Moving from one apartment to another can feel overwhelming, but moving to an entirely new country far surpasses a move across town. When you change countries of residence, there are a myriad of things to consider ranging from visas, citizenship, financials and, of course, where you actually want to settle down.
Canada is comprised of ten provinces spread out over seven distinct climate zones. From century-old major cities on the east coast to the youthful energy of the major cities on the west, Canadian cities combine a variety of culture, language, enterprise and natural beauty in ways you’ll find nowhere else in the world.
Vancouver
Topping the list for U.S. News and World Reports, Vancouver is one of the youngest major cities in North America. Vancouver may not be known for hundreds of years of history, but the city is definitely rich in natural beauty. The city sits nestled in the heart of soaring mountains and Pacific beaches.
Inside the city you’ll find high-end fashion boutiques and scores of healthy restaurants and food shops. Thanks to the youthful energy of the city and the fondness of studios to film among the stunning scenery, the nickname “Hollywood North” has stuck to the area. Major landmarks from the area show up in both the “Twilight” series and “Supernatural.”
While the city streets hold their fair share of young, hip urbanites, there are just as many adventure seekers in the area ready to enjoy the hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking in the summer and skiing in the winter. Full of family-friendly areas and activities as well as eccentric shopping and fun nightlife, Vancouver is a great spot for families or singles.
Toronto
Toronto is very proud of its size, and its many record-breaking accomplishments. Toronto is home to one of the tallest free-standing towers in the world as well as the largest underground shopping mall. The longest street in Canada can be found in the sprawling urban monolith. In fact, Toronto is Canada’s most reoccurring claim in the Guinness Book of World Records – a record in itself!
By the middle of the twentieth century, the original boundaries of the city were long forgotten and over time and city has grown to incorporate nearby suburbs until it reached the status of North America’s 5th largest city. This large city and its many suburbs has continued to draw new residents over the decades. Currently more than half of the city’s 2.5 million residents are immigrants.
If you’re seeking a global experience or moving from another large city and want to maintain a high level of diversity, Toronto is the best place in Canada to find what you’re seeking. Inside the city you’ll find pockets of immigrants in enclaves like Greektown, Koreatown, Little Italy and Little India. There are full neighborhoods in the city where you can find authentic cuisine and culture from every other continent. Best of all, Toronto has a very extensive public transportation system so you’re able to easily move from one part of the city to another effortlessly.
Calgary
Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountain, Calgary appears numerous times on Huffington Post rankings of the top Canadian cities. This economically thriving city sits at the intersection of two rivers – the Bow and Elbow – and is an homage to natural beauty in the heart of an urban setting. The city is full of open spaces, parks, pathways, river settings and the mountains and their activities are just a few miles away.
With hiking, river rafting and kayaking as well as winter skiing less than an hour away, many of Calgary’s residents enjoy the out of doors in addition to the many things the city offers. It helps tremendously that Calgary enjoys more days of bright sun than any other large Canadian city. It’s the perfect combination for work-life balance.
Many of those moving to Calgary are excited not just about the beautiful weather the city experiences in the summer, but also about the low tax rate and affordable lifestyle. Calgary has the lowest tax rate in the country, affordable housing and a strong agriculture and oil and gas industries.
Ottawa
Long the top spot in U.S. News and World Report’s annual ranking, Ottawa is the capital of Canada and currently in the second spot in the ranking. While other cities in Canada have had a few ups and downs as the different areas of the economy shifts and settles, Ottawa has remained relatively steady with a high average income, reliable public transportation, low taxes and steady access to healthcare – all key areas in the ranking.
Inside Ottawa new residents are enjoying the historic building and homes as well as the many museums and other cultural areas of interest. The city also is home to many farmer’s markets and the Central Experimental Farm, an agricultural site in the very heart of the city. Ottawa is a blend of historic culture and progressive ideas, ideal for family life and career minded individuals. The majority of the city’s restaurants and shops are closed by 9 p.m., although there is a bit of nightlife for those looking hard enough.
While not in the mountains or along the coast as many other large cities are in Canada, Ottawa is close to the Gatineau Hills and residents can easily cross the border into norther New York for shopping and outings.
Montreal
One of Canada’s largest cities, Montreal is also considered one of the top cities in the world according to the Economist. Montreal is one of the most diverse metropolis in Canada and is easily the most elegant and stylish city in the country as well. Montreal is a city of rich history, exciting stories and more than enough historic grandeur to go around.
While Montreal might be the booming city it once was, it is a proud lady with a bit of a scandalous past. Montreal was the destination for thousands of Americans during Prohibition when they wanted to drink, party and enjoy some wild music. Almost a century later, people are still flocking to Montreal to enjoy the same things – French music and culture combined with beer, fireworks and summer festivals galore.
Montreal is as close to a European city as North America has to offer. Along the old streets you’ll find sidewalk cafes and clubs, often with laughter and music spilling out until the wee hours of the morning. The parties and celebration continue year-round, even in the bitter winter months.
Residents have a bit of nature to explore within the city as well. The city’s namesake, the Parc du Mont-Royal is a low mountain of igneous rock that forms one of the nation’s most interesting and beautiful urban parks. From the top of “the Mountain” you can see the old city and the more recent suburban additions. Museums, government buildings, narrow cobblestone streets and the busy centre-ville are visible above ground, and underneath the city there is another level of shopping malls and food courts connected with the metro system and pedestrian tunnels.
Victoria
While Vancouver may be a youthful city of energy and outdoor adventure, Victoria – a brief ferry ride away – is a quaint oasis along the coast. On the very southern tip of Vancouver Island, this small city very closely resembles its former Colonial self. Residents of Victoria still embrace afternoon tea and pints at the local pub.
Manicured gardens and tea houses are found throughout the city, and along the edges you can find impressive harbor views including frequent whale sightings. While the buildings in the city are known for charming architecture and tradition, outside the city itself you’ll find vineyards, wineries and long stretches of beaches as well as a myriad of islands accessible by ferry.
Gatineau
A medium-sized city, Gatineau has made multiple lists of top locations to live in Canada. The city has many advantages of a large metropolis without the large crowds and traffic snarls that can make for congestion in a more sprawling area. Gatineau, located on the border between Quebec and Ontario, is a city focused most on the comfort and productivity of its people. The city has seemingly unlimited greenspaces, large sports facilities and a well-recognized public transportation system.
Gatineau has a large proportion of foreign-born citizens, and more immigrants are moving to the city every year. The city is predominately French-speaking and is within commuting distance of Ottawa, the capital of Canada. The overall feel of the city is youthful with many young families enjoying the parks and shops thanks to the stable economy fueled by high-end technology and financial enterprises.