When it comes to moving trends in Canada, the U-Haul Growth Index for 2024 reveals a fascinating narrative: while Alberta continues to lead as the top growth province, Ontario boasts an impressive representation on the list of Canada’s top 25 growth cities.
Alberta secured its position as the leading Canadian growth province for the second consecutive year, thanks to its strong interprovincial migration. Calgary and Edmonton claimed the top two spots on the list, with Calgary earning the distinction of Canada’s No. 1 growth city for the second year in a row.
Low taxes, affordable housing, and ample job opportunities make Alberta an attractive destination for families seeking a fresh start. In 2024, 51.2% of U-Haul’s one-way traffic in Alberta was incoming, while 48.8% was outgoing.
While Alberta thrives, Ontario finds itself on the opposite end of the spectrum, ranking last among provinces due to a net loss of do-it-yourself movers. According to U-Haul Area District Vice President Jake Spelic, however, Ontario’s smaller cities are flourishing.
“Ontario will always be the economic heart of Canada and has so much to offer its residents,” Spelic noted. “The trend seems to be people are looking for more affordable housing in popular recreational areas with less hustle and bustle than the larger cities.”
2024 Top 25 Canadian Growth Cities:
- Calgary, AB
- Edmonton, AB
- Belleville, ON
- Trenton, ON
- Pembroke, ON
- Brantford, ON
- Medicine Hat-Redcliff, AB
- Collingwood, ON
- Parry Sound, ON
- Chatham-Kent, ON
- Innisfil, ON
- St. Thomas, ON
- Barrie, ON
- Woodstock, ON
- Lindsay, ON
- Chilliwack, B.C.
- Owen Sound-Meaford, ON
- Peterborough, ON
- Sydney, N.S.,
- Sidney, B.C.
- Sarnia, ON
- Trail, B.C.
- Kelowna, B.C.
- Orillia, ON
- Nanaimo, B.C.
Belleville emerged as Ontario’s top growth city in 2024, climbing from 20th place in 2023 to claim the third spot nationally. Similarly, Trenton made a significant leap, rising from 14th place in 2023 to fourth place in 2024. These rankings highlight a growing interest in smaller, four-season recreational areas within the province.
Despite a challenging provincial ranking, Ontario cities secured 16 of the 25 spots on the growth cities list, demonstrating a strong appeal for movers seeking vibrant yet affordable communities. Belleville and Trenton’s rapid ascents underscore the demand for smaller cities that offer a balance of amenities and a slower pace of life compared to Ontario’s larger urban centers.
Nationwide, U-Haul’s Growth Index is compiled using data from over 2.5 million one-way truck, trailer, and U-Box® moving container transactions across Canada and the U.S. The results reflect the shifting preferences of movers and provide valuable insights into Canada’s evolving migration patterns.
While Alberta leads the pack and British Columbia remains a strong contender, Ontario’s smaller cities stand out as destinations of choice for those looking to escape the hustle of larger urban areas.
As 2024’s moving trends suggest, Canadians continue to seek affordability, opportunity, and quality of life—values that smaller Ontario cities are increasingly delivering.
