Study: Best Cities to Raise a Family in Canada

March 1, 2023
Blog

Choosing a place to call home is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. It will play a key role in your career, financial success, and family life for decades to come, both before and after you retire. 

Of course, the best city to live in differs if you're a senior citizen or a twenty-something making a living from your cryptocurrency investments. In this post, we'll home in on the best cities in Canada for raising a family, prioritizing education, cost of living, and overall quality of life.

STUDY METHODOLOGY

So, what makes a place great for raising a family? To evaluate the 27 cities on this list, we scored them on the following criteria:

  1. Cost of Living
  2. Maternity and Parental Leave
  3. Childcare Cost
  4. Commute Time
  5. Median Age
  6. Libraries
  7. Quality of Life 
  8. Crime Rate

According to Statistics Canada, the country’s large urban centers continue to grow and spread. In recent years, nearly three in four Canadians (73.7%) lived in one of Canada's large urban centers, up from 73.2% five years earlier.

The recent acceleration of population growth in downtown centres can be explained by various factors. Higher housing prices is certainly one of them, with new home prices up 11.3% year over year nationally in 2021, tempting some Canadians to move to the suburbs and only keep a virtual mailbox in the city, where larger houses are available for lower prices than in the downtown core. 

Cost of Living

One of the reasons families may want to live in a lower-cost area is to save more for their future.

The cost of living in Canada is CA$ 5,797 on average for a family of 4, which is 1.96 times the world average. Canada ranked 14th out of 197 countries by the cost of living and the 7th best country to live in.

As a result of the relatively high cost of living, more Canadians are turning to credit cards (and often premium credit cards like the American Express Platinum) to make ends meet.

Maternity and Parental Leave

The Standard Parental Leave in Canada is up to 40 weeks which can be shared between parents. The Canadian government mandates both leave and a benefits component which is administered by provincial employment insurance plans. Under the terms of the federal leave program, parents can take advantage of standard or extended benefits. The one you choose can determine the number of weeks you're eligible to receive benefits and how much you receive

Childcare Cost

Childcare is at the top of everyone’s mind when it comes to raising kids. In Canada, finding affordable childcare can be a real challenge, primarily because of limited availability. Being aware of the costs and planning your finances accordingly is essential to settle in smoothly.  

Childcare is considered to be expensive in Canada and varies by province. A couple of provinces such as Quebec and Manitoba have provincially-set fees and hence are more affordable than the others. While other cities provide subsidies to eligible parents.

Median Age

Age 35 onwards is considered a family-rearing age. At this age proximity to workplace is the less likely to be one of the main factors in choosing where to live. Instead, the safety and security of the neighborhoods in which to raise their children the cost of living have become more significant for 35-44-year-old parents.

Transportation

Parents’ travel time with their children should be easy. In 2016, 12.6 million Canadians reported that they commuted to work by car. For these commuters, the average duration of the commute was 24 minutes, and the median distance to work among those who had a usual workplace was 8.7 kilometers.

Crime Rate

Overall, there is a low rate of crime in Canada. The COVID-19 pandemic brought increased attention to the issue of family violence. With individuals distancing, working, and studying at home, many were concerned about the prospect of victims of family violence isolating from their abuser, while contact with other family, friends, and professionals (e.g., doctors, teachers) was significantly reduced.

Since 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic continued to have profound impacts on Canada’s economy, the health care system, and society in general. 

There are plenty of factors worth considering when choosing where to start a home for your growing family.

Here is our list of 27 cities in Canada that are best suited to raising a family:

1. Trois-Rivières

Trois-Rivières is a city with almost 400 years of history. It has a very rich cultural experience, economic dynamism, low cost and high standard of living, and beautiful outdoors. 

