thing that makes Calgary stand out from other cities in Canada is its strong economy. The city has a low unemployment rate and many jobs in the oil and gas industry.
READ ALSO >> Best Places to Live in Alberta
6. Toronto, Ontario
Toronto is the surely most populated city in Canada, with over two million residents. It is best known for its multiculturalism, with people from all over the world calling it home.
Toronto, Ontario, is one of the best places to live in Canada for families looking for diversity. The city has excellent schools, plenty of job opportunities, and a wide range of activities to keep you busy.
People regard Toronto as Canada’s cultural capital, with world-renowned museums, theatres, and restaurants.
Living in Toronto can be expensive compared to other cities in Canada. Still, the city offers a wide range of accommodation options. You can find everything from luxurious condos to suburban homes to downtown apartments.
7. Saint John, New Brunswick
Next on the list of the best places to live in Canada for families is Saint John, New Brunswick. It is best known as a port city on the Atlantic Ocean. Also, it is home to many immigrants from all over the globe.
Saint John, New Brunswick offers affordable housing plus a low cost of living. The city also has a booming economy, with ample job opportunities in the retail and service industries.
Saint John is the best place to raise a family if you are looking for a smaller city that offers all the amenities of a larger city. The schools are good, there are plenty of activities for kids, and the people are friendly and welcoming.
One downside to Saint John is that it can be quite cold in the winter. The average temperature in January is -13 degrees Celsius!
8. Guelph, Ontario
Guelph, Ontario, is one of the best places to live in Canada for families because it offers a mix of urban and rural living. The city is best known for its good colleges and universities, making it a great place for young families.
Guelph, Ontario, is one of the best places to raise a family if you are looking for a small town with all the feel and amenities of a big city. The schools are good, there is plenty to do in terms of entertainment and recreation, and it’s close enough to Toronto that you can get there easily!
Guelph has an excellent public school system with some of the best high schools in Canada. It’s also home to the University of Guelph, one of Canada’s best universities.
The cost of living in Guelph is affordable, and there are plenty of job opportunities in the city. You can find everything from entry-level jobs to high-paying positions at the many colleges and universities in town.
9. Milton, Ontario
Milton, Ontario, is next on the list of the best places to live in Canada for families. It is best known as a bedroom community, with many people commuting to Toronto each day for work.
Milton, Ontario, is the best place to live in Canada if you are looking for a quiet and safe suburb to raise your family. The schools are excellent, there is plenty of green space, and the people are friendly and welcoming.
Milton is also close to Toronto, so you have easy access to all the amenities of a big city.
The only downside to Milton is that it can be quite expensive to live there. The cost of housing is high, and the average commute time to Toronto is over an hour.
10. London, Ontario
London, Ontario, is a great city for families because it has something for everyone. The city is best known for its universities and hospitals, making it a great place for young families.
London, Ontario, is the best place to raise a family if you are looking for a big city with all the feel of a small town. The schools are good, there is plenty of entertainment and recreation, and it’s close enough to Toronto that you can get there easily!
London has an excellent public school system with some of the best high schools in Canada. It’s also home to the University of Western Ontario, one of Canada’s best colleges.
The cost of living in London is affordable, and there are plenty of job opportunities in the city. You can find everything from entry-level jobs to high-paying positions at the many universities and hospitals in town.
READ ALSO >> Places to Visit in London, Ontario
11. Brandon, Manitoba
Real estate prices are an important factor when budgeting for first-time homeowners who plan to relocate to Canada.
If you want a nice family house in Brandon, Manitoba, you’ll be able to find one for less than $350,000!
There is plenty of employment available and all of the amenities of big cities (most of which are within walking distance). Also, there are plenty of green recreational places, and the greatest thing is that there is no traffic.
The winters in Brandon can be cold, but they are very short.
Before moving to Brandon, one thing to consider is that it doesn’t have a lot of cultural attractions, and the nightlife isn’t as good as what you would find in other cities.
12. Victoria, British Columbia (BC)
If you’re looking for an outdoor-oriented city with beautiful scenery and friendly people, then Victoria is the best place to live in Canada for families.
Victoria has all the amenities of a big city (within walking distance). Still, it’s much quieter and less expensive than other cities like Vancouver or Toronto.
