Living In Canada Expat Guide – that will be the topic of this article.
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Introduction
Living in Canada has to be one of the friendliest places on earth. Not only because of its culture, weather, and recreational facilities, but it’s one of the safest places to live. In fact, as of 2020, Canada was ranked 9th by the HSBC Expat Explorer Survey as one of the best countries to relocate to.
While most countries have shut their services during the coronavirus pandemic, Canada has quickly delivered its services beyond expectations.
They are the best when it comes to culture and etiquette, entertainment, public transportation, and more. Also, Canada encouraged skillful people to move to the country as it helps to boost their economy.
So, do you need to move abroad? Or you’ve been wondering why Canada is so popular in recent years?
Well, as expats, we understand what you’re searching for and why you’re here. If you’re ready to take your next steps to become a Canadian, this section is for you. How’d you feel when you live in Canada?
In no doubt, this is the section where we will walk you through some important things about Canada. So, if you’re looking to emigrate from your current location to Canada, read on and digests more of the reasons why people choose to move to this captivating, incredible, and forward-thinking country.
Incredible Facts about Living in Canada
By increasing your chances of achieving success, Canada offers a tremendous benefit to its citizens. Besides, it’s a beautiful place known for people with a multicultural background and their languages. From world-class cities, healthcare options, lakes, cold, maple syrup, and more, the benefits of living in Canada cannot be overemphasized. Without further ado, below are the pros and cons.
Excellent Healthcare Facilities
This is one of the factors that made Canada be among the best countries in the world. The government provides a publicly funded healthcare system to all its citizens. Besides that, they have an educational healthcare program that teaches seniors how to avoid health-related risks and other injuries.
Low Crime Rate
Unlike other countries like Venezuela, Brazil, Guyana, and others with high crime rates, Canada is quite different as it has a low crime rate. Just like in 2017, where the total population was amounting to over 36 million, there were just 660 murders. So, living in Canada means you’re living with peace of mind.
Beautiful Stunning Places
Words can’t really do justice to this place until you see it yourself. This is because; there are great swathes of land with tons of recreational centers. From forests, lakes, and mountains to urban life, the landscape is varied and gorgeous. It’s massive, and there are lots of fun things that make Canada suitable.
While there are many things to explore in Canada, always know that no country is perfect. They have natural attractions, including Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in British Columbia, Lake Louise at Banff National Park, Red Sands at Prince Edward Island, Cathedral Grove on Vancouver Island, and many more.
World-Class Cities
Urban life in Canada is another incredible fact to put into consideration. In the Economist’s 2017 ranking of the world livable cities, three Canadian cities made it to the top ten in the world. Some of these cities are Vancouver, which is the third; Toronto, which is the fourth; and Calgary that made it to the fifth in all.
These urban cities were considered and ranked among others regarding their healthcare facilities, environment, education, infrastructural facilities, and the city’s stability. So, urban life in Canada is the bee’s knees as there are world-class cities among others in the world.
Educational Facilities
The educational facilities in Canada are top-notch. Not only that, but they are fantastic, and when it comes to teaching children, Canadians aren’t a mess. Moreover, in the OECD’s 2017 ranking of countries adult education level globally, Canada came first with an overall percentage of 25-26 years olds having a degree certificate. Funny enough, if you end up in a pub quit with a Canadian, it would be better to get up before the whole process becomes too embarrassing.
Great Employment Opportunity
Under the Federal Skilled Workers program, Canada is among the country with low-skilled labor compare to its companies. That’s why you’ll see a lot of emigrants wanting to relocate to Canada. Also, there are currently over 350 occupations that can guarantee fast entry to the country. Some of them include; construction, medical, management, engineering, and many more, to mention a few.
Cultural Diversification and Languages
This is why many people ask themselves, ‘why live in Canada?’ Thousands of people want to live in a place where they have different cultural backgrounds and explore the citizen’s lifestyles. So, for British expats, Canada is a home of cultural diversification. Besides, they have two official languages, which are French and English Language respectively. Meanwhile, there are laws enforced to speak each language.