  • Monthly Cost of Living (Family of 4): CA$ 3,388
  • Average Commute Time: 18.6 min
  • Median age: 47.9
  • Maternity & Parental Benefits: Pregnant employees are entitled to maternity leave without pay for up to 18 consecutive weeks. Parents of a newborn or a newly adopted child are entitled to parental leave without pay of up to 65 weeks. The parental leave is in addition to maternity and paternity leave. An employee is entitled to 5 weeks of continuous paternity leave, without pay, when his child is born. This paternity leave can begin on the week of birth, at the earliest, and may not end later than 78 weeks after the week of birth.
  • Daycare: CA$ 700 monthly for Preschool (or Kindergarten) Full-Day
  • Crime Rate:  9.62 Very Low (42% lower than the national rate)
  • Libraries: 43

2. Québec

Québec City and its metropolitan area are known for their safety, with one of the lowest crime rates in North America. Québec City was also named the safest city in Canada to raise children. A mix of history and modernity, culture and nature.

  • Monthly Cost of Living (Family of 4): CA$ 4,218
  • Average Commute Time: 22 min
  • Median age: 43.2
  • Maternity & Parental Benefits: Parents of a newborn or a newly adopted child are entitled to parental leave without pay of up to 65 weeks. The parental leave is in addition to maternity and paternity leave. An employee is entitled to 5 weeks of continuous paternity leave, without pay, when his child is born.
  • Daycare: A significant amount of public funding has been provided so regulated childcare centers and family day homes provide spaces at reduced contribution fees of CA$ 8.50 (referred to as “reduced contribution spaces”) for infants through school-age children.
  • Crime Rate: 8.46 
  • Libraries: 26

3. Sherbrooke

The perfect balance between urban vitality and nature’s tranquility is located at the junction of two rivers with a unique natural setting, with two lakes and a mountain in the midst of the city.

It is the cultural, and institutional hub of the Estrie region, an active and vibrant city year-round, with access to high-quality services. 

  • Monthly Cost of Living (Family of 4): CA$ 3,776
  • Average Commute Time: 18 min
  • Median age: 40.5
  • Maternity & Parental Benefits: Birth mothers are entitled to up to 15 weeks of pregnancy leave and could receive 55% of their earnings, up to a maximum of $638 a week.
  • Daycare: The average monthly charge is CA$ 600 for infants, CA$ 600 for toddlers, and CA$ 500 for school-going kids.
  • Crime Rate: 18.33 (39% lower than the national rate)
  • Libraries: 5

4. Ottawa

There are great schools, museums, festivals, parks, and so much more in Ottawa. Though it is Canada's fourth-largest urban area, it's safe and quiet with lots of green space. The Ottawa real estate market is more affordable than Canada's other large urban markets.

  • Monthly Cost of Living (Family of 4): CA$ 5,840
  • Average Commute Time: 26 min
  • Median age: 40.1
  • Maternity & Parental Benefits: Birth mothers are entitled to seventeen (17) weeks of pregnancy leave and thirty-five weeks of job-protected parental leave
  • Daycare: Childcare fee subsidies help with the cost of licensed childcare. The City of Ottawa prioritizes families most in need. A childcare fee subsidy may cover all or part of a family’s childcare costs. Pay your childcare fees. To qualify for a subsidy, you must demonstrate a financial need and a reason for childcare.
  • Crime Rate: 25.96 Low
  • Libraries: 34

5. Charlottetown

Charlottetown is the capital of Prince Edward Island and boasts of city life attractions in a relatively small town that is defined by the arts, culture, and history of the people.

  • Monthly Cost of Living (Family of 4): CA$ 5,503
  • Average Commute Time: 14 min
  • Median age: 42.3
  • Maternity & Parental Benefits: Total combined maternity and parental leave for a mother cannot exceed 78 weeks and must be taken consecutively unless the employer and the employee otherwise agree. Parental leave for a father cannot exceed 62 weeks. A pregnant employee who has worked any 20 weeks with the employer is eligible for up to 17 weeks unpaid leave of absence which can start as early as 13 weeks before the expected date of delivery. An employee who has worked any 20 weeks with the employer is eligible for up to 62 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a newborn.
  • Daycare: On average, CA$10 a day regulated childcare spaces for children under age six by 2025-26
  • Crime Rate: 28.82 
  • Libraries: 1 (PEI has a total of 25 Libraries)

6. Montréal

It’s a place to raise a family. Low cost of housing, good schools, low crime, plenty of parks, playgrounds, and activities geared to kids.

