Have you ever wondered which province holds the title of Canada’s happiest in 2025? The latest Leger Happiness Index has the answer. When deciding where to live, most of us focus on factors like cost of living, job opportunities, and real estate prices. But what about overall happiness? According to Leger’s 2025 Index report, Quebec is the happiest province in Canada —a detail that might just reshape how you think about your next move.
Understanding the Leger Happiness Index
The Leger Happiness Index™ (LHI) is an annual national survey that measures how happy Canadians feel on a scale from 1 to 10, converted to a standardized score out of 100. In 2025, Leger surveyed 39,841 Canadians aged 18 and older across every province between March 31 and April 13. Participants were part of Leger’s LEO web panel. While the sample isn’t random, it was weighted to represent the Canadian population by age, gender, and location.
The national average score this year? 68.7—a stable reading that mirrors past findings from StatsCan and the World Happiness Report.
What Is the Happiest Province in Canada?
Quebec ranks as the happiest province in Canada in 2025, with a leading score of 72.4 out of 100, topping the national average of 68.7 by a solid margin. The province is setting the tone for what a balanced, joyful life can look like across different stages of life.
Here’s how Quebec stacks up:
- 54% of residents rate themselves as “happy” (scoring 7–8 on the index).
- 20% describe themselves as “very happy” (a 9–10 rating).
- Only 26% said their happiness had declined over the past year—lower than the national average of 28%.
These numbers suggest higher baseline happiness as well as greater emotional resilience, despite the broader economic, political, and climate pressures Canadians are facing.
Quebec Tops the List: What Makes It So Happy?
Quebec’s strong showing in the happiness rankings isn’t a fluke. Its success is rooted in a powerful combination of social supports and affordability that directly impacts quality of life in Canada.
1. Affordable Cost of Living
Housing prices in Quebec are significantly lower than in BC or Ontario, with the provincial average sitting at $529,300 as of June 2025—well below Ontario’s $804,700 and BC’s $959,300, and even under the national average of $691,643. This is especially true in cities like:
- Sherbrooke
- Trois-Rivières
- Quebec City
- Lévis
- Baie-Comeau
- Saguenay
These areas offer access to nature, strong public services, and vibrant communities at a fraction of the cost of Toronto or Vancouver.
2. Strong Social Infrastructure
Quebec stands out for its robust public programs, which help reduce financial strain and improve daily life quality:
- Subsidized daycare: Introduced at $5/day in 1997, now $9.35/day — the most affordable childcare in Canada.
- Low-cost tuition: Among the lowest university tuition rates in Canada for Quebec residents.
- Public healthcare: Accessible and affordable.
3. Work-Life Balance
Culturally, Quebec places high value on time away from work, whether that’s for vacation, family dinners, or weekend festivals. That lifestyle focus shows up in the happiness data.
4. Cultural Identity and Belonging
Quebec’s French-speaking majority and rich heritage foster a unique and cohesive identity. Experts widely recognize this sense of belonging as a key driver of happiness and emotional well-being.
Happiness by Province: Who is Up, Who is Down?
Even though Canada’s happiness scores cluster closely, there are regional differences:
Ontario’s lower ranking is notable, especially as it hosts five of Canada’s ten largest cities. This suggests that economic opportunity doesn’t always translate to emotional well-being. Meanwhile, smaller provinces like PEI and Manitoba, though ranked lower, aren’t dramatically off the national average.
A Look at Canada’s Happiest Cities in 2025
Happiness depends on where you live within each province. Among Canada’s ten largest cities, only two outperformed the national average of 68.7:
- Mississauga (70.3)
- Montreal (69.4)
Both cities outscore major hubs like Toronto and Vancouver.
What Makes Mississauga and Montreal Shine?
Mississauga may benefit from its suburban appeal—offering green spaces, relative affordability, and proximity to Toronto’s job market. Montreal, meanwhile, enhances Quebec’s strong showing with its cultural mix and housing options that remain competitive for a big city.
How Age, Gender, and Life Stage Affect Happiness in Canada
Age Trends
- 55+: Highest happiness scores (72.5), likely due to retirement, less financial pressure, and stable routines.
- 18–34: Lower scores (65.8–66.3), but also the most upward momentum—more likely to report improved happiness in the past year.
- 35–54: The most likely to feel stagnant or declining happiness.
Gender Trends
- Women (69.4) outscore men (68.0), and are more likely to report emotional gains year-over-year.
What This Means for Housing
- Young buyers need affordability and energy, along with walkable and social neighbourhoods.
- Mid-life families look for balance: access to jobs, good schools, and green space.
- Retirees often seek smaller homes in peaceful, affordable communities with strong healthcare and amenities.
Should You Move Somewhere Happier?
Whether you’re planning a cross-country relocation or just dreaming of a change, happiness is a worthy factor to consider. And with cities like Montreal and Mississauga topping the happiness charts, there are options for every taste, whether that be urban, suburban, or small-town. Where you live plays a huge role in how you live.
*Average home prices were sourced from CREA National Statistics reports.
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