If you’re considering a new bank or wondering whether your current one measures up, a new ranking of Canada’s best banks for 2025 offers some unexpected insights that could influence your decision.
Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to survey customers worldwide for their 2025 World’s Best Banks list. While several of Canada’s “Big Five” banks performed well, others failed to make the list entirely, and the top position was claimed by an unlikely contender.
Whether you bank with RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC, or a smaller institution, this ranking may challenge your assumptions about which banks excel in trust, service, and digital offerings.The survey gathered responses from over 50,000 people across 34 countries between October and December 2024.
Canadians evaluated financial institutions they currently use or recently used, scoring them on trustworthiness, fairness of terms and conditions, customer service, digital functionality, and the quality of financial advice. Trustworthiness stood out as the most critical factor, particularly in today’s uncertain economy.
The top bank? Not one of the traditional powerhouses. Tangerine, an online-only bank owned by Scotiabank, earned first place, reflecting a growing preference among Canadians for digital-first banking solutions that prioritize convenience and innovation. Simplii Financial, CIBC’s online bank, secured second place, meaning two digital banks surpassed RBC, Canada’s largest bank, in overall customer satisfaction.
Of the 11 Canadian banks included in Forbes’ global ranking, only three of the Big Five — RBC, TD, and Scotiabank — appeared. BMO and CIBC were notably absent.
Here’s the full rundown of Canada’s best banks for 2025, per Forbes:
Tangerine
Simplii Financial
RBC
PC Financial
Vancity
EQ Bank
TD
Scotiabank
National Bank
Desjardins
ATB Financial
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AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog’s Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our Editorial Standards page.
Montrealers will soon have a brand-new reason to hit the Old Port — and this time, it’s for mini putt with a view.
Launching April 24, Mini Putt Montréal is a new outdoor course set up on the Quai des Convoyeurs, offering panoramic views of Old Montreal, the downtown skyline, and the St. Lawrence River. The project was created by local entrepreneur Samuel Cadotte-Holler, who’s been involved in several other initiatives in the Old Port.
According to a press release shared with MTL Blog, there are two 9-hole courses to choose from: one that’s easy-going and family-friendly, and a second that’s a little more challenging, but still open to players of all ages. The site is fully outdoors and just steps from some of the city’s biggest waterfront attractions.
Organizers describe it as an “inclusive and accessible activity” meant for just about everyone, whether you’re a family with kids, a group of friends, or even a company planning a team-building afternoon.
The course is set along the water at the Quai des Convoyeurs, offering open-air play with a backdrop that includes views of Old Montreal and the downtown skyline.
Mini Putt Montréal will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., rain or shine. Tickets and additional info are available on their official site and social media channels.
And if you’re up for something a little more adventurous, thrill-seekers can also take the plunge this spring when Canada’s tallest urban bungee jump also arrives at the Convoyeurs Tower. Running from March through December, the jump will be available daily, with both daytime and evening sessions made possible by a custom lighting setup. Tickets cost $179 per jump, and it’s open to anyone aged 14 and over.
Mini Putt Montréal
Address: Quai des Convoyeurs, Old Port Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Opening date: April 24
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AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog’s Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our Editorial Standards page.
When moving to a new home, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the change and forget to take care of essential tasks. Amidst the hustle of packing, organizing, and settling into your new space, one essential task you shouldn’t overlook is notifying the relevant people and organizations about your change of […]
Like any major city, Montreal has two sides — one the tourists see and one they don’t.
For folks passing through, essential stops throughout the city often include a handful of bucket list items such as climbing Mount Royal, having a world-famous Montreal bagel, and attending a Canadiens game.
However, not everything catered to visitors is worth their while.
Visitors often get excited when they hear about Montreal having a grand underground city. In reality, it’s more of a shopping mall connected through a series of tunnels and Metro stations.
“Tourists think it’s a historic archaeological underground urban wonder, like Troy. Boy, are they disappointed to see only an extended shopping mall,” one Facebook user remarked.
Unless you’re looking to escape a snowstorm, this might not be the hidden wonder that you’re expecting.
Montreal is notorious for having an excellent food scene. Unfortunately, most of its finest establishments are outside the city’s central tourist hub.
“I used to live in the Old Port,” one Facebook user said. “A lot of the restaurants are, how should I say this, not catering to return customers.”
Others took the opportunity to vent about the current state of the area. “It has been converted into a shanty town of T-shirts and souvenir shot glass vendors… Used to be a classy neighbourhood,” another Montrealer chimed in.
Most Montrealers have been to La Ronde at least once. While some love it, plenty of folks were quick to call Quebec’s largest amusement park a total tourist trap.
“There was a time when La Ronde was a great theme park. But no longer,” one local noted.
If you’re used to bigger theme parks like Canada’s Wonderland or Six Flags, you might find some of La Ronde’s attractions underwhelming to say the least.
It may be hard to believe, but this beloved Montreal institution topped the list of Montreal’s biggest tourist hotspots, according to our readers.
Many claimed the 98-year-old smoked meat shop’s famous sandwich wasn’t worth the hype or the long lines.
“Schwartz’s Deli. Mediocre smoked meat at tourist prices,” one straight-talking user commented.
Others hesitated to call it a tourist trap, torn between the steep price and the undeniable taste.
“I hate to say it, but Schwartz’s Deli,” another added.
While the deli is not cheap and can be a bit crowded, it’s hard to call it a “trap” once you’ve taken a bite of their iconic sandwich. Nevertheless, the people have spoken!
What’s more, it seems like some of these responses reflect wider trends when it comes to Montreal’s overrated destinations.
Last year, Preply analyzed Tripadvisor reviews from over 130 tourist attractions across the country. Montreal’s La Ronde was crowned Canada’s second-worst attraction (behind Marineland in Niagara Falls), with 51.86% ” of reviewers describing it as “disappointing.”
Two more Montreal spots ranked on the list: the Olympic Park (30.80% of people were disappointed) and the Biodome (21.86%). Zoom out to the top 20, and Montreal makes the list again (yikes), with Rue Sainte-Catherine placing 16th.
Meanwhile, some of our readers took the question a little too literally, either calling the entire city a tourist trap or pointing to people getting “trapped” in the city’s infamous array of potholes.
“Probably the potholes, tourists get in one and just can’t get back out,” one user commented
Looking for more local insights? In a video we filmed a few months back, Montrealers shared their thoughts on other popular spots often labelled as tourist traps, such as the Orange Julep, La Banquise, and the Montreal Science Centre.
Taking all these responses into account, it’s become clear that tourist traps are often just a matter of perspective.
What you may deem a rip-off, others might see as an unmissable experience — and hey, at least these hotspots help keep the crowds away from Montreal’s real hidden gems.
Housing affordability remains a pressing issue for Canadians nationwide, with rent-to-income ratios highlighting the challenges renters face in regions ranging from major metropolitan centers to smaller urban areas. As rental costs rise and incomes fail to keep pace, the ability to save for emergencies or long-term financial goals is increasingly out of reach for many. […]
Across Canada, old churches are getting a new lease on life as extraordinary homes filled with beauty, character, and charm. These converted churches offer everything from stunning architectural details like arched windows and vaulted ceilings to spacious open floor plans perfect for modern living. Here’s a look at some of the most awe-inspiring church conversions […]
