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Top 10 Safest cities to live in Canada with the Best quality of life – 2023

Last updated on: November 7, 2023

Although Canada is overall a safe country, some cities are safer than others. For some people, security and safety are a major concern in their daily lives. Are you planning to move and are looking for a city that provides the security and safety required to protect its citizens? MovingWaldo has got you covered! Here are the Top 10 safest cities in Canada with the best quality of life!

Methodology

Our ranking is based on 3 criteria: the Crime Severity Index, the crime rate, and the quality of life. According to Statistics Canada, the Crime Severity Index is “a measure of the severity of police-reported crime. The CSI includes all Criminal Code violations including traffic offences, as well as drug violations and other federal statute offences. In the CSI, all crimes are assigned a weight based on their seriousness”.

In 2021, the Crime Severity Index in Canada stood at 73.68. Cities with a CSI below 60 are therefore considered amongst the safest.

Using this data, we’ve ranked the 10 safest cities in Canada while also taking into account their quality of life. The criteria used to determine the quality of life are: health, pollution, green space and recreation, climate, education and employment.

1. LaSalle, ON

Impressively low crime rates

Population: 32,721
CSI: 20.69

With an impressively low Crime Severity Index, LaSalle ranks first in list of the safest cities in Canada. The Ontarian city has a CSI of 20.69, which is 72% lower than the national index.

The city has a relatively high-income rate and an unemployment rate of 3%. With 40 km of paved trails and over 100 acres of parkland, you can walk, jog or ride your bicycle through LaSalle without worrying about your safety. The town also hosts Night Markets featuring music, vendors and food at the Civic Centre on the last Sunday in May, June, July and August.

(*Statistics Canada)

LaSalle, Ontario

2. Burlington, ON

Best for singles and couples

Population: 186,948
CSI: 23.95

Burlington is known for its cleanliness and good air quality. The waterfront city is assuredly one of the safest cities in Canada with a CSI as low as 23.95 and a crime rate considerably lower than the average.

Located in the Greater Toronto Area, Burlington is a great fit for you if you’re looking for professional opportunities. You can enjoy plenty of different outdoor recreational activities, like hiking the famous Niagara Escarpment or taking a walk at the Waterfront Trail on the shore of Lake Ontario.

(*Statistics Canada)

Burlington, Ontario

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3. Lévis, QC

Best for adventures in nature

Population: 152,058
CSI: 27.04

Lévis holds the 3rd position in the ranking of the safest cities in Canada. The city is located at the heart of three national parks where you can find many camping sites and exciting hiking trails. The cost of living in Lévis is 25% lower than the national average.

With a Crime Severity Index of 27.04, Lévis registers an index of 463 violent crimes per 100,000 people, while the province of Quebec has the double and Canada has nearly the triple.

(*Statistics Canada)

Lévis, Quebec

4. Wellington County, ON

Best for high quality of life

Population: 241,026
CSI: 28.38

Located in Southwestern Ontario and part of the Greater Golden Horseshoe, Wellington County ensures its residents a high quality of life and is certainly one of the safest cities in Canada. The County has a low CSI of 28.38.

The city’s public safety is committed to building and maintaining a safe, healthy and vibrant community. Wellington County is in fact in the top 25th percentile of all cities in the 3 following categories: low unemployment, healthy population growth and low crime rates.

(*Statistics Canada)

Wellington County, Ontario

5. Oak Bay, BC

Best for retirees

Population: 17,990
CSI: 28.70

Oak Bay offers a high quality of life and provides excellent security and safety for residents. With a CSI of 28.70 and a crime rate twice lower than Canada’s average rate, Oak Bay is one of the safest cities in Canada and British Columbia.

You can enjoy the countless facilities that Oak Bay has to offer. For instance, Oak Bay Recreation Centre is a place where you can exercise or simply enjoy recreational activities with family or friends: arena, pools, fitness studios, indoor sports fields, and more.

(*Statistics Canada)

Oak Bay, British Columbia

6. Blainville, QC

Best for quality education

Population: 59,819
CSI: 31.66

According to L’actualité magazine, Blainville was ranked the best city in Quebec to live in 2019. Despite being Quebec’s 17th largest city in terms of population, the city is particularly safe. The crime rate in Blainville is 42% lower than the province of Quebec and the Crime Severity Index is 57% lower than the national index.

