Best Provinces to Live in Canada for 2024

If you're close to getting your permanent residency in Canada, you might be wondering which province is the best to live in.

This is one of the most common question we get at Parsam Immigration.

Canada is the second-largest country in the world, and with ten provinces and three territories, choosing where to live can be overwhelming. Each province has its own unique traits.

Many Canadian PR applicants dream of living in Ontario and British Columbia because they have Canada's largest cities, like Toronto and Vancouver.

But think about it. While they are popular, you should consider factors like housing, job opportunities, and climate.

In this article, we will help you find the best province to live in Canada for your family by listing the pros and cons of each one.

Are you ready to move to Canada?

Which are the best places to live in Canada?

Before applying for a permanent residency, a big question is, "What is the best province in Canada to live in?".

This is a common inquiry for most types of visas, especially when your Spousal Sponsorship is approved and you and your partner want to start a new life together.

With over 9.8 million square kilometers, there are many places to consider.

To simplify your life, we recommend checking the following list to find the best place to live in Canada based on your intentions and possibilities.

1. Ontario

Ontario could be your top choice for permanent residency in Canada.

This is common; most immigrants choose to live in Ontario, especially in Toronto, the largest city in Canada.

But, the cost of living is high, which can make it less attractive for families.

Despite this, Ontario has a great education system and welcomes international students to its top universities.

So, if you're thinking of applying for a student visa, Ontario should be among your options.

On the other hand, Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is the second most popular city in Ontario. It is also considered one of the safest cities in Canada and offers a high quality of life with lower living costs.

This is because Ontario has a strong economy, contributing 37% of Canada's GDP, mainly through resources, manufacturing, and exports.

Nearly 50% of jobs in high-tech, financial services, and other skilled industries are located here.

With many IT, engineering, finance, and marketing professionals, Ontario is a great home for skilled individuals from India.

Indo-Canadians have actually contributed to Ontario's economy, making it a multicultural hub.

Ontario is considered the best province in Canada for these reasons.

However, people often get scared because winters in Ontario can be very cold, with temperatures sometimes dropping below -40°C.

2. British Columbia

British Columbia is on the west coast of Canada and is known for its beautiful natural scenery.

It has been the second most popular province for new immigrants after Ontario for many years.

British Columbia is a great choice for living in Canada with its green landscapes, stunning beaches, and mountains, especially for those who enjoy outdoor activities and milder weather.

The most popular city in British Columbia is Vancouver.

Vancouver has many academic and job opportunities. For many newcomers, Vancouver is the best place to live in Canada.

Victoria is the second most popular city for immigrants, after Vancouver. It has a slower pace of life, charming older buildings, and beautiful outdoor spaces.

Overall, British Columbia is a great province for those who prefer milder winters.

The coastal areas have some of the warmest winters in Canada, rarely dropping below freezing.

On the other hand, the interior regions can be colder and snowier in winter but have hotter summers.

However, the cost of living and taxes are high.

If you're already in love with British Columbia, you don't need to be very convinced about how this is one of the best provinces in Canada to live in.

3. Quebec

Quebec is known as the third best province to live in Canada because it is culturally rich, offers good job opportunities, and is cheaper to live in than Ontario and British Columbia.

If you are raising kids, Quebec provides quality healthcare and transportation, making it a great choice for families on a budget.

Although French is the official language, the provincial government offers protections and services for English speakers.

The two most popular cities in Quebec are Montreal and Quebec City.

Montreal is a cultural hub where you can enjoy many music, comedy, and film festivals throughout the year.

Quebec City is the second most popular place for immigrants in the province. This unique French-speaking city combines history, modern life, culture, and nature.

Quebec's economy is diverse, mainly focused on manufacturing and services.

However, Quebec has extreme weather. In winter, temperatures can drop as low as -40°C, while in summer, they can rise to 35°C.

4. Alberta

You might be surprised to learn that Alberta is among the best provinces to live in Canada for international students and families.

