Did you perhaps see the post on Facebook about the best places to live in Canada right now? A new global ranking just named one Canadian city the best in all of North America for quality of life — and that is Ottawa… but do you know what is number 2? Nanaimo. Of the 17 Canadian cities included, some came pretty close to the top globally. But others? Not so much. Pollution, commute times, safety and housing prices dragged some major players way down the list. It also looks at things like health care access, housing affordability and how far your paycheque can stretch compared to major global cities. The higher the score, the better the overall quality of life.

Numbeo’s 2026 Quality of Life Index compares hundreds of cities around the world and ranks them based on everything from affordability and climate to health care, safety and how bad the traffic is. The global ranking for 2026 includes 304 cities worldwide — from huge global hubs to smaller towns — with cities selected only if there’s enough crowd-sourced data from local residents to provide a statistically solid snapshot. That means these rankings aren’t based on government stats, but on the real-life experiences and perceptions of people who live there. And when it comes to quality of life across Canada, the gaps between cities are pretty wild. Well done, Nanaimo.

Here is Nanaimo’s result:

Nanaimo, BC

Quality of Life Index: 185.6
Global Rank: #65

Nanaimo came out of nowhere to claim the #2 spot in Canada — and it’s easy to see why. It’s breezy, coastal and calm, with one of the best commute times and climate scores in the country.

Safety and health care access are weaker, but for folks who prioritize peace and scenery, it’s a standout for quality of life in Canada.

Residents of Nanaimo might not agree 100% with everything in the report, especially when considering healthcare access and our 62-year-old hospital, and the street disorder in some areas. But I do believe that what truly defines the beauty of Nanaimo, especially the new and improved shopping district of downtown, is its balance. It is a place where urban life unfolds at a relaxed pace, where nature is never far away, and where neighbours greet one another with familiarity. Whether you are watching the sunrise over the harbour, exploring a hidden shop, carousing Commercial Street or the Old city Quarter, or simply sitting on a bench listening to the sounds of the city, Nanaimo offers a beauty that is genuine, unhurried, and deeply rooted in its coastal spirit.

Set along the edge of the Salish Sea, Nanaimo is a place where history, nature, and community come together in a way that feels both welcoming and quietly inspiring. It offers a blend of small-city charm and coastal beauty that captures the heart of locals and visitors alike.

(Adapted from: www.narcity.com/best-cities-to-live-in-canada-2026-quality-of-life-ranking)