5 Best Cities to Study in Canada in 2025
Canada isn't just a destination of academic excellence, but also a country that provides enviable quality of life for international students. In 2025, studying in the Maple Leaf country means much more than attending good institutions — it represents the chance to experience a balanced, safe, and culturally rich lifestyle. Discover below the 5 best Canadian cities and how each one can offer unique experiences that go beyond the classroom.
Toronto: global metropolis with Canadian style
Toronto It is the largest and most diverse city in Canada, a true cultural melting pot where more than 50% of the population was born outside the country. This feature creates a welcoming environment for international students, where it's easy to find communities of virtually any nationality, including a vibrant Brazilian community.
Toronto highlights:
- Excellent public transport: integrated subways, trams and buses
- Culturally diverse neighborhoods: Kensington Market, Yorkville, Chinatown
- World-class security: among the safest cities in North America
- Partner institutions: Humber College and Seneca College
The quality of life in Toronto is reflected in its comprehensive public transportation system, which makes the city an easy place to navigate without a car. Os neighborhoods are extremely diverse, each with its own personality, offering authentic cultural experiences around every corner.
Vancouver: balance between nature and urban planning
Vancouver is often cited as one of cities with the best quality of life in the world, and not by chance. Nestled between mountains and ocean, the city offers a lifestyle that few places can match, especially for students who value the balance between studies and well-being.
Why Vancouver stands out:
- Year-round outdoor experience: skiing in winter and beaches in summer
- Clean air and low pollution levels due to strict environmental policies
- Extensive network of bike paths for sustainable daily transport
- Stanley Park: 400 hectares of preserved nature in the heart of the city
- Gastronomic diversity with the best Asian restaurants outside of Asia
- Milder climate in Canada, with rainy but rarely snowy winters
For students concerned about sustainability, Vancouver is leading green initiatives with its plan to become the greenest city in the world by 2030. A healthy lifestyle is an integral part of the local culture, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as local farmers' markets.
Partner institutions such as Douglas College And the SSLC College allow students to take advantage of this exceptional environment while receiving quality education.
Montreal: European charm with value for money
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Montreal stands out as the Most European city in North America and offers one of the best combinations of quality of life and financial affordability in Canada. This bilingual metropolis allows for a unique cultural immersion, where the French-speaking lifestyle mixes with North American modernity.
Economic and cultural advantages:
- 30-40% cheaper rentals What in Toronto or Vancouver
- Over 100 annual festivals, many with free events
- “Underground city” with 32 km of tunnels for winter comfort
- Affordable and charming neighborhoods: Le Plateau-Mont-Royal and Mile End
- Bilingual environment to practice English and French
What makes Montreal special is its vibrant cultural scene accessible to student budgets. The city hosts world-famous events such as the International Jazz Festival and Just For Laughs, creating a culturally stimulating environment throughout the year.
Ottawa: tranquility and quality of life in the capital
Ottawa, the Canadian capital, offers a perfect balance between the sophistication of an important city and the tranquility of well-planned communities. For students who prefer a calmer pace without giving up quality urban infrastructure, Ottawa represents an exceptional choice in 2025.
What makes Ottawa special:
- Excellent urban planning with large green spaces and parks well distributed around the city
- Rideau Channel: UNESCO World Heritage Site that becomes the world's largest skating rink in winter
- Air quality among the best in the country due to low industrialization and excellent environmental policies
- Extremely low crime rates, with student neighborhoods among the safest
- National museums and galleries world-class, many with free admission on certain days of the week
- ByWard Market: one of the oldest and largest public markets in Canada, with fresh and local products
The city also stands out for its ease of movement, with an efficient public transport system and bike paths that cover a large part of the urban region. Even living in areas a little remote from the center, students are able to move easily and safely at any time of the day. In addition, nature is always accessible - in just 15 minutes by car you can reach Gatineau Park, with more than 361 km² of forests, lakes and trails.
