Most newcomers select one in every of Canada’s three “gateway cities” (Toronto, Montréal, and Vancouver), upon initially shifting to the nation as a result of work and education alternatives.
Whereas these cities are sometimes considered the preferred amongst new arrivals, the world’s second-largest nation has way more to supply newcomers when it comes to livability.
The Globe and Mail’s third annual livability rankings sought to uncover the perfect cities for newcomers in Canada, with consideration to a number of elements together with housing, healthcare, financial alternatives, demographics, neighborhood, and extra.
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This text will cowl the highest eight most livable cities for newcomers primarily based on the rating—in addition to choices that international nationals can pursue to maneuver to every, to review, work, or settle completely.
For every metropolis, choices will embody:
North Vancouver, British Columbia
North Vancouver appeals to newcomers who need the financial benefits of being subsequent door to Vancouver with a quieter, extra residential really feel. It’s identified for fast entry to out of doors recreation within the North Shore Mountains, sturdy colleges and family-friendly neighborhoods, and a really multicultural inhabitants with lots of newcomer providers throughout the broader Metro space.
The trade-off is price: housing and day-to-day bills are typically excessive in comparison with many different Canadian cities, so it tends to swimsuit newcomers who’ve a stable job provide, are in higher-demand fields, or are snug with shared housing whereas they get established in British Columbia.
Low-wage LMIA processing: Sure.
As of the newest replace to areas during which low-wage LMIA functions shall be processed (overlaying January 9, 2026, to April 9, 2026), the Census Metropolitan Space of Vancouver (which covers North Vancouver) was included (with an unemployment price of 5.9%), permitting larger work allow entry for newcomers.
PGWP-eligible colleges
North Vancouver options eight Designated Studying Establishments (DLIs) that supply PGWP-eligible applications, together with:
- British Columbia Institute of Expertise;
- Can Quest Worldwide School Inc.;
- Capilano College;
- DEA Canadian School;
- Northeastern College;
- Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver;
- SAE Institute; and
- Suppose Tank Coaching Centre.
PNP streams that newcomers can use
Except the Regional Entrepreneur stream, all different pathways of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), would enable profitable candidates to maneuver to North Vancouver.
Pitt Meadows, British Columbia
Pitt Meadows is a quieter, family-oriented possibility inside Metro Vancouver, providing a extra suburban tempo whereas nonetheless being inside commuting distance of Vancouver. It might probably enchantment to newcomers who need entry to the Metro job market and providers however choose more room, parks, and a smaller neighborhood really feel.
The trade-off is that it’s typically extra car-dependent and fewer “massive metropolis” when it comes to transit protection and facilities—so it really works greatest for newcomers who’re snug commuting and utilizing the broader area for work, faculty, and settlement helps.
Low-wage LMIA processing: Sure.
As of the newest replace to areas during which low-wage LMIA functions shall be processed, the Census Metropolitan Space of Vancouver (which covers Pitt Meadows) was included (with an unemployment price of 5.9%), permitting larger work allow entry for newcomers.
PGWP-eligible colleges
Pitt Meadows options eight DLIs that supply PGWP-eligible applications, together with:
- Canadian Aviation School;
- Canadian Flight Centre (CFC);
- Island Coastal Aviation Inc.;
- Montair;
- Pacific Rim Aviation Academy Inc.; and
- Vancouver Aviation School.
PNP streams that newcomers can use
Except the Regional Entrepreneur stream, all different pathways of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), would enable profitable candidates to maneuver to Pitt Meadows.
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Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa appeals to newcomers on the lookout for a secure job market anchored by the federal public service, plus a rising tech ecosystem and a top quality of life. It’s additionally one in every of Canada’s most bilingual massive cities (English/French), which generally is a massive benefit for francophone newcomers or anybody constructing French-language expertise.
The trade-off is that winters are lengthy and chilly, and whereas Ottawa could be extra inexpensive than Toronto or Vancouver, housing prices have nonetheless risen—so budgeting and neighbourhood selection matter.
