If you are planning to attend college in Canada, the choice of city is a significant step in your plan. There are several wonderful cities in the country, and your choice will depend on your goals and lifestyle.
I will tell you about the best cities to study in Canada, based on the demand and quality of colleges. This way, you will have more knowledge to make the right decision in your new adventure!
- Toronto (GTA), Ontario
- London, Ontario
- Hamilton and Waterloo Region, Ontario
- Ottawa, Ontario
- Vancouver, British Columbia
- Kelowna, British Columbia
- Victoria, British Columbia
- Calgary, Alberta
- Edmonton, Alberta
- Montreal, Quebec
- Quebec City, Quebec
- Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
- What is the best city to study in Canada?
Toronto (GTA), Ontario
Toronto is the capital of Ontario and the most populous city in Canada. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is considered the metropolitan region of Toronto, including cities such as Mississauga, Oshawa, Burlington, among others.
This region is one of the most sought-after for studying in Canada, mainly due to the diversity and quality of the colleges and the metropolitan lifestyle it offers. Another advantage of studying in Toronto (GTA) is the city’s multiculturalism. People from various parts of the world choose this city to study and immigrate, making Toronto culturally rich in entertainment, art, and cuisine.
After studying in London (the city I will talk about next), I decided to move to Toronto. For those who, like me, enjoy a more vibrant lifestyle, having access to various forms of entertainment without having to go too far for it, Toronto is a great choice.
I won’t say it’s the best city in Canada, because, obviously, like everything in life, it has its downsides. The high demand makes Toronto one of the most expensive cities in Canada to live in. Despite this, there are more job opportunities, and salaries can be higher as well.
Another downside is the traffic, especially if you plan to drive or take the bus every day. Like any other metropolitan city, the flow of people is very high in Toronto.
Colleges and Universities in Toronto (GTA)
Being one of the best cities to study in Canada, it’s no surprise that Toronto is home to some of the best colleges and universities in the country. Check out the following list and click to learn more:
- Humber College
- Centennial College
- George Brown College
- Seneca College
- York University
- University of Toronto
- Ryerson University
London, Ontario
London is a university-oriented city located in southwestern Ontario, approximately 192 km from Toronto.
This was the city I chose to study in Canada. My decision was based on some of the factors I will mention here, such as the proximity to Toronto, which is very close – making it convenient in many ways –, the cost of living, and the quality of the college located there.
Moreover, London is a relatively large city compared to other cities in the interior of Canada, which is quite interesting for those who want to study in a city with a lower cost of living but still has an urban lifestyle.
However, London is much quieter than the major cities in Canada, with fewer entertainment options. What stands out in the city are the natural leisure options, such as wonderful parks and trails.
The job market in London is good, and the cost of living is lower than in major cities. However, public transportation is not the best, and having a car is almost essential for many people.
Colleges and Universities in London
As I mentioned, London is a university city and very popular among international students. The two most popular educational institutions are among the most renowned and high-quality in the country.
Hamilton and Waterloo Region, Ontario
The cities of Hamilton and the Waterloo region (Waterloo, Kitchener, and Cambridge) are located just over 80 kilometers away from Toronto. Although they are not part of the GTA (Greater Toronto Area), they are good options for cities to study in Canada due to their short distance from the main city and, of course, the quality of the colleges and universities they offer.
Hamilton is known as the “Steel City” due to its industrial history. This city provides a relatively more affordable cost of living compared to other cities in the region that are closer to Toronto.
The Waterloo region, with the cities of Waterloo, Kitchener, and Cambridge, also has an affordable cost of living and excellent educational institutions. Many students, both from Canada and international students, choose these cities for college. Therefore, this is a highly university-oriented area, bringing a vibrant student atmosphere and a variety of events and activities related to students.
These cities have a similar, quieter lifestyle with some entertainment options and a good job market. Their main advantage is indeed the easy access to Toronto. You can live in the tranquillity of the countryside and go to Toronto on weekends, or even live in this region and work in Toronto.
Colleges e Universities em Hamilton, Waterloo, Kitchener e Cambridge
Here are some of the best colleges and universities in these cities in southern Ontario:
- McMaster University
- Mohawk College
- University of Waterloo
- Wilfrid Laurier University
- Conestoga College
Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa is the capital of Canada and one of the best cities to study in Canada. The city is home to the Parliament and various government institutions. This can provide unique opportunities for internships, research, and networking with government professionals. However, despite offering a variety of job opportunities, especially in the government sector, the city may have fewer job options than other major metropolises.
The country’s capital is a multicultural city with an enriching environment and plenty of entertainment options but with slightly less bustling nightlife. The lifestyle in Ottawa is more peaceful and focused on culture and art.
