For people planning to move to Canada, understanding the biggest cities in Canada has become more important than ever before. The federal government (IRCC) implemented significant adjustments to non-permanent resident (NPR) quotas in 2025. It may significantly affect their cost of living, living space, and development opportunities in the country. This guide provides the most up-to-date data and deep insights to reveal the largest cities in Canada, and help you find which one is the perfect place to call home.
Top 10 Biggest Cities in Canada by Population
Based on the latest Statistics Canada 2025 Q4 estimates, we compile the 10 most populous cities in Canada. Population shifts in each urban centre are reshaping the landscape for international students and the rental market.
| Rank | City | Province | 2025 Est. Population (City Proper) | Growth Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toronto | Ontario | 3,275,000 | Stabilizing |
| 2 | Montreal | Quebec | 1,942,000 | Slight Growth |
| 3 | Calgary | Alberta | 1,568,000 | Strong Growth |
| 4 | Edmonton | Alberta | 1,195,000 | Steady Rise |
| 5 | Ottawa | Ontario | 1,152,000 | Steady Rise |
| 6 | Winnipeg | Manitoba | 842,000 | Slow Growth |
| 7 | Brampton | Ontario | 794,000 | Growth Cooling |
| 8 | Mississauga | Ontario | 788,000 | Saturated |
| 9 | Vancouver | British Columbia | 752,000 | Stabilizing |
| 10 | Surrey | British Columbia | 705,000 | Steady Rise |
1. Toronto: 6.49 Million
Toronto is Canada’s economic centre, home to the headquarters of major banks and a thriving tech sector. It is also called “Silicon Valley North”. In 2025, the city continues to densify with massive transit projects like the Ontario Line, which is reshaping real estate values across the GTA.
Universities: University of Toronto (UofT), York University, and Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).
Living: The rent for downtown condos has decreased by 5% YoY, due to federal caps on international permits, making high-end units slightly more accessible for students.
Popular Neighborhoods: Downtown Core for zero commute; North York for a balanced lifestyle.
2. Montreal: 4.37 Million
Montreal is a global leader in Aerospace, AI, and Video Game Development. It offers a unique European flair at a North American price point. Known for its festivals and world-class culinary scene, Montreal remains the most affordable “mega-city” in Canada. The full operation of the REM (light rail) in the city has significantly shortened commutes from the South Shore and West Island, opening up more housing options.
Universities: McGill University and Université de Montréal.
Living: The average rent of a 1-bedroom is around $1,750, more affordable than in Toronto.
Fact: The extensive “Underground City” (RÉSO) is a popular spot for students navigating the city during harsh Quebec winters.
3. Vancouver: 2.70 Million
Vancouver is an economic hub for international trade, green tech, and the film industry. Located between the mountains and the ocean, the city is limited in terrain expansion, leading to the highest real estate prices in Canada. However, 2025 sees a surge in “transit-oriented developments” in suburbs like Burnaby and Coquitlam.
Universities: University of British Columbia (UBC) and Simon Fraser University (SFU).
Living: The rent of housing in the downtown area of Vancouver is about $2,300+/ month. Burnaby has numerous new high-rise rentals, offering modern, well-equipped options near SkyTrain stations.
4. Calgary: 1.68 Million
Calgary was a traditional energy hub. Now it has rapidly diversified into fintech and logistics, boasting the highest GDP per capita among Canada’s major cities. With a sunny climate and proximity to the Rockies, the city attracts young professionals and families alike. The “Alberta is Calling” campaign has driven record-breaking net migration.
- Universities: University of Calgary and Mount Royal University.
- Living: The rent in Calgary is 30% cheaper than Vancouver. Its robust job market provides many opportunities for graduates.
5. Edmonton: 1.58 Million
As the capital of Alberta, Edmonton is a center for government, research, and a burgeoning AI sector led by DeepMind’s presence. With the River Valley 22 times the size of Central Park, Alberta is considered a city of parks, and it is a year-round “Festival City.”
