13 Best Reasons to Move to Canada in 2024 (From an Expat)
Are you considering moving to Canada? To help you decide, here are the top reasons to move to Canada, from someone who moved here!
Moving abroad is a huge step which comes with various pros and cons. And Canada is no exception. While it may not suit everyone, there are plenty of great reasons to move to Canada!
I know this better than most, having moved to Canada in 2018, following several other international moves. With every move I struggled to find a place where I wanted to stay long-term, until I arrived to Canada. Now, after almost 6 years here, Canada has become my home and I absolutely love living here.
Plus, I’m a former Canadian immigration lawyer, and I have a lot of friends who’ve also immigrated here. So, by now, I’m quite the expert on moving to Canada.
To help you decide if Canada is right for you, I’ve put together a list of the best reasons to move to Canada, which may include some things you haven’t already thought about. So, read on to find out why you should move to Canada.
13 Reasons to Move to Canada
Whether you already have your heart set on relocating, or are only just starting to contemplate a move, it’s essential to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of immigrating to Canada.
Having lived here since 2018, and spent time in different provinces, I know a lot about life in Canada. Plus, as an ex-Canadian immigration lawyer, I have a lot of experience working with others who’ve also made the move. So, I know what factors are important to consider when deciding if Canada is right for you.
So, based on my own experience, my professional expertise, and what I’ve learned from others, here are my top reasons to move to Canada!
1. Breathtaking Natural Beauty
Canada is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with a diverse array of breathtaking natural landscapes. From the rugged coastline of Newfoundland, to the towering peaks of the Canadian Rockies, and everything in-between, there’s no shortage of stunning natural scenery to explore.
With huge mountains and impressive glaciers, more than two million lakes, pristine beaches, lush forest, desert-like regions, and even the mighty Niagara Falls, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste.
And it’s important to consider the type of natural scenery that appeals most to you when deciding where in Canada to move.
Mountain lovers will be most at home in BC or Alberta. For endless lakes, consider moving to Ontario. Or if you prefer being by the ocean, somewhere on Vancouver Island or PEI might suit you best.
2. Welcoming and Diverse Communities
Canada prides itself on its inclusivity and diversity, with communities that embrace people from all walks of life. Whether you’re in a major city or a quaint rural town, you’ll quickly find a spirit of acceptance and tolerance that fosters a sense of belonging in Canada.
From cultural festivals and community events to grassroots initiatives, social clubs and sporting activities, Canada’s communities offer endless opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together.
Even living downtown in a big city like Toronto, I am always coming across community activities which are open to anyone. These include meet-ups, running clubs, sports leagues and many other resident-led initiatives.
In Canada you’ll also find many ethnic neighbourhoods where you can connect with other already-settled immigrants who share a similar cultural background. These areas tend to share a particularly strong sense of community and can be great places for new residents to settle. They’re also fantastic neighbourhoods to visit to immerse yourself in a particular culture, learn about the community and eat delicious authentic food!
3. Settlement Initiatives
Moving somewhere new is always a daunting experience, especially when it’s to a new country. In particular, it can be tricky to navigate all the requirements when you first arrive like house and job hunting, getting a social security number, setting up a bank account, and much more.
Luckily, Canada has various initiatives and services to help newcomers get settled and integrate into the local community. This is something I was particularly impressed with when I first arrived in Canada. I even received a welcome pack and had the opportunity to speak to a settlement representative before exiting the airport!
Some of the services you can expect to get assistance with when you first arrive in Canada are looking for a job, finding a place to live, signing children up for school, access to language classes, mental health and well-being support, help with Canadian taxes, and access to other community services.
4. High Quality of Life
Canada consistently ranks among the top countries for quality of life, which is a fantastic reason to consider moving here!
A combination of factors contribute to Canada’s consistently good rankings, including its robust social support systems, access to healthcare and education, individual freedom, low unemployment rates, and overall well-being of its residents.
And, with a strong economy, low crime, and a clean environment, Canada provides a safe and secure environment where individuals and families can thrive.
5. Thriving Job Opportunities
While finding employment in Canada can present some challenges, there are a wide range of job opportunities available here.
In fact, there are labour market shortages across the country in various industries, which is one of the key reasons driving Canada’s ambitious immigration targets. With lots of jobs available, particularly in skilled occupations, Canada’s goal is to approve around half a million permanent residents per year for the next few years!
