Canada is a leading study abroad destination. If you're thinking about heading to Canada to study, there should be three questions that are living rent-free in your head right now. What are the best Canadian cities for students? What are their best universities? And what are the best student accommodation options there?

In this blog, we will answer all these questions in detail, explore the best cities and universities, and recommend some of the best student accommodation options.

What are the best Canadian Cities for Students?

Well, to answer this question, we need to consider a few aspects: quality of life, universities, attractions, and cost of living. A good student city is one that offers a high quality of life, so students can live in a safe and peaceful environment. It has well-known universities, so you can study and get your qualifications from a reputable place, and attractive places to visit like museums or art galleries, so you can enjoy your time while learning new things about history and arts. It is also supposed to provide an affordable cost of living to avoid extra costs.

Now you know how to choose the best city for your academic journey; let's dive into some of the top selections:

Montréal

In the 2026 QS Ranking for best student cities, Montréal takes 18th place. The city is recognised for being Canada’s cultural capital. It is a multicultural city thanks to its diverse population of immigrants from around the world. It's also a multilingual city where both French and English are widely spoken, so students can benefit from the chance to improve their language skills.

Montreal has some of Canada’s top institutions, such as McGill University and the Université de Montréal, which ensure a high level of education. Moreover, it has important museums such as the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History and art galleries like Arsenal art contemporain Montréal; student-friendly places that help students enjoy their time while gaining knowledge.

When talking about the cost of living in Montreal, we’ll find that the city is cheaper than some top European cities to study in. According to Numbeo, the estimated costs of living for a single person monthly are around 1,385.7C$ (excluding rent).

Toronto

Toronto is known for its friendly and welcoming people, which offers students a comfortable environment. The city is also Canada’s largest city, and it enjoys diverse languages, cultures, and customs. In the 2026 QS Ranking for best student cities, Toronto is in the 22nd position.

Toronto is home to important universities like the University of Toronto and York University, Universities that have found their place among the world’s top universities, according to the QS Ranking for Universities. Also, the city has plenty of museums, art galleries, and student attractions. It also has a great transport system to make getting around easier.

According to Numbeo, the monthly cost of living in Toronto for a single person is around 1,552.3C$ (excluding rent).

Vancouver

Vancouver holds the 29th place globally in the same QS Ranking. The city is known for its natural beauty (with beaches, forests, and snowy mountains close to the city centre), which makes it a great place for students.

Vancouver also has some of Canada’s top universities, like the University of British Columbia, which is known for its strong academic research, and Simon Fraser University, which has strong co-op programs that make students ready for actual work experience. Also, the city has many places to enjoy, such as Stanley Park, Gastown Steam Clock, the theatres, and music events.

Numbeo says that the monthly cost of living in Vancouver for a single person is around 1,464.4C$ (excluding rent).

Ottawa

In the 2026 QS Ranking for best student cities, Ottawa has a good place and ranks well in affordability. The city is Canada’s capital, and it is known for being multilingual and rich in culture.

Ottawa has two main universities: the University of Ottawa, which is ranked higher and known for its bilingual programs and research activity, and Carleton University.

The city offers many places to explore, such as the Rideau Canal, the Canadian Museum of History, and the National Gallery of Canada; spots that combine culture, history, and student-friendly vibes.

According to Numbeo, the monthly cost of living in Ottawa for a single person is around 1,478.2C$ (excluding rent).

Calgary

Calgary has respected institutions like the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University. The first one is well-ranked and has strong programs in engineering, medicine, and environmental studies.

The city has student-friendly attractions like the Calgary Zoo, Glenbow Museum, and Prince's Island Park. It’s also close to the Rocky Mountains, which makes it great for weekend getaways.

According to Numbeo, the monthly cost of living in Calgary for a single person is around 1,580.3C$$ (excluding rent).

Top Canadian Universities for International Students in 2026

To answer this question, we’ll list the top 5 Canadian universities in the QS ranking for 2026. 

McGill University

McGill University is a leading university in Montreal. The university has 34% of its students who are international. The university is ranked as the top university in Canada and 27th worldwide according to QS.

The university offers more than 500 programmes for both post- and undergraduate students. McGill also provides specialised support services for international students. These services include guidance on study permits, health insurance, and academic or social integration. 

