Moving to Canada
Last updated on Oct 17, 2023
Summary: Expats and digital nomads move to Canada for its high quality of life, excellent healthcare system, and welcoming culture. The most popular cities for expats and digital nomads in Canada are Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. People can find a place to live in Canada by searching online for rental listings, attending open houses, or using a real estate agent.
What do I need to know before moving to Canada?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Canada, they said:
"Expats should research the areas they wish to move to before committing to a location in Canada, as they may find they are better suited to living in cities, suburbs or rural areas. It is recommended that they learn some basic French, as Quebec and parts of New Brunswick are officially bilingual. Depending on the area they are moving to, research must be done on appropriate housing and cost of living. Expats should also become familiar with Canadian culture and customs to ensure a smooth transition. Additionally, finding a job prior to arrival should be considered as Canada's job market can be competitive. Finally, research should be done to ensure that all necessary documents and paperwork are handled prior to the move," said one expat in Canada.
"Find one in an older neighbourhood close to a school, as there is tremendous growth here due to Alberta's Oil economy, and new schools are at a premium. Children have to be bussed from the new suburbs because of the lack of schools," remarked one expat who made the move to Calgary.
How do I find a place to live in Canada?
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Canada?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Canada?
- Will I be able to find a job in Canada?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Canada appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Canada?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Canada accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Canada like?
- How are healthcare services in Canada?
- What are medical services in Canada like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Canada?
- What are emergency services like in Canada?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Canada?
- How are local medical facilities in Canada?
- As a foreigner living in Canada, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?