These Are the Best Canadian Cities to Raise Kids in 2023

Trois-Rivières is one of the best places to raise a family in Canada. As the second-oldest French-speaking city in North America, it’s home to architectural marvels, 43 libraries and numerous cultural events perfect for parents looking to instill a love of history and art in their children. Safety is one of the most crucial factors for any family, and Trois-Rivières excels in this aspect. With a crime rate 42 per cent lower than the national average, the city offers a secure environment every parent will appreciate.

Surrounded by breathtaking forests, lakes and mountains, Quebec City offers a great balance of city and nature living. With ample parks and recreational areas, it’s a year-round adventure for families that enjoy hiking, fishing, biking, skiing or snowmobiling. The city also prioritizes childcare, with subsidized daycare rates costing just $8.50 per day for infants through school-age kids.

One of Sherbrooke’s most impressive features is its remarkable commitment to promoting an active and outdoor lifestyle. The city’s urban heart is brimming with opportunities for adventure seekers, with three rivers inviting canoeing or kayaking enthusiasts, 14 scenic walking trails, and an extensive network of 125 km cycling routes during the summer.

The nation’s capital is a delightful haven for families seeking a perfect place to call home. Recent research has revealed that Ottawa ranks as the third most affordable city for home prices based on cost per square meter, making it an ideal choice for families looking to relocate. The city has a remarkably affordable real estate market compared to other major urban centres in Ontario. Families of four can comfortably manage a monthly cost of living at $5,840. The city’s excellent transportation system, including its new subway line, adds to its appeal, with short average commute times of just 26 minutes.

Have you ever dreamed of raising kids by the ocean? If so, Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island, might be the perfect place for your family. Its small size offers the advantage of easy navigation from point A to point B, allowing residents to enjoy an average commute time of only 14 minutes.

Montreal is another Quebec city that ranks high on the list as one of the best places to raise a family. The province’s cultural hub has something for everyone: fabulous restaurants, low housing costs, good schools, low crime rates, excellent post-secondary schools and plenty of parks.

Guelph is a beautiful city in the heart of southern Ontario with picturesque rivers and a quaint downtown core. Known for its safety, welcoming community and excellent schools (including the University of Guelph), it’s easy to see why more families are heading to Guelph to raise their kids.

Experience the luxury of living in larger, more affordable homes in Gatineau, Quebec. The city provides budget-friendly housing options with generous plots, affordable daycare solutions and enticing tax benefits for parents, making Gatineau a magnet for families with young kids.

If you plan on growing your family in the next few years, Barrie could be a prime choice for welcoming a new baby. With a provincial target of achieving $10-a-day childcare fees by 2025 and ranking as the third most affordable city in Ontario, Barrie might be the best option.

With an average commute time of just 20 minutes, Kingston, Ontario, has been named one of the best places to raise a family and retire. And with its proximity to Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto, you’re never too far from the benefits of a big city.

Are you considering an income suite for mortgage help? Kingston is prime for a student rental basement conversion with Queen’s University, Royal Military College of Canada and St. Lawrence College nearby.