Looking for the best places to live in Ontario?
Ontario is perhaps the most favored province for working holiday-makers and expats in Canada. This is no surprise as Ontario is home to Ottawa’s capital city, the dynamic metropolis of Toronto, and the magnificent Niagara Falls.
Ready To Travel? Don't Go Without Travel Insurance.
I recommend SafetyWing Nomad Insurance, an affordable travel insurance offering automatic monthly payments that you can cancel anytime. I've been using it since 2019, and I can assure you it's the perfect solution for nomads like you and me. Learn more by reading our SafetyWing review.Ontario certainly has the perfect balance between beautiful nature and bustling cities, with a sprinkling of stunning beaches too.
However, Ontario is not small by any means. In fact, the province is four times bigger than the whole of the UK.
Therefore, the landscape of the areas in Ontario can differ greatly, which means there are plenty of options when it comes to living in Ontario.
So, if you’re planning on moving to Canada, read on to discover the best places to live in Ontario as an expat or working holiday-maker.
1. Toronto
Population: 2.93 million
Toronto is undoubtedly the most popular city in Ontario. It rivals Vancouver and Montreal as the top spot for expats in Canada. As a busy, cosmopolitan, Toronto is perfect for anyone who loves the hustle and bustle of city life.
The city also boasts an incredible nightlife scene, with a party to be found every night of the week. In fact, Toronto is one of the best party cities in Canada. It’s also a fun destination during the winter, so make sure to spend the holidays in Toronto if you can.
Expats and working holiday-makers flock to Toronto for the many job opportunities the city offers. Whether you’re a banker or a barista, you’ll have a high chance of finding work here, and you’ll enjoy the diverse international culture of the city.
Furthermore, as well as being a top city to find a job, Toronto has so much to do and see, including beautiful beaches and other nature spots. While you’re there, you could also sneak in a day trip to Niagara Falls!
The downside to living in Toronto, however, is the high living costs. Rent prices here are among the highest in Canada. So, if you want the exciting big city lifestyle, you will have to pay for it.
If you’re vegan, you should know that Toronto is heaven for vegan food options! Read our guide to find out about the best vegan restaurants in Toronto.
Best Neighborhoods In Toronto
Where you base yourself in Toronto will depend on the type of lifestyle you are after. Some areas are lively and hipster, thus popular with young people. Other suburbs are quiet and peaceful, so they are better suited to families.
- The Annex – This west-end neighborhood is a lively hub for young professionals and students. It’s full of hip eateries, indie bookshops, and plenty of bars and cafes.
- West Queen West – This part of town stretches from Queen Street to Bathurst Street and Gladstone Avenue and is home to the beautiful Trinity Bellwoods Park. It’s one of Toronto’s coolest neighborhoods, boasting a hipster vibe. You’ll never be short on boutiques, vintage clothing stores, or art galleries here.
- King West – As one of the city’s busiest areas, King West is ideal for those looking to be right in the heart of the action. You’ll have everything you need right on your doorstep here, whether it’s bars, restaurants, gyms, or yoga studios.
2. Ottawa
Population: 994,800
Ottawa is the official capital city of Canada; however, Toronto is 2.56 times bigger. Even so, Ottawa is a thriving, busy city with a strong economy and high-income rates.
Therefore, Ottawa is one of the best places to live in Ontario for expats and working holiday-makers wanting to build up their savings yet have fun at the same time.
Both housing costs and crime rates are lower in Ottawa than in Toronto. However, the cost of living is still expensive compared to other Canadian cities such as Edmonton and Montreal.
Ottawa does get a bad rap for being a boring city, but this is simply because the city has a more suburban, family-oriented atmosphere than party city Toronto.
While the vibe might be a bit more laid back, Ottawa is still a shining city for young people, and there are things to do in all seasons.
Even so, the city comes alive in the summer, when it offers an array of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and even whitewater rafting down the river.
Best Neighborhoods In Ottawa
The great thing about the capital city is that it has lots of small, quiet neighborhoods close enough to the city center to commute every day.
- The Glebe – One of Ottawa’s most eclectic and beautiful neighborhoods and just a short walk from the city center. It’s known for its trendy shops and strong community feel.
- Westboro – This gentrified area has recently become one of Ottawa’s trendiest neighborhoods, full of chic boutiques, fine restaurants, and hip cafes. There’s a nice mix of young professionals and families residing here.
