Ottawa is getting fresh recognition as one of the best places to live, not only in Canada but across the continent. A newly released 2026 quality of life ranking places Canada’s capital at the top in North America, highlighting a combination that many residents already value: a sense of safety, manageable day-to-day living, and access to nature without sacrificing big-city services.
The ranking assessed hundreds of cities worldwide using several lifestyle indicators. While every city has tradeoffs, Ottawa stood out because it scored strongly across multiple categories at once rather than relying on a single advantage. For people considering a move, that kind of balanced profile can matter as much as any headline statistic.
What helped Ottawa rise to the top
Quality of life rankings typically weigh practical realities that shape everyday living. In Ottawa’s case, the strongest signals came from areas that influence comfort and stability, such as personal safety, health-related measures, and overall affordability compared with local incomes. Commute patterns and environmental factors also played a role, pointing to a city where many people can get around without losing hours each day and where air quality is generally favorable.
Local leaders framed the results as confirmation of what residents experience, noting that Ottawa performs well across a wide range of measures. Residents echoed that sentiment, describing a city that supports an active lifestyle in all seasons. Outdoor skating, the canal, winter recreation, and access to green spaces were cited as everyday perks rather than occasional attractions. Visitors also pointed to the capital’s historic architecture and the visible culture of people staying active even during snowy months.
How other Canadian cities performed
Ottawa led the Canadian list, followed by Nanaimo in British Columbia. Victoria, Quebec City, and Vancouver also appeared in the upper tier globally, while larger metro areas like Montreal and Toronto ranked lower. These differences can reflect the realities of housing costs, traffic, and price pressure that tend to rise in bigger population centers, even when those cities offer major employment and cultural benefits.
Globally, the highest-ranked cities were concentrated in the Netherlands, showing that the top of the list was dominated by European locations. Ottawa’s placement among that group signals that it is competing with some of the world’s most consistently livable urban environments.
For anyone exploring a future in Canada, rankings like this can be a useful starting point, but choosing a city should still match your goals, budget, and lifestyle. Canadian Visa Expert can help you understand how different regions align with your plans, whether you are prioritizing career opportunities, family needs, or a fresh start in a city known for day-to-day livability. If Ottawa is on your shortlist, Canadian Visa Expert can also guide you through the immigration pathway and planning steps that support a smoother transition.
