Top 17 Reasons Not to Move to Canada (Honest Advice for 2025)
Should You Move to Canada in 2025?
Canada is a beautiful country and a top destination for many people moving abroad. But before you pack your bags, it’s important to ask yourself: are there any reasons NOT to move to Canada?
Although I love living in Canada, I appreciate it may not be for everyone. Relocating internationally is a big decision, and it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons carefully. To help you make an informed choice, here are my top 17 reasons why you might want to reconsider moving to Canada in 2025.
Chasing Chanelle contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we use and trust. Read our disclaimer for more information.
Reasons Not To Move To Canada
Having lived in Canada since 2018, I have gotten to know the country pretty well. Plus, as an ex-Canadian immigration lawyer, I’d like to consider myself somewhat of an expert on moving to Canada.
So based on my own experience, what I have learned about Canada during my time here, and my observations of others, here are my top 17 reasons not to move to Canada.
1. You Really Hate The Cold
This is an obvious one, but it is also one of the main reasons people are put off moving to Canada.
Canada does get freezing cold in winter. But what a lot of people don’t realize is, it also gets really hot in summer. In fact, the Canadian summers are absolutely beautiful.
And the winters aren’t actually as bad as people make them out to be. Winter is technically from December to February, but the cold will usually stretch from November until the end of March (or longer in some regions). Plus, it’s not uncommon to get late-season snow storms—I’ve even experienced snow in May in Toronto!
Although this might seem like a really long time, winter is usually only uncomfortably cold for a few weeks in January and February (unless you live in the very cold regions up north). And during this time we just tend to hibernate a lot. Luckily, the houses in Canada are built for the cold, so it’s easy to stay toasty warm inside!
However, if you really hate the cold then Canada might not be right for you.
Although the worst of the winter is short lived, Canada is on the colder side for around 6 months of the year. And if you’re not interested in embracing the cold or taking up snow sports then you will find the winters painfully long.
2. Finding a Job in Canada Can Be Challenging
Canada is a country with lots of job opportunities. But finding your first job here can be a difficult and time-consuming task.
Generally, recruitment processes in Canada move a lot slower than in many other countries. It’s not unusual to apply for a job, assume you didn’t get it, and then hear back several months later for an interview.
Another challenge faced by new immigrants is that Canadian employers often prioritize Canadian work experience. This can make it very difficult to land your first job in Canada, as employers might be reluctant to consider your international work experience and education.
Luckily, once you land your first job in Canada, it becomes much easier to find your next job. So don’t let your first Canadian job search put you off.
When moving to Canada, make sure you’re prepared for the job search to take time. It’s best to plan ahead with enough money saved to cover your living expenses for at least 6 months, as it really can take this long to find a job!
3. You Might Not Earn as Much Money in Canada
Another employment challenge you may face in Canada is that your industry might not pay very well here. But, on the flip side, you could also discover that your industry pays significantly more in Canada—it really can go either way!
Coming from Australia, some of the industries I noticed which don’t pay as well in Canada are retail, hospitality and construction. Although it’s worth noting that hospitality workers do make a lot of tips here, which often brings up their overall earnings to a decent income.
I have had friends from various industries who were earning six-figures in Australia, only to find themselves on close to minimum wage after moving to Canada. Such a significant change in earnings can be difficult to adapt to and often requires a big lifestyle adjustment which could taint your experience of living in Canada.
Therefore, it’s important to have a realistic understanding of what you will be able to earn in your profession in Canada, so you can establish if this will be sufficient before you make the move.
4. You’re Not Outdoorsy
Despite the long winters, Canadians are very outdoorsy people, and there are so many outdoor activities here in every season, which can be a great reason to move to Canada!
But, if you don’t enjoy the outdoors, you might struggle to find hobbies and activities to do here.
Because of the long winters, Canadians really make the most of the warmer months. From hiking, camping, kayaking, canoeing and fishing, to playing organized sports, or even just enjoying the local park, it seems like everyone is outside when the weather is nice.
