Best Places to Live in Canada for Families

Around 100,000 families move to Canada each year on family reunification visas. Offering family-friendly cities, a great quality of life and ample education opportunities, Canada is an excellent country to raise a family. 

Canada and the UK’s commonwealth ties mean they share similar legal systems, social norms and values, helping to make the cultural transition smoother. A shared language also makes it easier for families to integrate into society. 

When searching for the best places to live in Canada for families, it’s important to consider the local schools, housing, jobs and community. We’ve researched Canada’s 5 most family-friendly cities and what they can offer. 

Why are Families Moving to Canada?

Inclusive Immigration Policies: Canada’s immigration policy is often described as open, adaptable and inclusive. It focuses on supporting family reunification, skilled workers and those seeking refuge. Citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their families through the Family Class Sponsorship program to ensure families are kept together. Moving to Canada as an expat family is also straightforward, with many families applying through the Express Entry program.

Job Opportunities: Canada offers a strong job market, particularly in the technology, healthcare, and skilled trade sectors. This attracts families seeking better opportunities as the average salary is generally higher in Canada for many professions, particularly for doctors and nurses.

Education and Healthcare:  Canada’s education and healthcare systems are praised worldwide, consistently ranking high. Canada’s healthcare system Medicare ranks 4th for the best healthcare in the world and offers free or low-cost care to citizens and permanent residents. Its education system is free up until university level and is also ranked the 4th best in the world. 

Quality of Life: A high standard of living in Canada means new residents have a good quality of life. Easy access to nature, one of the safest countries in the world and a better work-life balance than the UK all make for an excellent place to raise a family.

Canadian Visa Process for Families 

The Express Entry system is a popular way for skilled workers to move to Canada with their families. The main applicant can include their spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in their application. They can apply via one of the following programs: 

Federal Skilled Worker Program: For those experienced in skilled occupations.

Federal Skilled Trades Program: For skilled tradespeople with job offers or certifications.

Canadian Experience Class: For those who have previous experience working in Canada. 

You will need to pass the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) and have proof of your qualifications. 

Canadian citizens can also sponsor their families so they can live together in Canada. 

What to Consider When Moving Your Family to Canada

Cost of Living – Average salaries in Canada are generally higher than in the UK, but the cost of living is more expensive in large cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. Create a realistic budget for your move so you know you can afford to live in your preferred city.

Amenities – When searching for the best place to live with your family, create a list of amenities that you have to be near. GP practices, dentists, schools, hospitals, banks and supermarkets are all ideal amenities that should be nearby.

Safety – Canada has always been considered one of the safest countries in the world to live. In a recent study by World Population Review, Canada was ranked the 11th safest country to live in, reassuring many families who are considering the move. Universal healthcare, affordable housing options and income support help to promote social stability. 

Weather – Canada has much colder winters than the UK, with many regions experiencing heavy snow and freezing temperatures. Ottawa, Montreal and Winnipeg in particular have longer winters. Southern regions experience hot summers, especially in comparison to the UK. Ensure you have the correct winter clothing and gear to adjust comfortably to the weather. 

5 Best Places to Live in Canada for Families

1. Toronto, Ontario
Best for Safety 

Toronto is the safest city in Canada to live in, with a recent report ranking it as the 6th safest city in the world. Scoring 87.8 out of 100 overall, Toronto also scores highly for personal and infrastructure security.

On the Quality of Life Index, Toronto scores highly with 74 out of 100 for healthcare. Toronto’s Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) gives citizens, permanent residents and some qualifying temporary residents access to healthcare. This includes GP visits, hospital stays and certain tests/procedures. It doesn’t cover prescriptions if you are under 65, so many expats get health insurance. 

Boasting some of the best universities in Canada, Toronto is home to the Toronto Metropolitan University and the York University. For younger children, Toronto also has some of the best schools in Canada, both public and private. Some of the best schools in Toronto include: 

1. Owen Public School
2. Cottingham Junior Public School
3. Rosedale Junior Public School
4. Leaside High School
5. Earl Haig Secondary School

Good to know:

• Family of four living costs (without rent) – £3,107.5 (C$ 5,578.2)
• Average house price  – £513,078 (C$ 921,000)
• Average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment – £2,384.11 (C$ 4,275.64)
• Monthly travel pass – £87 (C$ 156)
• Average monthly salary – £2,713.93 (C$ 4,867.82)

2. Vancouver, British Columbia
Best for Natural Beauty

Vancouver is ranked 7th in the world on the Global Liveability Ranking, scoring high in categories like healthcare, education, culture, and environment. This makes it an attractive city in Canada for families. 

