Penticton ranks high on Canadian list for most livable medium-sized cities

Published 4:01 pm Friday, January 30, 2026

Penticton has earned high praise on the national stage.

The Peach City is No. 8 on The Globe and Mail’s 2026 rankings for most livable medium-sized cities in Canada.

High marks were given for access to amenities, midlife transitions, and retirement. The Okanagan community, with a current population of 39,296, was also ranked as the 13th best city in Canada for young professionals.

Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield was quick to react to the newspaper’s rankings in a media release on Jan. 30, saying the city attracts people of “all ages and backgrounds” who appreciate an active lifestyle.

“Whereas Penticton was traditionally recognized as a place to go on vacation, the city has evolved into a year-round destination for those who want to put down roots somewhere that has big city amenities with a small-town feel,” the mayor said.

Penticton has grown by four per cent since 2020, The Globe and Mail noted. It also placed within the top 20 in the categories of raising kids (No. 19), contributing to an overall ranking of 35th across Canada.

In B.C., Penticton ranked fifth among medium-sized cities. Not including the Lower Mainland, however, it found itself as the No. 1 medium-sized city in the province.

“Penticton continues to attract people looking to transition from urban centres,” said Blake Laven, the city’s general manager of development services. “It’s a great place to raise families, with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. With our short commutes to work and quick access to nature, you can be at the ski hill or on your paddleboard in no time at all, offering the ultimate lifestyle advantages.”

This marks the third year The Globe and Mail has released its rankings for Canadian cities.

This time, it adjusted its methodology by grouping communities based on population size: small (10,000-29,000), medium (30,000-99,999), large (100,000-499,999) and major (500,000+).

The rankings included 454 Canadian cities and named West Vancouver as the most livable medium-sized city in Canada.

Penticton ranks high on Canadian list for most livable medium-sized cities

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