Happiest city to live in Canada is in Ontario but it's not Toronto, survey finds
These results come from a recently released Leger poll, the 2025 edition of Happy Cities. It was based on data from 39,841 Canadian adults, 18 and over, who took an online survey between March 31 and April 13.
The City of Mississauga ranked highest out of Canada's 10 largest cities, with a happiness index of 70.3 out of 100.
The happiness index calculates how a person perceives their own happiness, using a scale from 0 to 100. It is based on 25 factors that participants are surveyed on, including how they feel about their community, society as a whole, the environment, their health, finances, relationships and work.
Mississauga ranked above Canada's average of 68.7. The only other city that also had above average happiness was Montreal, which followed Mississauga closely, at 69.4.
Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish said it was 'wonderful' to see the city getting recognition.
'This reflects the quality of life our residents enjoy — from green spaces and strong public services to a resilient economy and inclusive community programs,' she said, in a news release on Tuesday. 'While these survey results are encouraging, we remain committed to listening to our residents.'
Following Mississauga and Montreal in terms of happiness in Canada's 10 largest cities are Hamilton, Ontario (67.5), Calgary, Alberta (67.4), Brampton, Ontario (66.7), Ottawa, Ontario (66.4), Edmonton, Alberta (66.3), Vancouver, B.C. (66.3), Winnipeg, Manitoba (65.9) and, coming in last, Toronto, Ontario (65.8).
Which Canadian provinces are the happiest in the country?
Although Ontario had the most cities in the top 10, it ranked low on the list of happiest provinces.
Coming in first was Quebec, followed by New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Those three provinces were above average for happiness.
'Quebecers have a really like positive mindset in a way,' one Montreal resident told CityNews. 'We see things a lot more optimistically.'
'We are French and English so we have both worlds, languages and vibes,' another resident told CityNews.
However, one person was shocked by the results. 'I'm a little surprised honestly,' the Montrealer told CityNews, citing the economy as an issue. 'It surprises me that like one of the happiest — happy, yes — but one of the happiest… I'm a little surprised not gonna lie.'
Saskatchewan came in fourth, followed by Nova Scotia, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island.
Has the happiness of Canadian improved or deteriorated over the years?
Among the findings, the survey revealed what it referred to as a 'concerning reality' when Canadians were asked about whether their happiness had improved, stayed the same or had deteriorated over the past year. There were 28 per cent who said they were less happy. Almost half said their happiness remained stable and 23 per cent said they saw improvement.
Young Canadians were more likely to report improvements in their happiness over the past year than older age groups.
There were 36 per cent of Canadians aged 25 to 34 years old who said their happiness grew, compared to only 20 per cent of Canadians aged 55 and over. The survey found a 'sense of well-being emerging among younger age groups.' However, it said this also 'highlights the importance of supporting adults in mid-life, who are more vulnerable to the pressures of working life.'
Overall, women were slightly happier than men. Women rated their happiness at 69.4, while men rated it at 68.
According to a Leger news release about the survey, its results show a 'resilient and tested' population that is 'affected by everyday uncertainty and challenges.'
'Happiness, while holding its ground overall, shows signs of fragility,' it said.
Canada ranked 18 out of 147 countries included in the latest World Happiness Report.
Young Canadians' happiness plummets in latest global survey, to 58th place
New immigrants less happy than longer-term Canadians, poll finds
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