  • Monthly Cost of Living (Family of 4): CA$ 5,763
  • Average Commute Time: 30 min
  • Median age: 40.3
  • Maternity & Parental Benefits: Pregnant employees are entitled to maternity leave without pay for up to 18 consecutive weeks. This leave can be taken before and/or after the birth. Parents of a newborn or a newly adopted child are entitled to parental leave without pay of up to 65 weeks. The parental leave is in addition to maternity and paternity leave.
  • Daycare: Daily fee at a subsidized daycare is $8.35. At a non-subsidized daycare, the daily fees can range from $35 to $60. 
  • Crime Rate: 29.16 
  • Libraries: 45

7. Guelph

Many are moving to Guelph to raise their families. Its crime rates are low, the community is full of friendly people, there are quality schools to enroll children in and the University of Guelph is a top 20 Canadian university.

  • Monthly Cost of Living (Family of 4): CA$ 5,348
  • Average Commute Time: 22.8 min
  • Median age: 38.3
  • Maternity & Parental Benefits: Birth mothers are entitled to seventeen (17) weeks of pregnancy leave and thirty-five weeks of job-protected parental leave.
  • Daycare: CA$ 56.30 for Toddlers and CA$ $49.30 for Preschoolers (Five Full Days per Week)
  • Crime Rate: 30.38 Low (7% lower than the national rate)
  • Libraries: 7

8. Gatineau

Gatineua is a relatively affordable place to live, especially compared to other cities in North America. Houses are cheaper with bigger lots, cheaper daycare, and generous tax breaks for parents which are drawing families with young children to move to Gatineau to have more savings.

  • Monthly Cost of Living (Family of 4): CA$ 4,663
  • Average Commute Time: 26.7 min
  • Median age: 39.2
  • Maternity & Parental Benefits: Birth mothers are entitled to up to fifteen (15) weeks of pregnancy leave and could receive 55% of their earnings, up to a maximum of $638 a week.
  • Daycare: The cities with the lowest fees for infant care are in Quebec (Gatineau, Laval, Montreal, Longueuil, and Quebec City), where the median fee is the provincially-set fee of CA$ 181 a month
  • Crime Rate: 37.91 (35% lower than the national rate)
  • Libraries: 10

9. Barrie

Barrie is now considered the third most affordable city in Ontario offering affordable housing and enabling transportation convenience. It’s safe and has awesome healthcare.

  • Monthly Cost of Living (Family of 4): CA$ 4,753
  • Average Commute Time:  53.6 min
  • Median age: 38.7
  • Maternity & Parental Benefits: For maternity benefits, you can claim up to 55% of your regular salary for up to 15 weeks, and to a maximum amount of CA$ 638 per week. Standard parental benefits, you can claim up to 55% of your regular salary for up to 45 weeks, and to a maximum amount of CA$ 638 per week.
  • Daycare: Parents received a rebate for 25 percent of their fees for this year retroactive to April 1, and a further reduction of 25 percent starting next year. It has the ultimate goal of CA$ 10-a-day fees by 2025.
  • Crime Rate: 38.41 (28% lower than Canada)
  • Libraries: 2

10. Kingston

Kingston is a safe, clean, and easy-to-get-around city and is an ideal spot to raise a busy family and retire. It offers a lot of outdoor activities and has amazing restaurants and farmers markets, concerts, multi-cultural festivals, and many other family-friendly seasonal events and activities hosted downtown.

