Canada’s unique landscapes and vibrant cities make it an ideal destination for newcomers looking for a fresh start. Our goal is to help you explore your options and discover the best place to live in Canada.
FREE ASSESSMENTWhether you’re attracted to Vancouver’s thriving tech scene in British Columbia, the affordability of Winnipeg in Manitoba, the French charm of Montreal Quebec, the agricultural heartland of Regina in Saskatchewan, or the peaceful appeal of the Atlantic Provinces, there’s a Canadian province that matches your lifestyle wants and considering what you can afford.
Visit our ‘Moving to Canada from Another Country’ page to read more about the process of moving to Canada from different countries around the world.
Ontario stands as the leading destination for newcomers to Canada, with Toronto at its heart. While Toronto offers a wealth of opportunities, it is also one of the most expensive places to live in the country.
Despite the high cost of living, Toronto’s extensive and efficient public transportation network makes car ownership largely optional. The city is also recognized for its bicycle-friendly infrastructure, with cycling emerging as an increasingly popular mode of transportation.
The average cost of renting a two-bedroom apartment in Toronto is around $2,926 CAD.
As the largest economy in Canada, Ontario has many different industries, including finance, tourism, manufacturing, and arts and sciences.
Located on the western edge of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Alberta is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes. The province is home to Calgary, one of Canada’s largest cities and a popular choice for newcomers.
Compared to other major Canadian cities, the cost of living in Alberta is relatively affordable. As of recent estimates, the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,913 CAD in Calgary and $1,654 CAD in Edmonton.
Owning a car can be advantageous for navigating all the scenery the city has to offer as it provides convenient access to the region’s abundant outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and other mountain activities.
Alberta also happens to be one of the only rat-free regions in the world. Since 1950, Alberta’s Rat Control Program has helped to keep rats out of the province; by doing so, they can help to prevent crop damage and the spread diseases carried by rats.
Alberta is one of Canada’s economic powerhouses, and the center of the Canadian energy industry due to the massive Alberta tar sands. Engineers, oil rig workers, or managers working in Alberta’s oil industry can expect large salaries.
Located on Canada’s Pacific coast, British Columbia is nestled between the ocean beaches to its west and the Rocky Mountains to the east, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The province is celebrated for its active lifestyle and natural beauty.
Vancouver, one of the most sought-after destinations for newcomers to Canada, is unmatched with its temperate climate. Winters in Vancouver are generally milder and wetter than in most other provinces. In addition to its appealing weather, Vancouver boasts a successful tech industry, a rich arts and culture scene, and robust social programs.
However, the city’s popularity comes at a cost. Vancouver is also considered to be one of the most expensive places to live in Canada, with the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment around $3,414 CAD.
Despite the high cost of living, Vancouver’s convenient public transportation network makes getting around the city without a car efficient. That said, owning a vehicle can be advantageous for those interested in planning weekend getaways to Whistler or going for a hike in the nearby mountains.
Manitoba, a prairie province between Saskatchewan and Ontario, is known for its strong natural resource-based economy and relatively low cost of living.
With one of the lowest unemployment rates in Canada, Manitoba’s economy is driven by key industries such as forestry, mining, and oil, making it a hub for resource exports. The affordability of life in the province is another major factor, with the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Winnipeg hovering around $1,780 CAD.
Manitoba is also known for its harsh winters, which can be significantly more severe than those experienced in most other provinces.
Quebec is Canada’s only officially French-speaking province. While fluency in French puts you at an advantage, it is not a strict requirement for living and working in certain areas, particularly in larger urban centers as most people are bilingual. Cities like Montreal and Quebec City offer increasing opportunities for non-French speakers, with Montreal standing out as a top destination for newcomers.
Montreal combines many of the economic benefits of other major Canadian cities with a relatively affordable cost of living. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,273 CAD. The city also has one of the best public transit systems in the world, making it easy to live car-free. During the warmer months, cycling is a popular mode of transportation.
Saskatchewan was once known as the “breadbasket of the world” and remains the nation’s leading producer of grains and oilseeds.
Regina, the provincial capital, is among the most affordable cities in the country, with the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment being around $1,509 CAD. However, like many mid-sized Canadian cities, car ownership is often necessary for getting around.
Collectively known as Atlantic Canada, the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick are located along the country’s eastern coast.
These smaller provinces are known for their natural beauty and traditional industries, including fishing, farming, forestry, and mining. They also offer some of the most affordable living costs in Canada, making these places an ideal option for those seeking an affordable and slower lifestyle.
Canada’s three northern territories; Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, are sparsely populated, with economies that rely heavily on natural resource extraction.
Living in the territories presents unique challenges and opportunities. While they offer access to some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes and remote communities, they also experience some of Canada’s harshest winters due to their northern location.
Prospective immigrants must thoroughly research and understand the significant variations in provincial programs, employment opportunities, climate, and health insurance across the country’s diverse regions. Overall, a comprehensive understanding of these factors is essential to choose a province that suits your unique needs and preferences, laying the groundwork for a successful and fulfilling life in Canada.
Every province in Canada operates its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). If you’re eligible for one of these PNPs, you can apply for a provincial nomination. If successful, you can apply for permanent residence from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Visit our dedicated page to learn more about the process of applying to a Canadian PNP.
Many Canadian provinces operate their own PNPs, which often prioritize candidates with work experience in occupations or industries identified as “in-demand” locally. This reflects the high level of employment opportunities in specified sectors within the province.
All successful applications through PNPs, and most other Canadian immigration streams, lead to permanent residence. As a permanent resident, you are protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which guarantees your right to live and work anywhere in the country, regardless of the province through which you immigrated.
Ideally, securing a job before arriving in Canada can ease the transition, but it’s not always easy. Finding employment from abroad can be challenging, as many employers prefer in-person interviews, and international travel for job searches may not be financially realistic for all candidates.
While a job offer is not required for most Canadian immigration programs, employment quickly becomes a top priority after arrival. It’s also crucial to research which provinces have strong labor markets for your industry, as job prospects can vary widely across regions.
Canada’s reputation for harsh winters is well-known, but the country experiences four distinct seasons. While winters can be cold, summers are often warm and pleasant.
Since Canada is the second-largest country in the world, the climate can vary a lot from one region to another. Most of Canada’s population lives along the southern border, where temperatures tend to be milder compared to the northern regions. Each province has its own unique weather patterns; for instance, winters in Montreal differ greatly from those in Vancouver, Winnipeg, or Halifax.
Healthcare in Canada is publicly funded and managed at the provincial level. When you move to a new province, you must apply for a provincial health card. Coverage usually begins right away as soon as you have submitted your application and are eligible.
For more detailed information about how to immigrate to Canada, complete our free online assessment today. We would be happy to guide you with the best option that would suit you.
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