And the cold weather doesn’t keep Canadians inside either. In the winter, people still head outside for a range of snow sports like skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating and hockey. And, as long as there isn’t too much snow, you will still find people walking, running, playing team sports and biking outside in the colder months in Canada.
Fortunately, there are also plenty of indoor activities to do in winter in Canada, especially in cities like Toronto. But outside of major cities your options will be more limited and you might find yourself spending a lot of time at shopping malls.
Therefore, if you aren’t outdoorsy, you will miss out on so much of what Canada has to offer, and you may find yourself getting a bit bored here.
5. Traveling in Canada Can Be Expensive
Canada is a big country with so much to see. But unfortunately traveling within Canada can actually be quite expensive.
Given everywhere is so spread out, you can’t just drive everywhere like you can in some places. Instead, you will often have to fly to travel within Canada and those flight aren’t usually much cheaper than flying overseas. Plus, other travel expenses like accommodation and car rentals can also be expensive in Canada.
However, there are also plenty of ways to vacation here for cheap. Throughout the year there are some really great flight deals, and if you travel in the off-season (spring and fall) you will find accommodation to be much cheaper then. Plus, the further in advance you book, the cheaper the prices tend to be.
Alternatively, you could also try camping for a true Canadian vacation experience! Or you may find that it is actually cheaper to vacation abroad once you move to Canada. That is why so many Canadians will holiday in places like Mexico and South America.
Therefore, if you’re moving over with the dream of seeing everything Canada has to offer, make sure you understand that this does come at a premium!
6. Finding Housing in Canada Can Be Challenging
Another challenge for newcomers to Canada can be finding somewhere to live.
Housing prices have skyrocketed over the past few years and the housing market is very competitive. This is making it more difficult than ever to buy property, and has raised rental prices. But finding somewhere affordable to live may not be your only challenge when you arrive in Canada.
In Canada, you’re required to provide your credit history to lease a property. Unfortunately, Canada doesn’t recognize foreign credit reports, therefore it can be difficult to prove that you have good credit before you start building credit in Canada.
When looking for a rental property, working with a realtor is a good way to get around this. They will often take into consideration your foreign credit reports and can then negotiate for you with the landlords.
Another rental requirement is to prove that you have stable employment. Landlords want reassurance that you will be able to pay your rent throughout your lease, so they want to see proof of your income. This is a difficult requirement if you have just arrived in Canada and haven’t yet found a job.
One work around is to pay several months rent up-front, to ease the owners concerns. This is another reason why you should have as much money as possible saved for your move to Canada. It’s also good to book some temporary accommodation for when you first arrive, such as a hotel or vacation home.
7. The Cost of Living in Canada Has Skyrocketed
The cost of living has been rising all around the world. But this is particularly felt in countries like Canada, which have always been more expensive places to live.
In addition, certain costs, like housing, have really skyrocketed in Canada in recent years. And unfortunately salaries have not kept up with the rising inflation. As such, you now get less for your money in Canada and rising cost of living can really be felt here.
Of course, this will impact some people more than others. Canada is a country of opportunity and there plenty of really well paid professions here. So many people are not that affected by increased prices at the grocery store, or have gotten lucky in the housing market.
But for others, inflation has made it more difficult than ever to live comfortably, and this is definitely something to take into consideration when deciding whether or not you should move to Canada.
8. Prices Don’t Include Tax in Canada
Just like in the USA, price tags in Canada are misleading, as they never include tax. This can give you a false sense of what you can afford in Canada. And you will always find yourself having to do mental maths when you’re buying anything.
In Canada, you should always expect to pay more than the advertised price. Tax varies from province to province, with some only charging Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is 5%. Whereas other provinces charge Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), which can be as high as 15%.
I live in Ontario, where we pay 13% HST. So whenever I’m shopping, eating out, or getting a service, I must always expect to pay 13% more than the advertised price. Although, it is worth noting that some items are exempt from HST, such as basic groceries, medical services and insurance.