Ottawa is a city truly bilingual, where both English and French are widely spoken, offering an ideal environment for students who wish to practice both languages. A number of educational institutions take advantage of this rich and safe cultural environment to offer well-rounded academic experiences.
Sault Ste. Marie: affordable quality of life
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While major Canadian metropolises often dominate discussions about quality of life, Sault Ste. Marie has been gaining attention in 2025 as an amazing option for international students. This mid-sized city in Ontario offers a unique combination of affordable cost and authentic experiences.
Situated on the shores of Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world, Sault Ste. Marie provides a direct connection to Canadian nature. The city is surrounded by stunning forests, hiking and skiing trails, waterfalls, and freshwater beaches. The cost of living is substantially lower than in the larger metropolises — a one-bedroom apartment in the center costs an average of CAD 950, less than half the price in Toronto or Vancouver.
Why consider “The Soo”:
- Significantly lower cost of living: half price apartments in Toronto
- Located on the shores of Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world
- Authentic Canadian nature within reach, with forests, trails and waterfalls
- Warm and welcoming local community, unlike the anonymity of large cities
- Growing international community including students from Brazil, India, China and several African countries
The real surprise for many international students is the warm local community. Unlike large cities where it's easy to feel like just another one in the crowd, in “The Soo” (as it's affectionately called) residents are renowned for their hospitality. The city has a growing international community, creating a welcoming multicultural environment. O Sault College, partner of Be Easy, takes advantage of this community environment to offer a personalized educational experience and comprehensive support to international students.
How the climate affects the quality of life in each city
O weather It is a determining factor in the experience of an international student in Canada, influencing everything from daily activities to the budget with clothing and heating. Understanding the climatic peculiarities of each city is essential to choose a destination compatible with your personal preferences:
For many Brazilians, adapting to the Canadian winter is one of the biggest challenges. However, the country's infrastructure is fully prepared for the climate, with efficient heating systems, underground tunnels in large cities, and a culture that celebrates the peculiarities of each season.
Transportation and mobility: how to get around easily and cheaply
A ease of movement directly impacts the quality of student life, affecting everything from travel time to educational institutions to the ability to explore the city and region. Canada stands out for its excellent public transport infrastructure, which varies by city:
Transportation comparison by city:
An important differential in Canada is the rideshare culture and transportation apps among students, especially in smaller cities like Sault Ste. Marie. This creates an informal support network that facilitates mobility with reduced costs, also promoting social integration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in Canada
1. How much does it cost on average to live in Canada as a student?
The monthly cost varies significantly by city. In Toronto and Vancouver, prepare for spending between CAD 2,000-2,500 per month. Montreal and Ottawa are between CAD 1,500-2,000/month. Sault Ste. Marie offers the best value for money, with average expenses of CAD 1,200-1,500/month.
2. Can I work during my studies in Canada?
Yes, international students with a valid student visa can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during official holidays.
3. What level of English do I need to study in Canada?
Most programs require IELTS with a minimum score of 6.0 or equivalent. Some institutions offer preparatory English programs for those who have not yet reached this level.
4. What are the immigration possibilities after completing your studies?
Canada offers excellent paths for immigration through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, which allows you to work in the country for up to 3 years after completing your studies, and then apply for permanent residence.
A Be Easy is committed to providing a transformative exchange experience in Canada, connecting you to the city that best matches your profile and objectives. Our team is thoroughly familiar with each of the cities highlighted in this article, including practical aspects of quality of life that go beyond the official rankings.
Our differentials for your exchange in Canada:
- Personalized assessment to identify the ideal city and program for your profile
- Partnerships with renowned institutions such as Sault College and other excellent schools
- Full support from application to arrival and adaptation in Canada
- Guidance for job opportunities during and after studies
- Accommodation assistance and practical issues of living in Canada
- Student community for networking and mutual support
Be Easy
We work with excellent partner institutions in Canada, ensuring not only quality education, but also an enriching life experience. Contact us today and discover how we can transform your dream of studying in Canada into a journey of discovery and personal growth!
