The best cities in Canada have been named in the World’s Best Awards survey for 2025, and Montreal came out on top.
Montreal offers a dynamic mix of European charm and North American energy, making it a cultural hub unlike any other.
From vibrant neighbourhoods and a thriving arts scene to world-famous events like the Montreal International Jazz Festival and Just for Laughs, the city pulses with creativity and celebration year-round. It's also a foodie’s dream, with everything from gourmet restaurants to cozy cafés and diverse international cuisine.
Frequently ranked among the top cities for quality of life, Montreal stands out for its safety, relative affordability, and abundance of green spaces. Add to that its reputation as a top destination for students—with several prestigious universities and a lively student population—and you get a city that’s as exciting as it is livable.
Travel + Leisure just released the results of its 2025 World’s Best Awards, revealing their readers’ five favourite cities in Canada this year.
Rankings were based on categories like landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping, and overall value, with final scores averaging across all those criteria.
Each year, for the World’s Best Awards survey, Travel + Leisure invites readers to rate their favourite travel experiences around the world — from hotels and resorts to cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more.
For the 2025 edition, nearly 180,000 readers took part, casting more than 657,000 votes across over 8,700 entries, including properties, destinations, and travel providers.
Montreal earned a solid second place, but another Canadian city once again took the top spot—making it 10 consecutive years at number one.
Which is the best city in Canada in 2025?
Quebec City claimed the top spot as Canada’s favourite city for an incredible 10th year in a row. Readers praised its charming French-inspired architecture, cobblestone streets, world-class food and shopping, and the timeless appeal of Vieux-Québec, the UNESCO-listed old town.
One T+L reader insisted that winter is when Quebec City truly shines—with the frozen Saint Lawrence River and stunning ice sculptures creating a magical atmosphere. Another put it simply: if Paris isn’t in the cards, Quebec is the next best thing.
Just ask DJ Khaled.
What are the best cities in Canada?
The five best cities in Canada in 2025 are:
1. Quebec City, Quebec
2. Montreal, Quebec
3. Vancouver, British Columbia
4. Halifax
5. Victoria, British Columbia
For more information about Travel + Leisure's World’s Best Awards survey, click here.
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