Low-wage LMIA processing: No (at the moment)
Ottawa is within the Ottawa–Gatineau CMA, and the present printed unemployment price for the CMA is 6.8% for functions submitted January 9, 2026, to April 9, 2026—which triggers the “refusal to course of” rule for low-wage LMIA functions (with restricted exemptions for particular sectors/roles).
PGWP-eligible colleges
Ottawa options 22 DLIs that supply PGWP-eligible applications, together with (however not restricted to):
- Académie de Dessin de Mode Richard Robinson Academy of Vogue Design;
- Academy of Studying School;
- Algonquin Careers Academy;
- Algonquin School;
- CLLC Inc.;
- Canadian Nationwide Institute of Well being Inc.;
- Carleton College;
- Collège Boréal;
- Herzing School;
- Worldwide Enterprise College; and
- La Cité collégiale.
PNP streams that newcomers can use
There aren’t Ottawa-specific nominee streams, however most Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) pathways can help settling in Ottawa so long as the applicant intends to stay in Ontario (i.e., on the Ontario facet—not throughout the river in Gatineau, which is taken into account a part of Quebec).
West Vancouver, British Columbia
West Vancouver appeals to newcomers who need the profession and repair benefits of being minutes from Vancouver, however with a quieter, extra residential (and sometimes extra upscale) setting. It’s particularly enticing should you worth nature and views—easy accessibility to locations like Ambleside Park, Horseshoe Bay, and Cypress Mountain—whereas nonetheless being linked to the broader Metro job market.
The trade-off is price: housing and day-to-day bills are among the many highest within the area, so it tends to work greatest for newcomers with a powerful earnings plan (or who’re snug commuting and utilizing close by municipalities for extra budget-friendly choices).
Low-wage LMIA processing: Sure.
As of the newest replace (overlaying January 9, 2026 to April 9, 2026), to areas during which low-wage LMIA functions shall be processed, the Census Metropolitan Space of Vancouver (which covers West Vancouver) was included (with an unemployment price of 5.9%), permitting larger work allow entry for newcomers.
PGWP-eligible colleges
West Vancouver didn’t function any DLIs that supply PGWP-eligible applications.
PNP streams that newcomers can use
Except the Regional Entrepreneur stream, all different pathways of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), would enable profitable candidates to maneuver to West Vancouver.
Regina, Saskatchewan
Regina appeals to newcomers who desire a mid-sized Prairie metropolis with a secure employment base and comparatively manageable commuting. As Saskatchewan’s capital, it has regular public-sector and service-economy hiring and tends to be extra inexpensive than Canada’s largest metros whereas nonetheless providing the facilities of a regional hub.
The trade-off is that it’s smaller and extra car-oriented than the massive metropolitan centres, and winters could be intense—so it’s greatest for newcomers who worth stability, house, and a calmer tempo over big-city density.
Low-wage LMIA processing: No (at the moment).
Regina is within the Regina CMA, and the unemployment price listed for LMIA submissions from January 9, 2026, to April 9, 202,6 is 6.3%, which triggers the low-wage “refusal to course of” rule.
PGWP-eligible colleges
Regina options three DLIs that supply PGWP-eligible applications, together with:
- Regina Flying Membership;
- Saskatchewan Polytechnic; and
- College of Regina (together with Campion School, First Nations College of Canada and Luther School).
PNP streams that newcomers can use
Regina isn’t restricted or excluded below Saskatchewan’s Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)—profitable nominees can settle in Regina so long as they genuinely intend to stay in Saskatchewan.
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Winnipeg, Manitoba
Winnipeg appeals to newcomers who desire a main Canadian metropolis with a powerful newcomer neighborhood, stable settlement helps, and a price of dwelling that’s typically extra manageable than the most important metros. As Manitoba’s financial hub, it presents a broad mixture of jobs throughout public providers, logistics, manufacturing, finance, and rising tech {and professional} sectors.
