A trusted global travel authority has revealed its annual ranking of the top cities to visit in Canada in 2025, based on the votes and opinions of its loyal readers.
Travel + Leisure, the international travel publication, releases its well-known World’s Best Awards every year. Readers weigh in on what makes cities special, including their landmarks, culture, local food scene, friendliness, shopping options, and overall value.
| Canadian city | T+L Ranking in Canada 2025 | Reader Score |
| Quebec City, Quebec | 1 | 86.79 |
| Montreal, Quebec | 2 | 82.93 |
| Vancouver, British Columbia | 3 | 82.79 |
| Halifax, Nova Scotia | 4 | 82.26 |
| Victoria, British Columbia | 5 | 80.70 |
Interestingly, this year’s “Favourite Cities in Canada” ranking looks a lot like last year’s. Once again, no city from Ontario made the cut, as travellers favoured destinations known for their history, culture, and natural beauty.
What Are The Top Cities To Visit In Canada In 2025?
This year’s top cities list features three provincial capitals that travellers love for their unique charm and unforgettable experiences.
Quebec City, Quebec
Quebec City takes the top spot once again, making this its tenth year in a row as Canada’s number one city according to Travel + Leisure readers.
Visitors continue to be captivated by its old-world charm. The French-inspired architecture, quaint winding streets, amazing food and shopping, and the UNESCO World Heritage status of Old Quebec all make it feel like stepping into a European fairytale.
Many travellers say Quebec City can even stand in for a trip to Paris—especially during winter, when the snow adds a magical touch to its cobblestone streets and historic buildings.
Montreal, Quebec
Montreal remains one of Canada’s most beloved cities for both visitors and residents. This year, it was also named one of the world’s top ten cities for international students.
Travellers say Montreal’s appeal lies in its mix of European elegance and vibrant North American energy. The city offers an exciting blend of music festivals, art galleries, historic neighbourhoods, and some of the best restaurants in Canada.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver continues to rank highly, known for being one of the most livable cities not just in Canada but around the world.
For visitors, Vancouver combines stunning natural scenery with a bustling urban centre. Food lovers rave about its diverse dining scene, while outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the many hiking trails and beaches just minutes from downtown.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
One reader described Halifax as “Canada’s up-and-coming city”—a place where natural beauty meets vibrant culture.
This coastal capital is famous for its scenic waterfront, historic sites, and nearby forests and trails. Halifax has been steadily gaining recognition as more travellers discover its welcoming vibe and maritime charm.
Victoria, British Columbia
Rounding out the list is Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. Readers love Victoria for its stately British-style architecture, charming downtown, and beautifully maintained gardens and parks.
Butchart Gardens, located just outside the city, came up often in survey responses as an absolute must-see for any visitor.
Methodology For T+L’s World’s Best Awards Survey
So, how were these favourite cities picked? Each year, Travel + Leisure asks readers to rate cities based on six key categories: sights/landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping, and value.
For each category, respondents could rate their experience as excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are an average across all six aspects.
For the 2025 survey, readers cast more than 657,000 votes, covering over 8,700 travel experiences, from hotels and cruise lines to cities around the world.
Do You Need A Visitor Visa To Travel To Canada?
If you’re planning to explore one of these top cities to visit in Canada in 2025, make sure you know the entry requirements for your country.
- Visitor Visa: Many foreign nationals need a visitor visa—also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)—to enter Canada. Always check the current visa processing times when planning your trip.
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Travellers from certain countries don’t need a visitor visa but do need to apply for an eTA if they’re flying into Canada. An eTA is not required if you’re arriving by land or sea.
- Visa And eTA-Exempt: U.S. citizens and U.S. green card holders do not need a visa or an eTA to enter Canada. French citizens living in Saint Pierre and Miquelon who fly directly from there to Canada are also exempt from needing an eTA.
No matter where you’re coming from, always confirm your requirements well in advance to ensure your Canadian adventure is stress-free.
Immigtoronto, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
