What Are The Best Cities To Live In Canada part 2 – Part one is here.

Top 7 Tourist Attractions in Canada

Canada is a trendy tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. Because Canada has so many important cultural and historical landmarks, it can be hard to pick out the top seven tourist attractions in Canada. If you are going to visit Canada, it’s a good idea to list some of the best attractions in mind, so you don’t miss anything important. The top 7 tourist attractions in Canada are:

• Parliament Hill – Ottawa, Ontario, Canada  
• Niagara Falls – Niagra Region, Ontario, Canada  
• CN Tower – Downtown Core District of Toronto, Ontario, Canada  
• Royal Canadian Mint (in Winnipeg) – Winnipeg, Canada  
• Banff Springs Hotel (in Banff National Park) – Banff area, Alberta, Canada
• Parliament Hill – Downtown Core District of Ottawa, Canada
• Banff National Park – Banff, Alberta

a)    Parliament Hill – Ottawa, Ontario

This famous landmark is the home of the Canadian Houses of Parliament.  The building itself is decorated elaborately with many different types of stone and marble, making for a beautiful design.

That being said, the thing that attracts most visitors to Parliament Hill is the Gothic Revival architecture. As a result of Canada’s top tourist attractions, this landmark is heavily guarded by security personnel and does not allow any photography inside its walls.

If you decide to visit this attraction, you will have to go through a full-body scan before entering the main lobby. However, if you get the chance to go inside and look around, it is definitely worth it.

b)    Niagara Falls – Niagra Region, Ontario

Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Canada because of how vast and powerful the waterfall actually is. There are very few places in this world where you can see three waterfalls at once, which is exactly what happens when you look over the edge of the Canadian side of Niagara Falls.

While many tourists choose to visit Niagara Falls in the summer, they are actually best viewed during the winter months when there is a lot less mist obscuring your view.  However, no matter what time of year you visit Niagara Falls, it is guaranteed to be a fantastic experience.

c)    CN Tower – Downtown Core District of Toronto, Ontario

The CN Tower was the world’s tallest free-standing structure for over thirty years before being overtaken by Burj Khalifa in Dubai.  While this landmark does not actually hold that title anymore, it is still an incredibly popular tourist attraction in Canada.

The CN Tower can be seen from miles away, and people often stop what they are doing just to look at it when it is visible. This landmark was built to celebrate the Canadian National Railway centennial and has become one of the most recognized symbols of Toronto.

Because of the CN Tower’s height, a complete trip to the top takes an entire day and includes four stops along the way.  In order to get back down from the tower, you have to take a high-speed elevator that is capable of speeds up to 40km/h.

d)    Royal Canadian Mint (in Winnipeg) – Winnipeg, Canada

The Royal Canadian Mint is one of the oldest mints in North America and has been creating coins for over 100 years.  Because of this, it holds a very important place in Canada’s history. In fact, the first coin ever created by the Royal Canadian Mint was a fifty-cent piece dated January 2nd, 1908.

While the Royal Canadian Mint only produces about 20 million coins per year, they are still very recognizable worldwide.  Also, despite being a mint, there isn’t actually any gold stored on-site because it is all stored in Ottawa at another location.

However, if you visit this landmark, you can take self-guided tours and see exactly how coins are produced.

e)    Banff Springs Hotel (in Banff National Park) – Banff area, Alberta

Built-in 1888, the Banff Springs Hotel is one of Canada’s oldest hotels. The hotel itself was designed after a castle because it was a luxury resort that would attract high-class clientele.  The hotel’s design is stunning, especially because it features stained glass windows, hand-crushed carpets, and many other luxurious amenities.

As a result of being one of Canada’s best tourist attractions, the Banff Springs Hotel closes for about five months out of the year in order to allow time for renovations.  However, not everything in the hotel is updated because they actually replace most of the furniture every thirty years to maintain the antique feel of this historic landmark.

f)     Parliament Hill – Downtown Core District of Ottawa, Canada

Parliament Hill is a popular tourist attraction in Canada because it holds both the House of Commons and Senate chambers.  In fact, the Canadian government actually meets here to govern the country, which makes this building a significant landmark for Canadians.

