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.

What Are The Best Cities To Live In Canada part 1 – that will be the topic of today’s article.

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

The world is full of many beautiful places, but Canada is one of the most striking. Almost surrounded by water, Canada contains countless varieties of spectacular geography. From broad plains to towering mountain ranges to dense forests and deep canyons, lush natural beauty stretches across this bountiful land from coast to coast.

The people who inhabit this diverse country are as striking as the landscapes. They have a diverse heritage with their roots in Northwest Europe, West and Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and of course, Aboriginal peoples from throughout Canada.

In fact, many residents describe their Canadian identity as being a combination of these varied identities – unique to any other place on earth. As a country, Canada is large and diverse—and its culture reflects that. Residents of Canada – or Canuckistanis – speak a variety of languages – both official and unofficial.

French is spoken in parts of eastern Canada; English is used as the first language by most residents living west of Quebec; some Aboriginal communities maintain their distinctive languages as well. Other languages include Italian, German, Polish, Ukrainian, and Cantonese.

Of course, many immigrants have brought their languages to Canada as well. However, we have compiled this article to explain the best cities to live in Canada. Not only is that, but we will walk you through the fun facts about this country and many others, to mention a few.

Why Living In Canada Today

Having moved to Canada from another country, one of the most important factors you must consider is whether or not it will be safe to live in. Therefore, you are fortunate since Canada has an excellent safety record compared to other countries worldwide. Here are some of the benefits of living in Canada, along with examples.

1.    Good Economy

Living in Canada is very comfortable and secure as it was named the second-best country to live in by Forbes Magazine in 2010 and 2011, respectively.

The nation’s wealth does not depend on one or two sectors but rather on many areas such as production and distribution, agriculture and mining, technology, and finance (Investopedia, n.d.). This means that the economy is very stable and guaranteed a good job.

2.    Health Care

You should also consider Canada’s excellent health care system, which tends to citizens’ medical needs through the government’s regulation of hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, doctor’s incomes, and purchase of medical equipment. This means that you will not need to worry about your health and medical bills since the government pays for them.

3.    Canada’s Stability

Being a land of immigrants, Canada is usually open to new people settling in its territories and adjusting to their way of life. It also has a democratic system, so you will not have to worry about oppressive governments or other forces that might hinder your freedom.

Its legal system is a common law one which means that the constitution and laws are decided by judges who hand down rulings based on previous examples, not by politicians themselves (Law)

4.    Education

Canada has an excellent education system. Thus, its school system is very up-to-date with positive teaching practices that encourage students’ in-class participation. The country’s incredible diversity of languages is also an advantage since they are taught in several schools, which enhances students’ understanding and use of language among different groups.

5.    Plenty of Employment

Canada was ranked number one in a list by “The New York Times” in 2018, with a total employment rate of 72% (Economist Intelligence Unit). Thus, there are many employment opportunities for immigrants who are willing to work hard and adapt to the ways of Canada.

It also has better welfare benefits than other countries, which means that you need not worry about your basic needs even if you lose your job.

6.    Canada Is Safe

Canada ranks 4th out of 145 countries when it comes to safety and security (2015), according to the United Nations’ global study on homicide. Canada’s efforts at keeping its people safe are very evident – violent crime in the country has been at its lowest rate since 1973. Furthermore, Canada ranks 4th out of 158 countries when it comes to road safety, according to the World Health Organization.

7.    Canadians Are Active

With a large number of national parks and protected areas, Canada’s rich natural beauty provides many opportunities for outdoor activities. According to Statistics Canada, more than half of the country’s population participates in physical activities at least once a week.

The National Survey on Recreation and the Environment showed that Canadians spend an average of 300 minutes per week participating in some form of exercise or recreation.

Top 10 Cities to Live in Canada

There are many reasons why someone would want to move to Canada, whether for work, school, or just because they fell in love with the country. If you are looking for a new home in Canada, then look no further, as this article will outline 10 of the best cities to live in Canada.

Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada and is located in Ontario. Ottawa features beautiful architecture, numerous museums, galleries, festivals, and parks to visit all year round. It also has a strong job market with many hi-tech companies, including IBM, Shopify, and JDS Uniphase who are headquartered there. Due to its high standards in business and economy, Ottawa has been named one of the best cities to live in Canada.

Toronto

Toronto is the largest city in Canada and is located in Ontario. Toronto’s job market is booming as it is home to many hi-tech companies such as IBM, Google, and Hewlett-Packard, who all have their major global headquarters there.

Toronto is also the financial center of Canada as it is home to the Toronto Stock Exchange and the head office of the Bank of Montreal. Many other companies such as Microsoft, Dell, and American Airlines also have their Canadian headquarters in Toronto.

Vancouver

Vancouver is located on the west coast of Canada and has a population of over 600,000. Vancouver has a thriving economy and is home to many hi-tech companies such as Electronic Arts, Sierra Wireless, and gaming company Ubisoft. It is also the filming location for major TV shows and movies such as Arrow, Once Upon A Time, and The X-Files, to name a few.

Montreal

Montreal is the second-largest city in Canada and is located in Quebec. Montreal has a strong economy with many famous companies, including Cirque du Soleil, Air Canada, Bombardier Aerospace, Unilever, Saputo Inc., and 3D Systems. Montreal also has numerous galleries museums to visit all year round, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Montreal Science Centre.

Calgary

Located in Alberta, Calgary is home to many oil companies which contribute to the strong economy. It also has a strong job market with over 150,000 people employed within the hi-tech sector alone at Telus, Qualcomm, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and NetApp Inc.

Calgary also has a thriving arts and culture scene with many galleries and museums to visit, such as the Glenbow Museum and the Art Gallery of Calgary.

Edmonton

Edmonton is Alberta’s capital city and has a population of over 900,000 people. Edmonton features a strong job market with large companies such as Canadian Western Bank, PCL Construction, and Pattison Outdoor Advertising, all calling it home. Edmonton also has many galleries to visit, such as the Royal Alberta Museum, Canada’s largest museum.

Victoria

Victoria is located on Vancouver Island and features many beautiful seaside views as well as picturesque neighborhoods. It has a strong job market, with hi-tech companies such as Shaw Communications, Corix Water Systems, and Telus all calling it home. Many other major companies also have offices in Victoria, such as Safeway Canada, BC Lottery Corporation, and TD Canada Trust.

Halifax

Halifax is a major center of commerce, culture, and transport in Eastern Canada and has almost 400,000 people. It has a strong job market with many large companies headquartered there, including Rogers Communications, Irving Shipbuilding Inc., Emera Inc., Maritime Life Assurance Company Ltd., and Royal Bank of Canada.

Halifax also has great restaurants, bars, and other nightlife spots to check out, like the Economy Shoe Shop for live music.

London

London is located in Southwestern Ontario and is home to over 380,000 people. It has a strong job market with major companies such as Labatt Brewing Company Ltd., County of Middlesex, Canadian Blood Services, and Intelligarde International Inc. all calling it home.

London is also a major center for education, with the University of Western Ontario being based there as well as Fanshawe College and Lambton College, to name a few.

St. Catharines

St. Catharines is located in Southwestern Ontario and has over 140,000 people. St. Catharines has a strong job market with major companies such as Niagara College Canada, Dr. Oetker Canada Ltd., and ESS North America Inc., all calling it home. It also has great nightlife to visit, like the Devil’s Den, known for its beautiful outdoor patio, and the L3 Nightclub for its great DJ nights.