Located in east-central Canada, the province of Ontario borders the Great Lakes and the USA. Canada’s capital, Ottawa, is located in Ontario, with its National Gallery and the Victoria architecture of Parliament Hill. Meanwhile, Toronto is the capital of Ontario, known for the soaring CN tower, which offers 360-degree views from the revolving restaurant at the top. The province is also known for the impressive Niagara Falls in the Golden Horseshoe region of Southern Ontario and across the river from the American side in Niagara Falls, New York. In addition to amazing accommodations like lakefront hotels and Airbnb vacation rentals, Ontario also offers many cities and towns with the potential of being a new home. Check out our list of the best places to live in Ontario, Canada, listed below.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on March 18, 2026.
1. Toronto
Excellent food options from room service to nearby cafes and restaurants.
Reasonable rates for spacious rooms with kitchenettes and city views.
Prime downtown location near Union Train station, CN Tower, and St. Lawrence Market.
Convenient location, on-site restaurant and bar, kitchenettes, and laundry facilities.
Toronto is the capital of Ontario, Canada, and a vibrant and exciting city. There are a number of excellent neighborhoods to choose from offering easy connections to the rest of the city by public transport, but probably the best is Harbourfront. This neighborhood is only a 10-minute walk from Downtown Toronto, and it offers incredible views over the beautiful lake. Midtown Toronto is also a good place to live, including Yonge and Eglinton. This area of the city has undergone a development boom and has everything a resident here could want in the way of grocery stores, restaurants, bars and medical offices. The sheer number of apartments and condos in this neighborhood make it one of the most affordable places to live. Church and Wellesley is another great neighborhood, and it is home to the LGBTQ community, offering plenty of nightlife and fun.
Book Your Stay: One King West Hotel and Residence
2. Vaughan
Vaughan is a suburb of Toronto, located above the city limits, and it is centrally located. The west side of Vaughan sees mostly young families and the neighborhood has a strong community feel. Indoor and outdoor things to do can be enjoyed here in the parks, like Sonoma Heights Community Park, Al Paladino Recreation Center, and Boyd Conservation Park. The area consists of mainly detached homes, along with some semi-detached and townhomes. With the excellent schools in the area, Vaughan is ideal for families of mixed ages.
Book Your Stay: Monte Carlo Inn Vaughan Suites
3. Bracebridge
Bracebridge is a relatively small town in the heart of Muskoka in Ontario, which is known as Canada’s Cottage Country. The town has recently been added to the list of top places to live in the province. Bracebridge is located on the 45th parallel, halfway between the North Pole and the Equator, making the town known as Santa’s summer home. The city is two hours from both North Bay and downtown Toronto, and it overlooks the beautiful Bracebridge Falls. In fact, the town was originally built around this waterfall on the Muskoka River, and there are many more beautiful waterfalls in the area. The area has plenty of outdoor and indoor recreation facilities to enjoy, including all kinds of sports and wellness activities.
Book Your Stay: Wellington Inn
4. Oakville
Complimentary hot breakfast with a variety of options, though some guests suggested more vegetarian choices
Reasonable pricing for spacious, well-equipped suites
Located in an entertainment complex with various dining and entertainment options, easy access to transportation
Convenient location with nearby entertainment complex, free parking, and kitchenette in suites
Oakville is nestled on the banks of Lake Ontario, with Hamilton on one side and Toronto on the other. This beautiful town is known for its scenic harbors, the active arts community, vibrant shopping districts, and excellent restaurants. Oakville is considered one of the best places to live in Canada, based on affordability, economy, culture and safety of each municipality, along with services, schools and access to healthcare. The town has many charming homes and it is known for its quiet family living.