The two chambers that are located in Parliament Hill are the House of Commons and the Senate, which is where Canada’s government actually comes to work. Several tours run at Parliament Hill every single day of the week except for Christmas Day.  These tours take you through all of the different rooms of this historic landmark, so you better understand what it looks like on the inside.

g)    Banff National Park – Banff, Alberta

Banff National Park is one of the largest national parks in all of Canada, and it spans an area bigger than some European countries!  Visiting this park is genuinely breathtaking because you get to go skiing in the winter, hiking during spring/summer, and camping during autumn.

In fact, Banff National Park is so big that it actually houses about 1,600 different types of plants and almost 80 different types of mammals!  It even houses a small population of bears in some regions, which makes this park a truly special place to visit.

The only problem with visiting Banff National Park is that it’s tough to see all of the attractions at a reasonable pace because there are so many. As a result, you should consider planning your trip with the help of Parkbus (a bus service specifically for Banff National Park).

Keep in mind that this bus service does not run during winter or other peak seasons because it is too difficult to drive on the ice and snow during those seasons.

FAQs about Living in Canada

What are the steps to immigrate to Canada?

While there are several paths to becoming a citizen or permanent resident in Canada, they all require submitting an application and having your name selected at random by Canadian immigration officials. There is no need to worry about the process, however, because there are several visa and sponsorship programs to help foreign workers and families immigrate to Canada.

What is life like in Toronto?

Toronto is the largest city in Canada and also its most populated. It has an energetic lifestyle that caters to citizens and immigrants alike. With fantastic restaurants and vibrant nightlife, it is also a culturally diverse place to live. Its multiculturalism makes immigrants feel at home in Toronto, but its size makes for an exciting adventure away from the city center as well.

Are there misconceptions about Canadian culture?

Many myths are surrounding Canadian society that are not true. Canadians are friendly people and enjoy socializing, but contrary to popular belief, they are not overly polite. Canadians also tend to be more modest than Americans and so modesty is something to keep in mind when dressing for business meetings or formal occasions.

What kinds of things should I bring with me?

There are many items that immigrants typically bring with them on their journey to Canada. If you plan to travel by plane, it is a good idea to bring your own snacks as airport food tends to be expensive and basic. You should also bring clothes that reflect the Canadian climate and ensure that all of your paperwork is in order.

What do I need to know about customs?

Canada practices many customs that newcomers should be aware of. When receiving gifts, it is considered a good form to open them right away in front of the gift giver. If you watch sports, Canadians love hockey and watch the sport at all levels, even if they are not players themselves. Canadians also tend to drive aggressively, so always stay alert!

How should I get around?

Canada has lots of open space so getting around by car is the best way to explore. If you cannot drive, public transportation is available in major cities, and several taxi services operate 24 hours per day.

Conclusion

Canada is the second-largest country in the world by total area. This means that there are many areas to choose when looking for a place to live. There are large cities, like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, but smaller towns can also be great places to settle down. So, pick one according to your preference.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

Toronto, which is known for its diversity, can be an exciting place to live because of several reasons. While moving to this city, it would be very helpful to find out about the best neighborhood to live in Toronto. Also, you need to know that buying or renting a house in the city is a step to be taken seriously.

Of course, there are high housing prices, and it would be good if you expect it. With a population of more than 3 million, Toronto can feel overwhelming. While real estate is expensive here, there are numerous available options for expat to consider. Besides, you can live in an area at a distance or find an affordable apartment in the heart of the city.

Being Canada’s largest city, Toronto has countless neighborhoods that are constantly evolving. In no time, we will walk you through the main characteristics and facts to make an informed decision about choosing a certain place to live in the city. Typically, the west end of the city has been the major town.

So, have you been wondering the best place to visit in Toronto? Well, your decision depends on preferences and lifestyle. These neighborhoods are constantly evolving, aimed at giving an expat the idea to enjoy their life. More so, know that finding a good place to live can be one of the most daunting tasks.

However, worry less as we’ve got you covered in this article. Again, we will walk you through the best areas and suburbs to live in Toronto. Not only that, but you’ll understand what living in Toronto as an expat entails in today’s digital world. Would you like to know what we’ve unleashed for you? Read further!

Living in Toronto as an Expat

Toronto is perhaps the perfect introduction to Canada for foreigners.  Aside from this fact, it’s Canada’s biggest city as well as its most diverse and cultural point you can see from around the world. For obvious reasons, Toronto isn’t short of Indian grocers, supplies, and restaurants as there are many to explore.