- University: University of Alberta and MacEwan University.
- Living: Edmonton is one of the most budget-friendly major cities in Canada. With average rents around $1,350/month, it is particularly attractive for mature students or those relocating with families who require multi-bedroom townhomes.
6. Winnipeg: 0.84 Million
Winnipeg lies at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, serving as Canada’s ‘Western Gateway’. As Manitoba’s capital, it functions as both a vital transport hub and a melting pot of diverse cultures. It boasts the renowned The Forks, a cultural landmark with 6,000 years of history, and the historic Exchange District, hailed as the ‘Chicago of the North’. Despite nationwide population growth slowing due to federal immigration policies, Winnipeg is projected to maintain steady growth of approximately 0.94% by 2025.
- Universities: University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg.
- Living: The rent of 1-bedroom apartment in Winnipeg is about $1,500/ month. The city is improving accessibility and digital services across municipal facilities, providing a better living environment for residents.
7. Brampton: 0.79 Million
As a key satellite city within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Brampton is celebrated as Canada’s “Flower City”. Once among the nation’s fastest-growing municipalities, its expansion rate markedly slowed by 2025. The city is transitioning from singular suburban sprawl towards higher-density, integrated urban development.
University: Sheridan College, Brampton Campus
Living: Once renowned for its high concentration of student accommodation, the city had seen a substantial decrease in residents by 2025 due to escalating rental costs. The city is currently striving to increase legal rental units to stabilise market fluctuations.
8. Mississauga: 0.79 Million
As Canada’s seventh-largest city and a major corporate headquarters hub, Mississauga possesses formidable commercial appeal. It boasts an exceptional natural trail system along Lake Ontario and the Credit River Valley.
- University: University of Toronto Mississauga, Sheridan College (Hazel McCallion Campus).
- Living: The average one-bedroom rental in the city is projected at approximately $2,300/month, slightly lower than in downtown Toronto.
9. Vancouver: 2.96 million
Vancouver is a liveable city seamlessly blending nature and urban life. It boasts one of North America’s largest urban parks – the thousand-acre Stanley Park – and the renowned Seawall. You can also explore the Granville Island Public Market, admire sunsets over English Bay, or ski at Grouse Mountain.
- University: University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU).
- Living: Though rents remain high in 2025 (around $3,170/month for a two-bedroom flat), the market has cooled due to new policy interventions, offering increased room for negotiation.
10. Surrey: 0.71 Million
Surrey ranks among British Columbia’s fastest-growing cities. Over 50% of its land comprises parks and nature reserves, offering residents abundant outdoor recreation options. Renowned for its linguistic diversity spanning over 100 languages, it hosts the grand Vaisakhi Parade and Fusion Festival.
University: Simon Fraser University (SFU Surrey Campus), Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU).
Living: Features numerous newly constructed high-rise apartments offering significantly better value for money than downtown Vancouver, with substantial investments in community recreational facilities planned for 2025.
Insights on Most Populated Canada Cities
While “City Proper” data is useful for administrative purposes, the Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) provides a more accurate picture of a city’s economic influence and housing market. Here is a comprehensive look at the largest hubs in 2025, balancing urban development with student life.
1. Toronto & Vancouver
Toronto remains the largest city in Canada with over 3.2 million residents, while Vancouver is the 9th most populous city. Affected by high living costs and the federal government’s tightening of policies for temporary residents, the population growth of these two cities tends to stabilize in 2025, with a slower expansion rate and reduced rental pressure.
2. Calgary & Edmonton
Calgary is the only major city projected to experience strong population growth in 2025, driven by its affordability and robust job market. Edmonton closely trailed behind, with its population surpassing 1.19 million residents. The shift in these two cities indicates that Canada’s population centre is moving westward. For students looking for a cost-effective study abroad experience, these two cities are the top choices.
