Moving to Canada

"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 who made the move to 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," explained one expat living in Calgary, Canada.

"I came here 54 years ago and was married to a Canadian and so the house was chosen for me due to a housing shortage. Subsequently, my husband died and I came to the North West part of this city," explained one expat living in Calgary, Canada.

"Searching for a place to live in Canada can be an intimidating task. Consider what type of space you are searching for (i.e. apartment, house, townhouse, etc.), in what area you would like to live in, and what sort of budget you have in mind. Once you have a general idea in mind, you can begin to research your options by searching online for rental listings, browsing the classifieds section of the local newspaper, and/or attending open houses for potential options. Additionally, you could also reach out to real estate agents or look for resources such as housing cooperatives in your chosen area," said one expat in Canada.

"It was a small modular home on the banks of Okanagan Lake. It's not a typical home for the area although there are quite a few areas in Kelowna with this type of low cost housing," replied a member in Kelowna.

"The average cost of housing in Canada can vary greatly, depending on the province, city, or even neighbourhood. Generally, the cost of housing in Canada tends to be higher than most other developed countries, due to the strong economy and high demand for homes. Overall, the cost of living in Canada is expensive, with the average cost of renting a two-bedroom apartment in Toronto and Vancouver being higher than many other major cities around the world. In addition, the cost of buying a home in Canada is also high compared to the rest of the world, with the median price of a single family home in Toronto and Vancouver being over one million dollars," remarked one expat who made the move to Canada.

"I live in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. The area includes the towns of Comox, Courtenay and Cumberland, and the rural areas in between. Since Covid began, many newcomers are here and prices have gone through the roof! The average condo is $400,000, average townhouse is $600,000, and single family homes are higher. But prices are starting to fall as interest rates rise, and houses are not selling as fast. I recommend waiting a year to buy. That gives you time to explore the different areas, as each one has its own unique character," explained one expat living in Canada.

"I am bewildered to hear of average housing in Montreal is around CAN $226,000. I lived in Montreal for 23 years, I am visiting frequently, I am planning to return soon, and I can confirm that you will not find any decent housing within 10 miles of the city center for less than $500,000," said one expat in Canada.

"Lower. A 3 bedroom 1,500 square foot home sells for $200,000 plus. Condo apts and townhouses are less," said one expat who made the move to Calgary.

"What we got for our money made it worth every cent. We were paying $750.00 per month and had our own beach. Averages in the area vary depending on the type of homes. House prices range from around $150,00 to around $3 million," explained one expat living in Kelowna, Canada.

"Buying a home in Canada can be a great long-term investment, especially if you plan to live in the same city for an extended period of time. With the added benefit of being able to build equity in your home, you will also be able to take advantage of tax breaks associated with homeownership. On the other hand, if you plan to move or your income sources are not consistent, renting may be a better short-term option. Additionally, renting can provide more flexibility and convenience since most leases are shorter than mortgages. Ultimately, it is important to assess your financial situation and lifestyle to determine what works best for you," commented one expat who made the move to Canada.

"I should have brought more summer clothes, a good moisturiser with a sunblock and more photographs. I can't think of anything I wish I left behind," replied a member in Kelowna.

"When moving to Canada, it is important to make sure you have all the essentials packed. This would include a winter coat, sweaters and layers of clothing since Canada can get quite cold during the winter months. It is also important to bring items which can protect you against rain and snow, such as a waterproof jacket, boots and an umbrella. If you plan to spend time in the great outdoors, make sure to pack appropriate clothing and footwear such as waterproof jackets, insulated boots and gloves. Additionally, don't forget to bring a good supply of basic toiletries, as well as any necessary medications. Finally, it is important to make sure important documents such as driver's licenses, passports, and credit cards are easily accessible," commented one expat who made the move to Canada.

"1. My childhood books 2. My dolls 3. A different perspective 1. My glass and china 2. Some of my clothing 3. My notions of their school system," remarked one expat in Calgary, Canada.

"I suppose that depends on what country you arrive from. We came from the U.S. to the Comox Valley on Central Vancouver Island. There isn't that much difference but everything is more expensive than it was in California, and the variety of items available is much less than in the States. My recommendation is to rent a furnished place and live here for awhile if you can. Then go back to your home country and make your big move. You'll be better informed about what to bring and what to ditch. Of course, I realize that isn't always possible. The things I really miss are good Mexican food. Hominy is unheard of here, so I bring a case of it back whenever I cross the border. Other things that I miss are good quality spices. That's about it. Canada has pretty much everything," said one expat in Canada.

