Toronto leads Canadian cities in the 2025 World’s Best Cities rankings, claiming the 15th spot on the list.
Six Canadian urban centers made it into the top 100, showcasing the country’s diverse strengths. Alongside Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, and Edmonton secured positions, reflecting Canada’s global appeal.
Globally, London maintained its ten-year dominance at number one, followed by New York and Paris in second and third places, respectively. The rankings, released on November 20, 2024, highlight cities excelling in livability, cultural vibrancy, and economic opportunities.
Resonance Consultancy, in collaboration with Ipsos, assessed major urban areas based on their ability to attract talent, visitors, and businesses. The 2025 report introduces data from a global survey of over 22,000 people across 31 countries this year.
Resonance Consultancy evaluates the world’s best cities using a Livability, Lovability, and Prosperity metrics framework. These factors are considered under each pillar:
1. Livability
- Includes safety, access to green spaces, healthcare, and infrastructure quality.
- Evaluates a city’s ability to provide a high quality of life for residents, considering factors like urban mobility and environmental sustainability.
2. Lovability
- Focuses on cultural vibrancy, culinary experiences, social appeal, attractions, and entertainment options.
- It considers how much locals and visitors engage with the city through its events, nightlife, landmarks, and overall emotional appeal.
- Social media metrics and online reviews are key in determining public sentiment.
3. Prosperity
- Measures economic strength, business ecosystem, and innovation and career growth opportunities.
- Factors such as the presence of Fortune 500 companies, the quality of the education system, and job market performance contribute significantly.
- Reflects the city’s ability to attract talent and investments.
This approach highlights the balance between practical benefits, cultural richness, and economic opportunities that make a city desirable for living, visiting, and doing business.
Toronto
Canada’s gateway for skilled immigrants, Toronto boasts a population where half are foreign-born, contributing to its dynamic and diverse character. It boasts diverse neighbourhoods like Little Italy and Chinatown.
The metropolitan area, home to 6.8 million people, is transforming significantly, with 221 cranes reshaping its skyline. Key projects include a carbon-neutral St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts and Love Park’s heart-shaped pond.
Like Villiers Island and the Port Lands Flood Protection Project, waterfront upgrades enhance urban livability. Ranked a solid third globally for tree cover and seventh for educational attainment, Toronto excels in Resonance’s livability, lovability, and prosperity metrics, attracting talent, tourism, and investment worldwide.
Vancouver
With a metro population of 2.48 million, Vancouver blends stunning natural beauty, multicultural vibrancy, and urban sophistication. Known for its ancient forests, iconic Stanley Park, and the largest pan-Asian population outside Asia, it ranks highly in tree cover, fifth spot, and seventh in educational attainment.
The city offers proximity to world-class outdoor activities like skiing and hiking, paired with sandy beaches and green spaces. It is renowned for its art and culture scene, with various museums and galleries. These include the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Museum of Vancouver, and the Science World Vancouver.
As a hub for major events like the Invictus Games and chosen for the FIFA World Cup in 2026, Vancouver attracts global visitors despite affordability issues.
Montreal
Canada’s second city, Montreal, is celebrated for its vibrant culture and enterprising spirit. With a metro population of 3.75 million, it ranks highly in education and prosperity. Harley Finkelstein of Shopify praises its creative energy, which artists, musicians, and chefs enrich.
New projects like the Ax-C innovation hub aim to revitalize downtown, while the Espace St-Denis enhances cultural offerings. Investments in bike infrastructure and pedestrian spaces bolster livability.
A blend of educational attainment, a strong startup ecosystem, and a focus on livability and lovability make Montreal a thriving hub for talent, tourism, and business, reflecting its European charm and modern appeal.
Ottawa
Canada’s capital, Ottawa, balances rich history with modern innovation. Renowned for its quality of life, the city blends cultural vibrancy and a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. Ottawa’s metro population enjoys strong educational attainment, reflecting its reputation as a hub for talent and opportunity.
Investments in innovation and infrastructure continue to enhance its livability. Like Montreal, it values creativity, with dynamic arts, culinary scenes, and green initiatives contributing to its appeal.
