Ranked by proximity to major outdoor recreation areas (35%), variety of activities available year-round (30%), trail and cycling infrastructure within the city (20%), and proximity to national or provincial parks (15%).
The undisputed outdoor capital of Canada. Ski Whistler in the morning, kayak Indian Arm in the afternoon, bike the seawall at sunset. World-class hiking 30 minutes from downtown. The lifestyle is the reason people pay Vancouver prices.
The perfect base camp for Rocky Mountain adventure. Banff (90 min), Kananaskis (45 min), and Lake Louise are all within easy reach. Calgary itself has extensive river pathway cycling. Best access to skiing in Canada.
The cycling capital of Canada. Victoria's mild climate allows year-round outdoor activity — cycling, hiking, whale watching, kayaking, and tide pooling. The Galloping Goose trail is world-famous among cyclists.
Okanagan Lake for swimming, paddleboarding, and boating. World-class mountain biking at Big White and SilverStar. Wine tours by bike. Surrounded by desert-like terrain unlike anywhere else in Canada.
Atlantic Canada's outdoor hub. Kayaking the Atlantic coastline, hiking Cape Breton Highlands (3 hrs), whale watching off Digby, and world-class surfing at Lawrencetown Beach.
Four-season outdoor city — Rideau Canal skating in winter (world's largest rink), cycling the Capital Pathway in spring/summer, hiking Gatineau Park year-round. More outdoor infrastructure per capita than any Ontario city.
Gateway to the Niagara Escarpment — a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Kelso Conservation Area, Crawford Lake, Mount Nemo, and Bruce Trail all within 15 minutes. Rare for a GTA city to have this level of nature access.