Universities in this category have a significant amount of research activity and a wide range of programs at the undergraduate and graduate level, including professional degrees.

Maclean's rankings are based on the school's reputation, student satisfaction, and 11 other performance indicators. Check out Maclean's University Rankings 2022 Methodology to learn more.

The rankings for 2022 are as follows:

1.* Simon Fraser University

The Simon Fraser University is Canada's leading comprehensive university. It is also the first and only Canadian member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the world's largest college sports association. With over 37,000 students and three vibrant campuses, the university challenges conventions, celebrates new ideas, and embraces diversity.

1.* University of Victoria

The University of Victoria is located in Victoria, British Columbia. It is one of Canada's leading research-intensive universities with 22,000 students. The University of Victoria combines three elements: dynamic learning, vital impact, and their extraordinary academic environment. Together, these three elements nurture an environment of discovery, innovation, and creativity.

3. University of Waterloo

With more than 42,000+ students attending annually, the University of Waterloo is #1 in Canada for experiential learning and employer-student connections. UW creates a culture of curiosity, exploration, risk-taking, entrepreneurship, global stewardship, and leadership. There are six faculties students can choose to study in: Health, Arts, Engineering, Environment, Mathematics, and Science.

4. University of Guelph

The University of Guelph offers more than 80 undergrad programs, more than 100 graduate and post-doctoral study programs, co-op education in a wide variety of disciplines, support for international students, continuing education for lifelong learners, diploma programs and access to a unique form of higher education at the University of Guelph-Humber. With over 29,000 students, UofG has a welcoming community and flexible learning options.

Don't see the school you're interested in? Don't worry — reputation isn't everything. Remember to consider program offerings, campus feel, extracurricular activities, and other factors that make each campus unique!