Calgary 
U-Haul has revealed the most popular Canadian cities and provinces for DIY movers after analyzing migration patterns from 2024.
Credit: U-Haul
U-Haul rated Canadian destinations by the net gain of one-way U-Haul trucks, trailers, and U-Box moving containers arriving in a city versus departing from that city in a calendar year.
Most Popular Provinces 2024:
Alberta has been named the leading province in Canada for attracting new residents for the second consecutive year, according to U-Haul’s 2024 Growth Index, which tracks one-way customer transactions.
In Alberta, 51.2% of U-Haul traffic was incoming in 2024, while 48.8% was outgoing. Alberta’s job opportunities, low taxes, and affordable housing were highlighted as key factors attracting families, according to U-Haul Area District Vice President Naga Chennamsetty. Interprovincial migration was cited as the main driver behind Alberta’s growth.
British Columbia ranked second among provinces, maintaining its 2023 position, and was noted for its scenic appeal and relaxed lifestyle. In contrast, Ontario remained in last place, with 50.7% of its U-Haul traffic leaving the province.
Newfoundland and Labrador saw a significant rise to third, and New Brunswick, the favourite destination in 2022, dropped to fourth place.
U-Haul Canadian Growth Provinces:
| 1. | Alberta (1) |
| 2. | British Columbia (2) |
| 3. | Newfoundland & Labrador (7) |
| 4. | New Brunswick (3) |
| 5. | Saskatchewan (4) |
| 6. | Prince Edward Island (6) |
| 7. | Quebec (5) |
| 8. | Manitoba (8) |
| 9. | Nova Scotia (9) |
| 10. | Ontario (10) |
2023 growth rankings in parentheses
Most Popular Cities 2024:
Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta’s largest cities, secured the top two spots among Canadian cities, with Calgary retaining its title as the top growth city from 2023.
Medicine Hat-Redcliff, Alberta, joined Calgary and Edmonton in representing Alberta among the top 10 growth cities.
Despite Ontario losing the most people, the province had 16 of the top 25 growth cities, primarily smaller communities offering more affordable housing and recreational opportunities, according to Jake Spelic, another U-Haul vice president.
Belleville, Ontario, climbed significantly to third, followed by Trenton and Pembroke, Ontario. Other Ontario cities included Brantford (6th), Collingwood (8th), and Parry Sound (9th). Smaller cities and recreational areas, such as Woodstock (14th) and Barrie (13th), reflect a trend toward affordability and quieter lifestyles.
British Columbia featured five cities, led by Chilliwack (16th) and Kelowna (23rd). Sidney and Nanaimo also made the list.
Sydney, Nova Scotia, represented the Atlantic provinces, ranking 19th.
2024 Top 25 U-Haul Canadian Growth Cities
| 1. | Calgary, AB (1) |
| 2. | Edmonton, AB (3) |
| 3. | Belleville, ON (20) |
| 4. | Trenton, ON (14) |
| 5. | Pembroke, ON |
| 6. | Brantford, ON (10) |
| 7. | Medicine Hat-Redcliff, AB |
| 8. | Collingwood, ON (11) |
| 9. | Parry Sound, ON |
| 10. | Chatham-Kent, ON (7) |
| 11. | Innisfil, ON |
| 12. | St. Thomas, ON |
| 13. | Barrie, ON |
| 14. | Woodstock, ON |
| 15. | Lindsay, ON |
| 16. | Chilliwack, BC (23) |
| 17. | Owen Sound-Meaford, ON |
| 18. | Peterborough, ON |
| 19. | Sydney, NS |
| 20. | Sidney, BC |
| 21. | Sarnia, ON (21) |
| 22. | Trail, BC |
| 23. | Kelowna, BC (4) |
| 24. | Orillia, ON (12) |
| 25. | Nanaimo, BC (17) |
2023 growth rankings in parentheses
The company says migration trends data is compiled from more than 2.5 million one-way truck-sharing transactions annually in Canada and the U.S.
It is important to remember that the 2024 Growth Index highlights migration trends but does not directly correlate with population or economic growth. U-Haul’s data underscores shifts in preferences for affordable living and lifestyle opportunities across Canadian provinces and cities.
