Four in ten Canadians think Quebec is the happiest place in the country. A new Leger poll agrees: Quebec has a happiness score of 72.4 out of 100. This is much higher than the national average of 68.7.
Leger talked to 39,841 adults online from March 31 to April 13, 2025. The results show a steady mood: 49% say they’re as happy as ever, 23% are happier, and 28% are less happy than last year. Women are slightly happier than men, with a score of 69.4 to 68.0.
Quebec shines in a close race where only New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador beat the national average. In big cities, Mississauga is the happiest, followed by Montreal, and then Toronto. Quebec is clearly the happiest province in Canada, showing why it stands out and what others can learn from it.
Why Quebec Leads as the Most Joyful Province
Quebec often tops the list of the happiest provinces in Canada. It has strong ties to its place, a clear cultural identity, and good public services. People also enjoy the cost of living, which helps balance life.
Quebec’s average happiness score of 72.4 out of 100
Léger’s index shows Quebec at 72.4 out of 100, above the national average of 68.7. Fifty-four percent of residents say they are happy, with 20% feeling very happy. Despite a 26% decline in happiness over the past year, Quebec remains the happiest place in Canada.
| Measure | Quebec | Canada Average |
|---|---|---|
| Happiness score (0–100) | 72.4 | 68.7 |
| Residents rating 7–8 (“happy”) | 54% | — |
| Residents rating 9–10 (“very happy”) | 20% | — |
| Reported decline year-over-year | 26% | — |
| Average home price | $529,300 | $704,500 (Ontario $804,700; B.C. $959,300) |
| Daycare cost (subsidized) | $9.35/day | Varies by province |
Cost-of-living factors play a role. Home prices are lower than in Ontario and British Columbia. Subsidized daycare costs just $9.35 a day. Accessible public healthcare and tuition help families plan with confidence. These factors make Quebec the happiest province in Canada.
How culture, language, and social cohesion boost well-being
Social cohesion is key. Quebec’s French-language culture, with English widely spoken in cities, makes life feel connected. People enjoy community spaces, from cafés to festivals, which strengthens belonging.
Community identity is seen in small ways: greetings, volunteering, and trust in public programs. This support network lowers stress, making Quebec one of the happiest places in Canada. For more details, see this happiness analysis that includes scores and living costs.
Perspectives from Quebecers on joie de vivre and optimism
Residents value a simple life: time for family, friends, and hobbies. Montrealers, in particular, enjoy the city’s vibrant culture, from music in parks to street festivals. This lifts their mood.
Youth in Quebec are optimistic. Scores for 18–24-year-olds rose from 63.1 to 68.7, showing confidence in the future. Yet, mid-life pressures are real; the 45–54 group saw a slight decline. This shows that happiness varies by life stage, even in the happiest provinces.
Survey at a Glance: Methodology and What Was Asked
Leger conducted a national online questionnaire. It aimed to understand how people feel today and how it has changed over the past year. This approach helps compare happiness across regions, showing which provinces are the happiest.
Web survey of 39,841 Canadians (March 31–April 13, 2025)
The survey involved 39,841 adults, aged 18 and over. It took place from March 31 to April 13, 2025. The data was collected through a web panel by Léger and published in July 2025.
Questions on overall happiness and year-over-year change
Two main questions were asked. First, people rated their happiness on a 1–10 scale. Second, they said if their happiness had improved, stayed the same, or worsened compared to last year. These questions provide a clear view of happiness levels across provinces.
Weighting by gender, age, and region; no margin of error for online polls
Results were adjusted to match the population’s demographics. This includes gender, age, and province. Quebec’s data was also split by administrative regions. Because the sample is not random, there’s no margin of error. Yet, this method allows for fair comparisons of happiness levels across provinces.
| Method Component | Details | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Fieldwork Window | March 31–April 13, 2025 | Captures a defined period for stable comparisons across regions and top provinces for happiness. |
| Sample Size | 39,841 adults (18+) | Large N improves precision when reviewing Canadian provinces ranked by happiness. |
| Mode | Online questionnaire (Léger) | Enables rapid, national reach with standardised prompts. |
| Core Questions | 1–10 happiness score; year-over-year change | Yields level and trend, key for identifying a happiest Canadian province. |
| Weighting | Gender, age, province/Quebec regions | Aligns results to population profiles for fair cross-provincial review. |
| Margin of Error | Not applicable to online, non-random samples | Clarifies interpretation when comparing top provinces for happiness. |
Canadian Provinces Ranked by Happiness: The National Picture
The survey paints a clear picture of happiness across Canada. It shows how each province compares to the others. The happiest provinces are just above the average, with others close but below.