Some of the most in-demand sectors at the moment include technology, healthcare, e-commerce and retail. And there are currently hundreds of eligible occupations across various industries which Canada is looking for in new immigrants.
Although it can be challenging to find employment when you first arrive, once you do secure a job, more opportunities for career growth and development will start to arise. In my experience, it can take several weeks (or even months) to get an initial job offer. But, once you’ve gained some Canadian work experience, you’ll find it much easier to secure better positions, and may even find yourself being headhunted!
6. Four Distinct Seasons
One of my favourite things about Canada is the four distinct seasons we get to experience here. And every season offers something special to look forward to each year!
While winters do get cold, Canada transforms into a winter wonderland and there are plenty of ways to make the most of it. With nearly 300 ski resorts across the country, there are tons of opportunities to do snow sports. And the cities are well-equipped for winter, with cold-weather infrastructure, winter events and outdoor ice rinks.
Spring is always an exciting season, as the days get longer and you get to witness the blooming flowers and foliage coming back to life. Summer is one of the best times of year in Canada, with long, warm days, beautiful parks and beaches, and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. And fall is one of the most beautiful times of year, when the leaves change colours, taking on vibrant hues of red, orange and gold.
7. Access to Free Healthcare
One of the best things about living in Canada is that there’s free healthcare! This means equality of care for everyone, without worrying about accruing crippling debt.
Canada’s universal healthcare system ensures that all residents have access to essential medical services without incurring a financial burden. This applies to citizens, permanent residents, and even to most temporary residents who have a valid work permit.
I’ve lived in several other countries which also have free healthcare, and, from my experience, Canada has been the best. The closest healthcare system I could compare it to is Australia. But in Australia the level of care and attention I would receive often seemed rushed.
And when I lived in the UK, I would usually have to wait hours to be seen by a doctor, even with an appointment! Then, when I did eventually get seen, it was always a very quick in and out.
Whereas in Canada I’ve never had a long wait, and the level of care and attention I’ve received from both my family doctor and walk-in clinics has been far superior to anything I’ve experienced elsewhere in the world.
8. Education Opportunities
Canada is one of the most educated countries in the world, with a third of the population holding a university degree. In fact, until recently it was the most educated country, now only outranked by South Korea.
With such a focus on education, Canada is home to many world-class universities and colleges, offering some of the best higher education opportunities in the world. As a result, Canada attracted over a million international students last year!
Whether you’re looking to pursue a university degree, or are seeking professional development, Canada’s educational institutions offer reputable qualifications which are internationally recognized. Plus, studying here is usually much more affordable than other major centres for education, like the US.
I’ve been fortunate enough to study in three different countries, and had fantastic experiences in each. But what stood out to me about studying in Canada in particular was the exceptionally supportive and innovative learning environment, in which faculty members really worked towards helping me to achieve my educational goals.
9. Safe, Stable and Progressive Environment
With low crime rates and a stable political climate, Canada offers a secure environment for individuals and families alike. This makes it a fantastic country to raise a family in. Or, if you’re looking to move to Canada by yourself, you’ll generally feel safe living here on your own.
I actually moved to Canada alone, and something I noticed from the minute I arrived was how safe it felt. Even living in Toronto has always felt safe, despite it being a huge city.
Plus, Canada is known for its progressive social policies, including gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental sustainability. With a commitment to inclusivity and social justice, you’ll find a culture of acceptance, tolerance, and equality for all here.
10. Proximity to Nature and Outdoor Activities
While the country’s vast wilderness is one of the best reasons to move to Canada, along with this also comes access to an array of fantastic outdoor activities.
Canada has more than 130 national and provincial parks and wilderness areas, as well as the world’s longest coastline, impressive mountain ranges and the most lakes in the world. So, no matter what season it is, there are outdoor recreation and sporting opportunities to suit all types of adventurers and nature lovers.
In the warmer months, you can make the most of endless hiking, camping, biking, mountaineering, fishing and canoeing and kayaking opportunities. And these activities aren’t just limited to the summer. Spring and fall are often the most pleasant time of year for outdoor activities, with unique views as the seasons change, milder temperatures, quieter parks and fewer bugs than during the height of summer.
Whereas, in the winter, provinces like BC and Alberta have some of the world’s best ski resorts to enjoy. But skiing and snowboarding aren’t the only winter sports you can do here. Snowshoeing, ice skating, nordic skiing, ice fishing, sledding, snowmobiling and fat biking are also popular winter activities in Canada.
