As we wrapped up 2025, Ottawa earned a spot among the World’s Best Cities 2026, ranking 73rd globally, one of only three Canadian cities to make the Top 100, and second in the country overall.
That global recognition was followed by national validation, as Ottawa earned the title of most livable major city in Canada.
We have always known Ottawa is a great place to live, work, and build something meaningful. It turns out the rest of the world is catching on.
Here is a brief synopsis of Ottawa’s recent accolades.
Ending 2025 on a Global Stage
The World’s Best Cities 2026 ranking, produced by Resonance Consultancy in partnership with Ipsos, evaluates cities based on a mix of perception data and performance indicators that correlate strongly with talent attraction, business formation, and long-term economic growth.
Ottawa stood out not just for livability, but for its people.
Among all cities worldwide, Ottawa ranked fourth globally for educational attainment, a reflection of one of our region’s greatest strengths: a highly educated, diverse, and globally connected workforce.
Nearly a quarter of Ottawa’s residents were born outside Canada, helping fuel growth across knowledge-based industries ranging from cleantech and life sciences to aerospace, AI, and defence technology.
The ranking also highlighted momentum across Ottawa’s urban landscape. Continued investment in innovation districts, major development at LeBreton Flats, transit-oriented growth along the LRT corridor, and renewed cultural and recreational spaces are reshaping the city in visible ways.
Add in a strong showing for green space and even a solid weather ranking, and it is clear Ottawa is stepping confidently onto the global stage as a cosmopolitan city in its own right.
Globally Recognized, Nationally Livable
That global recognition is being echoed closer to home.
In 2025, the Globe and Mail ranked Ottawa as Canada’s fourth most livable city overall, placing it first among major cities and ahead of hundreds of communities nationwide in its third edition of Canada’s Most Liveable Cities. The assessment examined 454 cities and towns across the country.
Ottawa’s strength came from its consistency across key quality-of-life indicators, including education, amenities, demographics, health care, and transportation. The study also highlighted the outdoor activities in the region that add to quality of life that are never far away, including Gatineau Park and an extensive multi-use trail system. Together, the results reinforce what residents and employers experience every day: a city that balances opportunity, livability, and long-term stability.
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe welcomed the recognition, noting that the city has climbed significantly in national rankings in recent years as quality of life has improved. The national recognition complements Ottawa’s growing international profile and reflects the momentum underway across the region.
- See Ottawa at the top of the Globe and Mail’s list here.
- Read an overview of the rankings on Yahoo News.
Why These Rankings Matter
These recognitions are more than just bragging rights. They reinforce something Invest Ottawa sees every day. Cities that attract and retain talent are the same cities that grow innovative companies, draw investment, and compete globally.
Ottawa’s strength lies at the intersection of talent, livability, and opportunity. A highly educated workforce supports world-class research and innovation. A strong quality of life helps companies recruit and retain that talent. Together, they create the conditions for sustainable economic growth.
That is why Ottawa continues to see momentum across sectors like defence and security, technology, life sciences, clean technology, and advanced manufacturing. It is also why more founders, investors, and global companies are choosing to build here.
A City Built for What Comes Next
These rankings signal a shift. The city is no longer just Canada’s capital. Ottawa is a place where people want to live, where companies want to grow, and where global talent wants to land.
We ended 2025 on a global list. We are starting 2026 with national and international recognition that tells the same story. We have always known Ottawa is a great place to call home. Now, it seems the world agrees.
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