National average at 68.7 and where provinces land above and below
The national average is 68.7 out of 100. Only a few provinces score higher, showing who leads the pack. The territories were not included in this survey.
| Province | Score (out of 100) | Position vs. 68.7 Average | Notable Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec | 72.4 | Above | Leads national results; strong community belonging cited by respondents |
| New Brunswick | 70.2 | Above | Atlantic ties and close-knit networks referenced in responses |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 69.5 | Above | Social bonds and regional pride noted by participants |
| Saskatchewan | Below 68.7 | Below | First province below the mean in the national ordering |
| Nova Scotia | Below 68.7 | Below | Follows Saskatchewan in the ranked sequence |
| Alberta | Below 68.7 | Below | Mid-pack among below-average provinces |
| British Columbia | Below 68.7 | Below | Sits close to the national midpoint, yet under the bar |
| Ontario | Below 68.7 | Below | Large population with diverse regional spreads in scores |
| Manitoba | Below 68.7 | Below | Near the bottom tier but not the lowest |
| Prince Edward Island | Below 68.7 | Below | Ranks last among provinces in this survey |
Quebec, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador above average
Only three provinces are above the national average. Quebec leads, with New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador close. These three set the highest mark for happiness in Canada.
Saskatchewan to P.E.I. in descending order below the mean
Below the line, the order starts with Saskatchewan and ends with Prince Edward Island. This shows how the happiest province compares to others under 68.7. Small gaps shape the overall picture.
happiest province in Canada
Quebec tops the list with a happiness score of 72.4, just above the national average of 68.7. News outlets often highlight Quebec as the happiest province in Canada. This is based on a large survey in 2025 that gathered many voices.
People in Quebec feel a strong sense of belonging and have close social ties. They share a common culture and language. Daily life is filled with community events and pride in their traditions.
When discussing the happiest place to live in Canada, the story goes beyond a single number. It’s about the optimism, kindness, and trust found in everyday moments. This is seen in Montreal’s streets, Quebec City’s cafés, and village halls along the St. Lawrence.
| Indicator | Quebec | National Picture | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Happiness Score | 72.4 | 68.7 average | A clear lead supports Quebec’s status as the happiest province in canada. |
| Social Cohesion | High | Mixed by region | Strong bonds underpin the most joyful province in Canada narrative. |
| Sense of Belonging | Strong | Varies | Belonging fuels stability and everyday optimism. |
| Public Visibility | Wide TV coverage | Canada-wide | Broadcasts reinforce awareness of the happiest place to live in Canada. |
| Survey Scale (2025) | Large Quebec sample | More than 36,000 respondents | Broad participation strengthens the provincial snapshot. |
These signs show how Quebec’s result is seen across Canada. It’s a mix of measurable happiness and lived culture. This keeps Quebec in the spotlight as the happiest place to live in Canada.
Top Provinces for Happiness: What Sets Leaders Apart
In Canada, three areas are known for their happiness. They are often named the happiest provinces and places. These regions are known for a sense of belonging, identity, and support.
Quebec (72.4): community belonging and cultural identity
Quebec’s high score comes from a strong community and culture. People feel connected through neighbourhoods, festivals, and French media. This is why Quebec is often the happiest province.
New Brunswick (70.2): Atlantic resilience and close-knit communities
New Brunswick values small-town life and community. Families and friends support each other, showing Atlantic resilience. This support makes New Brunswick a happy place.
Newfoundland and Labrador (69.5): social ties and regional pride
Newfoundland and Labrador has strong social bonds and pride. Community halls, music, and volunteering keep people connected. These ties make it a happy province.
Together, these provinces show how identity, culture, and support can boost happiness in communities.
