Vancouver named happiest city in North America in new global ranking
Turn that frown upside down, Vancouver. We are officially one of the happiest cities in the world, according to a new global ranking.
Vancouver is the only Canadian destination to be awarded gold in the Institute for Quality of Life’s 2025 Happy City Index. It is also the highest-ranked city in North America.
According to the institute’s methodology, happiness is calculated based on six themes: citizens, environment, governance, health, economy, and mobility.
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“A sense of security, family relationships, and the fulfilment of dreams are only a small part of a much larger picture,” said the Institute for Quality of Life online. “Cities also play a role in ensuring the happiness of their residents.”
“This involves investments aimed at fostering interpersonal relationships and implementing social policies, including inclusive ones.”
Vancouver landed in 11th place overall with a total happiness score of 919 points. The institute highlighted that education and innovation are central to the city’s success and that health and well-being are key to a high quality of life in the region.
This comes shortly after the University of British Columbia placed high in a recent ranking of the world’s best schools in major subject areas.
And those looking to relax and get away from it all can find one of the quietest places on earth near Vancouver.
New York is the second-highest North American destination in the Happy City Index, landing at number 17.
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Halifax was the second-highest scoring Canadian city on the index, being awarded a bronze at 148th place. Toronto at 160, Ottawa at 178, and Quebec City at 193 also cracked the top 200.
The Institute for Quality of Life comprises 200 volunteer researchers from around the world who have built one of the largest databases on the functioning of modern cities.
“We have no doubt that the Index will continue to evolve, providing an increasingly accurate measure of the sense of happiness among residents in the selected cities,” added the institute.
Are you happy living in Vancouver? Let us know in the comments or send us an email at vancouver@dailyhive.com with your thoughts, and we may contact you for a follow-up story.