Vancouver offers stunning natural beauty, with the Pacific Ocean and the North Shore Mountains as backdrops. Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America, is popular with families who enjoy outdoor activities.

Education in Vancouver offers opportunities for all and is home to some world-class institutions. The University of British Columbia is one of the top universities in the world and consistently ranks highly. Some of the best primary, secondary and private schools in Vancouver include:

1. Kerrisdale Elementary School
2. Lord Byng Elementary School
3. University Hill Secondary School
4. Lord Byng Secondary School
5. St. George’s School

Good to know:

• Family of four living costs (without rent) – £3,127.5£ (C$ 5,614.1)
• Average house price – £489,673.82 (C$ 878,242)
• Average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment – £2,886.81 (C$ 5,175.0)
• Monthly travel pass – £78.12 (C$ 140)
• Average monthly salary – £2,480.96 (C$ 4,450.98)

3. Calgary, Alberta
Best for Quality of Life

The highest-ranking Canadian city in the Quality of Life Index, Calgary also offers the most affordable housing. The cost of buying and renting is often lower in many areas of Calgary, meaning families can afford to live near important amenities. 

Benefiting from clean air and being close to Banff National Park and the Rocky Mountains, Calgary is an ideal city for families who enjoy hiking, skiing or camping. The city also boasts shorter commute times compared to bigger cities like Toronto, making for a better work-life balance.

Some family-friendly neighbourhoods include West Springs, Aspen Woods, and Signal Hill. These areas have all the important amenities nearby, including good schools. The best schools in Calgary are: 

1. Sunalta School 
2. Western Canada High School
3. Sir Winston Churchill High School
4. West Island College
5. Rundle College

Good to know:

• Family of four living costs (without rent) – £3,143.8 (C$ 5,643.3)
• Average house price – £318,296.77 (C$ 570,084)
• Average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment – £1,762.20 (C$ 3,162.2)
• Monthly travel pass – £64.12 (C$ 115)
• Average monthly salary – £2,606.32 (C$ 4,674.3)

4. Ottawa, Ontario
Best for Affordable Housing

Often known for being one of the safest cities in Canada, Ottawa regularly scores highly on the Quality of Life Index, ranking 51st. Offering affordable housing, a high standard of healthcare and plenty of green space, it’s an ideal location for families. 

Ottawa also boasts more affordable housing for families compared to other major Canadian cities. You can rent a 3-bedroom apartment in the city for C$ 3,107.2 per month, around C$ 2,000 cheaper than in Vancouver. 

There’s an abundance of high-ranking public and private schools in Ottawa, with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and the Ottawa Catholic School Board providing strong academic programmes. Some top schools in Ottawa include: 

1. Elmdale Public School
2. Riverside Public School
3. Nepean High School
4. Lisgar Collegiate Institute
5. Ottawa Preparatory School

Good to know:

• Family of four living costs (without rent) – £3,049.0 (C$5,473.2)
• Average house price – £208,811.76 (C$ 373,200)
• Average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment – £1,732.43 (C$ 3,107.2)
• Monthly travel pass – £71.72 (C$ 128.75)
• Average monthly salary – £2,405.76 (C$ 4,308.7)

5. Montreal, Quebec
Best for Multiculturism

Montreal is renowned for its family-friendly nature, boasting a high quality of life, vibrant culture and diverse amenities. It’s also consistently ranked as one of the safest major cities in Canada. 

Known for its rich multiculturalism, Montreal hosts various events celebrating different cultures year-round. This helps to make families from all cultures feel more comfortable about making the move and integrating into society. 

Montreal boasts a strong and established education system, offering some of the most highly-regarded private and public schools in Canada. Some of the best schools in Montreal include: 

1. Mile End Elementary School
2. École élémentaire Saint-Pierre
3. McGill University’s School of Continuing Studies
4. École secondaire Pierre-Dupuy
5. Bishop’s College School

Good to know: 

• Family of four living costs (without rent) – £2,880.0£ (C$ 5,147)
• Average house price – £195,168.50 (C$ 349,000)
• Average monthly rent for a 3-bed apartment – £1,758.34 (C$ 2,980.23)
• Monthly travel pass – £59 (C$ 100)
• Average monthly salary – £2,169.26 (C$ 3,676.72)

Costs taken from Numbeo and World Atlas.

Removals to Canada

If you’re thinking of moving to Canada with your family, why not talk to 1st Move International. We can take care of your move, no matter how big or small. Our unique shrink-wrap packing ensures the full safety of your personal belongings. 

We offer guaranteed weekly shipping to Canada, whether that’s via a shared container or a 20ft or 40ft full container. Get in touch with our team to find out more or complete our form to get your personalised free quote.