Happiest Cities in Canada: How Major Urban Centres Stack Up
Across the country’s biggest urban hubs, a clear pattern emerges. The ranking echoes provincial momentum and gives a city-level view of the happiest places in Canada. For readers weighing the happiest place to live in Canada, the lineup offers a quick pulse on how urban life shapes day-to-day mood.
Mississauga leads among the 10 largest cities
Mississauga takes the top spot among the largest cities, reflecting steady services, well-kept parks, and strong newcomer networks. Its blend of transit access, neighbourhood safety, and local festivals supports a sense of belonging often linked with the happiest cities in Canada. Younger residents describe flexible work and easier commutes as key boosts.
Montreal in second, Toronto at the bottom of the big-city list
Montreal lands second, mirroring Quebec’s broader advantage with culture, public spaces, and café life that invite connection. Toronto, by contrast, closes the list, a reminder that scale and cost pressures can dampen urban morale. The middle of the pack—Hamilton, Calgary, Brampton, Ottawa, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Winnipeg—shows how varied city rhythms can deliver on the happiest places in Canada.
What urban factors may influence city-level happiness
- Affordability and housing mix: Stable rents and diverse options help residents plant roots in the happiest place to live in Canada.
- Mobility and commute time: Reliable transit and safer bike routes reduce stress and expand access to jobs and culture.
- Public space and culture: Parks, libraries, and festivals—from Nuit Blanche to local food markets—nurture belonging.
- Community networks: Volunteer groups, sports leagues, and faith communities create support that anchors the happiest cities in Canada.
- Work-life patterns: Hybrid schedules and nearby amenities give large-city residents more time for family and friends.
These city traits align with what many seek when comparing the happiest places in Canada. Together, they help explain why certain urban centres rise when people picture the happiest place to live in Canada.
Age and Happiness: Who Is Feeling Better, and Who Isn’t
Younger Canadians are feeling better, even as the country’s mood is mixed. Their happiness spreads through college, first jobs, and new friendships. Quebec is a big help for students and young workers.
This shows how age affects happiness in Canada. It touches on the happiest provinces, regions, and places to live.
18–24 and 24–34 saw the biggest improvements in well-being
People aged 18–24 and 24–34 saw the biggest jumps in happiness. They mention easier social connections, better mental health help, and better job chances.
Even though they’re not at the national average, the trend is positive. It fits with the happiest cities and schools in Canada. There, young people find support and stability.
Mid-life dip: 35–44 and 45–54 more likely to report declines
Adults 35–44 and 45–54 often see their happiness drop. Mortgage stress, childcare costs, and caring for others affect their mood, mainly in big cities.
This mid-life challenge is seen in many happy provinces in Canada. Despite some gains, time and money worries can hold back happiness.
Quebec’s 18–24-year-olds surged from 63.1 to 68.7 in 2021
Quebec’s young people, aged 18–24, saw a big jump in happiness, from 63.1 to 68.7 by 2021. Students and new workers find support for community, culture, and language.
These age trends influence how we see the happiest region in Canada. When young people do well, it strengthens local connections. This can improve the overall happiness in the happiest places and provinces in Canada.
Gender Trends: Women Slightly Outpace Men
Women report being happier than men, with a 1.4 point difference. This is close to the national average of 68.7. The survey made sure to balance the results by gender, showing a fair picture.
In areas known for happiness, women’s happiness scores are a bit higher. This matches the trend in the happiest provinces. News reports have highlighted this small lead without making it seem too big.
It’s important to consider the context. Small differences in happiness between genders are more noticeable when looking at provincial rankings. In the happiest provinces, this pattern is seen, showing how local culture affects happiness.
Year-Over-Year Shifts: Stagnant Yet Resilient
Canadians feel steady overall, with small changes at the edges. These changes help explain why some provinces stay happy even when others face challenges. They also shape how happiness is seen across different regions and age groups.
49% unchanged, 23% happier, 28% less happy
Over the past year, nearly half of Canadians said their happiness stayed the same. Two smaller groups moved in opposite directions. This balance shows stability with some strain and growth, as seen in this national snapshot.
