Vancouver Named Happiest City in North America in New Global Ranking

When it comes to the pursuit of happiness, it turns out the answer may lie on Canada’s West Coast.

Vancouver — a city known for its ocean views, mountain air, and laid-back West Coast charm — has just earned a title that many cities chase but few attain: The Happiest City in North America.

According to the 2024 Happy City Index, Vancouver ranked higher than any U.S. or Canadian city in a comprehensive review of over200 global destinations. And if you're planning a future in Canada, this news isn't just feel-good — it's strategically significant.

Let’s explore why.

The Global Rankings

The Happy City Index evaluates over 200 cities across five key areas:

  • Civic Engagemnet
  • Environmental Quality
  • Economic Security
  • Urban Livability
  • Mental and Physical Well-being

Vancouver scored particularly high in urban livability and environmental quality, thanks to its clean air, access to nature, inclusive policies, and progressive urban planning.

Stanley Park

Discover BC’s Hidden Side

Before we go any further — take a look at this short film on the beauty and hidden wonders of British Columbia, the province where Vancouver is located. From untouched landscapes to quiet lakes and coastal forests, it’s easy to see why life here feels so rich and rewarding:

Wonders of British Columbia | The Secret Side of British Columbia No One Talks About!

You’ll see why BC is more than just a postcard — it’s a lifestyle.

The Secret Sauce: Nature, Culture, and Opportunity

In a world where megacities often come with trade-offs — congestion, pollution, isolation — Vancouver seems to have found a formula that actually works.

It blends:

  • Breathtaking natural landscapes (yes, that’s a real snow-capped mountain behind that sushi restaurant),
  • A robust economy rooted in innovation and inclusivity, and
  • A culture that values balance, well-being, and diversity.

It’s a place where tech startups grow beside towering pines, and where you’re as likely to meet a venture capitalist as you are a yoga instructor or marine biologist at the local café.

The city’s urban planning and access to public spaces also played a major role in its ranking. With over 230 parks, bike lanes that actually go somewhere, and seawall trails stretching for miles — it’s a place that encourages both movement and mental health.

Want even more reasons to love Vancouver? Check out our companion article:

👉 Why We Love Vancouver – The City That Has It Al

Capilano Suspension Bridge – source Capilano Suspension Bridge Park website

Education Excellence, Too?

Vancouver is also home to some of Canada’s top universities, many of which made global headlines in the 2025 QS Rankings. If you’re planning to study in Canada, this is a great place to start.

Explore which Canadian universities shone the brightest this year — and what it means for international students: Canadian Universities Shine in 2025

What This Means If You’re Considering Immigration to Canada

Let’s get real for a second. Most people who consider immigrating to Canada want more than just a visa. They want safety. Stability. A chance for their kids to grow up in a place where they can breathe clean air and dream big.

Here's why it matters:

  • For entrepreneurs: Vancouver is a launchpad for global innovation, with incubators, angel investors, and business-friendly policies.
  • For professionals and families: The city consistently ranks high for healthcare, education, and public safety.
  • For students: Access to world-class universities and post-graduation work opportunities make Vancouver a top academic destination.

Why Do People Choose Canada for Living?

It's not just because of the view (although let’s be honest— waking up to the Pacific Ocean doesn’t hurt).

It’s because in Vancouver:

✅ Work-life balance is more than a buzzword.
✅Newcomers are welcomed, not sidelined.
✅Nature is part of daily life, not a weekend getaway.
✅You can grow a business and a life you’re proud of.

And now, with its newest accolade as North America’s happiest city, it’s also a place that’s proven to deliver on its promise.

Your Canadian Dream Starts Here

Whether you’re in the UAE, India, China, Pakistan — or right here already dreaming of a new start — Vancouver might just be your perfect next chapter.

At Anyvisa Immigration, we help individuals, founders, and families chart a real, personalized path to Canada. And Vancouver is often at the top of that map.

And if you're still wondering how to make that move a reality in 2025...

Don’t miss our new YouTube breakdown