Good news: Canadians are feeling a little happier than they were a year ago. Our 2026 Happiness Index puts the national average at 70.5 out of 100, up from 68.7 in 2025.
This year’s study also expands to the United States, offering a new point of comparison for happiness and well-being across North America.
Key Highlights
- Canada’s Happiness Index rose to 70.5, up 1.8 points from 2025.
- Quebec remains the happiest province at 74.5, followed by Newfoundland and Labrador (71.0) and New Brunswick (70.3).
- Most provinces improved year over year. Manitoba gained 2.6 points, Ontario 2.4 points and Quebec 2.1 points.
- Montreal ranks first among Canada’s 10 largest cities, with a Happiness Index of 72.7, followed by Brampton at 71.7 and Toronto at 69.4.
- The U.S. Happiness Index stands at 70.0, nearly identical to Canada’s national score. The U.S. portion of the study is new in 2026.
Happiness Improves Across Most of Canada
The national picture is more positive than it was in 2025. Along with the increase in the overall index, fewer Canadians say their happiness deteriorated over the past year: 23% in 2026 compared with 28% in 2025. Just over half (52%) say their happiness remained stable, while 25% report an improvement.
The gains are also visible across much of the country. Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec recorded some of the largest increases, while Nova Scotia was the only province to post a slight decline. Quebec remains well ahead of the national average, continuing the pattern seen in last year’s study.
Among Canada’s largest cities, Montreal moves into first place at 72.7, up 3.3 points from 2025. Brampton records the biggest year-over-year gain among the 10 largest cities, rising five points to 71.7, while Toronto climbs 3.6 points to 69.4.
Canada and the U.S. Are Close on Happiness, but Not Identical
This year, the Happiness Index also extends to the United States, a new addition to the 2026 edition. Americans report an average happiness score of 70.0, just below Canada’s 70.5.
The U.S. results show somewhat more movement in both directions. 29% of Americans say their happiness improved over the past 12 months, compared with 25% of Canadians, while 26% say it deteriorated, compared with 23% in Canada. Americans also report a slightly higher optimism score, at 70.5 compared with 67.7 among Canadians.
Despite these differences, the foundations of happiness look remarkably similar on both sides of the border. Family, personal life and health rank as the leading contributors to happiness, while financial pressures and the cost of living remain important barriers to well-being.
Which provinces, cities and U.S. states rank highest? What contributes most to happiness, and what continues to put it under pressure?
Download the 2026 Happiness Index for the complete rankings and results.
Methodology
This study is based on a web survey conducted among 63,710 Canadians and 6,408 Americans aged 18 and older. Data were collected through LEO, Leger’s proprietary panel, from June 9 to 29, 2026. Results were weighted by gender, age and region to ensure representative samples of the population.
Where possible, 2026 results were compared with the 2025 edition.
Additional questions not used to calculate the rankings were asked in omnibus surveys conducted from June 26 to 28, 2026, among representative samples of 1,528 Canadians and 1,015 Americans.