Ottawa’s focus on prosperity and cultural excellence makes it a thriving destination for residents and visitors, offering a unique mix of government presence, historic charm, and modern vibrancy.
Calgary
Calgary, a thriving metropolis, blends innovation with a rich cultural heritage. Known for its high quality of life, Calgary fosters creativity and entrepreneurship, supported by a well-educated population and a dynamic economy.
The city boasts a vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and stunning outdoor spaces, making it a hub for residents and visitors. Investments in infrastructure and sustainability enhance its livability, reflecting its forward-thinking approach.
Calgary’s mix of historic charm and modern energy, paired with a focus on prosperity and cultural vibrancy, positions it as a premier destination for business, talent, and tourism.
Edmonton
A vibrant city with a metro population of 1.2 million, Edmonton is undergoing a dynamic transformation. Home to the University of Alberta and bolstered by healthy immigration and government funding, it thrives as Alberta’s capital. Renowned as the “City of Festivals,” Edmonton hosts over 50 annual events, including international film and theatre festivals.
Edmonton’s River Valley has the largest continuous urban parkland system in Canada, with more than 180 kilometres of maintained pathways and over 20 named parks with amenities.
Investments in infrastructure, like the ICE District expansion and the new Edmonton Convention Centre opening in 2025, enhance its appeal. Boasting affordable real estate, a stealthy park system, and plans to grow by a million residents, Edmonton is a rising hub for culture, innovation, and opportunity.
The 2025 World’s Best Cities rankings highlight the strengths of cities worldwide, with Canadian cities standing out. From Toronto’s exciting developments to Edmonton’s growing cultural scene, each city shows its innovation and commitment to inclusivity and sustainability. With factors like livability, appeal, and prosperity shaping the rankings, Canadian cities continue to lead in attracting talent, tourism, and investment while maintaining their unique character.
FAQ: Canadian Cities in the 2025 World’s Best Cities Rankings
How did Toronto rank in the 2025 World’s Best Cities rankings?
Toronto secured the 15th spot globally, leading Canadian cities. Known for its diversity and dynamic skyline, Toronto’s ongoing urban transformation includes projects like the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts and waterfront enhancements. It excels in Resonance’s metrics for livability, cultural appeal, and economic prosperity, making it a hub for talent and tourism. With half its population foreign-born, Toronto reflects Canada’s inclusivity and global appeal.
What makes Vancouver stand out in the rankings?
Vancouver combines natural beauty with urban sophistication, ranking highly for tree cover and educational attainment. Known for attractions like Stanley Park and its multicultural vibrancy, the city also hosts global events like the FIFA World Cup in 2026. Its art scene, green spaces, and proximity to outdoor activities enhance its appeal, though affordability challenges persist. Vancouver’s balance of cultural richness and innovation solidifies its place among the world’s top cities.
Why is Montreal recognized as a top city globally?
Montreal thrives as a cultural and economic hub with a creative spirit and European charm. Investments in downtown innovation, bike infrastructure, and pedestrian spaces boost livability. With high educational attainment and a strong startup ecosystem, Montreal ranks well in prosperity metrics. Its vibrant arts scene, culinary excellence, and urban upgrades, like the Espace St-Denis project, showcase its commitment to both residents and visitors.
What sets Ottawa apart as one of Canada’s top cities?
Ottawa blends historic charm with modern innovation, making it a standout city. Known for its high quality of life, it excels in education and cultural vibrancy. The city invests in infrastructure, green initiatives, and creative industries, reflecting its balanced focus on prosperity and livability. As Canada’s capital, it uniquely combines government presence with a dynamic entrepreneurial and cultural ecosystem, appealing to residents and visitors alike.
How is Edmonton shaping its future appeal?
Edmonton, Alberta’s capital, is transforming into a cultural and economic hotspot. Known for its festivals and River Valley park system, the city offers rich recreational and cultural experiences. Investments in projects like the ICE District and the new Edmonton Convention Centre enhance its livability and economic potential. With affordable real estate and plans to grow its population significantly, Edmonton emerges as a vibrant, forward-thinking destination.