The cost of living in Ottawa is moderate compared to cities like Vancouver or Toronto, for example. This can be advantageous for students seeking a more affordable lifestyle. However, it’s important to note that winters in this city are more severe.
Colleges and Universities in Ottawa
Ottawa is home to large and renowned English-speaking, French-speaking, and bilingual educational institutions. Here are some of the best colleges and universities in Ottawa:
Vancouver, British Columbia
Let’s now head to the west coast of Canada, where British Columbia is located, housing one of the most fantastic and famous cities in the country: Vancouver. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, the city is surrounded by mountains, forests, and the Pacific Ocean, providing a unique environment for outdoor activities such as hiking, water sports, and skiing. Additionally, as we’re discussing studying in Canada, it’s no different that Vancouver boasts excellent academic quality.
Vancouver is also a significant economic and business hub, with several growing industries, including technology, film and TV, tourism, and sustainability. This is wonderful for those who wish to continue living in Vancouver for internships and job opportunities after completing their studies.
This is definitely a very famous city that attracts students from around the world and immigrants, creating a rich cultural diversity but, as expected, also a high cost of living and competition for university spots and jobs. Like Toronto, some factors such as the large influx of people, high real estate prices, and other big city issues can be daunting.
An interesting advantage that may attract many people is that Vancouver is not as cold in the winter as other famous cities in Canada. However, it is a very rainy city.
Colleges and Universities in Vancouver
Vancouver is home to several renowned educational institutions that offer a wide range of study programs in various areas:
- Langara College
- University of British Columbia (UBC)
- Douglas College
- University Canada West (UCW)
- Simon Fraser University (SFU)
- British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
Kelowna, British Columbia
Kelowna is an incredible city in southern BC. I fell in love with this city when I was researching where to study. It is located in the Okanagan Valley, surrounded by beautiful mountains, lakes, and breathtaking natural landscapes. The region offers an abundance of outdoor activities such as hiking, water sports, and skiing, providing an environment conducive to a balanced life between studies and nature.
In addition to hosting high-quality educational institutions, Kelowna is also known for offering an excellent quality of life. The city has a pleasant climate, with warm summers and mild winters, as well as a quieter and less hectic pace of life compared to major urban centers.
For those seeking a nature-oriented experience, a tranquil lifestyle, and less hustle and bustle, Kelowna is an excellent option. The city’s economy is rapidly growing, with various thriving industries such as technology, tourism, wineries, and agriculture. Perfect for those wishing to enter these fields.
However, even though it is an inland city, Kelowna does not have a very low cost of living. Additionally, the city is approximately 4 hours away from Vancouver, the capital of British Columbia. This may be an obstacle for international students who need to access services offered only in metropolises, such as airports, consulates, among others.
Being an inland city, the public transportation system is not as robust, and like other smaller cities I mentioned, having a car is necessary to travel to more remote locations.
Colleges and Universities in Vancouver
Despite being a small city and not offering as much academic course diversity, Kelowna is home to two renowned educational institutions:
Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and the second-largest city in the province after Vancouver. A charming city, full of history and natural beauty, with parks, mountains, and beaches.
In addition to its rich history, culture, and natural beauty, what attracts international students to this city is the quality of education and the climate. Victoria is known for its mild climate, with mild winters and pleasant summers. Due to its location on the west coast of Canada, the city has one of the lowest amounts of snowfall in the country.
Hosting renowned colleges, the city particularly stands out for its colonial-era British architecture. But despite all the advantages, Victoria is located on an island, making transportation to other cities in Canada complicated.
It’s important to consider that, despite having a pleasant climate, Victoria is as humid as Vancouver. The cost of living is also high in this city, and the job market is competitive.
Nevertheless, the city is highly focused on innovation and entrepreneurship, making it an excellent option for those looking to study in the technology field.
Colleges and Universities in Victoria
Victoria is home to several renowned educational institutions, offering a wide range of academic programs. Here are the most famous ones:
Calgary, Alberta
Continuing in the west of the country, let’s talk about Alberta; starting with the most populous city in the province: Calgary. This city, in addition to offering excellent college options, a high quality of life, and a lower cost of living for students, has a vibrant cultural and entertainment scene.
A sunny city, with very cold winters and hot summers, boasting breathtaking urban and natural landscapes. One of the main advantages of living in Calgary is the proximity to the Rocky Mountains, the mountain range in western Canada. Banff, one of the most famous and beautiful towns in the Rocky Mountains, is only an hour and a half away from Calgary.
For those seeking more immigration opportunities, Calgary is the right choice. Although it also has plenty of job opportunities, it doesn’t compare to the larger metropolises in Canada, and competition in the job market can be high.
