10 Best Small Towns to Live in Canada in 2021
Planning a move to Canada? Be sure to take a look at these small, but so cozy, towns.
A new survey conducted on behalf of RATESDOTCA found that nearly a quarter (23%) of those who have moved or plan to move since April 2020 cited COVID-19 as the reason for moving. 21% of those who have moved or plan to move are moving away from major urban centres (Greater Toronto Area, Greater Ottawa Area, Greater Montreal, Vancouver Metro, Calgary Region and Metro Edmonton) to smaller cities/rural areas.
But Canada is a big place. There are special cities here that many would-be immigrants might not even think about. It was this fact that inspired this report, which had one simple goal: identify the best places to live in Canada outside of major metropolitan areas — for people who can live and work anywhere in the country.
This report assesses criteria focused on nature, nightlife, outdoor activities and accessibility to life. In fact, the study found that one of the main decisive factors when looking for a place to move to is nature (proximity to mountains, major water bodies, forests, etc.). Other major factors include economic growth and job growth (12%), size of city/village (8%) and outdoor activities (8%).
10 Best Small Towns to Live in Canada in 2021
1. Langford, British Columbia
- Population: 42 653;
- Population growth: 5,2%;
- average home value in 2020: $725,300;
- average mortgage payment: $3,024;
- nature rating: 4/5.
2. Kelowna, British Columbia
- Population: 222,748;
- population growth: 2%;
- average home value in 2020: $553,175;
- average mortgage payment: $2,307;
- nature rating: 4/5.
3. Trois-Rivières, Quebec
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- Population: 163,287;
- population growth: 1.5%;
- average home value in 2020: $224,600;
- average mortgage payment: $937;
- nature rating: 3/5.
4. Bathurst, New Brunswick
- Population: 31 691;
- population growth: 0%;
- average home value in 2020: $112,850;
- average mortgage payment: $471;
- nature rating: 4/5.
5. Rossland, British Columbia
- Population: 4,108;
- population growth: 2.5%;
- average home value in 2020: $443,889;
- average mortgage payment: $1,851;
- nature rating: 4/5.
6. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
- Population: 18 865;
- population growth: 1.3%;
- average home value in 2020: $515,000;
- average mortgage payment: $2,147;
- nature rating: 5/5.
7. Cowichan Bay, British Columbia
- Population: 90,448;
- population growth: 1.2%;
- average home value in 2020: $561,900;
- average mortgage payment: $2,343;
- nature rating: 5/5.
8. Sydney, Nova Scotia
- Population: 95,901;
- population growth: -0.3%;
- average home value in 2020: $157,338;
- average mortgage payment: $656;
- nature rating: 3/5.
9. Penticton, British Columbia
- Population: 46 885;
- population growth: 0.9%;
- average home value in 2020: $523,386;
- average mortgage payment: $2,182;
- nature rating: 4/5.
10. Quebec City, Quebec
- Population: 832,328;
- population growth: 0.9%;
- average home value in 2020: $283,000;
- average mortgage payment: $1,180;
- nature rating: 5/5.