3. Brampton, Mississauga & Ottawa
The growth trends of Brampton and Mississauga have respectively shown a “slowing down” and “saturation”. As satellite cities of Toronto, these two cities were once famous for the high concentration of international students. However, due to the high cost of living, especially the rents, the population growth rate significantly declined. In contrast, Ottawa, the political and technological center of Canada, has a population of 1.15 million. With a steady increase, it is the most quality settlement within Ontario, apart from Toronto.
4. Surry
Compared to Vancouver’s steady population growth, its neighbor, Surrey, has more residents. With a much larger land area and a massive wave of new residential developments, Surrey is on a clear trajectory. It may surpass Vancouver’s population by the late 2030s. For students at institutions like SFU or KPU, Surrey offers a more modern, transit-oriented lifestyle. It is increasingly becoming the new “heart” of the West Coast.
10 Largest Canadian Cities by Land Area
When you search for the “biggest cities in Canada,” the results may not be the same as what you want. In most countries, a city’s physical size correlates with its urban scale and degree of prosperity. In Canada, however, many of the largest cities by land area are located in northern wilderness regions, consisting more of boreal forests, lakes, and mining territories rather than bustling downtown streets. Below are the largest cities in Canada by land area:
La Tuque (QC): 28,099 km2
Primarily comprised of unorganized forest territory.
Senneterre (QC): 16,324 km2
A massive expanse in northwestern Quebec with a very small urban core.
Rouyn-Noranda (QC): 6,441 km2
A major copper-mining hub where the administrative boundaries extend deep into the wilderness.
Val-d’Or (QC): 3,551 km2
Another resource-rich city in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region.
Greater Sudbury (ON): 3,201 km2
The largest city by land area in Ontario, known for its 330 lakes.
Kawartha Lakes (ON): 3,083 km2
A popular cottage country region that is technically classified as a single city.
Timmins (ON): 2,979 km2
A northern mining town with vast jurisdictional boundaries.
Ottawa (ON): 2,778 km2
The only major student and political hub on this list.
Cape Breton (NS): 2,433 km2
An amalgamated municipality covering much of the island’s coastline.
Greater Madawaska (ON): 1,034 km2
A rural municipality often included in land-size rankings.
Top 10 Pronvinces in Canada by Population
Canada’s population is highly concentrated in a handful of provinces. As of late 2025, the distribution of Canada’s 41.5 million residents reveals a significant “shift to the West,” though the historic hubs of Central Canada remain dominant. Understanding the demographic baselines can help you predict the stability of Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) and find employment opportunities in local markets. Here are 10 biggest pronvinces in Canada by population.
- Ontario: 16.19 Million
- Quebec: 9.04 Million
- British Columbia (BC): 5.68 Million
- Alberta: 5.04 Million
- Manitoba: 1.50 Million
- Saskatchewan: 1.26 Million
- Nova Scotia: 1.09 Million
- New Brunswick: 0.86 Million
- Newfoundland & Labrador: 0.54 Million
- Prince Edward Island (PEI): 0.18 Million
Conclusion
What is the largest city in Canada? It no longer merely refers to the city with the largest population, but more often points to those areas with more vigorous economic growth and higher quality of life. Toronto and Vancouver remain undisputed economic and cultural centers, offering the best living environment. For many new immigrants and international students, cities with more job opportunities, lower living costs, and taxes, such as Calgary and Montreal, are becoming more attractive thanks to their unique advantages.
FAQ
Which city is the biggest in Canada in 2025?
Toronto is the largest Canadian city by population, with over 6.4 million in its metropolitan area. By land area, La Tuque in Quebec is the largest city in Canada.
Where does 70% of Canada's population live?
Approximately 70% of Canada’s population lives in cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa, within 100 miles (160 kilometers) of the U.S. border, for plenty of educational resources and employment opportunities.
What's bigger, Toronto or Montreal?
Toronto. Toronto is bigger than Montreal in both city proper and metropolitan population. Toronto hosts approximately 6.49 million residents, while Montreal has about 4.37 million. Montreal’s rental prices are typically 30-40% lower than those in Toronto.