It’s also important to consider that, although it is a major urban center, Calgary has a community-oriented lifestyle with more limited public transportation compared to cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
Colleges and Universities in Calgary
Calgary offers an excellent quality of education. Check out the best colleges in this city:
Edmonton, Alberta
Edmonton is the capital and the second most populous city in Alberta. In addition to being home to the University of Alberta, one of the most prestigious higher education institutions in Canada, this city boasts various natural, cultural, and tourist attractions, such as West Edmonton, which is one of the largest malls in the world.
Edmonton experiences a climate with four distinct seasons, with cold winters and hot summers, similar to Calgary but with even more rigorous winters.
The lifestyle and transportation in Edmonton are quite similar to Calgary, and the cost of living in this city is much lower compared to other popular cities in Canada.
The city’s strength lies in the oil and gas industry, but the technology sector has been gaining more prominence in Edmonton, expanding job and immigration opportunities for international students!
Colleges e Universities em Edmonton
Edmonton is home to several renowned higher education institutions, providing access to high-quality education and research opportunities:
Montreal, Quebec
Montreal is the largest city in the province of Quebec and the second most populous in Canada. Being a bilingual city, you can study in both English and French in this city. However, it’s important to note that there is a law in Quebec that requires proficiency in French for work and immigration in any city in the province.
It’s no wonder that Montreal is famous and a destination for many international students. This city is rich in culture and art, and throughout the city, you can see the strong French heritage. The climate is somewhat similar to that of Toronto but with colder winters.
Montreal is also highly urban with various entertainment options and one of the liveliest nightlife scenes in Canada. For these and other reasons, the cost of living in Montreal is one of the highest in the country. The high demand also makes the education, job, and immigration markets competitive.
Colleges and Universities in Montreal
Montreal is a significant educational hub, with a strong focus on the arts but offering various course options in several institutions. Here are some of the most famous ones:
Quebec City, Quebec
Quebec City is one of the oldest cities in North America. Its old part, “Vieux-Québec” (Old City), is surrounded by historic walls and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. The old architecture gives a European feel to the city, making it a beautiful tourist attraction.
In addition to its historical richness, Quebec City is a vibrant cultural center with an active artistic scene and various cultural festivals throughout the year, including the Quebec Winter Carnival, one of the largest winter festivals in the world.
The French language is predominant in the city, making proficiency in it necessary for studying, working, and immigrating to Quebec City.
The climate is similar to Montreal, but the advantage of Quebec City for students is that the cost of living tends to be more affordable. On the flip side, the job market doesn’t offer as many opportunities as in Montreal.
Colleges and Universities in Quebec City
Quebec City is home to several high-quality educational institutions. Here are some of the most renowned:
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax is the capital of the province of Nova Scotia in eastern Canada, along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. It is known for its maritime history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. With a diverse economy and historic architecture, downtown Halifax features many well-preserved historic buildings. The city also has numerous parks and green areas and is renowned for having the best seafood in the country.
Despite having a vibrant cultural scene with theaters, art galleries, annual festivals, and cultural events, the quantity doesn’t compare to major urban centers in Canada, such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. However, it’s a good option for those who want to escape large cities and still have good entertainment choices.
The climate in Halifax is influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in cold and foggy winters. This can be a challenge for those who do not like or are not accustomed to harsh winters.
The advantage of this city is that the cost of living is generally more affordable, and there are good job opportunities, although limited compared to larger metropolises in Canada. Additionally, mobility may be limited due to the not-so-efficient public transportation and a community-oriented lifestyle.
Colleges and Universities in Halifax
- Dalhousie University
- Saint Mary’s University
- Institute of Technology Campus
- Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Our last, but certainly not least, among the best cities to study in Canada is Winnipeg, the capital of the province of Manitoba. This city, located in the central part of the country, is known for its cultural diversity, rich history, and dynamic economy.
One of the significant advantages of Manitoba for international students is the cost of living, which is generally more affordable, including housing, food, and transportation. Despite not being a major urban center, Winnipeg offers many leisure and entertainment options, as well as job opportunities in various sectors. Another advantage is that, for those wishing to immigrate after completing their studies, there are also many immigration opportunities in Winnipeg.
One of the significant challenges of this city is the climate. Temperatures in Winnipeg can be much lower in winter than in other cities I mentioned here. This, combined with the community-oriented lifestyle where you generally need a car to travel to distant areas, and the geographical isolation of Winnipeg, can be relevant considerations when thinking about studying in the capital of Manitoba.
Colleges and Universities in Winnipeg
Just like in other cities in Canada, Winnipeg is home to respected colleges and universities with excellent quality of education:
What is the best city to study in Canada?
So, what will be the best city to study in Canada?
The answer is: It depends. It depends on your goal, the lifestyle you enjoy, and various other factors that will influence your decision.
This will be one of the first of many steps to attend college in Canada, so it’s good to be discerning and choose consciously the city you will call your own for the next few years in Canada!