Top 6 Safest cities to live in Canada with the Best quality of life – 2024

Home to a population of more than 40 million people, Canada has a lot to offer — from the wide-open spaces of the great plains to the hockey games, Niagara Falls, the Canadian Rockies and maple syrup. Canada is well-known for its cultural diversity and can be a home for anyone!

Before moving to Canada, it is suggested to research the cost of living in Canada so you have a better understanding of your potential new home. The country’s diverse culture, amenities, parks, housing options, and safe areas enhance its residents’ quality of life.

Lots of families are looking for a place that is safe and affordable to move to, making the bigger cities less attractive to many. These smaller cities and towns offer outstanding quality of life for those looking for a fresh start.

Although Canada is overall a safe country, some cities are safer than others. Read on to discover the top safest cities to live in Canada with the best quality of life this year.

safest cities to live in canada infographic

Methodology

Our methodology for ranking the safest places to live prioritizes safety, using the most recent Crime Severity Index (CSI) data provided by Statistics Canada or its equivalent in other regions. The CSI measures the severity of crimes reported to law enforcement, considering both their frequency and gravity. A baseline of 100 was set in 2006, with scores interpreted as follows: 

  • Below 70: Low crime severity
  • 70 to 99: Moderate crime severity
  • 100 to 139: High crime severity
  • 140 and above: Very high crime severity

While safety is our primary focus, we also consider the overall quality of life. The “Best Quality of Life” aspect is evaluated based on real feedback from individuals who have moved to the area, as well as insights from trusted online forums. We particularly look for positive feedback on job opportunities, quality of education, housing affordability (when possible), healthcare services, sense of safety, public transportation, environmental cleanliness, and the availability of recreational facilities and parks.

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Safest cities to live in Canada

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1. Wellington County, ON

wellington county guelph ontario
  • Population: 241,026 
  • Crime Severity Index: 27.37

Wellington County is located in the southwestern part of the province of Ontario and is part of the greater Golden Horseshoe region. What makes Wellington County unique, as noted by many locals, is its strategic location, providing easy accessibility to Brampton, Mississauga, Kitchener, and Downtown Toronto. In this case, owning a car is necessary, as there is limited public transportation in Wellington.

The city’s public safety services are dedicated to building and maintaining a community healthy, dynamic and safe. In fact, Wellington County excels in all 3 categories: low crime, low unemployment rate, and healthy population growth. Wellington County also has a low crime severity index of 27.37 making it a safe environment. The region is home to a variety of parks and green spaces, like Elora Gorge and Victoria Park. Many of the residents of Wellington County enjoy cycling and hiking, so be prepared to get outside! 

Statcan population (2021) & Statcan CSI (2022 & 2023)

Wellington County, ON

2. LaSalle, ON

lasalle ontario lake
  • Population: 32,721
  • Crime Severity Index: 29.10

LaSalle, Ontario, is a small town in Essex County. With 40 km of paved biking trails and over 100 acres of parkland, you can walk, jog or ride your bicycle through LaSalle without worrying about your safety, with a low crime severity index of 29.10. The town also hosts Night Markets featuring music, vendors and food at the Civic Centre on the last Sunday in May, June, July and August.

As noted by many residents, LaSalle has accessibility to amenities due to its easy access to Windsor – an 18-minute drive by car. The town also has sporting facilities like the Essex Golf and Country Club or the Seven Lakes Golf Course. LaSalle is known to be a great place to raise a family, as it is a tight-knit community with well-maintained infrastructures.

Statcan population (2021) & Statcan CSI (2022 & 2023)

LaSalle, ON

3. Lévis, QC

Apartment in Lévis
  • Population: 149,683
  • Crime Severity Index: 29.52

Lévis is located in Canada’s second most populous province, Quebec, and sits just across the river from Quebec City. Be prepared to embrace all four seasons when living in Lévis, as winters can be quite harsh, and summers can get pleasantly warm. If you love spending time outdoors, Lévis is an ideal location, nestled in the heart of three national parks offering camping sites, wildlife, and hiking trails.

If you’re considering a move to Lévis, it’s important to know that French is the predominant language, and not everyone will speak English. It’s highly recommended to have a basic understanding of French when living in Quebec. Despite this, Lévis is a fantastic place to live, boasting a low crime severity index of 29.52.

Statcan population (2021) & Statcan CSI (2022 & 2023)

Lévis, QC

4. Oak Bay, BC

oak bay bc
  • Population: 17,990
  • Crime Severity Index: 29.64

Oak Bay is a unique municipality located in British Columbia, filled with local beaches and parks. This region is known for its stunning views overlooking the Oak Bay Islands Ecological Reserve, where residents can enjoy whale watching. Oak Bay is also renowned for its Edwardian architecture, which can be found throughout the municipality.

