Top 10 Best Cities and Towns in Ontario, Canada

Big cities, cozy small towns, places where the only rush hour involves a tractor and a flock of geese... Ontario's got it all. You'll find spots known for their skyline, others for their silence. Some run on politics, tech, or finance. Others keep it real with festivals, fish fries, and corner stores that double as post offices.

This list is your chance to vote for the cities and towns in Ontario that actually get it right. Maybe it's the local food scene that never misses. Maybe it's the feeling of walking downtown and running into three people you know. Or maybe it's just the fact that your favorite place doesn't try too hard. Whatever your reasons, they count here.

The Top Ten

Toronto

Toronto is the most populous city in Canada, the provincial capital of Ontario, and the core of the Greater Toronto Area, the country's most populous metropolitan region. It is an international hub for business, finance, arts, and culture. Toronto is also recognized as one of the most multicultural and... read more

Toronto is a friendly community. Where I live, all the neighbors say hi when I'm outside cutting the grass or trimming the shrubs. My neighbor always gets out before me to take his garbage can up, so he does it for me and the neighbor on the other side too.
There is a ton of stuff to do. It's always fun to drive around and eat in downtown. I saw mimes the other day, which is surprising because it's something you see a lot in my area. There are a lot of people wanting to entertain downtown.
It's a fun, loving community that also likes to play at night. The nighttime vibe is amazing. If you're a night person, this is the perfect place. But also, Downtown Detroit is too, as I go there to gamble at Motor City Casino!
Toronto is the perfect place for nightlife, suburban life, and city life. There's a ton for everyone!
Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada. It lies on the south bank of the Ottawa River in the eastern part of Southern Ontario. The city is home to many national institutions, including Parliament Hill, and is known for its bilingualism, with English and French both widely spoken.

It may not be as big or as multicultural as Toronto, but Ottawa is the perfect representation of Canada - beautiful, friendly, clean, and safe. These qualities, I feel, make Canada stand out as a country. What do people think of when they think 'Canada'? The friendly people, the low crime rates, the clean air, the lovely scenery, and an atmosphere more relaxed and free than, say, our southern neighbor of America. Ottawa has it all.
Toronto is great, don't get me wrong - I live there! - but if I had to pick one city to represent my province and my country, I would pick Ottawa, our nation's gorgeous capital. Toronto would be my second choice. And Niagara Falls is lovely, too.
Greater Sudbury

Sudbury is a provincial electoral district in Ontario, Canada, that has been represented in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario since 1908. It is one of two districts serving the city of Greater Sudbury. The district includes much of the urban core of the city.

It's a nice, quiet city. Perfect for raising a family! I lived there for 15 years. Now I live in Ottawa. But Ottawa is just too crowded, and the drivers are awful here. Also, Sudbury is more spacious.
If you're a senior, Ottawa is good. If you're a city person, Toronto is for you. But Sudbury is the best of all worlds!

Downtown Sudbury has the best people you'll ever meet. Every small business is ready to support the next. Love, love, love! You are beautiful!
Hamilton

Hamilton is a port city located in the province of Ontario, Canada. It is situated on the western tip of Lake Ontario and has a population of over 800,000 in its metropolitan area. Hamilton is known for its steel industry, natural waterfalls, and cultural landmarks.

Beautiful, lots of parkland, thriving arts community, big city feel with a small-town heart. You can take a canoe out and explore Cootes Paradise, stroll along the harbourfront trail, or bike on one of many green rail trails.
Hamilton may look a little scary when you drive past it on the QEW highway, but once you visit, you will find a friendly, diverse, and charming community.

The city has such a unique culture. So much to do here! Hiking, shopping, eating, touring, it has everything! It's close to Toronto too.
Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a city located in Ontario, Canada. It sits on the western bank of the Niagara River in the Golden Horseshoe region of Southern Ontario. According to the 2021 census, the city's population is 88,071.

Niagara Falls is a very good place to go for a vacation with your family. One reason why Niagara Falls is a good place for vacation is that you can play lots of games with your family. You can go to the Canadian Midway Arcade, Dracula's Haunted Castle, the Haunted House, and more.

Just there! Epic! The hotels are legendary, and the views are exotic.

Proximity to Buffalo and tons to do.
Guelph

Guelph is a city located in southwestern Ontario, Canada. It is known by the nickname "The Royal City" and is situated approximately 28 kilometres east of Waterloo and 100 kilometres west of downtown Toronto, at the intersection of Highway 6 and Highway 7. Although Guelph serves as the seat of Wellington... read more

The downtown area and about 5 km in all directions from downtown are pretty good. There is lots of old architecture. The newer parts of Guelph (post-1980) are boring and very Mississauga-esque with same-old-same-old plazas and cookie-cutter suburban-style housing.

Best city in Canada. Guelph has probably the friendliest people you can ever meet in Canada. I lived there for 5 years, and I wish to go back again.