Freezing Weather
There’s no place for words like freezing or ‘chilly and nippy’ in Canada. Apart from having a lovely landscape and sound environment, Canada’s temperature doesn’t exceed zero in wintertime. Although some parts of the country may dip as low as -30˚C or -40˚C, thereby makes outside fairly unsatisfiable.
CONS of Living in Canada
Some of the cons are
High Cost of Living
If you want to live in cities like Toronto, you should know that it would be rarely affordable. Also, there are more charges that you’ll face when living in Canada, unlike other countries that aren’t expensive. Note that clothing is 20 percent more expensive, but you can easily manage your costs and come out ahead.
Dollar Exchange Rate
It’s better to prepare ahead when you’re relocating to Canada. With the exception of 2011-2013, the Canadian dollar exchange rate has not been favorable compared to other developed countries like the United States. This could make it challenging to shop online unless you’re using an in-house retailer.
Government Involvement
Most Canadians feel like government intervention in their daily lives tends to be an overreach. If you don’t mind, this government involvement may positively affect but sometimes cause harm and limit citizen’s freedom. But, if you’ll prefer to make your own choices, then this issue could affect your stay.
Weather Consideration
It’s no doubt that Canada offers colder weather. In fact, winter can last up to eight months if you reside in the northern territories. But that doesn’t really affect your living. What you need to understand is how you’ll be able to cope with such weather. Perhaps, you must ensure to bundle up throughout the day.
Getting to Know Canada
Immigration has been playing a crucial role in Canadian history, growth, and its entire society. The population amounts to be around 35 million people, reflects on the country’s linguistic mix, ethnicity, and cultural heritage, making Canada unique in the world.
However, their multiculturalism is based on the belief that everyone is born equal and that diversity makes them grow strong and healthy. To keen further, the founding people of Canada are grouped into three main categories. They include the following;
Aboriginal Peoples of Canada
English People of Canada
French People of Canada’
Aboriginal People of Canada
History made it known that the Aboriginal peoples had a family before the European explorers. They are various indigenous people who have lived over large sections of the continental shelf. Aboriginal groups share common similarities but have been isolated from Southeast Asia for a long time. Also, Aboriginal consists of three different groups which include the First Nations, Métis, and the Inuit.
English People of Canada
The English Canadians are descendants of Scottish, Irish, Welsh, and English people. They include the migrant that visited the country from the past 16th to the 20th century. Therefore, it’s the generation of this pioneer that help Canada with British traditions. Also, we have some newcomers who originated from Canada. They include those citizens that defined the people’s way of life and their tradition.
French People of Canada
The French Canadians are the terms used to differentiate between English-speaking Canadians and French-speaking ones. In fact, the result revealed that roughly 31 percent of Canadian citizens are French-speaking while 25 percent are of French-Canadian descent. They are sub-divided into three which are;
Acadians French Canadians
Quebecers French Canadians
Smaller French-speaking communities
Public/National Holidays in Canada
As of today, Canada observes ten national holidays at a provincial level. Offices, schools, banks, and other government organizations close on these special days. The federal public holidays in Canada include the following.
New Year’s Holiday – January 1st
Good Friday – Slated between March or April
Easter Monday – Slated between March or April
Victoria Day Celebration – Monday before May 25; called National Patriots Day in Québec
Canada Day – 1st of July (Memorial day in Newfoundland)
Labour Day – First Monday of September
Thanksgiving Day – Second Monday of October
Remembrance Day – 11th of November
Christmas Day – 25th of December
Boxing Day – 26th of December
Aside from the ones listed above, there are other public holidays which include Family Day. This is carried out on the third Monday of February. Besides, this holiday is observed locally in some selected provinces such as Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, while British Columbia is celebrated on the second Monday of February.
Culture, Social Etiquette and How Canadians Treat People
In Canada, one of the significant things common among the citizens is the unique culture that newcomers blend to what becomes Canada today. It’s a credit-based economy that ensures an easy way to credit report, renting an apartment, obtaining mortgage loans, and applying for specific jobs.