"It is important to be mindful of cultural customs and taboos when interacting with people in Canada. For example, it is polite to address people by Mr., Mrs., or Miss, or another formal title, rather than only using first names. Additionally, it is important to respect customs like not discussing politics or religion in public or being overly loud in conversation. When eating with others, it is important to wait to be served before beginning to eat. Finally, as a visitor, it is important to be aware of Canadian holidays and not assume holidays celebrated in other countries are celebrated in Canada," said one expat in Canada.

"The "embarrassing" blunder we committed is actually leaving our dandelions in the garden because we like them. It's one of the few flowers children are actually allowed to pick in abundance. However, according to several of my friends, it is actually "asocial" to have dandelions in your garden because you "contaminate" the gardens around you and trouble your neighbours who will therefore have to work harder getting rid of theirs. I am still in culture shock and feel sad about this desire to eradicate innocent natural plants (including forget-me-nots, lilies of the valley, and many other beautiful wildflowers which don't cause any harm.)," said one expat who made the move to Toronto.

"Canada has a diverse culture, great public services, an excellent education system and a high standard of living. It is also a multicultural society that welcomes people from all parts of the world. The country also offers numerous job opportunities, a low cost of living, and a high quality of life. Furthermore, Canada is renowned for its beautiful landscape and has a wide range of outdoor activities to enjoy. Additionally, Canada boasts a safe and secure environment and a strong support network of social and government services. These attractive features are what entice many expats to move to Canada," replied one expat when asked about moving to Canada.

" Montreal is an international city that attracts people for a variety of reasons. Montreal's economy is the second largest in Canada. As far as expats that move there for work, the largest industries include aerospace, electronics, pharma, printed goods, software, telecom, textile and apparel manufacturing, tobacco, petrochemicals, and transportation. According to CanadaStop0100, Montreal's top employers include such international heavyweights as Bristol-Meyers Squibb (Jobs), Sandoz Jobs, Dassault Systemes (Jobs, and many, many more. There are retirees who will spend part of the year in Canada (U.S. expats who live there up to 180 days can be there without the need of a visa) - visit Travel.State.Gov's Canada Page for more information). Montreal, and other places in the Province of Quebec and its rich French heritage, such as Quebec City, have a lot to offer in terms of cultural experiences for expats. ," stated one expat who made the move to Montreal.

"Healthcare services in Canada are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments and is available to all Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It covers a wide range of services, including hospital care, physician services, diagnostic services, and prescription drugs. The quality of public healthcare in Canada is generally considered to be high, with access to a wide range of services and treatments. Foreign residents may also have access to the public healthcare system, depending on their immigration status. Expats in Canada may be eligible for public healthcare coverage if they are permanent residents, have a valid work permit, or are a refugee claimant. In some cases, expats may also be able to purchase private health insurance to supplement their public coverage," wrote one expat living in Canada.

"We're not permanent residents of Canada, but healthcare is available to us here in BC. We're in our early 60s. My husband works full-time and I'm in school full-time. We purchased a Canadian health insurance policy for $75 per month that covers everything medical. Supplemental dental and vision plans are also easily available. The problem here in BC, and all over Canada, is the lack of doctors. We don't have our own and none of the doctors in town are taking new patients. We have to go to the clinic to receive care, which involves arriving early, getting on the list and then coming back at the appointed time. It's a bit of a hassle but the care is available. For emergencies, we would go to the new hospital. Health care in Canada is not what people think it is. There are long wait times for tests, sometimes several months. The system isn't working well for serious health issues and those with private insurance feel that they are entitled to queue jump for faster testing. That's prohibited. As a result, there is a law suit headed to the Supreme Court. The federal government and BC argue that if the privately insured can get faster testing, the wealthy will have an advantage over the rest of Canadians. Those with private insurance argue that denying them faster testing violates their Constitutional right to life and liberty. It's a complicated situation. But for small medical problems like strep throat or a broken bone, the system is manageable. Not great, but same-day service here on Vancouver Island," commented one expat living in Canada.

"You cannot get any health care without having permanent residency card which takes over 4 years and retired people are not even considered if you register online, as everyone is told to do. You can pay exorbitant out of pocket fees though. Over $500. Just to have your eye pressure taken by an ophthalmologist. The only health insurance you can get is travel insurance and emergency insurance at high prices. A small bottle of aspirin that costs less than $2. In the US, costs over $10. In Canada including 15 per cent tax. Although you can buy prescription medication while in the US cheaper in Canada through the mail, if you are living in Canada, it is difficult to even find a lot of medications because they say there is a big shortage here," commented one expat who moved to Halifax, Canada.

"In Canada, medical services are generally of a high quality and are accessible to all citizens. The country has a publicly funded healthcare system, which provides basic medical services to all citizens free of charge. Canada also has a wide range of private medical services, such as specialist care, which are available to those who can afford them. Canada also has a well-developed network of hospitals and clinics, which provide a range of medical services, from primary care to specialized care," wrote one expat living in Canada.