Best places to live Canada

Best Cities for International Students in Canada

Canada is one of the top destinations for students traveling from around the globe to pursue higher education at world-renowned institutions, colleges, and universities – in fact, it ranks as eighth most popular destination in the world. But it’s more than just academic opportunities that makes Canada such a popular location for international students. The country has some of the most welcoming and diverse settings for higher education studies, as well.

With almost 100 institutions spread across the ten provinces within the country, it can be difficult to know where to start. If you don’t have a particular school or program in mind from the beginning, maybe the best thing to do is learn about the top student destinations in Canada.

Here are the top 5:

1. Montréal

Montréal has been Canada’s top city for years and has continued to consistently move up in global ranking, most recently from 8th in 2015 to 7th in the latest list (QS Best Student Cities 2016). Home to the highest ranking University in Canada, McGill University, the city has taken on a highly cosmopolitan nature, largely due to increased immigration taking place from all around the globe. If multiculturalism is important to you, you might consider Montréal. It has the largest comedy festival in the world, Just for Laughs, which is only one of the many cultural events that portray the rich culture found there. Plus, the city is home to 27% international population.

2. Toronto

It’s no surprise at Toronto comes near the top of this list. Like Montréal, Toronto is consistently ranked as one of the best student cities in the world, and for good reason: it was recognized as the most livable city in the world by Metropolis Magazine. Additionally, when it comes to assuming the title of “cultural capital” of Canada, Toronto is thriving with food scenes, beautiful fashion and art, historical monuments, and a large concentration of people striving toward creativity. Toronto steals the show, outshining its eastern rival, in its larger international business sector, which is significant to international students. The presence of business sectors provides many opportunities for students in search of work opportunities.

If you’re interested in Toronto, you might begin your search with schools like University of Toronto or York University.

3. Vancouver

Heading to the far west coast of Canada, just north of Seattle in the US, Vancouver may not be as well known as the two previous cities, but it still has a lot going for it. The city is seen as one of the best student cities – in fact, in the latest ranking, it is tied in 13^th place with Toronto. If you are considering studying in Canada, this city, with its jaw-dropping backdrops, complete with mountains, forest, and ocean, will leave you breathless. These sites aren’t just restricted to sightseeing: a variety of popular activities like skiing attract tourists from all over the world. If you like the outdoors, there are a number of fun activities you can engage in, right in the middle of the city. The cultural life of the city is no less inspiring, and there are theaters and music in every neighborhood.

If you’re interested in Vancouver, you might begin your search with schools like University of British Columbia or Vancouver Island University.

4. Ottawa

Ottawa is a multi-lingual city, with English and French being the two major languages. Much like its languages, the city is a center of diversity, welcoming people from all over the world who flock to the cultural melting pot in droves. It is renowned for civil engineering feats like the Rideau Canal, which holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America. Other important cultural and historical spots spread throughout the city include the Canadian Museum of History and the architecturally-inspiring parliament building known as the ‘Center Block.’

If you’re interested in Ottawa, you might begin your search with schools like Carleton University or Algonquin University.

5. Quebec

Rounding out the list, the historical city of Quebec is often considered one of the most picturesque cities in Canada. Of 37 historical sites in the city, perhaps the most impressive is the Chateau Frontenac, which claims its fame as the only preserved city ramparts in the whole of North America. The cultural aspects of the city is not overshadowed by its deep history: from dozens of live music venues to winter carnivals, to thriving art, the city has it everything a student could want. This city is particularly unique, as more people speak French than English here, in contrast to Ottawa, where you can get away in most cases with speaking both.