The Best Places to Live in Canada for 2012

In terms of total area, Canada is the world’s second largest country. Colonized by the English and Europeans in 1497, it has long been a great place to call home. Multiculturalism is celebrated here, making Canada home to some of North America's premier locations to live. Join us as we tour several of Canada's Best Places to Live.

Best Places to Live in Eastern Canada

For a culture-rich experience, Quebec is the perfect relocation destination. Located between Ontario to the west and the east coast provinces including: Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Labrador and New Brunswick. Quebec is Canada’s second most populated province. Quebec’s economy accounts for more than 20% of the entire GDP of Canada as a whole. Unemployment is holding fairly steady at 7.4%, more than a full percentage point lower than the neighboring United States. Jobs here are mainly in the service sector and minimum wage stands at $9.65 an hour. Quebec has the third lowest crime rate in all of Canada and is among the best places to live in the country.

Best Places to Live in Central Canada

Ontario is the most populated province in all of Canada, but has the lowest total crime rate. Responsible for more than half of the country’s exports, Ontario’s economy is firmly rooted in manufacturing. Unemployment is on par with US rates at about 8.4%. Minimum wage here is $10.25 per hour, which is the highest rate of all the Canadian provinces. A three bedroom home can be had for $205,000, down nearly 3% from 2006. Toronto is the province’s most populated area, and home prices in the city are among Canada’s highest.

Best Places to Live in Western Canada

British Columbia lies on Canada’s western border and is the best place in western Canada to call home. Minimum wage is a respectable $9.50 an hour. British Columbia is among the most beautiful places in Canada; however, that beauty comes at a premium. The median home price here is more than double that of Ontario as a whole. The climate is the mildest in the entire country, with an average high of 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Compared to Canada’s typical tundra-like atmosphere, the weather alone may be worth the high home prices.

Best Places to Live in Northern Canada

Northern Canada is a cold place to call home. The Yukon territory, Canada’s northwestern-most point, was most famously occupied by the hale and hearty gold miners of the 19th century. Unemployment is 3.7% and most jobs are in mining, manufacturing and agricultural pursuits. The housing market in the Yukon has been all over the board in recent years. As it stands now, a three bedroom home can be bought for just under $125,000. Famous for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, the Yukon territory is a great place for the outdoor enthusiast.

The Best Canadian Cities to Live in

Some of the best Canadian cities to live in include Quebec City, Quebec; Toronto, Ontario; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Whitehorse, Yukon. All of these cities have great cultural and entertainment opportunities as well as thriving economies.

Canada has no shortage of great places to live. The cold weather is not a deterrent for the enthusiastic citizens of our neighbor to the north. With one of the highest standards of living in the world, a country-funded medical program and wonderful foreign relations, Canada ranks high on our list of amazing places to live.