Most newcomers begin their life in Canada by moving to one of the country’s three main “gateway cities”: Toronto, Montréal, or Vancouver. These cities attract new arrivals because they offer many job options, schools, and services.
However, Canada is a very large country with many other cities that also provide a high quality of life for newcomers. Many smaller and mid-sized cities offer strong job markets, good healthcare, safer communities, and more affordable housing.
The Globe and Mail’s third annual livability rankings reviewed cities across Canada to find the best places for newcomers. The ranking looked at many factors, including housing, healthcare, job opportunities, population diversity, community support, and overall quality of life.
This article shares the top eight livable Canadian cities for newcomers based on that ranking. It also explains the main ways foreign nationals can move to each city to study, work, or settle permanently.
For each city, options include:
- Possibility of low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) supported work permit processing, per current restrictions
- Schools that can accept international students, and offer Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)-eligible programs
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams that can support settlement in the city
North Vancouver, British Columbia
North Vancouver attracts newcomers who want the economic benefits of living close to Vancouver while enjoying a quieter and more residential setting. The area is known for its fast access to outdoor activities in the North Shore Mountains, strong schools, family-friendly neighbourhoods, and a very diverse population. Many newcomer support services are also available across the larger Metro Vancouver area.
The main downside is cost. Housing and daily living expenses are generally high compared to many other cities in Canada. Because of this, North Vancouver is often best for newcomers who already have a strong job offer, work in high-demand fields, or are comfortable sharing housing while settling into British Columbia.
Low-Wage LMIA Processing: Yes.
As of the most recent update to regions where low-wage LMIA applications will be processed (from January 9, 2026, to April 9, 2026), the Census Metropolitan Area of Vancouver (which includes North Vancouver) was listed with an unemployment rate of 5.9%. This allows greater access to work permits for newcomers.
PGWP-Eligible Schools
North Vancouver has eight Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) that offer PGWP-eligible programs, including:
- British Columbia Institute of Technology
- Can Quest International College Inc.
- Capilano University
- DEA Canadian College
- Northeastern University
- Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver
- SAE Institute
- Think Tank Training Centre
PNP Streams That Newcomers Can Use
With the exception of the Regional Entrepreneur stream, all other pathways of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) allow successful applicants to move to North Vancouver.
Pitt Meadows, British Columbia
Pitt Meadows is a quieter, family-friendly community located within Metro Vancouver. It offers a more suburban lifestyle while still being within commuting distance of Vancouver. This makes it appealing to newcomers who want access to jobs, schools, and services in the larger metro area but prefer more space, parks, and a smaller community feel.
The trade-off is that Pitt Meadows depends more on cars and has fewer big-city transit options and amenities. This makes it a better fit for newcomers who are comfortable commuting and using nearby cities for work, education, and settlement services.
Low-Wage LMIA Processing: Yes.
Under the most recent update, the Census Metropolitan Area of Vancouver (which includes Pitt Meadows) was listed with an unemployment rate of 5.9%, allowing low-wage LMIA applications to be processed.
PGWP-Eligible Schools
Pitt Meadows features eight DLIs that offer PGWP-eligible programs, including:
- Canadian Aviation College
- Canadian Flight Centre (CFC)
- Island Coastal Aviation Inc.
- Montair
- Pacific Rim Aviation Academy Inc.
- Vancouver Aviation College
PNP Streams That Newcomers Can Use
With the exception of the Regional Entrepreneur stream, all other pathways of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) allow successful applicants to move to Pitt Meadows.
Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa appeals to newcomers who want a stable job market supported by the federal government, along with a growing technology sector and a high quality of life. It is also one of Canada’s most bilingual major cities, using both English and French. This makes it especially helpful for francophone newcomers or those looking to improve their French skills.
The main downside is the climate and housing costs. Winters in Ottawa are long and cold. While housing is usually more affordable than in Toronto or Vancouver, prices have still increased in recent years. Careful budgeting and choosing the right neighbourhood are important.
Low-Wage LMIA Processing: No (currently)
Ottawa is part of the Ottawa–Gatineau Census Metropolitan Area. The published unemployment rate for this area is 6.8% for applications submitted from January 9, 2026, to April 9, 2026. This triggers the “refusal to process” rule for low-wage LMIA applications, with only limited exceptions for certain jobs and sectors.
PGWP-Eligible Schools
Ottawa has 22 DLIs that offer PGWP-eligible programs, including (but not limited to):
- Académie de Dessin de Mode Richard Robinson Academy of Fashion Design
- Academy of Learning College
- Algonquin Careers Academy
- Algonquin College
- CLLC Inc.
- Canadian National Institute of Health Inc.
- Carleton University
- Collège Boréal
- Herzing College
- International Business University
- La Cité collégiale
PNP Streams That Newcomers Can Use
There are no Ottawa-specific nominee streams. However, most pathways under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) can support settlement in Ottawa, as long as the applicant plans to live in Ontario and not across the river in Gatineau, which is in Quebec.
West Vancouver, British Columbia
Another one of the top eight livable Canadian cities for newcomers is West Vancouver, British Columbia.
West Vancouver attracts newcomers who want access to Vancouver’s job market and services while living in a quieter, more residential, and often more upscale area. It is especially appealing to people who enjoy nature and scenic views, with easy access to places like Ambleside Park, Horseshoe Bay, and Cypress Mountain.
The main drawback is cost. Housing and daily living expenses in West Vancouver are among the highest in the region. This makes it best suited for newcomers with strong income plans or those who are comfortable commuting or living in nearby areas with lower costs.
Low-Wage LMIA Processing: Yes.
As of the most recent update (from January 9, 2026, to April 9, 2026), the Census Metropolitan Area of Vancouver (which includes West Vancouver) was listed with an unemployment rate of 5.9%, allowing low-wage LMIA applications to be processed.
