Discover Canada’s Top Cities for Newcomers in 2025

Thrive In Canada
Jul 3
2 min read

Adjusting to life in a new country means more than just finding a home—it’s about community, opportunity, and affordability. It’s not enough to land somewhere; you want a place where your efforts yield real results.

At Thrive in Canada, we know the power of location. Choosing the right city can help your career, finances, and overall well‑being. If you’re new and looking for a place to put down roots, here are Canada’s top newcomer-friendly cities for job seekers in 2025, and why they stand out.

1. Victoria, British Columbia

Strong job market + mild weather = ideal hotspot.

Employment rate: 64.1% | Unemployment: 3.6%
Public sector, tech, and tourism are big.
Coastal walks and temperate summers mean you won’t freeze or fry.

Tip: Start with BC’s newcomer resources for job training and health benefits. Low-temp winters reduce utility costs.

2. Moncton, New Brunswick

Affordable, bilingual, and growing.

Employment: 62.1% | Unemployment: 5.3%
Fast growth in healthcare, logistics and bilingual services.
Housing and living costs remain among the lowest in Canada.

Tip: Look into NB PNP streams for skilled workers—especially if you speak French or English.

3. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

One of Canada’s highest newcomer employment rates.

Employment: 66.2% | Unemployment: 4.5%
Industries: mining, agriculture, construction, healthcare, education.
Low cost of living + immigrant-friendly services.

Tip: Connect with local newcomer centres early—Saskatoon offers strong integration support.

4. Calgary, Alberta

Thriving economy meets high quality of life.

Employment: 66.1%
Sectors: energy, tech, engineering, and film production (“Stampede City”).
Second-most livable city globally; diverse cultural scene and festivals.

Tip: Attend Calgary Stampede or International Film Festival events—great for networking and immersion.

5. Kingston, Ontario

Small city charm, steady public sector jobs.

Employment: 63.7% | Unemployment: 4.8%
Stable personnel opportunities in education and healthcare.
Easy to navigate, quick commute and strong sense of community.

Tip: Volunteer with local institutions like Queen’s University events to build your network quickly.

6. St. Catharines, Ontario

Niagara region's job-growth leader.

Employment: 57.8% | Unemployment: 3.9%
Industries: logistics, tourism, food production.
Close enough to Toronto and the U.S. for extra opportunities—without Toronto’s cost.

Tip: Consider commuting or part-time work in Niagara for flexible income while settling in.

Quick Tips for Newcomers Exploring These Cities

Use local settlement services: Nearly every top city offers free newcomer programs—don’t miss out.
Check provincial PNPs: Many of these cities are part of Provincial Nominee Programs, simplifying PR pathways.
Think outside major metros: You can find more affordable housing and deeper community in smaller cities like Moncton or Kingston.

Choosing where to live matters. Victoria, Moncton, Saskatoon, Calgary, Kingston, and St. Catharines all offer strong job markets, welcoming communities, and manageable cost-of-living for newcomers.

Where you settle sets the stage—for your career, finances, and life story in Canada. Thrive in Canada is here to help you find your anchor city and build a life that lasts.

For personal support, provincial-specific resources, or help deciding where you’d fit best, visit www.howtothriveincanada.com or email thriveincanadanow@gmail.com