However, phones, the internet, TVs, and other gadgets may cost more than your home. Moreover, a driver’s license could only allow you to drive for the first 60 to 90 days away from your home. If you have a valid driver’s license, you can use it between the provinces in Canada. That’s why before you arrive in Canada, there are two things you need to put in place.
Ensure you get a copy of your driving history from your chosen licensing authority in your home. In addition, make sure the language is boldly written either in French or English, as this will help you when applying for a new driver’s license.
Check your province licensing rule to know whether it aligns with your home country.
Further, expect Canadians to be more talkative, friendly, and outspoken in the classroom. In other countries, students are expected to listen while they take notes, but in Canada, it’s quite different. This is because it’s a discussion class, and students are encouraged to talk and engaged in-class participation.
Meanwhile, time matters in Canada, and they aren’t trying to be rude. They’ll explain everything regarding what made them busy throughout the day. Also, laws are created and expected to be followed, even though you’re a newcomer in the country. This way, you can familiarize yourself with the laws, and see how it’s different from other countries laws, rules, and regulations.
What Canadians Eat and Drink
While regional dishes exist, you can research different Canadian specialties, and you’ll be amazed at what you see. Some of their dishes range from tourtière (meat pie) to bannock (traditional fry bread), poutine (fries with gravy and cheese curds), and many others, to mention a few.
Many folks also prefer going to Nanaimo bars and checking for the donuts at the local Tim Hortons coffee shop.
Interestingly, you can shop for different international cuisine as Canada is a country of immigrants, and its food reflects this process.
Again, in Canada, alcohol is illegal, but more than 80 percent of the entire population enjoys alcoholic beverages. Many could prefer a bottle of beer or even a glass of wine to liquor, while some could demand Canada’s national drink known as Caesar.
Typical activities across Canada vary a lot as this depends on the region, as well as the time of the year. For example, some Canadians enjoy playing ice hockey on a frozen pond.
Also, Canada isn’t recognized for party-all-night than counties like the United Kingdom and South Africa. Perhaps, we enjoy a thriving arts scene with music, art galleries, and others. Some of our indigenous artists include Kenojuak Ashevak, Brian Jungen, Bill Reid, and many more.
Key Facts Every Expat Should Know
If you’re looking to relocate to Canada or wanting to know more, here are the key facts every expat should know. Before we dive into the facts, you must understand where the country is located.
Canada shares the longest international border with the United States of America. According to research, the border is about 8,891 km/ 5,525 miles long, while its longest border with the United States of America and Alaska is about 2,475/1,538 miles long.
Besides, it is located in Northern North America. Without further ado, below are the key facts every expat should know about Canada.
Canada is one of the largest countries in the Western hemisphere and the largest country globally after Russia and the United States of America.
More than half of the lakes in the world are located in Canada, and the largest in the world include Great Slave Lake and Great Bear Lake.
Canada’s border to the United States of America is about 160 km/99 miles making many Canadians live in the US.
Canada made history as the Bay of Fundi in eastern Canada remains the highest tides in the world.
The literacy rate in Canada is approximately 99 percent, as nearly all citizens can read and write.
As an expat, you can legally work in Canada without a legal permit.
You can relocate effectively and efficiently without disturbance and stress from an external source
More than 1.4 million Canadians identify themselves as Aboriginal people and Inuits.
Canada is a famous country known for immigration and travelers from different parts of the world.
This country is the world leader in uranium mining, and they are prepared for a new culture in advance and cultural traps.
When you arrive in the country for the first time, and you ship goods, you must appear in person to the customs officials to clear them.
There are lots of trees in Canada, and about half of the landmass is covered by forest.
There are plenty of hockey rinks in Canada, and they are still the second most practiced sport in the country for over 15 years of age.
The country’s most celebrated national holiday in Canada day, which is on the 1st of July.
