Are you looking for a new home? Well then, look no further than Canada!

Canada’s got it all: friendly people, beautiful landscapes, vibrant cities – and don’t forget the slopes!

And if you need more convincing to make a move, here are just a few reasons why Canada is an amazing place to live.

In this guide, we’ll cover the main pros and cons of living in Canada, but we’ll also talk about the cost of living, expat life, healthcare, education, and more.

So whether you’re looking for a place to call home or want to explore what Canada has to offer, this guide is a perfect place to start.

Without further ado, let’s get started!

Banff

What Is Canada Like?

In short, Canada is a vibrant and diverse country with something for everyone. From cosmopolitan cities to stunning national parks, you’ll never be bored.

The culture in Canada is incredibly welcoming and inclusive, with a strong emphasis on nature and the environment. Canadians take pride in their country and love to share it with visitors and newcomers alike.

Of course, the weather can be a bit of a wild card; depending on where you are in the country, you could experience anything from frigid winters to balmy summers.

Now, you may be reading this, thinking, “Should I move to Canada”? Let’s have a look at what it’s like to relocate to Canada.

What’s It Like To Live In Canada?

Living in Canada can be both exciting and rewarding. You’ll find yourself surrounded by friendly people, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture.

The cost of living in Canada can vary depending on where you decide to settle, but in general, it’s relatively low compared to other countries.

Canada has a well-developed healthcare system and excellent education options for both children and adults.

Expats will also be pleased to find that Canada boasts a diverse expat community, which is incredibly welcoming and open to newcomers.

All in all, Canada is an amazing place to live and work, and it’s a great choice for anyone looking for a fresh start.

When it comes to visas, Canada is well-known for its open immigration policies. There are various visa options available, depending on your needs and circumstances.

Before moving long-term to Canada, we recommend you visit the country to make sure it’s the right place for you. If so, then go ahead and start planning your move!

You can learn more about the visa options available on iVisa.com.

Now, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of living in Canada.

Ottawa in winter

Pros And Cons Of Living In Canada

The pros of living in Canada far outweigh the cons.

Let’s take a look at some of the main benefits and drawbacks of calling Canada home.

Pros:

  • Low cost of living (depending on location)
  • Excellent healthcare system
  • Beautiful landscapes
  • Strong economy
  • High quality of life
  • Cultural diversity
  • Excellent education options
  • Friendly people

Cons:

  • Long and cold winters (in some areas)
  • High taxes
  • Expensive housing in cities
  • Limited job opportunities (depending on location)

As you can see, the pros of living in Canada are numerous. However, if you’re not a winter person, it could be a bit of a challenge in certain parts of the country.

Canadian winter

Where To Live In Canada

Okay, so you’re sold on the idea of living in Canada. Where should you live?

The answer is simple: it depends.

Canada is a large country, and each area has its own unique culture and vibe.

If you’re looking for big city life, consider Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver.

If you’re looking for something a bit more rural, you have plenty of options to choose from.

Many expats decide to move close to a ski resort like Whisler or Banff if they enjoy winter activities.

Overall, you can’t go wrong when choosing where to live in Canada – the country has something to suit everyone.

Learn more by reading one of the guides below:

Is It Expensive To Live In Canada?

The cost of living in Canada depends on the city or province you choose to live in.

Overall, the cost of living is relatively low compared to other countries.

However, big cities like Toronto and Vancouver can be more expensive than smaller cities or rural areas.

That said, it always depends on where you’re comparing to. For example, Canada is cheaper than Europe, but it’s more expensive than some Latin American countries.

Overall, the cost of living in Canada is relatively low, and you should be able to live comfortably in most areas of the country with a moderate salary.

Is Moving To Canada A Good Idea?

Yes! Moving to Canada can be an excellent idea for many expats.

But, it’s only a good idea if:

  • You’re comfortable with the cost of living
  • You’re willing to learn and adapt to the cultural differences
  • You have the right visa
  • You can find work easily in your chosen location
  • You speak enough English or French, or you’re willing to learn
  • You enjoy winters

If you recognize yourself in this description, you should seriously consider moving to Canada.

Why Expats Choose Canada?

Canada is a great option for expats because of its beautiful natural landscapes, excellent healthcare system, positive job market, and high quality of life.

Many expats choose Canada because of the working holiday program. That said, you can’t go wrong with nature, either. Many expats love winter sports and mountain life.

But no matter why you choose to move to Canada, you’re sure to find something that suits your lifestyle.

Expats in Canada

Tips For Moving To Canada

Moving to a new country can be intimidating, especially if you don’t know much about the culture. To make your transition smoother, here are some tips for living in Canada.

  1. Learn some basic French if you’re moving to Quebec. Even if you don’t plan on speaking it, learning a few phrases can go a long way.
  2. Get a Canadian SIM card as soon as you arrive so that you can stay connected.
  3. Open a Canadian bank account as soon as possible to make managing your finances easier. Alternatively, use Wise or Revolut. You can use Revolut in Canada.
  4. Get your Canadian visa sorted even if you’re planning a visit. You’ll need to get an ETA.
  5. Get travel insurance so that you’re covered while you explore the country.
  6. Learn a bit about Canadian culture, making it easier to make friends and integrate into the community.
  7. Most importantly, pack for four seasons. Canada’s weather can be unpredictable, so make sure you’re prepared.

Verdict: Is Canada A Good Place To Live?

The answer is a resounding yes!

Canada is an excellent place to live for expats. You can expect a low cost of living, beautiful landscapes, and friendly people.

There’s something for everyone in Canada – from big cities to small ski towns and rural areas.

If you’re ready to start your adventure in Canada, then get planning!

You may also like:

About Melissa Giroux

Melissa Giroux founded abrokenbackpack.com in 2015. She is been living abroad since 2014. Originally Canadian, she has been living and working online in many destinations around the world. She is passionate about traveling, technology, entrepreneurship, and CrossFit.

She has traveled extensively in Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America. She is now living in Thailand.


☑ Book your flight: Who said you won’t be able to find cheap flights? My top saving tip is flexibility. If you're flexible, you should be able to find a cheaper flight. Check out Skyscanner or Google Flights for the hottest deals.

☑ Book your accommodation: Want the comfort of being at home or the luxury of a hotel? I love using Vrbo and Booking.com for those very reasons. If you're a solo traveler, Hostelworld offers a wide variety of hostels you should take a look at. Alternatively, if you're a budget traveler, sign up for Worldpackers to get FREE accommodation in exchange for work.

☑ Rent a car or an RV: Make your trip more comfortable by renting a car with DiscoverCars.com. This website allows you to compare car rentals around the world. If you're traveling in the United States, find an RV rental on RVshare.

☑ Stay safe: Travel mishaps happen – so, better be safe than sorry by covering your back with travel medical insurance. I would suggest SafetyWing, Genki or Heymondo as they offer the best rates, especially for long-term travelers.

☑ Pack the essentials: Universal charger, check; power bank, check; passport, check! What else could you forget? I've put together this ultimate packing list just for you!

☑ Do you need a visa? If you aren't sure if you need a visa, it’s highly recommended for you to double-check. You can use iVisa - it's super useful and easy to use.

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.