Ottawa has been recognized as the most livable city in Canada for the year 2026, securing the top spot across North America for its exceptional quality of life. Globally, Ottawa achieved a commendable 28th position in the rankings.
The evaluation conducted by Numbeo considers various factors including cost of living, safety, healthcare, pollution levels, housing affordability, climate conditions, and traffic commute times to determine the rankings.
Canadian Cities Recognized
A total of 17 Canadian cities spanning seven provinces were acknowledged in this year’s rankings, with Ontario leading the count followed by British Columbia.
Top Five Canadian Cities for Quality of Life in 2026:
- Ottawa, ON
- Nanaimo, BC
- Victoria, BC
- Vancouver, BC
- Quebec City, QC
Other notable cities featured in the list include Calgary, Halifax, Edmonton, Kelowna, Montreal, London, Mississauga, Toronto, Brampton, Regina, Winnipeg, and Hamilton.
Changes Over the Years
Ottawa has ascended from the second position last year to claim the top spot nationally in 2026, while Calgary has slipped from first to sixth place. Vancouver has seen a slight improvement, whereas Edmonton and Mississauga experienced a decline. Brampton, Hamilton, and Nanaimo have made their debut on the list this year.
Global Ranking
Among 304 cities globally, six Canadian cities secured positions in the top 100, showing a slight decrease from the previous year. European cities, particularly those in the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, and Switzerland, dominated the top rankings.