Why does Canada have three of the world's most liveable cities?

[Low End Derrick]

With Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto all ranked in the top 10 of the Global Liveability Index 2023, we speak to residents in each city to find out what makes life so sweet.

While European and Scandinavian destinations frequently find themselves atop world indexes – like the world's healthiest countries, or best countries for raising children – Canada has quietly been marching up the ranks as a country to contend with. That's been especially apparent in the latest most liveable cities index, conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit, which named three of Canada's cities in the top 10, more than any other country represented.

The top three Canadian cities on the list included Vancouver (ranked 5th), Calgary (tied 7th with Geneva) and Toronto (ranked 9th), each with perfect healthcare and education scores. Those factors appeal to Canadians, who praise positive governmental policies that improve quality of life there.

"Our progressive politics and universal healthcare make Canada a wonderful place to live," said Vancouver resident Samantha Falk. "I cannot imagine living in a country where I have to worry about being able to afford to see a doctor or take my child to the hospital, or risk bankruptcy by having cancer."

This sense of care extends beyond politicians, leading to a feeling of community that improves liveability both at work and home. "Lending a hand at schools [to] supporting seniors to uplifting business owners, Canadians are known for their friendly and supportive nature," said Jane Stoller, Vancouver resident and founder of Organized Jane, a life-business organising service. "This sense of camaraderie fosters a positive environment where individuals can thrive and find fulfilment in both their personal and professional lives."

Canadians love the strong connection that the nation has to the outdoors (Credit: Orchidpoet/Getty Images)

Canada's investment in public transportation and transit systems also makes navigating its big cities easier. Falk, who has also lived in Montreal, Calgary and Toronto, didn't get her driver's licence until she was 24, and a friend of hers is finally getting his at 53, simply because they haven't needed a car to get around.

However, what residents love most is the strong connection that the nation has to the outdoors. "All three [of the most liveable] cities – like so many cities in Canada – are located close to nature, and have also incorporated it into their city design," said Falk. "There's the ravine system and the beaches in Toronto; Mont Royal and tree-lined streets in Montreal; and Vancouver has Stanley Park, one of the world's best examples of urban nature." But even outside the big cities, the focus on nature remains a prominent feature, mirroring the importance of the wilderness to residents. "We are outdoor people!" Falk said.

Spread across the world's second-largest country (by landmass), each of the three Canadian cities has their own unique appeal. We talked to residents in each place to find out what keeps them living in and loving their respective cities.

Vancouver's Stanley Park is a green oasis and one of the greatest urban parks in the world (Credit: Laughingmango/Getty Images)

Why does Canada have three of the world's most liveable cities?

With Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto all ranked in the top 10 of the Global Liveability Index 2023, we speak to residents in each city to find out what makes life so sweet.

www.bbc.com

 

[F*ckthemkids]

 

[Seoul Gleou]

because if you're broke, you can't live there

 

[Iverson_64]

@Wallychamp
@MikelArteta
@Amestafuu (Emeritus)
@Megagraphitti
@Techniec

 

[NoirDynosaur]

Vancouver is the best city in Canada. However, VC is the most expensive city in Canada. The average cost of living in Vancouver is $4,313/month for a single person who rents. This average is based on many factors including the cost of housing, transportation, groceries, and entertainment.

Unless you 6 certs, you gonna be struggling

Toronto is a top tier city. However, it's expensive af, limited employment opportunities, gets cold af in the winter

The average cost of living in Toronto is $4,282/month for a single person who rents. This average is based on many factors including the cost of housing, transportation, groceries, and entertainment.

New Foundland, Halifax Nova Scotia, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, and Montreal are underrated. Nova Scotia is historical because a lot of Blacks from the U.S. escaped from slavery.

Our History – Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia

bccns.com

The only issue with Montreal is you learn to French. If that isn't an issue, there's a lot to offer.

 

[bourgeoisie tall freak]

i agree that the factors are important (health and education)

but when you can get those and money in the states .... god bless america

 

[Malcolmxxx_23]

Cause nobody going to put a gun to your face when you come out of ur fav restaurant

 

[Tommy Sheppard]

Vancouver always looked so nice from the skyline pictures, always wanted to visit.

 

[Scustin Bieburr]

because if you're broke, you can't live there

Sure you can

Just live with 3 other adults in a studio apartment.

Rice crehs coming into a rundown apartment complex with shared bathrooms after living in a coffin suite:

Indian being able to sleep in a studio apartment with 3 other grown ass men after making it out the Mumbai mud:

This is what neoliberalism needs to keep the capitalism ponzi scheme going. When they run out of immigrants to do the shyt jobs they don't want to do and to use as scapegoats for political theatre they'll have to actually listen to people but until then all they see are dollar signs when they think of the people desperate to escape the conditions that European and North American imperialism created in their home countries.

 

[RhodyRum]

Most of y'all nikkas wouldn't even survive through a Minnesota winter, yet you wanna suck off cities more north than Duluth.

 

[null]

... because they asked gringos




they need a breh-liveability index

 

[DonB90]

ass cities





And before y'all come in here talking about Toronto and multiculturalism and Carribean people and all that other shyt Toronto has a Black pop of only 9%.

 

[Shadow King]

because if you're broke, you can't live there

Same as here...

Vancouver is the best city in Canada. However, VC is the most expensive city in Canada. The average cost of living in Vancouver is $4,313/month for a single person who rents. This average is based on many factors including the cost of housing, transportation, groceries, and entertainment.

Unless you 6 certs, you gonna be struggling

Toronto is a top tier city. However, it's expensive af, limited employment opportunities, gets cold af in the winter

The average cost of living in Toronto is $4,282/month for a single person who rents. This average is based on many factors including the cost of housing, transportation, groceries, and entertainment.

New Foundland, Halifax Nova Scotia, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, and Montreal are underrated. Nova Scotia is historical because a lot of Blacks from the U.S. escaped from slavery.

Our History – Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia

bccns.com

The only issue with Montreal is you learn to French. If that isn't an issue, there's a lot to offer.

You're better served learning French, but you don't have to...

 

[VertigoKnight]

I've lived in Vancouver since late 2015.

Love it here, but yeah if you don't have a well paying job you'll struggle as housing is a pisstake

But in terms of livability and day to day I can't fault it.

Don't get bothered by police, crime wise I haven't had any affect me.

We do have a ridiculous amount of visible drug users that's one of the big issues the city deals or doesn't deal with.

I think they should be all rounded up and taken away from where they can feed their addictions.

 

[The Prince of All Saiyans]

I've lived in Vancouver since late 2015.

Love it here, but yeah if you don't have a well paying job you'll struggle as housing is a pisstake

But in terms of livability and day to day I can't fault it.

Don't get bothered by police, crime wise I haven't had any affect me.

We do have a ridiculous amount of visible drug users that's one of the big issues the city deals or doesn't deal with.

I think they should be all rounded up and taken away from where they can feed their addictions.

That’s called East Hastings, friend