The trade-off is local weather and distance: winters are lengthy and chilly, and journey to different main Canadian centres can really feel much less handy—so it tends to swimsuit newcomers who prioritize affordability and stability over delicate climate.
Low-wage LMIA processing: Sure.
Winnipeg is within the Winnipeg CMA, and the unemployment price listed for functions submitted January 9, 2026 to April 9, 2026 is 5.7% (under the 6% cutoff), so low-wage LMIAs will not be refused on the unemployment-rate rule throughout this era (different low-wage guidelines and caps nonetheless apply).
PGWP-eligible colleges
Winnipeg options 32 DLIs that supply PGWP-eligible applications, together with (however not restricted to):
- Academy of Studying Winnipeg North (Computerized Accounting);
- Assiniboine Group School;
- Assiniboine Group School at Robertson School;
- Aveda Institute Winnipeg (Hairstyling);
- Sales space College School;
- CDI School (Winnipeg Campus) – [Intra-Oral Dental Assistant];
- Canadian Forces College of Aerospace Research;
- Canadian Mennonite College;
- Chartered Skilled Accountants (CPA) Manitoba;
- Commonwealth School Inc. (Culinary Arts Degree One, Hospitality, Logistics and Provide Chain Administration); and
- Heartland Worldwide English College.
PNP streams that newcomers can use
Basically, most Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) pathways can help settling in Winnipeg.
Key exclusions to notice:
- This system’s regional initiatives are geared toward communities outdoors Winnipeg, and Manitoba’s Expression of Curiosity grid offers additional factors for meaning to settle outdoors Winnipeg (so Winnipeg-bound candidates might have stronger scores to compete).
- Within the Enterprise Investor Stream, the Farm Investor Pathway is for establishing/working a farm in rural Manitoba (not a Winnipeg-focused possibility).
Cranbrook, British Columbia
Cranbrook appeals to newcomers who desire a smaller, extra laid-back metropolis that also capabilities as a regional hub for the encircling East Kootenay. It’s a great match for individuals who worth house, a calmer tempo, and easy accessibility to out of doors recreation whereas nonetheless having important providers shut by.
The trade-off is that it’s a smaller labour market than main metros and tends to be extra car-dependent—so it typically fits newcomers who have already got a job lined up, work in in-demand native fields, or are snug with regional-style commuting.
Low-wage LMIA processing: Sure.
As a result of Cranbrook is a smaller census agglomeration (CA), low-wage LMIA functions “will stay eligible for processing” below this particular rule. Employment and Social Improvement Canada’s LMIA-restrictions are solely relevant to Census Metropolitan Agglomertations (CMAs)
PGWP-eligible colleges
Cranbrook options one DLIs that provides PGWP-eligible applications: The School of the Rockies.
PNP streams that newcomers can use
All BC PNP work-based pathways can help settling in Cranbrook. Together with the Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional pathway.
Quispamsis, New Brunswick
Quispamsis appeals to newcomers who desire a quieter, family-friendly neighborhood with easy accessibility to the roles, providers, and settlement helps of the broader Saint John space. It’s a great match for individuals who choose a suburban tempo, parks and inexperienced house, and a smaller-town really feel whereas nonetheless being near a significant regional hub.
The trade-off is that it’s typically extra car-oriented and “commuter-style” than an enormous metropolis—so, it really works greatest should you’re snug counting on the broader Saint John area for work and a few facilities.
Low-wage LMIA processing: Sure.
Quispamsis falls below the Saint John CMA. On Employment and Social Improvement Canada’s most up-to-date CMA unemployment desk, Saint John, New Brunswick is listed at 5.8% for functions submitted January 9, 2026 to April 9, 2026 (under the 6% cutoff), so low-wage LMIAs will not be refused on the unemployment-rate rule throughout this era.
PGWP-eligible colleges
Quispamsis didn’t function any DLIs that supply PGWP-eligible applications.
PNP streams that newcomers can use
There aren’t Quispamsis-specific nominee pathways—profitable nominees below the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) can typically settle in Quispamsis so long as they genuinely intend to stay in New Brunswick.
