Calgary 
Resonance, a global branding, marketing, and place development agency for cities and destinations, has released its 2024 World’s Best Cities Report.
Credit: sebastiaan stam on Unsplash
This annual report evaluates over 270 major global cities with populations exceeding one million, aiming to identify the top 100. The assessment combines objective data and qualitative assessments from locals and visitors across various digital platforms like Tripadvisor, Google, Facebook, and Instagram.
Referred to as the most comprehensive study of its kind, the Best Cities rankings focus on desirability for residents, tourists, and businesses, going beyond traditional livability or tourism appeal metrics.
Resonance’s methodology relies on a blend of core statistics gathered from 400 global cities and user-generated ratings and reviews. The analysis revolves around three crucial elements based on 24 factors: Liveability, emphasizing resilient communities and sustainable infrastructure; Loveability, highlighting a city’s social vibrancy as a magnet for visitors and a driver of economic development; and Prosperity, emphasizing shared and equitable economic growth.
The combination of these factors results in the “Place Power® Score,” which defines a city’s overall appeal.
Canadian cities of Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Vancouver and Ottawa feature in the top 100.
Top 10 World’s Best Cities for 2024:
- London, United Kingdom
- Paris, France
- New York, United States
- Tokyo, Japan
- Singapore
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- San Francisco, United States
- Barcelona, Spain
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Seoul, South Korea
Canadian Cities – World’s 100 Best Cities:
Toronto (2024 Ranking: 23):
According to Resonance, Canada’s largest city, Toronto, is experiencing robust economic growth driven by immigration and global investment. With over 6.7 million people in the metro area, it’s on track to become one of North America’s most populous cities. Toronto is a magnet for skilled immigrants, with half of its population born outside Canada. The city ranks #10 in the University Ranking and #11 in the Global 500 Companies ranking.
The city is undergoing extensive construction, with 238 cranes reshaping its infrastructure, including the reopening of century-old Massey Hall and the Renzo Piano-designed Ontario Court of Justice. Toronto is also adding green spaces like Love Park and has plans for a carbon-neutral theater at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts. 2023 Ranking: 24.
Vancouver (Ranking: 50):
Vancouver, known for its stunning views, mild climate, and multiculturalism, is a highly livable city with 2.46 million residents in the metro area, says Resonance. It ranks well in university education (#19) and has a vibrant culture (#31). The city offers outdoor enthusiasts easy access to skiing, mountain biking, and hiking, all within a half-hour’s transit. However, Vancouver faces challenges due to rising real estate prices and a shortage of hotel rooms, partly due to the conversion of rooms into social housing during the pandemic. 2023 Ranking: 69.
Montreal (Ranking: 60):
Montreal, often described as North America’s most European city, is gaining attention for its entrepreneurial spirit and cultural richness. It’s ranked #20 in culture and #29 in university education as per the rankings. An innovation hub called Ax-C is set to unite entrepreneurs and researchers, similar to Toronto’s MaRS and Paris’s Station F. The city is investing in bike infrastructure, closing streets to cars, and opening new performance spaces like Espace St-Denis. 2023 Ranking: 57.
Ottawa (Ranking: 90):
Ottawa, Canada’s cosmopolitan capital, is known for its highly educated population (#6) and low poverty rate (#38). It’s home to nearly 1.1 million residents in the metro area. Ottawa is emerging as a knowledge-based business hub, with thousands of new jobs in sectors like cleantech and life sciences. It also prioritizes Indigenous reconciliation with initiatives like Mādahòkì Farm. Outdoor projects like the NCC River House and Westboro Beach restoration enhance its appeal. 2023 Ranking: 96.
Calgary (Ranking: 93):
Calgary, Canada’s energy capital, is reinventing itself with a young population and a high GDP per capita (#21). Despite economic challenges tied to oil prices, it’s experiencing a population boom due to housing affordability. Calgary is converting office towers into residential spaces, inspiring urban development. Projects like the Central Library and new hotels contribute to its quality of life, while a focus on education (#31) and entrepreneurialism make it an attractive destination. 2023 Ranking: 65.