University of Toronto

The University of Toronto is a top-ranked university in Canada. About 29% of its students are international. According to the 2026 QS World University Rankings, the university is placed 29th globally. The university offers over 700 undergraduate and graduate programmes across its three campuses. 

The University of Toronto is also recognised for its strong research output, and it ranks among the top universities worldwide for research impact and innovation.

Université de Montréal

Université de Montréal is a leading Francophone research university in Canada. Over 11,000 international students study there each year, representing a significant portion of its 39,000-strong student body. According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, UdeM and its affiliated schools (HEC Montréal, Polytechnique Montréal) are placed 168th globally and 7th in Canada.

Université de Montréal offers around 600 programs. The university is also a major research powerhouse, drawing in about $710 million in annual research income and hosting 465 research units, including heavyweights like MILA and IRIC.

University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is a leading research-intensive university in Canada. It’s located in the city of Calgary, Alberta. About 13 % of undergraduate students and 41 % of graduate students are international, representing a truly global student body. According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, the university is ranked 211th globally.

The university offers 250 programs across a wide range of disciplines through its 14 faculties, spread across a 200-hectare main campus. It secures over C$588 million in annual research funding, publishes over 7,300 peer-reviewed papers yearly, and has become one of Canada’s leading startup creators through hubs like the “Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking” and its UN University Water Hub.

University of Ottawa

The University of Ottawa is a leading bilingual (English-French) research university in Canada. It’s located in the capital city of Ottawa, Ontario. About 26 % of its students come from around 150 countries, which makes up a notably international community. 

According to the 2026 QS World University Rankings, the university is placed 219th globally, while Times Higher Education ranks it approximately 191st in the world. The university enrolls nearly 40,000 undergraduate students and over 6,000 graduate students.

Top Student Accommodation Options in Canada

In Montreal

• Montreal - Drummond St: A property with single rooms and numerous amenities like Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. It’s only two minutes away from McGill University and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

• The Oasis: This property in Montreal offers different room options to cater to diverse preferences. It comes with laundry facilities, parking, and CCTV.

In Toronto

• Dalhousie: This Toronto student housing offers modern en-suite and single rooms. It also has high-speed Wi-Fi and an on-site gym to practise at your convenience.

• Toronto Downtown: A student housing in Toronto with fully furnished single rooms. It features various amenities, including high-speed Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a swimming pool. 

In Vancouver

• GEC Viva: GEC Viva is Vancouver student housing that features shared and private apartments, including premium options. If you’re a student of the Canadian College of Technology and Business, this property is a perfect choice for you, as it’s only a four-minute drive away.
  
  

• Marine Gateway: This student housing in Vancouver features various apartments, all of which are fully furnished. Marine Gateway is a great option if you’re looking for student housing near Langara College. It’s only a two-minute drive away.

In Ottawa

• 324 Cambridge: This student accommodation is an 18-minute by public transport to Central Ottawa. It features plenty of studios and bedrooms to choose from.
  
  

• Hillside Apartments: This property offers self-contained studios, apartments, and double rooms. It also features a comfortable lounge, secure bike storage, and an on-site gym.

In Calgary

• ENTHUSIASTS: This Calgary housing option comes with numerous room types and an amazing collection of amenities for an unforgettable stay. It offers a garden where you can smell fresh air, a swimming pool to enjoy water on hot days, and an on-site gym to practise and work out whenever you want.
  
  

• Vegetarian Home: At this property, you’re offered queen bedrooms and various amenities for a comfy and enjoyable stay. The property is also pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your pet. 

Final Tips Before You Decide

• Match the city to your lifestyle: Montréal for culture, Vancouver for outdoors, Toronto for career growth, Ottawa for bilingual studies, Calgary for nature adventures.

• Budget carefully: Costs vary widely, so factor in rent, transport, and leisure.

• Visit if possible: Even a short trip before committing can help you get a feel for your future home.
  
  

Finding Your Place in Canada

To wrap up, choosing where to study in Canada is about finding a city that feels like your place. Maybe you see yourself lingering over coffee in Montréal’s cosy cafés, taking weekend hikes in Vancouver’s mountains, or diving into the fast-paced career scene in Toronto. Each city has its own character and charm.

The right choice is the one where you can picture yourself learning, growing, and feeling at home for the next few years. Give yourself the time to explore your options, and remember that the city you choose can shape your experience just as much as the programme you study.