Traveling Within Canada and Its Environment
Getting around Canada can be quite daunting by public transport. Also, train services are limited to certain routes. Meanwhile, buses are plenty, and they are cheap for passengers. So, with this process, flying around Canada seems to be the best option. Take a look at the transport system and their prices.
Transportation by Air
Canada has a unique network of domestic flights within the cities. These local flights cover nearly every corner of the country, with the most prominent carriers know as WestJet (t 1 888 937 8538) and Air Canada (t 1 888 247 2262). It is a subsidiary airline, but there are lots of smaller airlines that operate regionally.
Price Range
The price generally remains high, as said earlier. One-way from Toronto to Winnipeg range from $280 to $340, while the standard fares in remote areas could even be higher. Toronto to Goose Bay may range from $400 to $560, while a one-way flight on any Air North route may start from $3,150.
Transportation by Road (Car)
Traveling by car has always been one of the easiest transportation systems in Canada. Also, car rental companies will expect you to have your credit card with you, and if you want to rent a car for business purposes, you must meet the licensing agreements and other terms and conditions.
Transportation by Train
Canadian population also loves to travel through the country’s national carrier. This traveling by train runs speedy and efficient by conveying passengers to their lovely location. The VIA rail (country’s carrier) sells several rail passes, reducing passenger costs to several destinations.
Transportation by Ferry
You’ll likely use the ferry if you want to travel from Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. These ferries offer a reasonable price that the passenger can afford. For example, traveling from Vancouver to Victoria may cost you nothing less than $17 per passenger.
City Cyclists in Canada
Sometimes, it’s quite affordable to ride along within the cities. In fact, an exciting project is the coast-to-coast recreational path. It is easy, convenient, and considered safe as most cities have cycling lanes and unique maps. Meanwhile, renting standard bikes in Canada could cost up to $15 to $30 per day.
Canadian Visa and Different Insurance Policies
We don’t have to tell you that you’ll need enough funds while traveling to Canada for the first time. More so, you need to start organizing the visa long enough before it gets approval. Although the process isn’t tricky but all necessary bodies need to verify your visa options and applications.
Nonetheless, the Canadian insurance policy is quite affordable. It covers private homes, businesses, cars, health, and many more. We live in a digital, and you can definitely search for the ones that meet your requirements. That way, we emphasized your research to understand everything about Canada.
This ultimate guide to living in Canada is the best way to know more about the country. This is because; it is written by an honest expat who lives and works in the country (Canada). We will review our content to ensure that the information here is reliable and accurate.
Starting Your New Life in Canada
Canada has a well-deserved reputation for being one of the friendliest places for an expat to live. Whilst most countries have shut down their immigration system, Canada still finds a way to accommodate foreigners to encourage more skilled members.
Family, friends, and everyone are utilizing the fact that Canada has needs more expatriates. As of 2021, words can’t really express the beautiful scenery in Canada. But there are more to explore while living in this country as an expat.
Furthermore, it’s possible to live most of your life outside during the summer month in Canada. As aforementioned, there are several outdoor activities you can do for free or at an affordable rate. Below are the great reasons to live in Canada today.
High Standard of Living
Canada is undoubtedly one of the countries that have the highest standard of living. While living in this country, it’s quite essential that you know the kind of things to look out for. Not only has it got the right balance between work and play, but it has a perfect environment for expats without disturbance from a third-party or any government officials.
Spacious Properties in Canada
Canadian houses may seem quite expensive for foreigners to afford, but they tend to be much larger than their UK counterparts. This is due to the fact that the country has a lot of spaces to offer businesses and emigrants from different parts of the world.
Great Job Opportunity in Canada
This is among the reasons why a lot of people have been relocating to Canada. There are more to explore, and different companies worldwide have been looking to establish branches in Canada. Besides, the economy is growing, and growth inspires more need to open all sorts of opportunities for different kinds of professions.
However, aside from being a great country to explore job opportunities, expats can also lay back and enjoy a stress-free life. This means you’ll have no stress in the country, unlike what you’ve been experiencing in your home country.
