From Parc Jean-Drapeau to Mount Royal, folks in Montreal have long known their city is one of the best places to live if you’re craving nature without leaving the urban grid. And now there’s global proof.
Time Out just released its 2025 ranking of the world’s best cities for green space and access to nature — and Montreal landed in a solid tie with Munich, Germany for 14th place. The list is based on surveys from 18,500 locals across dozens of major cities, with top spots going to places where residents rated their access to nature as “good” or “amazing.”
According to the magazine, 81% of people in Montreal had positive things to say about the city’s green space. But Montreal wasn’t the only Canadian city to earn praise. And no, it wasn’t Vancouver or even Toronto that joined us on the list.
It was Ottawa.
Canada’s capital city quietly tied for 18th place alongside Zurich, Switzerland — a bit of a sleeper pick, but one that makes sense when you consider the Rideau Canal, Gatineau Park just across the bridge, and miles of lush riverfront trails winding through town.
Topping the global list was Medellín, Colombia, where a major “green corridor” project has transformed the city into a lush, walkable escape. Boston, Sydney, London, and Melbourne also ranked among the top scorers.
But with two Canadian cities making the cut — including one you probably didn’t expect — it’s clear Canada holds its own when it comes to urban green space.
The top 20 cities for green space and access to nature
- Medellin, Colombia — 92%
- Boston, United States — 88%
- Sydney, Australia — 87%
- London, United Kingdom — 87%
- Austin, United States — 86%
- Edinburgh, United Kingdom — 86%
- Melbourne, Australia — 86%
- Denver, United States — 84%
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates — 83%
- Cape Town, South Africa — 83%
- Chicago, United States — 83%
- San Francisco, United States — 82%
- Stockholm, Sweden — 82%
- Montreal, Quebec (Canada) — 81%
- Munich, Germany — 81%
- Mumbai, India — 79%
- Beijing, China — 78%
- Ottawa, Canada – 77%
- Zurich, Switzerland — 77%
- Brisbane, Australia — 76%
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