What should I pack when moving to Canada?
We asked people living in Canada to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded...
"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," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Vancouver, 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," commented one expat who made the move to Kelowna, Canada.

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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 in Canada?
- 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?
- What are healthcare services like 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?
What should I pack when moving to Canada?
If you live in Canada, newcomers to Canada would love to hear your answer to this question.
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.