When comparing the prices of things in Canada to what you’re used to at home, make sure to factor in tax, to get a true idea of what you will be spending once you move here!
9. There’s a Big Tipping Culture
Another hidden expense which can take newcomers to Canada by surprise, is tipping. Again, like the USA, Canada has a big tipping culture.
In many other countries you may be used to just tipping 5-10% if the service was really outstanding, or not tipping at all. However, in Canada, you should expect to tip between 18-20% for most services. Generally, the absolute minimum acceptable tip in Canada is around 15%, but for exceptional service it’s not uncommon to tip as high as 25-30%.
Once you factor in tax and tip, your meal or service can easily be a third more expensive than the advertised price. So make sure to keep this in mind so you don’t get a nasty surprise when the cheque arrives.
And it’s not just restaurants and bars where you should expect to tip in Canada. Tipping is normal for most service providers, such as hairdressers, taxis, beauticians, and even when you buy a take away coffee!
10. You Might Have Difficulties Immigrating
While Canada has high immigration targets and various pathways available, immigrating here is not that easy for everyone. Therefore, it is often best to speak to a Canadian immigration lawyer to assess your options before you start the process.
Factors like your age, professional experience, education, language skills and marital status will affect your eligibility to immigrate to Canada permanently. And if you don’t meet certain minimum criteria, it may be virtually impossible for you to gain residency here.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to move to Canada on a temporary basis, you will usually need to pursue eligible studies here which relate to your professional experience, or find an employer willing to sponsor you.
This is much easier said than done, since employers many not qualify to sponsor you. They are also often reluctant to try these lengthy and expensive sponsorship processes unless you have a specific skillset and experience which is in particularly high demand.
If you do end up meeting the criteria to move to Canada through one of the various pathways, this still doesn’t guarantee that you will be successful. Other factors can render you inadmissible, such as having a medical condition or criminal background (even minor offences), ties to inadmissible family members, or failing to properly disclose information in your application.
And even if your background check comes up clean, you will still be faced with an often lengthy and expensive application process, where the smallest error, missing piece of information, or failure to convince the officer of your intentions could result in a declined application.
If you meet all the required criteria and are admissible to Canada, you may well find that immigrating is a smooth and easy process. However, for many, it’s not that simple, and the application processes can last months or years, be very costly, and result in a lot of disappointment.
11. Car Insurance Costs a Fortune
Canada is a big country so, unless you choose to live downtown in a city, you will likely rely on a car to get around here.
Unfortunately, owning a car in Canada can actually cost quite a lot. Not because of the prices of cars, but because car insurance is ridiculously expensive here!
The average car insurance premium in Canada is between $1,300 to $1,800 per year. However, this varies drastically based on where you live, what car you own, and how many years of driving history you can show.
Unfortunately, Canadian insurers don’t usually take into account foreign driving records. As such, you will be treated like a new driver here in Canada, which means your insurance premium will be as high as possible. It’s not uncommon for newcomers to Canada to pay upwards of $4,000 per year in car insurance!
These ridiculous insurance premiums mean that owning a car in Canada might not be feasible when you first arrive. Luckily, most major cities in Canada have good public transit systems, you can always rent a car when you really need one. A lot of cities in Canada also now have car sharing services which are a good alternative to owning your own car.
12. Phone Plans Are Among the Most Expensive
Another thing which is really expensive in Canada is mobile phones.
In Canada, phone plans (and in particular data) are some of the most expensive in the world. The cost for even just a couple of GB data can cost more than you would pay for an unlimited plan elsewhere.
You should expect to pay upwards of $50 per month for a mobile phone plan in Canada, and that doesn’t even include the phone. Once you add a phone to your plan, and factor in tax, you can easily be paying upwards of $100 per month.
