The Best Cities and Provinces to Live and Work in Canada for Immigrants in 2024

Canada is one of the most popular destinations for immigrants who want to pursue a better life and career opportunities. The country offers a high quality of life, a multicultural society, a stable economy, and a welcoming immigration system. Canada also has a diverse and beautiful geography, with mountains, lakes, forests, and coasts.

But where are the best places to live and work in Canada for immigrants in 2024? This article will explore some of the factors that make a city or province attractive for newcomers, such as the cost of living, the job market, the climate, the culture, and the immigration programs. Based on these factors, here are some of the best cities and provinces to live and work in Canada for immigrants in 2024:

Ontario

Ontario is the most populous and the second-largest province in Canada, with over 14 million people living in its territory. It is also the economic and political center of the country, with many industries and sectors, such as finance, technology, manufacturing, education, and health care. Ontario is home to the capital city of Canada, Ottawa, as well as the largest city in Canada, Toronto.

Ontario is one of the best places to live and work in Canada for immigrants in 2024, as it offers many opportunities and benefits for newcomers, such as:

• A low unemployment rate of 5.4% as of November 2021, which is below the national average of 6.0%.
• A high average income of CAD 64,000 per year as of 2023, which is above the national average of CAD 56,000 per year.
• A diverse and multicultural society, with over 250 ethnic groups and over 200 languages spoken in the province.
• A warm and temperate climate, with four distinct seasons and moderate temperatures throughout the year.
• A range of immigration programs, such as the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), which allows the province to nominate qualified immigrants for permanent residence based on their skills, education, and experience.

Some of the best cities to live and work in Ontario for immigrants in 2024 are:

• Toronto: The largest and most cosmopolitan city in Canada, with over 6 million people living in its metropolitan area. Toronto is the center of many Canadian industries, such as finance, technology, media, and entertainment. It is also one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with over half of its population being foreign-born. Toronto offers excellent education, health care, and cultural amenities, as well as a vibrant and diverse nightlife.
• Ottawa: The capital city of Canada, with over 1 million people living in its metropolitan area. Ottawa is the seat of the federal government, as well as a hub for technology, education, and tourism. It is also a bilingual city, with both English and French being widely spoken and used. Ottawa offers a high quality of life, with a low crime rate, a clean environment, and a rich history and heritage.
• Hamilton: A mid-sized city in southern Ontario, with over 750,000 people living in its metropolitan area. Hamilton is known for its steel industry, as well as its health care, education, and arts sectors. It is also a scenic city, with many natural attractions, such as waterfalls, trails, and parks. Hamilton offers a low cost of living, a diverse and friendly community, and a growing and innovative economy.

British Columbia

British Columbia is the westernmost and the third-largest province in Canada, with over 5 million people living in its territory. It is also the most mountainous and the most ecologically diverse province in Canada, with a range of landscapes, such as forests, lakes, islands, and glaciers. British Columbia is home to the third-largest city in Canada, Vancouver, as well as the capital city of the province, Victoria.

British Columbia is one of the best places to live and work in Canada for immigrants in 2024, as it offers many advantages and opportunities for newcomers, such as:

• A low unemployment rate of 4.5% as of November 2021, which is the lowest among all provinces and territories in Canada².
• A high average income of CAD 62,000 per year as of 2020, which is above the national average of CAD 56,000 per year.
• A diverse and multicultural society, with over 200 ethnic groups and over 100 languages spoken in the province.
• A mild and rainy climate, with mild winters and warm summers, and plenty of sunshine and rainfall throughout the year.
• A range of immigration programs, such as the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP), which allows the province to nominate qualified immigrants for permanent residence based on their skills, education, and experience.

Some of the best cities to live and work in British Columbia for immigrants in 2024 are:

• Vancouver: The largest and most populous city in British Columbia, with over 2.5 million people living in its metropolitan area. Vancouver is a global city, with a strong presence in many industries, such as technology, trade, tourism, and film. It is also one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities in Canada, with over 40% of its population being foreign-born. Vancouver offers a high quality of life, with a low crime rate, a clean environment, and stunning natural beauty.
• Victoria: The capital city of British Columbia, with over 400,000 people living in its metropolitan area. Victoria is a historic and charming city, with a mix of British and Canadian influences. It is also a center for education, government, and tourism, as well as a hub for technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Victoria offers a low cost of living, a friendly and welcoming community, and a mild and sunny climate.
• Kelowna: A mid-sized city in the Okanagan Valley, with over 200,000 people living in its metropolitan area. Kelowna is known for its wine industry, as well as its agriculture, tourism, and healthcare sectors. It is also a scenic city, with many natural attractions, such as lakes, mountains, and vineyards. Kelowna offers a low unemployment rate, a high-income level, and a relaxed and laid-back lifestyle.

Quebec

Quebec is the second-largest and the second-most populous province in Canada, with over 8.5 million people living in its territory. It is also the only province that is predominantly French-speaking, with French being the official language of the province and the first language of 78% of its population. Quebec is home to the second-largest city in Canada, Montreal, as well as the capital city of the province, Quebec City.

Quebec is one of the best places to live and work in Canada for immigrants in 2024, as it offers many benefits and possibilities for newcomers, such as:

• A low unemployment rate of 5.2% as of November 2021, which is below the national average of 6.0%².
• A high average income of CAD 59,000 per year as of 2020, which is above the national average of CAD 56,000 per year.
• A diverse and multicultural society, with over 100 ethnic groups and over 70 languages spoken in the province.
• A cold and snowy climate, with four distinct seasons and varying temperatures throughout the year.
• A range of immigration programs, such as the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP), allows the province to select qualified immigrants for permanent residence based on their skills, education, and experience.

Some of the best cities to live and work in Quebec for immigrants in 2024 are:

• Montreal: The largest and most cosmopolitan city in Quebec, with over 4 million people living in its metropolitan area. Montreal is a cultural and economic hub, with a strong presence in many industries, such as aerospace, biotechnology, gaming, and fashion. It is also one of the most bilingual cities in Canada, with both English and French being widely spoken and used. Montreal offers a high quality of life, with a low crime rate, a vibrant and diverse nightlife, and a rich history and heritage.
• Quebec City: The capital city of Quebec, with over 800,000 people living in its metropolitan area. Quebec City is a historic and charming city, with a mix of French and Canadian influences. It is also a center for education, government, and tourism, as well as a hub for technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Quebec City offers a low cost of living, a friendly and welcoming community, and a cold and snowy climate.
• Gatineau: A mid-sized city in western Quebec, with over 300,000 people living in its metropolitan area. Gatineau is a bilingual city, with both English and French being spoken and used. It is also a center for culture, recreation, and public service, as well as a gateway to the natural beauty of the Outaouais region. Gatineau offers a low unemployment rate, a high-income level, and a high quality of life.