Meanwhile, getting around this city is a breeze, and although many locals bemoan the public transit system, Toronto is never really hard to get something within the downtown core of the city. Uber and Lyft are affordable, and if you’re looking for Entertainment, Bars, and Clubs, Toronto is the right city.

Toronto is a city that people from around the world learn to call home. This awesome land is located on the northwest shore of Lake Ontario. Again, it’s also one of the most cultural cities globally, making life here a wonderful multicultural experience. So, it’s better known as the center of many of Canada’s industries.

Pros and Cons of Living in Toronto

As aforementioned, Toronto is Canada’s largest city, and there’s a reason it’s home to something about 6 million people. With incredible food, cultural diversity, and different things to explore, the capital of Ontario is a lively place to live. Without further ado, below are the pros and cons of living in Toronto.

Pros

Toronto Food

One of the wonderful things Toronto is known for is having some of the best international cuisines in the world. There’s not much you can’t grub in Toronto, and you’ll quickly find there are so many options you’ll have it challenging trying to find them all. Although it can be expensive, but you’ll definitely enjoy it.

Incredible Neighborhoods in Toronto

From bohemian vibes to historic districts, there’s no shortage of lively neighborhoods in the city. Moreover, if you’re trying to look for a place to live and may be close to work, we’ve got you covered with the best areas and suburbs to live in Toronto. And you can come here to explore lively streets.

Multicultural Diversity in Toronto

The sheer number of languages spoken in Toronto is incredibly more than 140, which speaks about the country’s diverse population. Toronto, like many other cities, has its challenges, but it also has some of the perks you can expect. And it’s occupied by different people across the different continents in the world.

Economic Opportunity in Toronto

If you’ve been looking for a career opportunity in arts, culture, media, or tech, Toronto may seem to be a great move for you. This is because; it’s one of the country’s economic powerhouses, and it offers economic stability and opportunity in a variety of fields, with an increasing focus on technology.

Low Crime Rates

Even with its multicultural diversity, Toronto seems to be one of the cities in the western world with an amazingly low crime rate. With that being said, Toronto is still a major city, and there are places where people should be careful. As of now, there’s still a low crime rate in the city, but expat should be careful.

High Standard of Living

What else would you expect in a country’s capital, if not an incredibly high standard of living? Besides, who wouldn’t want to live in a comfortable and somewhat luxurious city like Toronto? Of course, there are many reasons Toronto’s standard of living is considered one of the best in today’s 21^st century.

First, the roads are enormous, and if you look at the cityscape, you’ll see large buildings and skyscrapers all over the place. Again, the roads are enormous, and here is a place to see 12-lane highways if you’ve never seen that before. Overall, Toronto has everything you need, so be ready to explore the city.

Full of Amazing Opportunities for Expat

If Toronto is a bit expensive to live as a foreigner, you should also understand that it has amazing opportunities for expats. This is why finding work in the city isn’t going to be a problem. Meanwhile, people don’t come to Toronto to have a good life, but they come here to work. And since this is the largest city, Toronto is tech, financial, industrial, and also known as the commercial backbone of Canada.

Cons

High Cost of Living

The high cost of living can be one of the greatest disadvantages of living in Toronto. It’s more than just hosing costs that are expensive, but the overall cost of living in Toronto is high. From groceries to the internet, you’ll be paying high costs pretty much for everything in this city. Meanwhile, things are slightly cheaper a little outside of the city, but still quite expensive.

Not a Great Bike Lanes

If cycling is your preferred mode of transport, be aware that Toronto’s bike lanes aren’t a great option for you. The only bike lane you can use is the waterfront trail on Queens’s quay, which is actually very safe. So, if you like bikes as a means of transport, it’s better to check other cities in the country.

Unpredictable winters in Toronto

It’s no doubt that the winter season in Toronto is a miserable time for all foreigners and even the locals, especially after the holiday season when there’s nothing to look forward to besides spring. In addition, winter can start as early as October and end as late April, which is literally half the year. Also, winters here are definitely not as bad as other Canadian cities, but the locals of Toronto love to complain.

High Housing Costs in Toronto

If you’ve heard this on a different platform, always know that it’s true. And the city of Toronto is notorious for expensive houses and sky-high rents. Even the most minuscule bachelor or one-bedroom apartment in Toronto can cost significantly more than $1,000 per month. Besides, if you want affordable rent, you’ll have to do a lot of research to get the right one.

