While European and Scandinavian destinations frequently find themselves atop world indexes – like the world's healthiest countries, or best countries for raising children – Canada has quietly been marching up the ranks as a country to contend with. That's been especially apparent in the latest most liveable cities index, conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit, which named three of Canada's cities in the top 10, more than any other country represented.
The top three Canadian cities on the list included Vancouver (ranked 5th), Calgary (tied 7th with Geneva) and Toronto (ranked 9th), each with perfect healthcare and education scores. Those factors appeal to Canadians, who praise positive governmental policies that improve quality of life there.
"Our progressive politics and universal healthcare make Canada a wonderful place to live," said Vancouver resident Samantha Falk. "I cannot imagine living in a country where I have to worry about being able to afford to see a doctor or take my child to the hospital, or risk bankruptcy by having cancer."
This sense of care extends beyond politicians, leading to a feeling of community that improves liveability both at work and home. "Lending a hand at schools [to] supporting seniors to uplifting business owners, Canadians are known for their friendly and supportive nature," said Jane Stoller, Vancouver resident and founder of Organized Jane, a life-business organising service. "This sense of camaraderie fosters a positive environment where individuals can thrive and find fulfilment in both their personal and professional lives."
Canada's investment in public transportation and transit systems also makes navigating its big cities easier. Falk, who has also lived in Montreal, Calgary and Toronto, didn't get her driver's licence until she was 24, and a friend of hers is finally getting his at 53, simply because they haven't needed a car to get around.
However, what residents love most is the strong connection that the nation has to the outdoors. "All three [of the most liveable] cities – like so many cities in Canada – are located close to nature, and have also incorporated it into their city design," said Falk. "There's the ravine system and the beaches in Toronto; Mont Royal and tree-lined streets in Montreal; and Vancouver has Stanley Park, one of the world's best examples of urban nature." But even outside the big cities, the focus on nature remains a prominent feature, mirroring the importance of the wilderness to residents. "We are outdoor people!" Falk said.
Spread across the world's second-largest country (by landmass), each of the three Canadian cities has their own unique appeal. We talked to residents in each place to find out what keeps them living in and loving their respective cities.
To read the whole article go to: https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20231001-why-does-canada-have-three-of-the-worlds-most-liveable-cities
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