3. Waterloo
Population: 113,500
In the south of Ontario, Waterloo is often referred to as a student city as there are two significant universities here. Therefore, it’s a fantastic place for young people and has a very international feel.
About 25% of the city’s residents are overseas students, expats, or migrants.
Being just over a one-hour drive from Toronto, Waterloo is a cheaper alternative for expats in Ontario to base themselves. Housing costs are 25% lower, and it has a much less crowded feel.
Of course, there are not quite as many work opportunities as in the bigger cities. However, the manufacturing and tech industries are thriving in Waterloo, so jobs are not too hard to come by.
Waterloo may lack beaches, but there are plenty of parks, conservation areas, and art galleries to keep you occupied. Plus, being a student city, you’ll never get bored at night, with 26 bars and venues in downtown Waterloo alone.
Best Neighborhoods In Waterloo
- Uptown Waterloo – Many expats choose to live in Uptown Waterloo as it’s a stone’s throw from the business district. It also has all the amenities you need and is a short walk from the 100-acre Waterloo Park.
- Colonial Acres – One of the most desirable areas in Waterloo, this centrally located neighborhood is popular with young professionals and couples on a higher income. Properties here are beautiful and spacious, and everything you need is nearby.
4. Oakville
Population: 211,400
Some expats working in Toronto choose to live in the stunning suburban town of Oakville, about a 30-minute drive or train journey away from Toronto.
The lakeside location and abundance of green spaces make Oakville one of the most aesthetically pleasing cities in Ontario.
It’s best known for its nature spots and upscale dining, making it the perfect Ontario town to enjoy both the simple and finer things in life.
As Oakville is one of the most desirable areas in Ontario, it’s just as expensive to live here as in Toronto.
However, if you prefer peace and quiet over the hustle and bustle and would rather spend your weekends relaxing by the lake or hiking in nature than shopping in the mall, Oakville is for you.
Best Neighborhoods In Oakville
- Downtown (Old Oakville) – If you’re regularly commuting to Toronto, living in downtown Oakville is the most convenient neighborhood. Moreover, the harbourside central district boasts charm, style, and top-rated restaurants.
- Bronte – This is where to go if you want to live in a modern high-rise overlooking the glistening lake. Bronte village also has some excellent dining options, many al-fresco, allowing you to enjoy the stunning surroundings. However, the downside is Bronte is one of the most expensive areas in Oakville.
5. Thunder Bay
Population: 110,150
Thunder Bay is a gorgeous riverside city located along the enormous freshwater Lake Superior in northwestern Ontario. It’s also the sunniest city in Eastern Canada, getting almost 2200 hours of sunlight a year.
Thunder Bay is fast becoming one of the favored destinations for people moving to Ontario. Employment levels are good, living costs are much lower than in bigger Ontario cities, and it has a strong art and sports scene.
Thunder Bay is also an outdoor lover’s paradise with plenty of outdoor activities, including an extensive hiking trail network.
Even so, Thunder Bay does have its downside. It’s not as safe as other cities in Ontario, and its nightlife is not much to shout about. You won’t find any Toronto-scale events or festivals in Thunder Bay.
However, suppose you like the quiet life and being surrounded by nature. In that case, Thunder Bay makes one of the best cities to live in Ontario.
Best Neighborhoods In Thunder Bay
- Downtown Thunder Bay – The city center is both the business and cultural hub, so it’s the best place to be in the heart of the action. Thunder Bay isn’t a huge city, so living downtown doesn’t feel too hectic or crowded.
- Marina Park – One of the city’s newly built neighborhoods, here you will find luxurious condos popping up around the marina boardwalk. Renting an apartment in this part of town will guarantee you splendid views of the surrounding waters. Plus, it’s where most of the city’s annual events like Canada Day celebrations take place.
Final Thoughts On The Places To Live In Ontario
Ontario is a diverse province that offers something for everyone. Regardless of what you’re looking for, you’re bound to find your ideal Canadian city in one of these five best places to live in Ontario. So, if you’re moving to Canada soon, be sure to keep Ontario in mind.
Not sure if Ontario is the right province for you? Explore the best provinces to live in Canada.
Need more inspiration? Read one of the following blog posts:
