11 Best Places to Live in Canada

9) Gatineau, Quebec

Located on the Ottawa River in Quebec Province, Gatineau is approximately 270 miles southwest of Quebec City. Ottawa lies directly across the river on the southern banks. Gatineau’s population of around 277,000 is mostly French speaking, however 11% of people report English as their native language. The Canadian Museum of History is housed here, along with the popular Casino du Lac-Leamy. There are many parks throughout the city with walking trails, expansive green spaces, and playgrounds. The Gatineau Hills are known for miles of cross-country skiing trails, and beautiful scenery when the leaves change in the fall. Gatineau also hosts many fun festivals – catch the annual Hot Air Balloon festival every September or celebrate winter at Winterlude Snowflake Kingdom. The median family income hovers around $90,000, making it one of the highest income cities in Canada. The average purchasing price for a home is around $250,000.