Overall, Canada is the most outdoorsy country I’ve ever lived in, which is one of the things I love most about being here. Even living in the city, nature is easily accessible and locals are always outside making the most of the city’s parks, beaches, trails, and sporting facilities.
11. Generous Social Services and Benefits
In addition to free healthcare and community and newcomer initiatives, Canada is also a country with excellent social services and assistance.
When in times of need, Canadian Citizens and permanent residents are eligible for generous government benefits. Canada’s Employment Insurance (EI) benefits program provides a temporary income for those who have lost their job through no fault of their own, or are unable to work due to extenuating circumstances like illness, injury or caregiver duties.
There are also programs in place to assist those with disabilities, students, families and retirees, including financial aid, rebates, and government pensions and savings plans.
And, Canada has an extremely generous maternity and parental leave policy, allowing one or both parents to take an extended time off work when pregnant or taking care of a newborn or newly adopted child. This leave can be spread out over a period of up to 18 months, which is extremely generous compared to many other countries – in particular the US, where there isn’t any paid maternity or parental leave.
12. Work-Life Balance
Something I noticed immediately when I first started working in Canada was the huge emphasis on work-life balance here.
Of course, there are always some jobs which will require longer hours and overtime, and all jobs go through busy periods, but compared to the other countries I’ve lived in, the work conditions in Canada are significantly better.
Most companies tend to respect the 7.5 hour work day, with flexibility to start and finish earlier or later, and regular lunch breaks. As a result, most employees would work either 8 am to 4 pm, or 9 am to 5 pm, with a 12 pm lunch break, and were rarely in the office beyond these hours.
In comparison, I used to work 8:30 am to 6 pm plus a minimum of 1 hour overtime per day when I lived in the UK. This often meant that I would be commuting to and from work in the dark, and I would rarely get to take a proper lunch break.
In my experience, and in that of all my expat friends in Canada, all of our employers have also been impressed by our work ethic and performance.
I don’t think this is because we have better experience or skills than our Canadian counterparts. Instead, we were joining from slightly more demanding work environments in countries like the UK and Australia. As such, we were used to putting more effort into our work than was required here in Canada, so it always seemed like we were going above and beyond, when we felt like we were just doing the bare minimum.
Having a good work-life balance is now something my friends and I are all unwilling to compromise on. It allows us more time to prioritize hobbies, time with our friends and families, and to focus on our health. And it’s much less stressful, which promotes better mental wellbeing and overall a better quality of life.
13. Various Immigration Pathways
Finally, another great reason to move to Canada is that it’s actually a lot easier to move here than many other western countries. There are various immigration pathways available, including for skilled workers, students, and families of citizens and permanent residents.
Some of the most common pathways to immigrate to Canada include:
- Express Entry: A points based immigration program for skilled workers to obtain permanent residency.
- Provincial Nominee Program: Where your province of destination nominates you for permanent residency.
- Spousal or Family Sponsorship: Where a Canadian citizen or permanent resident can sponsor their spouse, partner, dependent children and, in some cases, other family members for permanent residency.
- Study Permit: Allows you to come to Canada to study at a designated learning institution. Although this is only a temporary visa, following the completion of your studies you may become eligible to obtain a work permit and eventually qualify for permanent residency.
- Work Permit: There are various categories of temporary work permits available to in-demand workers, as well as the International Experience Canada (IEC) program which provides youth from select countries a working holiday visa for up to 2 years.
There are also several less common ways to immigrate, which, depending on your profile, could be worth looking into. These include the start-up-visa, self-employed route, community-focused pathways, and Quebec specific programs. Many of these are more difficult to pursue than those listed above, but they can provide opportunities for those who don’t fit into the more common categories.
And, once you’ve been in Canada as a permanent resident for more than 3 years, you will qualify to apply for citizenship, so you make Canada your forever home!
When I moved to Canada I qualified for an IEC work permit, which was really easy for me to get. But I then realized that I actually already qualified for permanent residency through Express Entry. Therefore, as I wasn’t ready to make the move immediately, I took the time to go through the Express Entry process.
I did a lot of research, followed the instructions precisely, and triple checked my application to ensure everything was correct (as it’s very important to get right the first time)! The whole process took me around 6 months and in the end I was fortunate enough to be granted permanent residency in Canada. A few months later I made the move, and I haven’t looked back!
Why I Moved to Canada
I moved to Canada in 2018, after having already lived in Australia, the UK and France. Although I had already moved around a lot, I still hadn’t found somewhere where I wanted to settle for the long-term. And, although I had enjoyed living in each country, none of them truly felt like home.