  • Monthly Cost of Living (Family of 4): CA$ 5,007
  • Average Commute Time: 20.4 min
  • Median age: 36.4 
  • Maternity & Parental Benefits: An employee becomes eligible for parental leave after 13 weeks of employment. Birth mothers may take both pregnancy and parental leaves. A birth mother who took a pregnancy leave is entitled to up to 61 weeks of parental leave, while all other new parents may take up to 63 weeks.
  • Daycare: If your family's taxable income is less than $20,000 your childcare will be fully subsidized. If your family’s taxable income is over $20,000 you will be required to pay a portion of your childcare costs. There is no cut-off income level for eligibility for subsidy, as long as your childcare costs are higher than your assessed family contribution.
  • Crime Rate: 39.15 Low (2% lower than the national rate)
  • Libraries: 5

11. Calgary

It’s one of the most affordable major cities in the country. Calgary is a great place to raise kids. The city has all the qualities you’ll look for in a place when starting a family. These include affordability, kid-friendly amenities, an excellent educational system from kindergarten to tertiary, short commute time, a low crime rate, and quality healthcare.

  • Monthly Cost of Living (Family of 4): CA$ 6,230
  • Average Commute Time: 26 min
  • Median age: 36.9
  • Maternity & Parental Benefits: Birth mothers can take up to 16 consecutive weeks of unpaid maternity leave. Birth and adoptive parents can take up to 62 weeks of unpaid parental leave. The number of weeks of leave exceeds the employment insurance benefit length by one week in recognition of the waiting period.  Leave can start any time after the birth or adoption of a child, but must be completed within 78 weeks of the date the baby is born or placed with the parents.
  • Daycare: Parents of children 0 to kindergarten age will have reduced fees and can expect to pay an average of CA$ 10 per day if they earn up to $119,999; CA$ 11 to CA$ 17 per day if they earn between $120,000 and $179,999; and CA$ 22.19 per day if they earn $180,000 and above
  • Crime Rate: 38.68 
  • Libraries: 21

12. Saint John

Saint John is a beautiful city with stunning historical architecture, a dynamic arts scene, rich in parks and wilderness, great shopping, and every type of home.  The city’s residents have a history of being the happiest people in Canada.

  • Monthly Cost of Living (Family of 4): CA$ 4,578
  • Average Commute Time: 20.9 min
  • Median age: 43.7
  • Maternity & Parental Benefits: Maternity leave is up to seventeen (17) weeks of unpaid leave, and it must begin no earlier than thirteen (13) weeks before the probable delivery date.
  • Daycare: CA$41.30 to $21 a day rate for infants in urban daycares As of June 1, out-of-pocket daycare costs were in half.
  • Crime rate: 42.59 (23% lower than the national rate)
  • Libraries: 3

13. Victoria

Victoria is one of the best places to raise a family. It is clean, green, and has a low crime rate. There is a good selection of private schools and public schools. It is a friendly and fun city with over 70 city parks.

  • Monthly Cost of Living (Family of 4): CA$ 5,889
  • Average Commute Time: 21.8 min
  • Median age: 42.7
  • Maternity & Parental Benefits: Maximum of 69 weeks of parental leave benefits if shared by both parents, providing both parents are eligible. If the leave is not shared, the maximum number of weeks is 61. 
  • Daycare: Toddler CA$ 570.00 – CA$ 1,150.00/month; CA$ 876.00 average 2.6 – 3 years; CA$ 435.00 – CA$ 1,260.00/month CA$ 791.00 average 3-5 years; CA$ 360.00- CA$ 1,260.00/month $818.00 average These are the average fees with BC Fee Reduction Initiative deducted.
  • Crime rate: 42.97 
  • Libraries: 12

14. Vancouver

Vancouver is a city for everyone. The city has mild temperatures, nature, and urban convenience. It ranks high as one of the world's most livable cities.

  • Monthly Cost of Living (Family of 4): CA$ 7,281
  • Average Commute Time: 27 min
  • Median age: 37.1
  • Maternity & Parental Benefits: Parental leave is available following the 17 weeks of maternity leave and extends time off of up to 78 weeks (18 months) for the birth parent.
  • Daycare: Affordable Childcare Benefit rates are based on the type of childcare provided by the Ministry of Children and Family Development administers childcare subsidies under the Affordable Childcare Benefit (ACCB). The median full-time toddler fee in Vancouver is CA$ 1,112/month.
  • Crime Rate: 40.71 
  • Libraries: 22

15. Kitchener

Kitchener is an ideal place to live and work, raise a family, retire, pursue your education, and find a dream job as a young professional. It has a balance of green space and vibrant downtown activity with modern architecture and excellent amenities.

