The eight most liveable cities for newcomers to Canada

Most newcomers choose one of Canada’s three “gateway cities” (Toronto, Montréal and Vancouver) when they first move to the country, because of the work and study opportunities on offer.

While these cities are generally regarded as the most popular among newcomers, the world’s second-largest country has a great deal to offer newcomers in terms of liveability.

The Globe and Mail’s third annual liveability ranking set out to identify the best cities for newcomers in Canada, taking into account a range of factors including housing, health care, economic opportunity, demographics, community and more.

This article covers the eight most liveable cities for newcomers according to the ranking — along with the options foreign nationals can pursue to move to each city, whether to study, work or settle permanently.

For each city, the options will cover:

• The possibility of work permit processing supported by Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) low wages, under the current restrictions;
• Institutions that can accept international students and offer programmes eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP); and
• The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams that can facilitate settlement in the city.

North Vancouver, British Columbia

North Vancouver appeals to newcomers who want the economic advantages of being next to Vancouver with a quieter, more residential feel. It is known for quick access to outdoor recreation in the North Shore mountains, strong schools and family-friendly neighbourhoods, and a very multicultural population with plenty of newcomer services across the wider Metro area.

The trade-off is cost: housing and day-to-day expenses are generally high compared with many other Canadian cities, so it tends to suit newcomers with a solid job offer, in higher-demand fields, or those comfortable with shared housing while they establish themselves in British Columbia.

Low-wage LMIA processing: Yes.

As at the most recent update on the areas where low-wage LMIA applications will be processed (from 09/01/2026 to 09/04/2026), the Vancouver Census Metropolitan Area (which includes North Vancouver) was included (with an unemployment rate of 5.9%), allowing greater work permit access for newcomers.

PGWP-eligible institutions

North Vancouver has eight Designated Learning Institution (DLI) offering PGWP-eligible programmes, including:

• British Columbia Institute of Technology;
• Can Quest International College Inc.;
• Capilano University;
• DEA Canadian College;
• Northeastern University;
• Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver;
• SAE Institute; and
• Think Tank Training Centre.

PNP streams newcomers can use

Apart from the Regional Entrepreneur stream, all the other pathways of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), would allow successful candidates to move to North Vancouver.

Pitt Meadows, British Columbia

Pitt Meadows is a quieter, family-oriented option within Metro Vancouver, offering a more suburban pace while remaining within commuting distance of Vancouver. It can appeal to newcomers who want access to the Metro job market and services but prefer more space, parks and a smaller community feel.

The trade-off is that it is generally more car-dependent and less “big city” in terms of public transport coverage and amenities—so it works best for newcomers comfortable with commuting and using the wider region for work, schools and settlement support.

Low-wage LMIA processing: Yes.

As at the most recent update on the areas where low-wage LMIA applications will be processed, the Vancouver Census Metropolitan Area (which includes Pitt Meadows) was included (with an unemployment rate of 5.9%), allowing greater work permit access for newcomers.

PGWP-eligible institutions

Pitt Meadows has eight DLIs offering PGWP-eligible programmes, including:

• Canadian Aviation College;
• Canadian Flight Centre (CFC);
• Island Coastal Aviation Inc.;
• Montair;
• Pacific Rim Aviation Academy Inc.; and
• Vancouver Aviation College.

PNP streams newcomers can use

Apart from the Regional Entrepreneur stream, all the other pathways of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) would allow successful candidates to move to Pitt Meadows.

Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa appeals to newcomers looking for a stable job market anchored by the federal public service, plus a growing technology ecosystem and a high quality of life. It is also one of Canada’s most bilingual (English/French) large cities, which can be a considerable advantage for French-speaking newcomers or anyone building French-language experience.

The trade-off is the long, cold winters, and although Ottawa can be more affordable than Toronto or Vancouver, housing costs are still rising—so budgeting and choice of neighbourhood matter.

Low-wage LMIA processing: No (at present)

Ottawa sits within the Ottawa–Gatineau CMA, and the current published unemployment rate for the CMA is 6.8% for applications submitted between 09/01/2026 and 09/04/2026—which triggers the “refusal to process” rule for low-wage LMIA applications (with limited exceptions for specific sectors and roles).

PGWP-eligible institutions

Ottawa has 22 DLIs offering PGWP-eligible programmes, including (but not limited to):

• Académie de Dessin de Mode Richard Robinson Academy of Fashion Design;
• Academy of Learning College;
• Algonquin Careers Academy;
• Algonquin College;
• CLLC Inc.;
• Canadian National Institute of Health Inc.;
• Carleton University;
• Collège Boréal;
• Herzing College;
• International Business University; and
• La Cité collégiale.

PNP streams newcomers can use

There are no nomination streams specific to Ottawa, but most pathways of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) can support settlement in Ottawa provided the candidate intends to live in Ontario (that is, on the Ontario side—not across the river in Gatineau, which is considered part of Quebec).

West Vancouver, British Columbia

West Vancouver appeals to newcomers who want the career opportunities and services that come with being minutes from Vancouver, but in a quieter, more residential (and generally more upmarket) setting. It is particularly attractive to candidates who value nature and scenery—easy access to places such as Ambleside Park, Horseshoe Bay and Cypress Mountain—while remaining connected to the wider Metro job market.

The trade-off is cost: housing and day-to-day expenses are among the highest in the region, so it tends to work best for newcomers with a strong income plan (or those comfortable commuting and using neighbouring municipalities for more budget-friendly options).

Low-wage LMIA processing: Yes.

As at the most recent update (from 09/01/2026 to 09/04/2026) on the areas where low-wage LMIA applications will be processed, the Vancouver Census Metropolitan Area (which includes West Vancouver) was included (with an unemployment rate of 5.9%), allowing greater work permit access for newcomers.

PGWP-eligible institutions

West Vancouver has no DLIs offering PGWP-eligible programmes.

PNP streams newcomers can use

Apart from the Regional Entrepreneur stream, all the other pathways of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) would allow successful candidates to move to West Vancouver.

Regina, Saskatchewan

Regina appeals to newcomers who want a mid-sized Prairie city with a stable employment base and relatively manageable commuting. As the capital of Saskatchewan, it has steady public sector recruitment and a service economy, and tends to be more affordable than Canada’s largest cities while still offering the amenities of a regional centre.

The trade-off is that it is smaller and more car-oriented than the major urban centres, and the winters can be harsh—so it is best for newcomers who value stability, space and a calmer pace over big-city density.

Low-wage LMIA processing: No (at present).

Regina sits within the Regina CMA, and the unemployment rate listed for LMIA applications from 09/01/2026 to 09/04/2026 is 6.3%, which triggers the low-wage “refusal to process” rule.

PGWP-eligible institutions

Regina has three DLIs offering PGWP-eligible programmes, including:

• Regina Flying Club;
• Saskatchewan Polytechnic; and
• University of Regina (including Campion College, First Nations University of Canada and Luther College).

PNP streams newcomers can use

Regina is not restricted or excluded under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)—successful nominees can settle in Regina provided they genuinely intend to live in Saskatchewan.