I've lived here for 5 years, and this city is the only city that actually has a cool charm to the city center. The buildings are old, unlike many places in Canada.
Barrie

Barrie is a city in Central Ontario, Canada, situated on the western shore of Lake Simcoe. Although geographically located within Simcoe County, Barrie is administratively independent and operates as a single-tier municipality. The city is part of the Greater Golden Horseshoe, a densely populated and... read more

Because of how quickly it's growing, Barrie prices are skyrocketing, which is actually what brings me here. The minds aren't growing as fast as the population, unfortunately (exhibit A - the other comment on here complaining about immigrants).
If you can afford it, though, it's within a reasonable distance of Toronto. It has enough tourists that there's plenty of things to do, but not so many that it's impossible to actually live there. If you are a pedestrian, avoid the South End, which, while newer and still abundant with available homes, is in no way designed for walking.

I chose to make Barrie my home when I moved out of my parents' years ago, and it's my favourite place in the world. Both far and close enough to Toronto, it has a lovely waterfront, lots of effort being put into the downtown... just my ideal city in many ways.
Burlington

Burlington is a city located in the Halton Region at the western end of Lake Ontario in Ontario, Canada. It is part of both the Greater Toronto Area and the Hamilton Census Metropolitan Area. The city is known for its waterfront parks, festivals, and proximity to the Niagara Escarpment.

Consistently voted as one of the best mid-sized cities to live in for good reasons: location, safety, economic stability, proximity to major centers, lakefront, and escarpment.

Having traveled the country extensively, hands down, Burlington is the best place to live and raise a family. There is so much to do with the clubs, teams, and cultural events all year round.

There are many reasons to vote for Burlington. There are lots of cool, imaginative places and prospects to hold interest and feel welcome within the city.
St. Jacobs

The community of St. Jacobs is located in southwestern Ontario, just north of Waterloo in Woolwich Township, Waterloo Region. It is widely recognized for its strong Mennonite heritage and historic downtown area. St. Jacobs is also famous for its year-round farmers' market, which attracts both tourists... read more

Number one tourist destination for good reason! Lots to do and see in a friendly atmosphere.
Kingston

Kingston is a city in Eastern Ontario, Canada. It is located at the eastern end of Lake Ontario, near the beginning of the St. Lawrence River. Kingston is known for its historic architecture and as the home of Queen's University.

I've lived all over Ontario, and Kingston is by far the best city in its class. Beautiful, historic, 1,000 islands, 10 minutes to New York state. Great economy. Not to mention it was officially voted number 2 as the best place to live in all of Canada.

Beautiful downtown core on the water with lots of parks and conservation areas.

I agree wholeheartedly. Unfortunately, I left to come to Ottawa, but I'm looking to go back to Kingston.

The Newcomers

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Whitby

Best place to live in the whole wide world.
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Milton

I was contemplating moving to Milton as a newcomer to Canada, but now I have no regrets about my decision.
Beautiful parks, very polite people, and a constant reminder of what Canada really is. Milton is great already, and I try to do my best to give back to Milton in every way I can.

The Contenders

Oakville

Oakville is a town in Halton Region, Ontario, Canada, located on the north shore of Lake Ontario between Toronto and Hamilton. It is part of the Greater Toronto Area and is known for its residential communities, harbors, and proximity to major urban centers. According to the 2021 census, Oakville had... read more

It is a safe and beautiful place. If you're retiring or starting a family, Oakville is one of the best places to do so. There are tons of things to do with it being close to Toronto.
It has a great waterfront and festivals during certain seasons. I've never been to a city full of nice people. I love Oakville and would recommend it to anyone.

Very quiet, low-key, and safe. Perfect for retirement or starting a family. Great waterfront with Lakeshore, and you have a park, forest, or green space every couple of blocks.
Timmins

Timmins is a city in northeastern Ontario, Canada, located on the Mattagami River. As of the 2011 Canadian Census, it had a population of 43,165.
The city's economy is largely based on natural resource extraction, particularly in the mining and lumber industries. Gold, zinc, copper, nickel, and... read more

Great city that has beautiful nature and a wide diversity of cultures. This city has its ups and downs, but overall it is a welcoming and great place to live and raise a family. The only downside is its isolation from really big cities like Toronto or Sudbury.
London

London has lots of old buildings, history, nice leafy streets, and affordable old homes. The biggest knock against London is the lack of infrastructure investment from the city. There are sprawling suburban developments on all the corners of the city, and the arterial roads serving them are the same rural roads that have been in place for decades.
If the developers were made to pay their share of the infrastructure costs and city hall had a long-term urban densification strategy at play, the core of the city would be renewed. Many of the road congestion and drug problems people complain about would be alleviated.
I personally enjoy living in London and have a lot of friends and family here. However, I can see why so many young people who don't own cars or want to own houses and mow lawns move away to larger centers.
Mississauga

Mississauga is the sixth-largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the shores of Lake Ontario. The city is part of the Regional Municipality of Peel and lies in the central part of the Greater Toronto Area, just west of Toronto.

