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Summary

6 Quebec cities top Canada's best for work-life balance in a new ranking

Ever wondered where people have mastered the art of not letting work run their lives?

​Sunset with a rainbow over Lévis and St Lawrence River.

Sunset with a rainbow over Lévis and St Lawrence River.

Editor

Quebec is showing the rest of Canada how to live the good life. Six cities in the province have just been named the best places in the country for work-life balance. It’s not all about the 9-to-5 grind — residents of these cities juggle business and pleasure like pros.

Point2 analysts crunched data from Canada’s 100 largest cities, evaluating 30 metrics that impact work-life balance. They looked at factors like average work hours, access to healthcare, after-tax income, and the quality of local amenities.

They also considered commute times, availability of green spaces, and housing affordability. Each city received a score, revealing the places where managing work and personal life is a breeze.

Quebec knows best: Work hard, play harder

Lévis, Quebec City, Blainville, Trois-Rivières, Laval, and Gatineau took top spots in the ranking, showing that Quebec has mastered the art of balance.

Lévis claimed first place in the whole country thanks to its low work intensity and high quality of life. Residents benefit from short work hours, excellent healthcare, and a strong sense of community. Low crime rates add to its appeal.

Quebec City, in second place nationwide, excels with strong job opportunities and cultural amenities. Plenty of parks and outdoor spaces help residents blow off steam after work.

Blainville, ranked fifth, scores high for its affordable living and abundant recreational options. The city is a top pick for families, with numerous parks and accessible activities.

Trois-Rivières, in seventh place, leads with low living costs and a rich cultural life. Affordable housing and a tight-knit community contribute to its high quality of life.

Laval, ranked eighth, offers a mix of urban and suburban living, supported by high quality public services. Green spaces and community centres make it easier to maintain a balanced lifestyle.

Granby, in ninth place, has a high liveability score, affordable living, and access to green spaces. It’s a small city with big perks for residents seeking a balanced life.

With manageable work hours, affordable living, and strong communities, they set the standard for work-life balance in Canada.

In the rest of Canada

Meanwhile, the District of North Vancouver in British Columbia and Burlington, Aurora, and Newmarket in Ontario also made the top ten.

District of North Vancouver, in third place, leads in health and wellbeing with top scores in life expectancy and overall health. The area is known for its natural beauty, with many outdoor activities and green spaces available for residents. The combination of a healthy lifestyle and strong community support makes it a top contender for work-life balance.

Burlington ranks fourth nationwide, recognized for strong healthcare services, high life satisfaction among residents, and plenty of community amenities. The city has lots of job opportunities and recreational spaces, making it an attractive place to live and work.

Aurora, in sixth place, get high scores in health and wellbeing. The city has long life expectancy for residents, and many parks and green spaces. Community-focused initiatives and a family-friendly environment contribute to its high ranking.

Newmarket, ranked tenth, is known for its healthcare services and low crime rates. The city has a solid mix of job opportunities and community activities. Residents enjoy the benefits of a small-town feel with the conveniences of a larger city.

Art of balance

It seems like some Canadians may have found the key to a balanced life — and it's all about picking the right city. Quebec cities have got the secret sauce, and Ontario isn’t far behind. Turns out, the grass actually is greener when you mix in a little leisure.

Explore this list   👀

    • Sofia Misenheimer is a former editor of MTL Blog. She has an M.A. in Communication Studies from McGill University. In her spare time, she shares little-known travel gems via #roamunknownco, and can often be found jogging in the Old Port.

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