Located in the center of Canada, Alberta offers a special lifestyle that embraces traditional farming culture.

Life in Alberta comes with harvest parties, locally grown food and drinks, cowboy dress-up events, and rodeos.

The province also has a low crime rate, making it a safe place to live.

If you have kids, Alberta is one of the best provinces in Canada for families, along with Quebec.

People with backgrounds in banking, finance, logistics, transportation, engineering, mechanics, and technology will find good job opportunities here.

Calgary is the main city that attracts immigrants and has great transportation and infrastructure.

While Calgary is the first choice for newcomers, many people also move to Edmonton, the capital and second-most populous city.

Calgary and Edmonton are the sunniest cities in Canada, with more sunshine than any other city in the country.

This extra sunshine helps people deal with winter, even though some parts of Alberta can get as cold as -51°C. In summer, temperatures can reach 35°C.

5. Nova Scotia

With low property prices and calm conditions, Nova Scotia is one of the best province to live in Canada for many immigrants.

Immigrants enjoy Nova Scotia's green landscapes, cleanliness, low crime rate.

Many Canadians save a large retirement fund to enjoy their later years in the beauty of this province.

The province earns a lot from hunting, fishing, and trawling, which helps support the economy.

Halifax is the best city to live in Nova Scotia, offering a blend of city and country life. With a low cost of living, it’s a great place for families to settle down.

Immigrants with farming experience can do well here. However, it may be harder to move up in corporate jobs.

6. Manitoba

Manitoba is located by Hudson Bay and borders Ontario, Saskatchewan, and North Dakota in the USA.

The province has a small population of about 1.3 million people because much of the northern area is arctic tundra.

Winnipeg is the capital and the largest city.

There are many great places to visit in Manitoba, like Thompson, Brandon, Steinbach, Portage la Prairie, Selkirk, and Winkler.

These towns are small, clean, safe, and friendly, offering a more affordable and relaxed lifestyle (you can live here on just CAD25,000 a year) while enjoying Canada’s beautiful nature.

This area is known as the "land of the lakes" because it has thousands of lakes.

It is also close to the US border, which means there are good healthcare, education, and job opportunities.

Which Canadian province is best for me to move to?

Now that you have a list of the best provinces to live in Canada, you need to decide which one is right for you.

The best choice will depend on your personal needs, budget, and what you want from a province.

Many people choose Ontario because it is very safe, diverse, has great job opportunities, and beautiful natural scenery.

It is also in the middle of Canada and well-connected, making it easy to travel.

However, keep in mind that Ontario is one of the most expensive places to live in Canada.

British Columbia is another good option if you want to learn a new language and enjoy nature. Vancouver, in particular, offers many opportunities to study while working.

But if you have a budget and are raising a family, you might want to consider a smaller province that better fits your needs.

What should I think about when choosing a province to live in?

When choosing the best province to live in Canada, consider these facts:

If you're looking for job growth, Ontario and British Columbia are a great choice. However, these provinces have a high cost of living.

Canada is cold, no matter where you go.

Provinces like Ontario and British Columbia are great for those who want to live in big cities, while others may prefer the relaxed lifestyle in Nova Scotia and Alberta. Quebec offers a mix of both, making it a good option too.

Different provinces in Canada have their own immigration rules. So, getting a visa can be easier or harder depending on the province.

Depending on your job, budget, and lifestyle, some provinces may be more welcoming than others.

Quebec has its own unique immigration policy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At Parsam Immigration, we often receive these everyday questions that you might have at this moment.

What is the cheapest province to live in Canada?

Manitoba and Nova Scotia are the cheapest provinces on this list, while also offering a great lifestyle and peace.

Which Province Has A High Cost Of Living In Canada?

Many people know that living in Canada can be very expensive. British Columbia has the highest living costs in the country, and its capital, Victoria, is one of the most costly cities to live in.