Modern Metropolitan Living
Canada is known to have the best of modern metropolitan living in today’s modern world. This is because; the cities in Canada are modern, smart, stylish, and clean. Aside from this fact, it’s a big attraction for many emigrants who, whilst they may enjoy the great outdoor activities, also like urban convenience.
Again, you can easily live in a large suburban house and commute to work at your convenience. As in any country, whilst it’s true that the biggest cities, such as Toronto and Vancouver, may be crowded and expensive, foreigners don’t have to go outside the city to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.
Familiar Language and Culture
As we’ve mentioned above, there are many cultures and traditions in the country. However, most people want to be around others who speaks the same language. Surprisingly, you’ll see a lot of people speaking your home language, and this contributes to why Canada remains a great choice
Moreover, the country has developed its own identity and culture. But you’ll be familiar with the cultures, norms, and traditions because they are always welcoming and friendly.
Adequate Healthcare System
Unlike Cambodia and other Asian countries that have a poor healthcare system, Canada seems to be outstanding in its healthcare. Similar to the UK’s NHS, Canada’s Medicare system offers free basic healthcare than what you think you’d pay. Although it is paid for by Canadian citizens pitching in towards the system via taxes but you’ll definitely enjoy it.
However, this makes it accessible to all citizens and expats. And that’s a big weight off the minds of most ordinary working Canadians and good news for British migrants that are used to the benefits of a Free State health service.
Open-Minded and Tolerant
It’s probably no surprise if you see Canada rank the number 1country in the world for tolerance. According to the HSBC Expat Explorer Survey, the country is renowned for being one of the most open-minded countries around. Also, Canada has been allowing same-sex marriages, whilst other countries are following the part.
So, we say that this is great news if you plan to relocate or live in Canada for long. Besides, there are many emigrants and Canadians who are welcoming regardless of your culture, background, race, or gender.
Country’s Sense of Humour
The country’s sense of humor is another great reason to live in Canada in this 21st century. The locals have a wonderfully understated and self-deprecating sense of humor blending irony. They also have famous comedic exports, including Mike Myers of Austin Powers fame, Jim Carrey, and many others, to mention a few.
Education SuperPower in Canada
Canada’s educational system is incredibly on the rise and leaving rivals in the dust. According to research, Canada was one of only a handful of countries appearing in the top bracket for mathematic, reading, and science.
Also, their results place them streets ahead of the US and the United Kingdom. Not only that, but the country also scored high for equity in achievement based on gender, significantly, and social background if you’re moving to Canada.
Excellent Public Services
Public services in Canada are incredibly excellent, and with some of the best public transportation (as mentioned above) you can find, the public services are easy to navigate. Whilst some locals may occasionally complain, many countries around the world look to Canada as a benchmark for the best services.
Best Places To Live (For Expat) in Canada
Never miss an amazing trip again if you’ve missed one before. Are you thinking about buying a house in Canada or just looking to live in the country but not sure where’s the right place to live? We were wondering as well, and, after digging through piles of statistics and reports, we’ve got an answer for you.
So, since we’re fans of getting the biggest bang for your buck, we largely based our ranking on economic factors, surveys, average house price, average rental costs, and many others. Without further ado, below you’ll find our list of the best places to live in Canada.
Rank (2021)
City (2021)
Average House Price
One
Quebec City in Canada
$260,000
Two
Moncton city
$215,000
Three
Saint John city
$240,000
Four
Hamilton city
$504,101
Five
London
$485,000
Six
Ottawa
$580,000
Seven
Calgary
$420,000
Best Place for Expats in Canada
As of today, Quebec City is known as the capital of la belle province (Quebec), and it’s absolutely a beautiful place for an expat to live, work, and visit. This city is full of historical places to see and explore different outdoor activities with the cultural gem. One thing to keep in mind about this city is that it’s a very francophone place. Meanwhile, if your French isn’t as strong as it could be, you’ll want to start learning.