Locals love relaxing at Willow Beach, hiking at Cattle Point or playing golf at the Victoria Golf Club. It offers a serene natural beauty setting with a bike score of 67. Home to many schools, a few being Oak Bay High School and St. Patrick’s Elementary School, and a crime severity index of 29.64, the area provides a strong sense of security.

Statcan population (2021) & Statcan CSI (2022 & 2023)

Oak Bay, BC

5. Burlington, ON

burlington ontario
  • Population: 186,948 
  • Crime Severity Index: 31.20

Burlington, Ontario is the perfect blend of a small town with big-city amenities as it is located halfway between Toronto and Niagara Falls. The waterfront city is assuredly one of the safest cities to live in Canada with a crime severity index as low as 31.20 and a crime rate lower than the average.

Located in the Greater Toronto Area, Burlington is an excellent choice if you’re seeking professional opportunities. Many locals have noted Burlington’s quality, multiple amenities and welcoming community, making it easy for anyone to integrate. Residents can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking the famous Niagara Escarpment or taking a walk along the Waterfront Trail on the shore of Lake Ontario.

Statcan population (2021) & Statcan CSI (2022 & 2023)

Austin & Amy Falk
Austin & Amy FalkReal estate agents at Falk Realty Group
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“As trusted local experts, we can confidently say that Burlington is one of Ontario's most desirable and affluent communities. Its diverse housing options cater to a wide range of lifestyles, making it an attractive destination for anyone seeking a new home. Burlington boasts stunning natural beauty, from its waterfront beaches to scenic parks, providing ample outdoor activities year-round. This vibrant city offers a perfect balance between urban convenience and suburban tranquility. Residents enjoy access to top-tier amenities, including excellent public transit, renowned hospitals, private schools, and a variety of cafés, shops, and nightlife options. Home to Canada’s largest free music festival, the Sound of Music, as well as Canada’s largest Ribfest, Burlington also hosts many other events throughout the year, ensuring you'll never have a dull moment. It’s the perfect choice for those looking to relocate from a busy city while still enjoying modern comforts and an exceptional quality of life.”

Burlington, ON

6. Durham Region (Oshawa/Whitby/Ajax)

Durham Region, Ontario (Oshawa/Whitby/Ajax)
  • Population: 696,992 
  • Crime Severity Index: 44.44

Durham Region(Oshawa/Whitby/Ajax) offers a fantastic quality of life with its picturesque waterfront views, parks, and beaches contributing to a great general vibe. With a Crime Severity Index (CSI) of 44.44, it’s a safe place to call home. Although housing prices can be high due to steep property taxes, rent is relatively affordable compared to other areas. 

This mix of safety and space is a big draw for people moving from Toronto. In Ajax, residents benefit from the Appjax app, which makes it easy to report maintenance issues like potholes or missed trash pickups, often with quick fixes the next day. The region also has a good selection of major chain stores and restaurants, ensuring you’re never far from what you need. Overall, Durham Region blends safety, convenience, and a relaxed lifestyle, making it an attractive place to live.

Statcan population (2021) & Statcan CSI (2022 & 2023)

Durham Region, ON

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Conclusion

If safety is a priority for your next move, we hope this guide has helped you make a choice of the Top Safest places to live in Canada. If you are planning to move to Canada, a beautiful country, take the time to explore these cities and find the one that best aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. Always consider factors such as amenities, proximity to the city centre, safety, and the unique characteristics of each area. Canada offers a unique experience that blends the warmth of a friendly community. To ensure a smooth and stress-free relocation, it’s advisable to research the best moving companies in Canada ahead of time.

 

Last year’s ranking (2024)

  1. Wellington County, ON
  2. Oak Bay, BC
  3. LaSalle, ON
  4. Lévis, QC
  5. Burlington, ON

 

Our rankings are meticulously curated with a focus on safety, affordability, and quality of life. Please note that some locations from last year’s rankings may have been excluded from this year’s list due to deviations from our methodology. This could include areas with insufficient rental/safety data or those with higher/lower averages compared to the previous year. We encourage readers to consider these rankings in conjunction with their individual needs and preferences to make well-informed decisions.

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Ann Nacario

The author

Meet Ann – our head writer with a knack for making moving and city living a breeze. From the many details of moving to picking the perfect moving company, she’s your guide. Ann has a friendly yet detailed approach to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. When she’s not writing about relocation, it will always be on her mind, but you’ll catch her spending time with her three furry friends.
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