The best part about living with kids here is that there’s so much natural beauty around you – from ocean views to mountain peaks and everything in between.
The city also has a lot of educational opportunities, including universities such as the University of Victoria (UVic), which is best known for its arts programs and education system.
One thing to consider before moving with a family is that Victoria doesn’t have as many job opportunities for non-tech professionals who don’t work in tech or government positions (though there are some).
It is home to some world-class museums like The Royal BC Museum – one of the best museums in Canada!
READ ALSO >> Best Places to Live in BC (British Columbia)
13. Montreal, Quebec
Next on our list of the best places to live in Canada for families is Montreal, Quebec. It is a lovely city with a rich culture and history. Montreal is the best place to raise a family if you are looking for a big city with a small town’s amenities. The schools are good, there is plenty of entertainment and recreation, and it’s close enough to Toronto that you can get there easily!
Montreal has an excellent public school system with some of the best high schools in Canada. It’s also home to the University of Montreal, one of Canada’s best colleges.
The study results indicated that Montreal had the most affordable childcare services in Canada. This City may be the right place if you are looking for the best places to live in Canada for families raising children.
14. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island (PEI)
Charlottetown is a great place to live in Canada for families with young children. It is the capital of Prince Edward Island and is best known as the birthplace of Canada’s confederation.
Charlottetown has a population of about 35,000 people, and it’s one of the safest cities in Canada. The city has a great school system with plenty of extracurricular activities to keep children engaged.
It also offers many outdoor sports, such as hiking and biking trails along the Hillsborough River.
The best part is that Charlottetown has all amenities of big cities without any crime or traffic issues! It’s an ideal place if you want the best quality of life while raising children.
Best Places to Live in Canada for Young Couples
Young couples are looking for the best places to live in Canada. The cities of Toronto and Vancouver have a reputation for being expensive. Still, other options may be more affordable. Although living in these two cities is difficult with young families, it can be done if you plan ahead and research what’s available.
- Trois-Rivieres, Quebec
- Nelson, BC
- Kingston, Ontario
- Sherbrooke, Quebec
1. Trois-Rivieres, Quebec
Trois-Rivieres is a city in Quebec, Canada. It has a population of almost 60,000 people and was founded by the French colonists in 1713. This industrial city is located between Montreal and Quebec City.
It’s known for its historical sites like the Chateau Frontenac Hotel, King George IV Bridge, Fort Verandrye Site, Notre Dame Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre Church, etc.
It has an affordable housing market and low rental costs because of its proximity to Montreal, allowing people from both cities to commute easily.
The average home price in Trois-Rivieres is $212,329. This means that the median household income of this city is not high enough to afford a mortgage on their home.
In Trois-Rivieres, the unemployment rate is 5.8%. The slightly elevated unemployment rate stands at 6% in Trois-Rivieres compared to other cities of similar size and population density.
2. Nelson, BC
Nelson, BC, is a popular place to live for young couples looking for affordable cost of living and entertainment options. It is one of the few affordable housing areas in British Columbia.
It has an average home cost of $400,943. Nelson is perfect for anyone who values heritage and the arts, as well as close-knit communities.
It offers many outdoor activities, but it is not densely populated. It has a low cost of living and high job opportunities.
Nelson being a small town, does not have public transit. This means that people need their own cars to live in Nelson.
3. Kingston, Ontario
Kingston is a medium-sized city in Ontario with an unemployment rate of 5.5% and a median household income of $73,007. It is a great city to live in. There are many opportunities for employment and education.
Kingston, Ontario, is one of the best places to live in Canada for families with young couples. It is a mid-sized city with plenty to do. Kingston also has a wide range of educational institutions, making it perfect for young families.
Additionally, the city offers many entertainment options, such as theatres and sporting events.
READ ALSO >> Best Places to Live in Ontario, Canada
4. Sherbrooke, Quebec
Sherbrooke is a city in Canada with an average home cost of $222,443.
It has many beautiful parks, and it’s not too far from bigger cities like Montreal or Quebec City, which makes this place perfect for young couples looking forward to starting their family life together. This area also offers great schools and an affordable housing market, making it even more desirable.
