Five Canadian cities rank in the 2026 World’s Best Cities list, i.e., Toronto has ranked among the top 20 cities in the world in the 2026 list of best cities to live, visit, and invest in. Four other Canadian cities have also made it to the top 100 list.

The rankings come from the 2026 World’s Best Cities Report, created by Resonance Consultancy, a British Columbia-based firm that focuses on place branding and marketing for cities, communities, and travel destinations.

The Canadian Cities And Their Rankings

Canadian City 2026 Ranking
Toronto 17
Vancouver 41
Montreal 46
Ottawa 73
Calgary 85

How The Rankings Were Decided?

Resonance ranked the main cities (with populations over one million) using a “Place Power” score. This score combines real data and feedback from residents and visitors, measured under three main areas, i.e., Livability, Lovability, and Prosperity.

  • Livability measures the quality of a city’s environment, i.e., both natural and built.
  • Lovability looks at culture, dining, and nightlife, i.e., how vibrant and enjoyable a city is.
  • Prosperity focuses on the economy, job opportunities, and how attractive the city is for skilled workers and investors.

To decide the top 100, Resonance used a mix of official statistics and data from online sources like Google, Instagram, and TikTok to understand what makes a city stand out to residents and visitors alike.

Toronto

Toronto ranked 17th this year, dropping two spots from last year’s 15th position.

Even with the small drop, the city continues to shine for its growth, multicultural population, and highly educated residents. The report called Toronto a global hub for talent and diversity, thus placing it ahead of major cities like São Paulo, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Melbourne, Bangkok, and Osaka.

Vancouver

Vancouver ranked 41st on the list and was described as a “beautiful and intelligent” city. The report praised its clean air, top universities, and new urban developments.

The city’s strong global reputation and its balance between nature and modern city life make it a desirable destination for both residents and international visitors.

Montreal

Montreal placed 46th this year. The report highlighted its urban innovation, pedestrian-friendly streets, top-quality universities, and growing innovation hubs.

Montreal’s energy and creative spirit continue to draw attention worldwide, helping the city grow as a global center for culture and technology.

Ottawa

Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, ranked 73rd on the 2026 list. The city is praised for quietly transforming itself into a more vibrant and cosmopolitan place.

New investments in AI, technology, and education have helped the city modernize, while its green spaces and expanding downtown area make it both livable and attractive for newcomers.

Calgary

Calgary ranked 85th, noted for its young population and fast-growing tech and creative industries.

The city’s affordability and new urban projects have made it an increasingly appealing destination for people looking for a balance between good job opportunities and a reasonable cost of living.

Canada’s Immigration And City Growth

As five Canadian cities rank in the 2026 World’s Best Cities list, let’s discuss Canada’s immigration and city growth. 

Well, the report also mentioned immigration as a major strength for Canada. Two of the five Canadian cities, i.e., Toronto and Ottawa were praised for their diversity and welcoming approach to newcomers.

Toronto was called “Canada’s gateway for immigration,” with steady momentum that keeps it among the world’s most popular cities for immigrants. In Toronto, the majority of residents were born outside of Canada.

Ottawa, meanwhile, was noted for its large immigrant community, with one in four residents born abroad. This growth reflects rising immigration numbers and a preference for central, transit-friendly neighborhoods.

Last week, Canada announced its Immigration Levels Plan for 2026–2028, which aims to welcome 380,000 new permanent residents in 2026.

According to the plan, 64% of all permanent resident admissions will go through economic immigration programs, while Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) targets have been increased by 66% compared to the previous year.

Planning To Move To Canada?

Express Entry remains the main system for skilled newcomers to apply for permanent residence. It manages three programs:

To qualify, candidates must meet the basic requirements for one of these programs and create an online profile with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

They further receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on work experience, language ability, education, and other factors.

IRCC regularly holds draws to invite top-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence. The higher the CRS score, the better the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

CWRVisa, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at CWRVisa.ca.