Luckily there are now some budget phone providers which have entered the Canadian market. However, their service isn’t as reliable as the big providers and doesn’t reach across the whole country. Therefore, they are only really suitable for people looking to live in cities, as you won’t get service in more remote places.
13. There Aren’t Many Big Cities in Canada
If you’re a city person, you won’t have too many choices for places to settle in Canada.
Canada is a big country. But it is mostly made up of wild and remote places, and smaller towns, rather than urban settings. If you prefer a big city, you will mainly be limited to Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. The rest of the cities in Canada are on the smaller side, with only 6 of them having a population of more than 1 million people!
However, living in a smaller city does have its perks. They are usually more affordable and still have job opportunities, universities, and many of the amenities you would find in larger cities. Plus, Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal are all beautiful places, full of life, entertainment and culture.
So if you do choose to settle in a Canadian city, you may find that you love it.
But if you really have your eyes set on the big city life like you would expect from places like New York, Hong Kong or London, then Canada probably isn’t the right place for you.
14. Studying in Canada Can Be Expensive
For many newcomers, studying in Canada is a pre-requisite to immigrating here. One of the main pathways to permanent residency in Canada is first coming here temporarily on a study permit. However, doing this does not come cheap.
As a temporary resident, you will have to pay international student fees to study here, which are VERY expensive. They can be as much as six times higher than domestic student fees!
And, even if you don’t need to study to immigrate to Canada, you might find that once you move here you will need to complete additional qualifications to work in your profession.
Many professions in Canada will require (or prefer) you to have professional designations or a graduate degree. This can see you having to return to school or undertake additional courses or exams to pursue your chosen profession. Unfortunately the cost of doing these extra studies can really add up.
Although, despite the high cost, Canada does have an excellent higher education system and it is a great place to study (I know from experience). But, if you can, I would recommend waiting until you become a permanent resident or citizen to study here, so you can pay domestic fees. As otherwise it is far too expensive.
15. Taxes in Canada Are Higher Than in Many Other Countries
A great thing about living in Canada is that there are plenty of services available to residents. This includes free healthcare, good infrastructure, public sporting facilities and community services, to name a few.
However, all of these things do come at a price. As a result, tax rates in Canada are higher than in many other countries.
The amount of income tax you pay here will depend on your personal situation. The first $14,000 you earn in Canada is tax free. But after that, the tax brackets increase based on your salary, from 20% to 53.53%. The more you earn, the more you pay!
And income tax isn’t the only tax you should expect to pay in Canada. We also pay tax on the sales of goods and services, provincial tax, property tax and corporate tax (if you own a business).
16. Canada’s Wildlife and Bugs Can Be Overwhelming
You might be under the impression that Canada doesn’t have any creatures that can harm you. Or, at the very least, annoy you!
Since moving to Canada, I’ve actually encountered more wildlife than I have ever before.
The range of animals in Canada are spectacular, but you must exercise caution. Bears, moose, wolverines, cougars, and wolves are just some of the animals you can find in the wilderness here.
Getting too close to these animals is very dangerous. But seeing them from a safe distance in the wild is a very special thing. However, if you have a strong fear of being eaten by a bear, you may not enjoy yourself that much in the Canadian wild.
In the city you will also encounter a range of creatures including, raccoons, skunks, foxes and even coyotes. Although aside from a couple of very brave raccoons trying to steal my food, I’ve never had any problems with any of these.
And you might have thought Canada was too cold for bugs. But you’re wrong. In the warmer months, especially early summer, black flies, mosquitos and midges are rampant. You may not have a big issue with them in the city, but you will encounter them by the water or as soon as you head into nature.
For many people the wildlife might be a reason not to come to Canada. But it’s actually something a lot of us love about Canada (except for the bugs!).
17. You’re Looking For European History And Culture
Now I’m not saying Canada doesn’t have history and culture—it actually has tons!
Canada has a very long indigenous history, going as far back as 14,000 years. And its more recent history is heavily influenced by European culture, thanks to settlers from Britain and France.