  • Monthly Cost of Living (Family of 4): CA$ 5,101
  • Average Commute Time: 21.7 min
  • Median age: 38.6
  • Maternity & Parental Benefits: An employee becomes eligible for parental leave after 13 weeks of employment. Birth mothers may take both pregnancy and parental leaves. A birth mother who took a pregnancy leave is entitled to up to 61 weeks of parental leave, while all other new parents may take up to 63 weeks.
  • Daycare: CA$ 39.22 for Infant Full-Day, CA$ 38.27 for Toddler Full-Day, CA$ 37.33 Preschool Full-Day, CA$ 77.00 School Age Full-Day
  • Crime Rate: 45.92 
  • Libraries: 5

16. Windsor

Living in Windsor is having the best of both worlds. It’s easy to travel to America, it has good entertainment options even for a small city, and it ranks fairly low on the Cost of Living Index.

  • Monthly Cost of Living (Family of 4): CA$ 5,502
  • Average Commute Time: 18.8 min
  • Median age: 41.6 
  • Maternity & Parental Benefits: Birth mothers whose employment is covered by the ESA and who started working with their current employers at least 13 weeks before their expected due date are eligible for a minimum pregnancy leave of up to 17 weeks of unpaid, job-protected time off work.
  • Daycare: CA$ 55.00 for Infant Full-Day and CA$ 52.00 for Toddler Full-Day
  • Crime Rate: 47.08 (1% lower than the national rate)
  • Libraries: 10

17. Halifax

Halifax is a very safe place to live and a very diverse community. The crime rate in Halifax is much lower than in most other parts of Canada — and it continues to drop. It has been ranked Top Five among mid-sized cities for Best Human Capital and Lifestyle  (2020/2021). It is an affordable place to live, compared to other cities in Canada.

  • Monthly Cost of Living (Family of 4): CA$ 5,940
  • Average Commute Time: 23.7 min
  • Median age: 41.0
  • Maternity & Parental Benefits: Pregnancy leave is available to employees who are pregnant or have recently given birth for up to 16 weeks of pregnancy leave. Parental Leave is available to employees who become a parent through the birth of their child or adoption. Provincial legislation sets out the eligibility and conditions for entitlement of up to 77 weeks of Parental Leave if an employee does not take pregnancy leave or up to 61 weeks of Parental Leave if an employee also takes pregnancy leave, for a maximum total of 77 weeks of leave. The leaves must be taken consecutively. 
  • Daycare: Childcare fees in the Halifax area are, on average, between $868 and $957 per month depending on the age of the child
  • Crime Rate: 48.04 (4% lower than the national rate)
  • Libraries: 80

18. Toronto

Toronto has great public transportation, hospitals, and community centers. For those families who love the great outdoors, there are breathtaking beaches, parks, and trails for the summertime. Some of the best schools in Canada can be found in Toronto.

  • Monthly Cost of Living (Family of 4): CA$ 7,106
  • Average Commute Time: 44.5 min
  • Median age: 39.4
  • Maternity & Parental Benefits: An employee becomes eligible for parental leave after 13 weeks of employment. Birth mothers may take both pregnancy and parental leaves. A birth mother who took pregnancy leave is entitled to up to 61 weeks of parental leave, while all other new parents may take up to 63 weeks.
  • Daycare: A childcare fee subsidy helps a family with the cost of licensed childcare and school board-operated Extended Day Programs. There is a waitlist but you can apply for a fee subsidy as soon as you know you are pregnant or expecting a child through adoption. Daily Fee for Full Time Care is reduced by 25% – CA$ 72.15 for infants; CA$ 67.46 for toddlers; CA$ 51.19 for preschoolers
  • Crime Rate: 45.90 
  • Libraries: 100

19. Edmonton

Edmonton has the largest urban greenbelt in North America (the river valley), which is a gorgeous place to spend a weekend, and raise a family near family-friendly neighborhoods.

