Canada has more than 200 universities and colleges spread across the country and many of these higher education institutions consistently rank among the top in the world. A 2021 IDP Connect survey of students from 55 countries found Canada is the top choice for a post-secondary education.
It’s no surprise when you consider Canadian schools provide high-quality education and are often located in idyllic places to live which have been built by local construction employees that are trained in how to use a telehandler. Additionally, they are further supported by the presence of the school streets.
Post-secondary towns, urban or rural, tend to offer a great quality of life, culturally diverse communities, strong economies, and a myriad of job options from business using state of the art software like this w2 form maker which helps with finances.
For these reasons, Canada’s college towns are fast-growing. Not only do they attract students from all over, but they’re also appealing to professionals and families alike. And no, we’re not just talking about cosmopolitan cities like Toronto, Ottawa, or Montreal where winters are extreme which is why we recommend this furnace repair contact.
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While those larger cities may be the most popular, Canada has many great cities that offer multiple post-secondary education options—from community colleges to polytechnics to universities. Let’s have a closer look at these cities!
1. Winnipeg, Manitoba
Manitoba’s capital has no shortage of public and private higher learning institutions. These schools include:
- University of Manitoba
- University of Winnipeg
- Université de Saint-Boniface
- Canadian Mennonite University
- Booth University College
- Mid-Ocean School of Media Arts
- Yellowquil University College
- Red River College
If students are looking to take a break from their studies, there’s an abundance of things for them to do. Winnipeg is heavily influenced by Indigenous culture, its presence evidenced through art, music, festivals, and food you can find around the city.
- Continue learning, even on your downtime, at the Manitoba Museum, where you can take in powerful stories from around the globe at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, or admire the world’s largest collection of contemporary Inuit art at Qaumajuq.
- Spend the afternoon at the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden at the Assiniboine Park Conservancy for some bronze sculpted masterpieces surrounded by breathtaking flowers and greenery. It’s a free attraction, perfect for students on a budget.
- Looking to get out of the classroom for a bit? Breathe in some fresh air, watch birds and observe gigantic bison roam the 660 acres of forest at FortWhyte Alive. You can get your adrenaline pumping with some water sports, biking, hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
Students whose culinary skills leave a lot to be desired can visit one of the many food trucks in Winnipeg, with cuisines from all over the globe. Try out Baekho–Taste of Korea, Bigg Smoak BBQ, The Choripan Stop, or something a little more classic like A Little Pizza Heaven. You can also sip to your heart’s desire at the various breweries and distilleries.
2. Regina, Saskatchewan
Preply, a language learning service, ranked the best university towns and cities in Canada based on 18 key indicators, and Regina, Saskatchewan came out on top. The second-largest city in Saskatchewan, Regina is home to numerous post-secondary institutions for a myriad of career paths, including:
- University of Regina
- First Nations University of Canada
- Campion College
- Luther College
- Saskatchewan Polytechnic
- Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies and Applied Research
- Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies
- La Cité universitaire francophone
- Collège Mathieu
Students attending any of these schools can spend their downtime doing anything from relaxing in a park to donning a watermelon hat at the Saskatchewan Roughriders games—it sounds weird, but it would be weirder if you showed up not wearing one.
- Tired of studying indoors? Wascana Centre Park is located in the heart of Regina, with plenty of park space for you to set up shop and read in the sunshine. Bring a picnic and make a whole day of it, or take a break and enjoy one of the many attractions available to explore.
- Ditch the dining hall for something a little more exciting. Restaurants like Fuddruckers, ZamZam Wraps, Quan Ngon, and Prairie Donair are popular places for quick eats—and more importantly, inexpensive bills
- The Regina Farmers’ Market operates year-round, a perfect place to explore with friends on the weekend and get some Insta-worthy photos to show your followers. You can also enjoy free entertainment with one of the many buskers at the market.
- Rainbow Cinema Golden Mile is where you can go for cheap movies every day of the week. It’s only $7.50 per student, except on Rainbow Tuesdays when it’s just $2 per person!
3. Waterloo, Ontario
Waterloo is home to two internationally-recognized universities, University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, and the former is home to the world’s largest co-operative program. It’s also home to many other post-secondary institutions, many of which focus on science and technology. These include:
- Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
- Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics
- Institute for Quantum Computing
- Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology
- Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy
- Waterloo Centre for Automotive Research
- Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology
- Centre for Cold Regions & Water Science
- Centre for International Governance Innovation
Waterloo is located about 100 kilometres from Toronto, so it’s not too difficult to take a weekend trip to the big city with a few friends. That’s not to say you need to leave Waterloo to have fun, though! As a city characterized by its post-secondary and young professional population, you’ll find ample daytime activities and a booming nightlife.