This mix tells us about the happiest places in Canada and how people live their daily lives.
| Year-Over-Year Category | Share of Canadians | What It Suggests | Relevance to Rankings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unchanged | 49% | Core stability in mood and outlook | Supports steady gaps among the happiest provinces in Canada |
| Happier | 23% | Improvements concentrated in younger adults | Can lift provinces in canadian provinces ranked by happiness |
| Less Happy | 28% | Declines more common in mid-life cohorts | Can weigh on standings for the happiest places in Canada |
Resilience with signs of fragility
Well-being is high but softer than before the pandemic. This explains why provinces look steady but feel delicate. Households adapt, but stress margins are thinner than before.
Implications for well-being policies and community supports
Targeted supports are key when a stable middle sits beside rising and falling groups. Programs that boost belonging, mental health access, and local recreation can sustain happy provinces. They also guide city planners and nonprofits to protect happy places through community-first steps.
Happiest Places to Live in Canada: Provinces, Regions, and Communities
In Canada, happiness is found in places where life feels connected. Quebec leads the provinces, followed by New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador. Cities like Mississauga and Montreal show how culture and belonging make places happy.
From happiest Canadian province to happiest region in Canada
Provinces set the stage, but regions reveal more. Quebec’s happiness is linked to its language, culture, and community spirit. This spirit is also found in nearby areas, making each region unique yet connected.
In cities, happiness comes from good services and lively streets. Mississauga and Montreal show how important transit, parks, and festivals are. These elements make places happy, not just one spot on a map.
The role of community belonging in the happiest community in Canada
Belonging makes a place feel like home. Knowing neighbours, joining local events, and feeling safe are key. These actions boost volunteer rates and small business loyalty.
Shared activities, like hockey games and street fairs, build trust. This trust helps during tough times and makes good times even better. It’s seen in the happiest regions and places across Canada.
What “happiest place to live in Canada” means beyond the numbers
Numbers give a glimpse, but life itself tells the real story. Good commutes, affordable homes, and access to services matter. So does the local culture, like music and food.
The happiest community is where neighbours say hello, parks buzz, and newcomers feel at home. Whether measured or felt, connection is key to happiness in Canada.
What Quebec Can Teach the Rest of Canada
Quebec’s recent success in well-being gives lessons for other places. It shows how to make a community happy. Quebec’s approach combines pride in place with daily activities that bring people together.
This model is key to being the happiest place to live in Canada. It also helps other provinces stay happy over time.
Social cohesion and bilingual cultural vibrancy
Street festivals, markets, and local arts build trust and routine. Being bilingual makes everyone feel included. This mix enriches culture and helps cities become happier.
Small actions matter: support community centres, language learning, and public spaces. These steps help towns become happier. They also follow the habits of the happiest provinces in Canada.
Community-first mindset and local identity
Quebec values belonging. Local events and volunteer drives keep people connected. Seeing oneself in the community encourages helping others.
This approach supports the happiest places in Canada. It also makes them more resilient.
Municipal leaders can celebrate local heritage and support small venues. Rewarding volunteer hours strengthens community ties. These actions anchor identity and bring happiness to the block level.
Applying Quebec insights to other provinces and cities
Provinces can tailor Quebec’s ideas to their own cultures. Urban areas can host inclusive festivals and safe streets. Rural areas can boost co-ops and sports leagues.
Focus on youth, flexible work, and support networks. When these elements work together, communities get closer to happiness. This fills Canada’s map with more happy places.
Conclusion
Quebec is the happiest province in Canada, with a score of 72.4. This is much higher than the national average of 68.7. New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador also score above average.
Manitoba and Prince Edward Island are at the bottom. In big cities, Mississauga is the happiest, followed by Montreal. Toronto is the least happy.
Across Canada, 49% say their mood hasn’t changed, 23% are happier, and 28% are less happy. Women are slightly happier than men. This shows a mix of resilience and fragility, as noted by Leger.
Quebec is known for its happiness because of strong social bonds and a sense of belonging. Young adults in Quebec are getting happier, while those in their 40s and 50s are not. This shows both the energy and challenges for policy and planning.
When people think about the happiest places, they look at community, inclusion, and shared identity. The survey shows that place is important. It confirms Quebec is the happiest province and suggests a way for others to follow.
In short, Quebec teaches us that strong networks and a confident culture make people happier. For those looking for the happiest places, it’s not just about where you are. It’s about the community, purpose, and trust you share.