  • Monthly Cost of Living (Family of 4): CA$ 5,326
  • Average Commute Time: 23 min
  • Median age: 36.3
  • Maternity & Parental Benefits: A pregnant employee shall be granted up to seventy-eight (78) weeks of leave without pay which includes a combined total of not more than sixteen (16) weeks of maternity leave and sixty-two (62) consecutive weeks of parental leave immediately following the last day of her maternity leave.
  • Daycare: CA$ 317.50 for Infant (under 19 months) Day Care Part Time & CA$ $225 for Preschool age (3 years to kindergarten) Day Care Part Time
  • Police-reported crime rate: 52.45 
  • Libraries: 21

20. Moncton

Moncton was once named the “most Canadian city” in Canada. It has a thriving arts and culture scene, and an abundance of parks and natural amenities, making it a family-friendly community.

  • Monthly Cost of Living (Family of 4): CA$ 4,407
  • Average Commute Time: 17.2 min
  • Median age: 42.1
  • Maternity & Parental Benefits: Maternity leave is up to seventeen (17) weeks of unpaid leave, and it must begin no earlier than thirteen (13) weeks before the probable delivery date. Childcare leave is up to sixty-two (62) consecutive weeks of unpaid leave.
  • Daycare: From between CA$ 37.50 to CA$ 19 per day for infants in small urban and rural areas, From CA$ 41.30 to CA$ 21 per day for infants in large urban areas, From CA$ 32.60 and CA$ 31.30 to CA$ 16 per day for preschool-aged children in small urban and rural areas, From CA$ 36.70 and CA$ 35 to CA$ 18 per day for preschool-aged children in urban areas.
  • Crime rate: 55.66 Moderate
  • Libraries: The Moncton Public Library provides access to a provincial collection of more than 1.8 million items

21. Peterborough

Peterborough is known for being a great place to raise a family with a thriving arts and culture scene. It has a low crime rate and is home to several excellent schools, both public and private. 

  • Monthly Cost of Living (Family of 4): CA$ 5,281
  • Average Commute Time: 22.2 min
  • Median age: 43.6
  • Maternity & Parental Benefits: Pregnant workers whose employment is covered by the ESA and who started working with their current employers at least 13 weeks before their expected due date are eligible for a minimum pregnancy leave of up to 17 weeks of unpaid, job-protected time off work. 
  • Daycare: CA$ 44.25 for Infant Full-Day, CA$ 37.50 for Toddler Full-Day, CA$ $35.81 Preschool Full-Day
  • Crime Rate: 55.33 Moderate
  • Libraries: 2

22. Yellowknife

Yellowknife is a city of opportunity and experiences where you can grow a career, build a business, and raise a family in a diverse community with a population of only around 20,000.

  • Monthly Cost of Living (Family of 4): CA$ 6,324
  • Average Commute Time: 34 min
  • Median age: 32.6
  • Maternity & Parental Benefits: 93% of salary for seventeen (17) weeks with proof of eligibility to receive the benefits. Combined leave not to exceed 52 weeks
  • Daycare: Average daycare costs range from $975 per month for a preschooler to $1015 per month for an infant.
  • Crime Rate: 55.89 
  • Libraries: 1 (The library has a rich collection of nearly 70,000 items)

23. London

London is a safe community with a strong focus on top-quality education programs for kids, making it an ideal city for young families moving to Canada. It also has a low crime rate, above-average Healthcare and Education, and great amenities.