- New in town and feeling like a fish out of water? Take a walking guided tour of the city to learn about its history and find out details only locals know.
- RIM Park is ideal for those who like to stay active no matter the season. Enjoy indoor and outdoor activities, such as hiking, skating, soccer, and more. According to a study conducted by University College London in the United Kingdom, exercise increases blood flow to your brain and also increases proteins that can help boost your memory—so really, going for a bike ride is in your best interest as a student!
- Food enthusiasts will also enjoy Abe Erb Brewing Company’s in-house beer selection and pub-style menu. Proof Kitchen + Lounge, Red House and Taco Farm cook up local ingredients in ways that excite your taste buds.
- Break up the monotony of winter exam season by taking in one of the region’s many winter festivals, like the Christkindl Market, Winterloo Festival, or the Gift of Lights. Especially if you’re not able to make it home for the holidays, these will help warm your heart with cheer.
4. Victoria, British Columbia
Along the southern shores of Vancouver Island is one of British Columbia’s prettiest cities, Victoria. The charming coastal city is also home to multiple post-secondary institutions including:
- University of Victoria
- Royal Roads University
- Excel Career College
- Camosun College
- Pacific Rim College
- Sprott Shaw College
- Oshio College of Acupuncture and Herbology
- Insignia College of Health and Business
- CDI College of Business, Technology and Health Care
Though the mountains may make Victoria feel large, the mild-weather city still offers residents a small-town feel. It’s also considered one of Canada’s greenest cities, so if you’re someone who’s cautious about your footprint, Victoria could be the place for you.
- Victoria isn’t just green, it also consistently ranks high on national and international lists for being one of the world’s friendliest, most inclusive, and most romantic cities. Newcomers will feel welcome in this city of approximately 92,000 people.
- No car? No problem. Victoria is extremely bike-friendly with hundreds of kilometres of trails for leisure or competitive cycling. The downtown core also has dedicated bike lanes, bike-specific traffic signals, and bike-only paths. Save your gas money for textbooks! And, if two wheels are still two too many for you, check out a neighbourhood like Fernwood, which has a high walkability score.
- Unlike much of the Pacific Northwest, Victoria has temperate weather that makes it easy to be out and about any time of year to take in the ocean breeze, shop, eat, and enjoy some entertainment. It also means you won’t be slugging textbooks to and from class in the blazing heat or through two metres of snow.
- Who can forget food? Places like Tacofino, Wannawafel, Fujiya Foods, Ayo Eat, and Red Barn Market are inexpensive—but still quality—options when you’re looking to grab a bite between classes or with friends.
5. Calgary, Alberta
It’s no wonder Calgary, Alberta so often gets recognised as one of the best cities for young people to live. The educational hub is home to many post-secondary schools, including:
- University of Calgary
- Mount Royal University
- SAIT Polytechnic
- Bow Valley College
- Alberta College of Art and Design
- St. Mary’s University
Located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Calgary boasts some of the country’s largest national parks, cleanest neighbourhoods, and best culinary delights. Here’s more:
- North America’s first urban light rail system was started by Calgary Transit. The trains are powered completely by wind-generated electricity. Students can travel around the city quickly, and at a reduced rate thanks to Calgary Transit’s UPass.
- Sports fans can be part of a game at the historic Scotiabank Saddledome. Shaped like a horse’s saddle, the venue hosted the 1988 Games and is now home to the Calgary Flames National Hockey League team and Roughnecks National Lacrosse League team.
- Visit Calgary has you covered when it comes to free activities around the city. The site has rounded up the top attractions and public spaces that won’t cost you a penny to enjoy. Check out Central Library, take a self-guided cycling tour with Wild Rose Adventures, visit the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, and so much more.
- Feeling hungry? You can stop by the Calgary Farmers’ Market or any of the top-notch casual and fine dining spots across the city. For a special drinks experience, try getting into the 1920s-style speakeasy at Betty Lou’s Library.
This list is certainly not exhaustive when it comes to Canadian cities with multiple post-secondary institutions. Many locations across the country are loaded with educational opportunities to choose from, not to mention entertainment and lifestyle activities to keep even the most adventurous students engaged.
*Always refer to the latest health and public safety guidelines when visiting attractions. This article is meant to provide inspiration for future trips.