Book Your Stay: Homewood Suites by Hilton Toronto Oakville
5. Burlington
Maclean’s Magazine named Burlington the “Best Community in Canada” in 2019, and it was also named the “Best place to raise a family.” The city is family-friendly, with a number of excellent neighborhoods suitable for families. One such neighborhood is Palmer, a mature area with good-sized lots and housing choices from detached and semi-detached to townhouses. Schools and sports facilities in Palmer are excellent. Another good choice is Longmoor, popular for its proximity to the waterfront and a green and pleasant neighborhood for families. On the higher end is Orchard, a neighborhood with, mostly, fully detached homes.
Book Your Stay: Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington
6. Waterloo
Waterloo is one of three neighboring cities, including Cambridge and Kitchener, forming an integrated metro area. The city is known for its two universities, the University of Waterloo and the Wilfrid Laurier University. Waterloo is considered a desirable and quality place to live, as the community is constantly adding jobs and is affordable and welcoming. While no community is crime-free, the Waterloo Region remains among the safest areas in Ontario.
Book Your Stay: Homewood Suites by Hilton Waterloo/St. Jacobs
7. Collingwood
Maclean’s Magazine named Collingwood number 22 on the list of the best places to live in Canada. The top three features of the city are its culture, demographics and community, and the convenience of commuting. The city is considered a desirable location in which to own a home. It is also known for its four-season recreational lifestyle, proximity to water, the pedestrianized downtown, and access to Blue Mountain. These have attracted visitors and retirees for many years. In fact, the town is now considered a top place to retire or to start a business.
Book Your Stay: Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Collingwood
8. Kingston
Delicious continental breakfast with fresh pastries, charcuterie, and yogurt parfaits.
Affordable pricing, optional upgrade for lovely breakfast at $8 per guest.
Convenient location, walking distance to downtown, parks, and waterfront attractions.
Victorian classic inn with garden seating, free all-day coffee, and historic charm.
Set on the banks of Lake Ontario, at the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Cataraqui Rivers, Kingston, Ontario, is deemed a good place to live and work. It also has the benefits of much larger cities and the lifestyle of a smaller city. Much of the city is pedestrianized or cyclable, leading to healthy living. The city is dubbed the “Limestone City” for the many grand 19th-century buildings in town, as well as the Kingston City Hall on the lakeside. Another attraction in the city is the Bellevue House National Historic Site, with its grand house and beautiful gardens.
Book Your Stay: Hochelaga Inn
9. Stratford
Stratford has been ranked third in Ontario for its community, arts, transit and healthcare accessibility. The city is very cosmopolitan, but residents are also friendly and supportive. The city’s beautiful Victorian city hall and several heritage houses line the picturesque river, with its pretty public gardens, making Stratford a pretty place to live. In fact, Stratford is a green city, with many parks and nature areas. Even the residential streets are lined with trees. Neighborhoods are pedestrian-friendly and reliable public transport is available throughout the city.
Book Your Stay: Evanndor
10. Ottawa
Ottawa is Canada’s capital city and it stands on the south bank of the Ottawa River in southern Ontario, bordering Gatineau, Quebec. The city is known for Parliament Hill and museums such as the National Gallery of Canada. Recreation can be enjoyed on the Rideau Canal, which is lined with a park and is full of boats in summer and an ice-skating rink in the winter. Some of the best neighborhoods to live in include Constance Bay, a 20-minute drive from the tech area in Kanata. Ottawa East is a middle-of-the-range neighborhood with some restaurants. For those seeking a country setting close to the city, Plantagenet is an ideal choice where homes can be found right on the river.
Book Your Stay: Auberge King Edward Bed and Breakfast
Enjoy an excellent lifestyle in Ontario
Ontario is a beautiful state, bordering the Great Lakes and the United States of America. The province is known for its many excellent cities, providing a good lifestyle for its local residents, as well as beautiful attractions, including Niagara Falls and all the attractions of Canada’s capital, Ottawa, and Ontario’s capital, Toronto. There are also plenty of theme parks and golf resorts where you could spend a memorable time with your family and friends. The province is known for offering some of the best places to live in Ontario, Canada.
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