However, the Canada we know and live in today is young. It only officially became a country in 1867 and the cities and towns reflect that. Therefore, you won’t find two-thousand year old roman structures, historic gothic buildings and grand cathedrals here.
In the province of Quebec – especially in Quebec City and Montreal – you will find french influenced architecture, food and language. And even though some parts of Old Quebec might make you feel like you’re in France, it’s just not the same as what you would actually experience in Europe.
So, if European history and culture is what you’re looking for, you will be better off going to Europe.
Why I Moved To Canada
I moved to Canada at a time when I wasn’t feeling settled where I was, and I was looking for somewhere which could be my longterm home. Having lived in several different countries by this point, I hadn’t yet found the country I really connected with (not even my home country).
Canada ticked a lot of boxes for me. It’s a huge country with lots of natural beauty, is full of outdoor activities and adventure, has lots of career opportunities, is English speaking, and is really well connected to the rest of the world.
Like most people moving to Canada, I was a little concerned about the cold. But as I love snow and skiing, and found Australia way too hot for way too long, I was looking forward to having a proper winter again.
Finally, as I have a lot of family and friends living in Europe, Canada’s proximity to Europe was also appealing to me. It’s only a 7 hour flight, which might seem long, but coming from Australia, I consider anything under 10 hours to be a short flight!
For me, moving to Canada was absolutely the right choice. I love living here and when I’m away for extended periods of time, I always really look forward to coming back. I like to think that I properly considered both the pros and cons of moving to Canada before doing so, which meant I had realistic expectations and was not disappointed.
Quick Recap – Reasons Not to Move to Canada
To recap, here’s a quick overview of the top 17 reasons why you might want to reconsider moving to Canada:
- 1. Harsh Winters: Freezing temperatures in many regions.
- 2. Competitive Job Market: Tough job search, especially in certain industries.
- 3. Lower Salaries: Earnings may be lower compared to other countries.
- 4. Not Ideal for Non-Outdoorsy People: Limited appeal without outdoor activities.
- 5. Expensive Travel: High costs due to Canada’s vast size.
- 6. Housing Challenges: Difficult to find affordable housing in major cities.
- 7. High Cost of Living: Everyday expenses have skyrocketed in recent years.
- 8. Taxes Aren’t Included in Prices: Be prepared to pay more at the checkout.
- 9. Expensive Tipping Culture: Tipping is expected and can add up quickly.
- 10. Immigration Difficulties: The process can be complex and time-consuming.
- 11. Costly Car Insurance: High insurance rates make owning a car expensive.
- 12. Pricey Phone Plans: Mobile plans are among the most expensive in the world.
- 13. Fewer Big Cities: Limited urban centers compared to other countries.
- 14. Expensive Education: High costs for international students.
- 15. High Taxes: Tax rates are higher than in many other countries.
- 16. Wildlife and Bugs: From mosquitoes to bears, wildlife can be overwhelming.
Moving To Canada FAQs
What’s the Easiest Way to Immigrate to Canada?
If you qualify for Canada’s Express Entry program this will be the easiest way for you to immigrate to Canada. To qualify, you will need to have a certain amount of skilled work experience, education, language skills, and other factors, for which you will be allocated points. If you have enough points, you will be invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
The application and waiting process can be lengthy, but Express Entry is usually the easiest way to gain permanent residency in Canada without having to obtain temporary residence in Canada. Alternatively, depending on your family or marital situation, you may have an option to immigrate through family or spousal sponsorship.
What Are the Main Reasons Not to Move to Canada?
The main reasons not to move to Canada include harsh winters, a high cost of living, and a competitive job market. Other challenges include expensive housing, high taxes, and difficulties with immigration.
While Canada is a beautiful country with many opportunities, these factors might make it less appealing depending on your preferences and circumstances.
Is Canada a Good Place to Live?
Canada is an amazing place to live, but it may not suit everyone. If you’re looking for beautiful nature, you like doing outdoor activities, enjoy having four seasons, and like north American culture, Canada is a great place to live.