The unemployment rate in Sherbrooke is at around 6%, and the median household income is sixty-seven thousand dollars. This area also has a wide range of educational institutions, making it perfect for young families. Additionally, Sherbrooke offers many entertainment options, such as theatres and sporting events.
The best places to live in Canada for families often have affordable housing markets that make them desirable for people looking forward to starting a family.
Where Are the Best Places to Live in Canada for Families with Kids?
The best places to live in Canada for families with kids vary depending on the parent’s specific needs.
For instance, single parents will often need an area that offers a wide variety of educational institutions and job opportunities. This typically requires a larger city such as Calgary, Winnipeg or Hamilton.
The best bets for people looking for family-friendly attractions might be Edmonton or Ottawa, where affordable housing options exist.
For parents with children under 18 years old, one option might be Trois-Rivieres, where affordable housing is available in order to cut down on housing costs after putting the kids into daycare each morning.
Some other great cities include Sherbrooke and Quebec City, which offer many entertainment options without being as overwhelming as some larger cities.
Kingston might be a great place to raise a family if both parents work. This city has a low unemployment rate, and the median household income is higher than in most other places in Canada.
Additionally, Kingston offers many entertainment options, such as theatres and sporting events that families can enjoy together on weekends.
What Are the Best Places for Families to Live in Canada? Best Place to Raise a Family in Canada
The best places to live in Canada for families vary depending on how you define “best.”
If your definition of best is the safest, then you should check out our article on the safest places to live in Canada.
But if you mean best as a place with a low cost of living, good schools, clean air and plenty of job opportunities, then the best places for families to live in Canada are:
- Edmonton, Alberta
- Halifax and Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
- Winnipeg and Brandon, Manitoba
- Saskatoon and Regina, Saskatchewan
- Saint John, New Brunswick
- Iqaluit, Nunavut
- Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Best Small Towns in Canada to Raise a Family
Small towns in Canada offer a unique charm and sense of community often missing in larger cities. They also provide various affordable housing options, strong job markets and educational institutions.
Additionally, small towns typically have a slower pace of life which can be relaxing for families.
The best small towns in Canada to raise a family are:
- Qualicum Beach, British Columbia
- Collingwood and Orangeville, Ontario
- Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
- Drumheller, Alberta
- Stratford, Ontario
- Prescott and Russell County, Quebec
FAQs: Best Places to Live in Canada for Families
Best Places to Live in Northwest Territories for Families?
The best place to raise a family in the Northwest Territories of Canada is Yellowknife. It’s the capital city of Northwest Territories and is located at Yellowknife Bay, on Great Slave Lake.
Yellowknife is best known for its gold mining history, which earned it a reputation as ‘Gold Town.’ Today, this vibrant community has transformed into a thriving small city that offers something for everyone. There are nearly endless outdoor recreation opportunities, excellent educational institutions, and a strong economy.
Some of the best features of Yellowknife for families include:
- Excellent schools, with both French and English language instruction available
- Vibrant arts and culture scene, including music, theatre, and visual arts
- Plenty of parks and green spaces in which to play
- Strong economy with many employment opportunities
- Safe and welcoming community
If you’re looking for the best place to raise your family in Northwest Territories, Yellowknife is a great choice. It offers all the amenities that families need and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and cultural enrichment.
Final Words: Best Places to Live in Canada for Families
It can be difficult to decide where best to live in Canada for families because each province has its pros and cons. We hope that this article was able to help you narrow down your options, no matter the part of the country you’re interested in.
Remember, one size does not fit all; different provinces have different benefits depending on the needs of family members. For more information about Canadian cities or if you want assistance with deciding which best place is best for your family’s lifestyle preferences, let us know by commenting below!
We would be happy to provide personalized recommendations based on your unique needs and goals.
AUTHOR
Charee Oisamoje is the founder of CanadaWiz. She leads the editorial team, which is comprised of subject matter experts that aim to create well-researched, highly detailed content related to studying, working, immigrating, and settling/living in Canada as a newcomer.
Charee's personal experiences as a Canadian immigrant and her professional competencies make her uniquely qualified on the subject matter.
With extensive educational credentials, she is an expert at collecting details, verifying facts, and making complex subjects easy to understand. 
MBA in Finance MScIB CCEA (#CCG 271) CPA Candidate ✔️CIP ✔️BSc Accounting
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