Unfriendly Locals

Many locals have reported that Torontonians are far from friendly, especially to strangers or emigrants moving to the country for the first time. If you remember that Toronto is a big city, you’ll also understand that large metropolitan areas have a reputation for being impersonal, and Toronto often lives up to this description.

Expect a Hot Summer

It’s Toronto’s proximity to the great lakes that make it has such humid summers. With all the concrete reflecting the sun, summer in Toronto can certainly get sweltering in the GTA, especially in the city. Aside from this, the hot summers of places near the Great Lakes, such as Toronto, sometimes surprise emigrants to the country.

Much Traffic and Congestion

For the same reasons we talked about other popular cities, Toronto has lots of traffic and congestion. So, while living in this country as an expat, don’t expect or assume that getting up and leaving early in the morning will be the fix you need. Therefore, it might help you that thousands of other people note this before coming to the country.

Best Areas and Suburbs to Live in Toronto

As we’ve mentioned earlier, Toronto is lively, busy, and full of amazing opportunities but is nowhere near the price of living in a similar city like New York. So, if you’re looking to relocate to one of the best cities in the world, it’s quite okay to choose the right neighborhood. Let’s quickly walk you through it.

Oakville (Suitable for Established Families)

Oakville is among the best place for expats to live, and at the same time, it’s the third best place to retire. Moreover, it emerged again as the fifth best place to raise a family in Canada for a good reason. This area natural harbor allowed it to become an important trade route in British North America from the early 1800s, and it has the stunning housing stock to prove it.

Benefits

• Foreigners should expect a beautiful piece of nature in Oakville.
• You’ll be happy to hear the prices of real estate in this city because they are affordable
• If you’re moving to Oakville for the first time, you’ll not have problems with the weather conditions.
• The city of Oakville is home to many museums, art galleries, and various cultural events
• Employment is available to foreigners in all ramifications

New Tecumseth (Suitable for Homesteaders)

New Tecumseth is another place for expat to live in Toronto. The locals here are always available to lend a helping hand, and it’s ranked one of the safest places to live in Canada. Not only that, but this area is very much an amalgamation of three rural villages, including Beeton, Tottenham, and Alliston.

Benefits

• There are very vibrant arts and cultural scenes in New Tecumseth
• In this area, expat can find community services that meet many needs for you and your family
• The New Tecumseth offers a great employment opportunity to foreigners moving to the country for the first time
• Also, this area is ranked high in the wealth and economy as well as Health Accessibility categories.
• It is a unique municipality that’s made up of three vibrant urban centers with beautiful rural surroundings which are home to prosperous farming and manufacturing industries.

Milton (Suitable for New House Lovers/Kids)

Milton is known as a classic suburb which Macleans voted the sixth-best place to live in Canada as of 2019. As one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, its development has astounded pretty much to what expats have been looking for. Without further ado, below are the benefits of living in Milton.

Benefits

• For historians, Milton has an active historical society engaged in learning about the country’s cultures and traditions.
• Nature lovers will easily find a home in Milton as there are many areas to enjoy in the region
• Research revealed that the town was more diverse than what you’d have think
• If you enjoy different sporting activities, then Milton is the right place for you today
• When choosing a new place to live, the cost of living in Milton is significantly considered

Newmarket (Suitable for Strong Economic Landscape)

The Newmarket is a city just in the north of Toronto, and it has grown considerably since it was founded in 1800. Meanwhile, expats love this area mostly for its location. Also, it’s tight in between Toronto and the cottage country, which means that this city is perfect for families who want easy access to Ontario’s beautiful northern lakes, and the urban core. Let’s quickly walk you through the benefits of living in Newmarket.

Benefits

• If you’re willing to live in this community as an expat, be expecting a premium healthcare facility.
• With easy access to all major highways, it’s an ideal place to do business
• Newmarket’s low crime rates have positioned this place as one of the safest communities in the country
• With over 6,500 recreation programs and more than 300 special events annually, there’s always something fun to do for the whole family and friends
• There are several places you can explore to ensure that your future is full of promise, prosperity, and possibilities.