PGWP-Eligible Schools
West Vancouver does not have any DLIs that offer PGWP-eligible programs.
PNP Streams That Newcomers Can Use
With the exception of the Regional Entrepreneur stream, all other pathways of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) allow successful applicants to move to West Vancouver.
Regina, Saskatchewan
Regina appeals to newcomers who want a mid-sized city in the Prairies with stable employment and easier commuting. As the capital of Saskatchewan, it offers steady hiring in public services and other service-based sectors. It is usually more affordable than Canada’s largest cities while still providing the services and facilities of a regional centre.
The main trade-off is that Regina is smaller and more car-focused than larger cities, and winters can be very cold. This makes it best for newcomers who value stability, space, and a slower pace of life rather than the busy feel of a big city.
Low-Wage LMIA Processing: No (currently).
Regina is part of the Regina Census Metropolitan Area. The unemployment rate listed for LMIA submissions from January 9, 2026, to April 9, 2026, is 6.3%, which triggers the low-wage “refusal to process” rule.
PGWP-Eligible Schools
Regina has three DLIs that offer PGWP-eligible programs, including:
- Regina Flying Club
- Saskatchewan Polytechnic
- University of Regina (including Campion College, First Nations University of Canada, and Luther College)
PNP Streams That Newcomers Can Use
Regina is not restricted under Saskatchewan’s Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). Successful nominees can settle in Regina as long as they genuinely plan to live in Saskatchewan.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Winnipeg appeals to newcomers who want a major Canadian city with a strong newcomer community, reliable settlement services, and a cost of living that is often lower than in the largest cities. As Manitoba’s economic centre, Winnipeg offers jobs across many sectors, including public services, logistics, manufacturing, finance, and growing technology and professional fields.
The main downside is climate and distance. Winters are long and cold, and travel to other major Canadian cities can feel less convenient. This city suits newcomers who value affordability and stability over mild weather and quick travel options.
Low-Wage LMIA Processing: Yes.
Winnipeg is part of the Winnipeg Census Metropolitan Area. The unemployment rate listed for applications submitted from January 9, 2026, to April 9, 2026, is 5.7%, which is below the 6% cutoff. This means low-wage LMIAs are not refused under the unemployment-rate rule during this period, though other low-wage rules and limits still apply.
PGWP-Eligible Schools
Winnipeg has 32 DLIs that offer PGWP-eligible programs, including (but not limited to):
- Academy of Learning Winnipeg North (Computerized Accounting)
- Assiniboine Community College
- Assiniboine Community College at Robertson College
- Aveda Institute Winnipeg (Hairstyling)
- Booth University College
- CDI College (Winnipeg Campus) – [Intra-Oral Dental Assistant]
- Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Studies
- Canadian Mennonite University
- Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) Manitoba
- Commonwealth College Inc. (Culinary Arts Level One, Hospitality, Logistics and Supply Chain Management)
- Heartland International English School
PNP Streams That Newcomers Can Use
Most pathways under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) can support settlement in Winnipeg.
Key Exclusions To Note:
- The program’s regional initiatives are aimed at communities outside Winnipeg, and Manitoba’s Expression of Interest grid gives extra points to those who plan to live outside Winnipeg. This means applicants planning to settle in Winnipeg may need higher scores to compete.
- In the Business Investor Stream, the Farm Investor Pathway is meant for setting up or running a farm in rural Manitoba, not in Winnipeg.
Cranbrook, British Columbia
Cranbrook appeals to newcomers who want a smaller city with a relaxed lifestyle that still serves as a regional centre for the East Kootenay area. It suits people who value space, a slower pace of life, and easy access to outdoor activities while still having key services nearby.
The main downside is that Cranbrook has a smaller job market than large cities and is more dependent on cars. This makes it a good fit for newcomers who already have a job offer, work in in-demand local fields, or are comfortable commuting within a regional area.
Low-Wage LMIA Processing: Yes.
Cranbrook is a smaller census agglomeration (CA). Low-wage LMIA applications “will remain eligible for processing” under current rules. Employment and Social Development Canada’s LMIA restrictions apply only to Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs), not CAs.
PGWP-Eligible Schools
Cranbrook has one DLI that offers PGWP-eligible programs: The College of the Rockies.
PNP Streams That Newcomers Can Use
All BC PNP work-based pathways can support settlement in Cranbrook, including the Entrepreneur Immigration – Regional pathway.
Quispamsis, New Brunswick
The last and one of the top eight livable Canadian cities for newcomers is Quispamis, New Brunswick.
Quispamsis appeals to newcomers who want a quiet, family-friendly community with easy access to jobs, services, and settlement support in the nearby Saint John area. It is a good choice for people who prefer a suburban lifestyle, green spaces, and a smaller-town feel while still being close to a major regional centre.
The main trade-off is that Quispamsis is more car-focused and commuter-based than a large city. It works best for newcomers who are comfortable relying on the wider Saint John region for work and some services.
Low-Wage LMIA Processing: Yes.
Quispamsis falls under the Saint John Census Metropolitan Area. On Employment and Social Development Canada’s most recent unemployment table, Saint John, New Brunswick is listed at 5.8% for applications submitted from January 9, 2026, to April 9, 2026. This is below the 6% cutoff, so low-wage LMIA applications are not refused under the unemployment-rate rule during this period.
PGWP-Eligible Schools
Quispamsis does not have any DLIs that offer PGWP-eligible programs.
PNP Streams That Newcomers Can Use
There are no Quispamsis-specific nominee streams. Successful nominees under the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) can generally settle in Quispamsis as long as they genuinely plan to live in New Brunswick.
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