However, in deciding whether it’s the right place for you, you should take into account the reasons not to move to Canada which are outlined above. Things like the high cost of living, the cold weather, and the challenges of establishing yourself as a newcomer to Canada, can affect your opinion on whether it’s a good place to live.
How can you move to Canada from the US?
Moving to Canada from the US follows the same process as if you were coming from any other countries. You will need to look into which immigration programs you qualify for and go through the application process.
Although one advantage you might have coming from the US is the Canada-United States-Mexico agreement, which allows for easier temporary immigration pathways for US citizens with work experience in certain professions.
Is Canada a better place to live than the US?
Depending on what you’re looking for, you may prefer to live in the US. But generally, Canada is thought to have a better quality of life than the US, and is usually ranked higher for this.
Some factors which make Canada a better place to live than the US are that it is an exceptionally immigrant friendly country, has free healthcare, cheaper higher education and lower unemployment rates, and is a safer country to live in than the US.
Where is the best place to live in Canada?
This really comes down to personal preference and what you’re looking for. If you prefer the city life then Toronto or Vancouver will probably suit you best. Whereas if you’re looking for the mountains, hiking and skiing or snowboarding, a mountain town in BC or Alberta will be the best place for you.
You will need to do some research when planning your move to Canada to figure out where will be the best place for you to live. In deciding where to live, you should consider things like affordability, job opportunities, amenities and proximity to points of interest, as these will vary from place to place.
Is Canada Safe to Live In?
Canada is considered one of the safest countries in the world to live in, and is ranked 12th on the Global Peace Index. Crime rates are also relatively low, with a crime index rate of just 41.89 and cities like Toronto are considered very safe.
Therefore, it’s generally safe to walk around, visit tourist sites, and travel by public transport. However, Canada is not perfect and nowhere in the world is completely safe. Petty crime does occur in Canada, so just like you would anywhere else in the world, always apply common sense and exercise some caution.
The biggest danger you will likely encounter in Canada is actually the weather! With snow and ice in winter, the roads can be dangerous and you need to dress appropriately to protect yourself from the cold. And in summer, certain parts of the country are subject to wildfires.
Is the quality of life in Canada good?
Yes, the quality of life in Canada is one of the best in the world. Canada usually ranks towards the top of lists of best countries to live in for a number of reasons.
A combination of factors contribute to the country’s consistently good rankings. These include Canada’s free healthcare, access to education, individual freedom, political stability, community support, low unemployment and affordability.
Is Canada a Good Place to Raise a Family?
Yes, Canada is a great place to live for families. There is a high standard of education, free healthcare, low crime rates and high employment, which makes it an excellent place to raise a family.
Plus, as Canada is such a big country, it’s possible to choose somewhere to live which has lots of space for kids to run around, and opportunities to spend as much time outside as possible.
What is the worst thing about living in Canada?
I think most would agree that the worst thing about living in Canada is the weather. The winters are long and cold, and even people who enjoy winter get sick of it sometimes.
Although Canadians do make the most of the winters, with plenty of winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, ice skating and playing hockey. And when the cold gets too much, it’s a great time to go on a vacation. There are lots of hot destinations within close proximity of Canada, such as Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America.
Luckily, asides from the cold winters, the weather in Canada tends to be pretty great the rest of the year, including beautiful hot summers.
Final Thoughts
Before going through the often lengthy and expensive process of immigrating, it’s important to consider the reasons not to move to Canada. This could save you a lot of hassle if Canada isn’t the right place for you.
However, if a move to Canada aligns with your motivations and expectations, then I have no doubt that you will love living in this beautiful country just as much as I do!
READ MORE
50 Pros and Cons of Living in Canada (From an Expat)
Do You Need a Passport to Go to Canada?
Is Toronto Safe? Everything You Need To Know About Safety in Toronto
Do You Regret Moving To Canada? Everything You Need To Know Before Immigrating