Blainville provides access to quality education, enhanced public services, and efficient public transit. 40% of its territory consists of natural spaces, so you can enjoy lots of outdoor activities all year round.

(*Statistics Canada)

Blainville, Quebec

7. Aurora, ON

Best for young professionals

Population: 62,057
CSI: 39.50

Aurora is located in the central York region and is among the safest cities in Canada. The city has a low Crime Severity Index (39.50). The city registers a rate of 514 violent crimes per 100,00 people, whereas Canada registers the double.

In addition to being safe, Aurora is home to several large companies such as Amazon and Bulk Barn Food Limited. The city offers plenty of job opportunities, has high wages and is fortunately an extremely affordable city.

(*Statistics Canada)

Aurora, Ontario

8. Quebec City, QC

Best for walkability

Population: 549,459
CSI: 42.61

Quebec City has one of the lowest crime rates in North America. The capital of the province of Quebec records a CSI of 42.61, the lowest index among Canada’s metropolitan areas. Moreover, based on perceptions of residents*, Quebec City averages 94.16% for safety walking alone during daylight and 85.41% for safety walking alone during night, which suggests that Quebec’s neighborhoods are extremely safe.

In addition to being one of the safest cities in Canada, Quebec City offers an unbeatable quality of life for residents with a relatively low cost of housing. You can enjoy outdoor activities and sports at Les Plaines d’Abraham or take a stroll at Les Chutes Montmorency. The city also hosts the famous Festival d’été de Québec attracting stars from around the world!

*The data are based on perceptions of visitors of the website Numbeo in the past 3 years.

(*Statistics Canada)

Quebec City, Quebec

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9. Barrie, ON

Best for health services & transportation

Population: 147,829
CSI: 45.91

Barrie appears 9th in the top 10 safest cities in Canada, and with good reason. The Ontarian city has a CSI of 45.91, which is very low compared to 73.68, Canada’s CSI. Barrie averages a violent crime rate 33% lower than the national rate.

Barrie has amazing healthcare services and an excellent transit network. The city ensures easy access to various ski resorts, while during the warmer months, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches at Centennial Park. If you like sailing, you can even explore Lake Simcoe with a boat.

(*Statistics Canada)

Barrie, Ontario

10. Saguenay, QC

Best for enjoying cultural events

Population: 144,723
CSI: 50

Last but not least, Saguenay ranks as the 10th safest city in Canada with a CSI of 50. The city records the lowest crime rate among census metropolitan areas (CMA). Free of heavy traffic, Saguenay is also an affordable city to live in. The city was named the Cultural Capital of Canada with its 7 theatres, a symphony orchestra, cultural venues, network of public libraries, and museums. Saguenay even offers citizens a complete program of courses and leisure activities throughout many fields of interest.

(*Statistics Canada)

Saguenay, Quebec

Conclusion

It is great to live in a city where you feel safe and protected and where you don’t have to worry about possible danger. If you are looking for cities that offer safe communities, you should be able to make a choice with this list of the Top 10 safest cities in Canada. Are you looking for Canada’s top locations? Check out the best places to live in Canada.

Last year's ranking (2022)

1. LaSalle, ON
2. Burlington, ON
3. Lévis, QC
4. Blainville, QC
5. Oak Bay, BC
6. Wellington County, ON
7. Aurora, ON
8. Quebec City, QC
9. Saguenay, QC
10. Barrie, ON

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The expert

Mathieu Paquette

The author of this article also acts as MovingWaldo’s booking agent. Matt, is an accomplished relocation specialist with over 6 years of experience in the industry. Matt has earned a CAM certification (Canadian Association Of Movers), Tariff Certification (Atlas Van Lines), and has an extensive business background. Before handing off everything you own, do your due diligence… or let Matt do it for you.

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Top 10 Safest cities to live in Canada with the Best quality of life – 2023

Methodology

Featured in this article

1. LaSalle, ON

2. Burlington, ON

3. Lévis, QC

4. Wellington County, ON

5. Oak Bay, BC

6. Blainville, QC

7. Aurora, ON

8. Quebec City, QC

9. Barrie, ON

10. Saguenay, QC

Conclusion

Last year's ranking (2022)

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