  • Monthly Cost of Living (Family of 4): CA$ 5,494
  • Average Commute Time: 21.9 min
  • Median age: 40.7
  • Maternity & Parental Benefits: Pregnant employees have the right to take pregnancy leave of up to 17 weeks of unpaid time off work. In some cases, the leave may be longer. Employers do not have to pay wages to someone who is on pregnancy leave. All new parents have the right to take parental leave – unpaid time off work when a baby or child is born or first comes into their care (such as through adoption). Birth mothers who take pregnancy leave are entitled to up to 61 weeks of leave. Birth mothers who do not take pregnancy leave and all other new parents are entitled to up to 63 weeks of parental leave.
  • Daycare: The city offers a Childcare Fee Subsidy Program
  • Crime Rate: 58.66 
  • Libraries: 16

24. Regina

As a mid-sized city, it's a nice place to raise a family. The large majority of the city features quiet and safe residential areas that are close to elementary schools, countless parks, recreation facilities, museums, and arts and cultural centers.

  • Monthly Cost of Living (Family of 4): CA$ 4,355
  • Average Commute Time: 17.3 min
  • Median age: 36.6
  • Maternity & Parental Benefits: You must be employed under a contract for at least 13 weeks before your leave is to begin. If you have fewer than 13 weeks of employment, leave is at the discretion of the employer. A mother is entitled to 18 weeks of maternity leave plus 34 weeks of parental leave (a total of 52 weeks)
  • Daycare: Subsidy Rates (Full-Day Rate) – CA$ 570 for Infants; CA$ 440 for Toddlers; CA$ 405 for Preschoolers; CA$ 365 for Kindergarten
  • Crime Rate: 62.86 
  • Libraries: 9

25. Abbotsford

Abbotsford is a wonderful place to live with amazing views of Mt. Baker (which is located in Washington State, USA) but is visible from Abbotsford. It has an incredibly healthy local economy with a thriving job market. The cost of Living is cheaper which makes it a desirable destination for young families and retirees.

  • Monthly Cost of Living (Family of 4): CA$ 5,006
  • Average Commute Time: 74 min
  • Median age: 32
  • Maternity & Parental Benefits: There are approximately 17 weeks of paid maternity leave available to the birth parent and an additional 35 weeks of parental leave that can be taken by either parent.
  • Daycare: Your local Childcare Resource and Referral Program can be of assistance with accessing the Affordable Childcare Benefit.
  • Crime Rate: 62.78 
  • Libraries: 25

26. Hamilton

If you are looking for a lower-cost place to live, Hamilton is a safe and healthy place to raise your children. It has beautiful parks, trees, waterfalls, and several world-class schools.

  • Monthly Cost of Living (Family of 4): CA$ 6,034
  • Average Commute Time: 29 min
  • Median age: 42.1
  • Maternity & Parental Benefits: 17 weeks of pregnancy leave to begin no earlier than seventeen weeks before the expected birth date and up to 61 weeks of parental leave to begin when the pregnancy leave ends unless the child has not yet come into custody, care, and control for the first time.
  • Daycare: The average cost for childcare around Hamilton is $126.63/day. Childcare fees for CWELCC participating providers will be further reduced for families by 37% starting on December 31, 2022.
  • Crime Rate: 62.09 
  • Libraries: 22

27. Winnipeg

Winnipeg is a great place to raise a family. There are tons of family/kid-oriented attractions like Assiniboine Park Zoo, The Children’s Museum, The Forks, and The Museum of Man and Nature just to name a few. As well we have many parks in and outside of the city. It’s only a short drive to Bird’s Hill Provincial Park. Where there is a great beach and campground.

  • Monthly Cost of Living (Family of 4): CA$ 4,834
  • Average Commute Time: 24 min
  • Median age: 39.2
  • Maternity & Parental Benefits: Standard parental: within 52 weeks (12 months) extended parental: within 78 weeks (18 months)
  • Daycare: The government provides annual operating grants to eligible, licensed, non-profit childcare facilities and sets maximum fee limits for those facilities. If a facility receives a provincial operating grant, it is called a funded facility. Funded facilities must follow the Manitoba regulation that sets out the maximum fees that can be charged for the type of childcare spaces being offered.
  • Crime Rate: 71.67 
  • Libraries: 20

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