Minimum wage in Quebec
532,600
Land Area (km2)
453.39
Unemployment rate (2021)
9.2%
Median age
N/A
High/low temperature
35C to – 36C
Estimated cost of living
$2,100
Quebec crime rate
3,100
Best Place to Find Work in Canada
When it comes to finding the right place to find work in Canada, Moncton is the lead for an expat. It’s a city with an increasing number of people moving from other parts of Canada to take advantage of the low price of apartments and the cost of living. Also, it’s a city that’s surrounded by nature, natural beauty, and the commercial hub of the Maritimes.
Population density (km2)
520.8
Average minimum wage
$15.70
House price
$215,000
Unemployment rate
$8.5%
Yearly rainfall
$843mm
Yearly snowfall
$285cm
Median age
46
Cheapest Place to Buy a House
Saint John, NB is one of the oldest cities in Canada, established in 1785. It’s an active port and industrial city but is rapidly expanding into technology and other modern businesses in today’s 21st century.
Not only is Saint John a beautiful city surrounded by incredible landscapes in the country, but it also boasts some of the lowest real estate prices in the country. So, if you’re looking to move, find a tech job, or work from home, you’ll probably need to get a pretty sweet deal on the house, and Saint John is the right choice.
City for Outdoor Activities
St. John’s, NL is a tourist Mecca in Canada. And of course, it’s one of the most picturesque cities in the country. Aside from being famous for being a party town, it has several outdoor activities to explore. Therefore, if you’re looking to get screeched in, this is where you’ll want to be for the full fish-kissing experience.
And why St. John’s has a median income on the lower end of things, they have fair housing prices too. Moreover, if you love hiking and camping, this is one of the best locations to visit in Canada.
Best City for Digital Creative
If you’ve wanted to find the best cities for digital creative in Canada, worry less as we’ve got you covered. While St. John and Quebec are known for their features, London and Ontario is another old city that has hosts numerous festivals and other cultural events throughout the year.
Again, London is moving further away from manufacturing and transitioning more technology focusing on the Digital Creative sector. So, be free to relocate to this city if you’re looking to explore the historical backgrounds of Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions about Canada
Expats or emigrants living in Canada are sure to have many questions about life in this wonderful destination. When moving to a new country, there are many things to consider. Without much talk, we have compiled the FAQs that’d guide you through living in Canada as of 2021.
How’s Weather Like in Canada?
Well, the weather in Canada really depends on the area or city you live in. All places can expect snowfall, while you should also expect 50 days a year below freezing in Canada. In addition, much of the Arctic north is too cold to live in at any time.
Which City Expats live the most?
It’s no doubt that the best places for an expat to live include Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver, which are the cities with the largest expat population. However, there are active recruitment and competition among cities to attract immigration.
What are the benefits of living in Canada?
Of course, we’ve highlighted some of the benefits above, but you might be considering immigration rules for the first time. However, it’s quite okay to check the cities mentioned above to know the right place to live.
Is it boring to live in Canada today?
Canada is one of the best places to visit or live in the western world. Meanwhile, you should know that Canadians are very reserved, cold, and inward-focused instead of Americans. This means, living in Canada could sometimes be boring.
What are the bad things about living here?
While there are many advantages of living in Canada, there are many factors that could contribute to disadvantages. Meanwhile, there’s no gun ban in Canada, and there is an insufficient exchange between tax and services.
Is it worth moving from the USA to Canada?
Most people have been asking this question on different blogs! Well, if you’re looking for a safer place (quite) where the health and economic system are constantly growing, then the answer is yes, Canada is definitely the right choice.
How’s Canada to live for Indians?
Canada is no doubt an amazing country! The locals are very friendly, and it’s one of the most ethically diverse countries that you’ll meet people from everywhere in the world. So, living in Canada as an emigrant from Indian is a great choice.
Can an Indian live in Canada?
Of course, yes! An Indian can definitely live in Canada if you have the right documents. However, India has a history of migration to Canada.
