Ontario city was just named the happiest in Canada

Do you live in one of the happiest cities in Canada? A new survey reveals the places in Canada with the happiest residents.

Market researcher Leger has released its latest Happiness Index, which provides “a snapshot of happiness as perceived by Canadians.” A total of 39,841 Canadians aged 18 and over took part in the survey. The report ranks the happiness levels of provinces and cities in Canada.

So, where does your home rank?

These Canadian cities are winning

According to the survey, on average, Canadians rated their happiness at 68.7 out of 100.

Mississauga, Ont., appears to be home to the happiest Canadians, as the city boasts the highest happiness index in the country at 70.3. Located near Toronto, Mississauga is the third most populous city in the province. Destination Ontario states that the city is a vibrant mix of urban areas and historic villages.

At number two is Montreal, Que., which has a happiness index of 69.4, followed by Hamilton, Ont., with 67.5. Toronto is the 10th happiest city in Canada, with a happiness index of 65.8.

Here’s where Canada’s top 10 largest cities rank when it comes to happiness:

1. Mississauga, Ont. — 70.3
2. Montreal, Que. — 69.4
3. Hamilton, Ont. — 67.5
4. Calgary, Alta. — 67.4
5. Brampton, Ont. — 66.7
6. Ottawa, Ont. — 66.4
7. Edmonton, Alta. — 66.3
8. Vancouver, B.C. — 66.3
9. Winnipeg, Man. — 65.9
10. Toronto, Ont. — 65.8

Although Ontario is home to some of the happiest cities in Canada, when compared to other provinces, Ontario is only in the eighth spot. The happiest province in Canada is Quebec, with an index of 72.4.

Check out the ranking of the happiest Canadian provinces:

1. Quebec — 72.4
2. New Brunswick — 70.2
3. Newfoundland and Labrador — 69.5
4. Saskatchewan — 68.5
5. Nova Scotia — 68.2
6. Alberta — 68
7. British Columbia — 68
8. Ontario — 67.2
9. Manitoba — 66.7
10. Prince Edward Island — 66.5

The bigger picture

The good news is that even as Canadians struggle with the high cost of living and economic uncertainty, happiness levels remain relatively high.

The bad news is that those levels remain stagnant — 49 per cent said their happiness levels stayed the same. Overall, numbers are lower compared to pre-pandemic levels.

According to the World Happiness Report, in 2013, Canada was the sixth-happiest country in the world, while in 2025, it fell to the 18th spot. And compared to 2024, this year, 28 per cent said that they felt less happy than they did last year, while 23 per cent said that their happiness levels improved.

“These results reveal a population that is both resilient and tested, affected by everyday uncertainty and challenges,” reads the report. “Happiness, while holding its ground overall, shows signs of fragility.”