Whitby (A Place for Strong Local Economy)

Whitby is located in the center of Ontario’s Durham region, around 48 kilometers east of Toronto. The town’s location means that there is plenty to see and do, not only within Whitby itself but also outside of the town. Aside from this fact, you’ll see many historic streets, nature, green spaces, and cultural sites just waiting to be discovered.

Benefits

• Whether you’re planning to put down some roots or simply relocating with family, you should explore the great school system in Whitby.
• For foreigners, there are many low-cost commercial properties to choose from for people thinking about moving or starting a business in Whitby.
• Another reason for expat to relocate to this country is that the proximity to downtown Toronto and the economic hubs is quite convenient.
• Thanks to the government of the country. This is because; you’ll enjoy a superb quality of life, employment opportunities, and education in the town.
• Whitby is crammed with great places to eat and enjoy yourself as a foreigner. In fact, Skinner Street is a good way to start, while the Cranberry Swamp is known as a haven for those who need a gluten-free option.

Burlington (A Place to Enjoy Outdoor Activities)

The city of Burlington lies on the shore of Lake Ontario about 50 km. With this beautiful area, you’ll enjoy different outdoor activities and many others, to mention a few. There’s something for everyone in this area, from stunning gardens to exquisite dining. Let’s quickly walk you through the benefits of this area.

Benefits

• The art gallery of Burlington is the seventh-largest public gallery in the province, with a 4,100 square meter gallery
• You can walk along the pier and feel the wind in your hair as you admire the views
• Going on a walking tour of this historic part of the city is an incredible thing to explore
• In Burlington, the iconic discovery landing building faces the lake and is an excellent place to watch the weather.
• This is a place where you can explore the two historic buildings in Burlington that are now museums.

Frequently Asked Questions about Toronto

Why is Toronto so important to Ontario?

Toronto is located on the Northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, which forms part of the border between Canada and the United States of America, and its access to Atlantic shipping becomes an important international trading center.

Why is Toronto so special?

Toronto is Canada’s largest city, with a population now of almost 5.6 million. Aside from this fact, Toronto is known as the world’s fourth most livable city. Not only that, but there are many outdoor activities and nearly up to 8,000 restaurants. Toronto is the capital of Ontario, and it’s also one of the best destinations for expat.

Why Should I not live in Toronto?

Despite the advantages, we’ve mentioned above, plus its multicultural diversity, and the fact that it makes for a great travel destination, Toronto counts as one of the most expensive housing. Besides, expat may have to battle constantly with traffic, congestion, and long commute times.

Is Toronto a boring city to live in today?

That’s why we stated earlier that Toronto is one of the most fascinating, totally boring cities to live in the world. As an expat, you’ll have to get used to the system because it’s one of the most diverse cities. So, follow our expat guide to know more about living in Canada as a whole.

Is living in Canada better than in the UK?

As of today’s digital world, we can say that living in Canada is quite affordable compared to that of the United Kingdom. However, there are some prevalent differences between the different people, which are perhaps not surprising given the geographical distance between them plus the vast size difference between the two lands.

Do I need to provide the COVID-19 test result?

Testing is required for all foreigners moving to the country for the first time regardless of their home country. At the country’s global locations, safety precautions are necessary, including daily health assessments, face-covering protocols, healthy distancing protocols, and daily temperature checks.

Are hand sanitizer stations available in Toronto?

Of course, yes! A hand sanitizer station is available, and you’ll need to protect yourself during your first visitation. With this in mind, ensure that you have a hand sanitizer with a certain percentage of alcohol while coming to any city in Canada.

Expat Guide/Tips for Moving to Toronto

While Toronto is by no means perfect, it gives its residents a lot to be thankful for. With millions of immigrants, foreign workers, and international students, the benefits of living in Toronto and its neighborhood cannot be overemphasized. Below are some of the expat guides to living in Toronto.

• Public transit or commuting in Toronto can be challenging at first
• Toronto as a city has a four-season city, with sweltering summers and sopping wet springs
• Buying/renting an apartment in Toronto is quite expensive
• There are a lot of opportunities for expats moving to the country for the first time
• Toronto is a city of beaches and parks, while there are some great things to eat

Conclusion

While the best city to live in Canada is Toronto, there are many places to explore as an expat. From our research and methodology, we’ve given you an ultimate ranking suitable for expats wanting to live in Toronto’s neighborhood. For more information regarding Toronto and its environment, follow here.