Canada boasts several world-class cities, according to a new report.
Marketing firm Resonance Consultancy released its 2026 World’s Best Cities Report on Nov. 4, revealing the “100 global cities shaping tomorrow.”
The second edition of the ranking analyzed major cities with populations of over one million. It determined the top 100 metropolises using a combination of core statistics and user-generated data from online sources like Google, Instagram, and TikTok to measure quality when it comes to experiences in a city.
Resonance used three metrics to measure the performance of a city: livability, lovability and prosperity.
Livability takes into account factors like walkability, weather, green space, public transit and standard of living. Lovability considers Instagram posts, Facebook check-ins, restaurants, museums and family-friendly attractions. Lastly, prosperity considers human capital such as large companies based in a city, universities, labour force participation and unemployment rate.
Five destinations in Canada made the list of 100 of the world’s best cities.
“The 100 cities profiled in this report represent the heart of this global renaissance,” reads the report. “Each one, in its own way, is helping shape how the world will live, visit and do business for the rest of this decade and beyond.”
The highest-ranking city in Canada is Toronto, placing 17th. It scored high in educational attainment and universities.
Love Park in Toronto (Rahab Photography)
“Toronto’s magnetism starts with its brainpower: the University of Toronto, York
and Toronto Metropolitan (all combining for a #11 global University ranking) anchor one of North America’s most educated metros,” explained the report. “In fact, Toronto boasts the fourth most educated population on the planet.”
It also highlighted the city’s start-up scene and landmarks like the newly renovated Massey Hall, the Ontario Court of Justice, and Love Park’s heart-shaped pond.
“All catnip for Instagram, where Toronto consistently ranks among the most-posted
cities (#13) and firmly atop Google Trends (#18),” reads the report.
It also looked ahead to new builds like BMO Field’s expansion to host the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the Metro Toronto Convention Centre pipeline.
Following far behind is Vancouver at 41st place. It scored high for air quality and educational attainment.
Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock
“Gorgeous and smart, Vancouver is embracing its global reputation as a coveted, livable destination,” reads the report.
It showcased the global talent the city’s universities pull in and upgrades to green spaces and transit, including the Broadway Subway.
Rounding out the top three destinations in Canada on the list of best cities in the world is Montreal. It received high scores in educational attainment and biking at 46th place.
Shawn.ccf/Shutterstock
“You’re about to hear a lot more about Canada’s laid-back second city (and North America’s most European),” reads the report.
It complemented the city’s urban initiatives, including its protected REV corridors and continued funding for nine pedestrian-only main streets.
Other spots in Canada that made the World’s Best Cities ranking include Ottawa (73) and Calgary (85).
Check out the full ranking.