Pros and Cons of Living in Canada
Last updated on Jan 23, 2025
Summary:
What are the pros and cons of living in Canada?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Canada responded:
"Needs a complete facelift, typical ex farming town which has 60% seniors and no transportation (rail or bus service ) to hospitals over 100 km away or big stores. Such a shame that a beautiful town with so much for recreation, walking trails, hiking , skiing, etc. To many empty stores and houses. Desperately needs investment , plus youngsters need to know what it's like to visit a cinema or go to ice cream, soda parlor. Absolutely nothing for youngsters. In fact nothing here at all except land !," said one expat in Crystal City.
"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the high quality of life in Canada, with its excellent healthcare system, strong economy, and welcoming culture. They also enjoy the country's stunning natural beauty, with its vast forests, mountains, and lakes. Additionally, Canada is known for its multiculturalism, with a diverse population that speaks many languages and celebrates many cultures. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the cold winters and high cost of living in Canada to be a challenge," remarked one expat in Canada.
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What do expats in Canada appreciate most about the local culture?
"Expatriates in Canada appreciate the country's warm, welcoming culture that encompasses an enormous range of cultural experiences. Canadians are generally very open and accepting of other cultures, and expatriates often find the Canadian people to be friendly and helpful. Additionally, expats are often enamored with the incredible natural beauty Canadian is so well known for. Expats also enjoy the many cultural activities available such as art galleries, theatrical performances, sporting events, and festivals. Furthermore, Canada's excellent healthcare and education systems are particularly attractive to expats looking to stay in the country long-term," remarked one expat in Canada.
"The slower pace of life and the driving, how helpful people are and how much safer I feel," explained one expat living in Lethbridge.

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BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
What do expats find most challenging?
"One of the most challenging aspects of Canadian culture for expats is the emphasis on politeness, which can often take precedence over honesty. Another challenge is the formidable Canadian winters, which necessitates winter clothing and equipment that expats may not be used to. Cultural norms like maintaining personal space can also be confusing to expats, as they vary greatly depending on one another’s cultural background. Finally, many expats come to Canada expecting certain stereotypes, which may not be accurate or up-to-date," remarked one expat in Canada.
"The English language barrier, although we speak then same language, different words have different meanings, and usually require extra explanation until both parties understand each other, but this explanation of mean can be very funny at times," explained one expat living in Lethbridge.
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?