I used to live here for 4 years. I love Mississauga. It's just the perfect pace for me. It's not too far from Toronto, and it had everything you could possibly need. The airport is just 15-20 minutes away from where I lived.
Now, I'm looking into a city to live in America (moved for a job), and I am always looking for something very similar to Mississauga. I'm hoping to go back and retire in Mississauga someday.

Mississauga, like Toronto, is very social and lively but has quiet parts as well! Overall, there are many facilities, and it's just beautiful. I love Mississauga and would recommend anyone to move there.
St. Catharines

St. Catharines is the largest city in Canada's Niagara Region and the sixth-largest urban area in Ontario. It covers an area of 96.11 square kilometers. The city is known for its parks system, proximity to Niagara Falls, and vibrant cultural scene.
Sault Ste. Marie

Sault Ste. Marie is a city on the St. Marys River in Ontario, Canada, close to the United States-Canada border. It is located directly across from its twin city, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The city is known for its role as a regional hub for transportation, tourism, and trade and for its proximity to... read more

I love this city. It has a bridge to the USA, and it's right next to the second biggest lake in the world! It can have idiotic people who don't know how to drive and stuff, but it has nowhere near as many crimes as in Toronto and other places. It is a great city.

Good city with incredible lakes and scenery around it. You can live lakefront at a reasonable price.
Peterborough

Peterborough, pronounced PEE-ter-bur-oh, is a city on the Otonabee River in Central Ontario, Canada. It is located approximately 125 kilometers northeast of Toronto. Known for its rich history and access to the Trent-Severn Waterway, Peterborough is a popular destination for outdoor activities and cultural... read more

Peterborough is a natural beauty! It boasts both a world-renowned university and college. The people are friendly, and there is lots to do for growing families.
I moved here almost 30 years ago, and it has come a long way. Lots of young families are moving up from southern Ontario as well as retirees. It definitely is a better quality of life in Peterborough.

A friendly city surrounded by natural beauty with a vibrant downtown that has lots of good restaurants and bars!
Windsor

Windsor, Ontario, is the southernmost city in Canada. It is situated on the southern shore of the Detroit River, directly across from Detroit, Michigan. Windsor has a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, tourism, and education. The city is also known for attractions such as the waterfront parks... read more

Windsor may have problems with the economy, but its location is unlike any place in the world. Its waterfront is beautiful, with the Detroit skyline and access to all of Detroit's venues, sports, and entertainment.
Windsor has so much potential, it's crazy. The same could be said about Detroit, which was once the greatest manufacturing city in the world.

Yay! I was born in Windsor! Very beautiful and good health care! I love the water between Detroit and Windsor! When I was 4, I used to go near the water with my aunt and friends, and we would fly kites!
Owen Sound

Owen Sound is a city in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, and serves as the county seat of Grey County. It is situated at the mouths of the Pottawatomi and Sydenham Rivers where they empty into an inlet of Georgian Bay. As of the 2021 census, the city's population was 21,612.

Clean, clear waters, fresh air, and friendly locals! What more can you ask for? Beautiful, quiet downtown and picturesque surroundings.

My hometown and an absolutely lovely place to live (in the summer - not so much in the winter).
Stratford

Stratford is a city on the Avon River in Perth County in southwestern Ontario, Canada, with a population of 30,886 as of 2011. It is renowned for the annual Stratford Festival, which celebrates Shakespearean and other theatrical productions. The city is also the birthplace of pop star Justin Bieber.
Brampton

Brampton is a city in Southern Ontario, Canada. It is a suburban city in the Greater Toronto Area and the seat of Peel Region. Brampton is known for its diverse population and rapid growth, as well as being home to a number of parks and cultural institutions.

I live in Brampton, and I feel safe. I disagree with the comment that Brampton is a ghetto. Yes, there is a problem with reckless driving. Whose fault is it that there are not enough police to patrol the streets? Certainly not the people that live here.

I was born and raised here, and I think the city is quite nice. Very multicultural. Race has never been an issue anywhere.

Brampton is a working-class city. Overall, it offers a fair quality of life.
Collingwood
Kitchener

Kitchener is where I have lived my whole life so far. I love it so much here. I know it really well, and it's calming and just feels so much like home. I wouldn't live anywhere else in the entire world than Kitchener!

I live in Kitchener. It's vibrant with lots of walking trails, parks, culture, and a beautiful downtown.

Canada's tenth-largest city and home to Google Canada Headquarters.
Wawa
Paris

Excellent place all year long, lots of festivals, springtime in Paris, Paris Fair, Christmas parade, etc. Very scenic town with beautiful sunsets over the falls! One of the best-located towns to live - 30 minutes from Kitchener/Waterloo, 1 hour to downtown Toronto, 1 hour from London, 30 minutes to Hamilton, and just over an hour to Niagara Falls. What more can you ask for?
Friendly people, great shops downtown, and right beside the Grand River! In 2018, 500 new houses were built and the same pace for 2019. Very affordable as well compared to other places nearby.

Paris is an awesome place to raise a family, with the picturesque beauty of the downtown core along the Grand River. One of the fastest-growing towns in 2018, it has lots of trails, friendly people, and is very safe with a low crime rate. Highly recommended!