So, I once again decided to make a move and try somewhere new, and I quickly landed on Canada. I had already been on vacation here and loved it. And it ticked off a lot of boxes, so there were several reasons for me to move to Canada.
Firstly, it’s an English-speaking country, there are plenty of job opportunities, and it’s a beautiful place with easy access to a wide range of activities.
Another thing that drew me to Canada is how well-connected it is to the rest of the world. With so many of my friends and family in Europe, it’s nice being only a 7-hour flight away. And it’s nice being close to other places I want to travel to, like Central and South America.
Like most people considering a move to Canada, I was initially a bit nervous about how cold it would be. But, I love skiing and snowboarding, and I didn’t enjoy the constant heat in Australia. So, I was actually looking forward to having four distinct seasons and a real winter again.
On top of all of this, I also just had a really good feeling about Canada!
And I was not wrong. I love living here and it’s completely lived up to all my expectations. Plus, it’s somewhere which I have truly connected with and can now see as being my long-term home.
FAQs
Is Canada a good place to live?
Yes, Canada is a great place to live! It’s a country with a high quality of life, excellent healthcare and education systems, a strong economy, political stability, and diverse and welcoming communities. Canada also boasts stunning natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and plenty of recreational opportunities.
However, it’s not all positives, and Canada won’t necessarily suit everybody. There is a higher cost of living here than in many other countries, the winters do get very cold, and it can be difficult to get established when you first arrive with things like employment and housing. And, whether Canada is the right place for you will depend on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and priorities.
Is Canada a better place to live than the US?
Whether Canada is a better place than the US for you to live will really depend on what you’re looking for. But Canada usually ranks higher than the US for liveability and is generally considered to offer a better quality of life.
Some factors which make Canada a better place to live are that it has free healthcare, cheaper education and lower unemployment rates than the US. Plus, it’s an exceptionally immigrant friendly country, and is a safer country to live in.
What are the disadvantages of immigrating to Canada?
For most people, the biggest disadvantages (and biggest reasons not to move to Canada) are the cold winters, high cost of living, and numerous challenges you may face when you first arrive.
In particular, it can be difficult to find your first job and home in Canada. So getting settled can take a while. But, luckily there are newcomer services to support you throughout this time.
With regard to the cost of living, some things which are particularly expensive in Canada are housing, car insurance and phone plans. Plus, prices here don’t already include tax, and there’s a big tipping culture. So, prices for many goods and services actually end up being more expensive than the advertised price.
READ MORE: 17 Reasons Not to Move to Canada
Is the cost of living in Canada expensive?
Yes, Canada does have a high cost of living which, for many, might be one of the reasons not to move. But, overall, the cost of living here is generally comparable to other western countries like the US and Australia.
And, the cost of living can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, lifestyle, and family size. Generally, major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal tend to have higher living costs compared to smaller cities and rural areas.
Housing is often the most significant expense for residents, with both rental and sale prices being particularly high in urban areas. Other expenses which are currently on the higher end in Canada are car insurance, phone plans and groceries.
However, despite these expenses, Canada also provides various social benefits and services. Having access to things like free healthcare, subsidized childcare and employment insurance, can drastically help to offset the costs associated with living here.
What 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, Vancouver or Montreal will probably suit you best. Whereas if you’re looking for the mountains, hiking and skiing or snowboarding, a mountain town in BC, Alberta or Quebec will be ideal.
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.
Why is Canada accepting so many immigrants?
Due to labour market shortages in various key industries, an ageing population and declining fertility rates, Canada has big immigration targets for the coming years.
In 2024, Canada is aiming to welcome 485,000 new permanent residents. And, in 2025 and 2026 the target is even higher at 500,000 new permanent residents per year.
On top of these numbers, Canada also continues to welcome a lot of temporary residents on work and study permits, with around 2.2 million temporary residents currently living in Canada!
How can I move to Canada?
There are various immigration pathways to move to Canada, which each have different eligibility requirements. These include programs for skilled workers, students, and partners or families of current Canadian residents.
To find out which programs you could qualify for, I recommend spending some time researching the different pathways on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.
Is Canada a safe place to live?
Canada is actually considered one of the world’s safest countries to live in, and this is one of the best reasons to move here! Not only is the country ranked 12th on the Global Peace Index, but it also has a low crime index rate of 41.89. And, even big cities, like Toronto, are considered safe to live in.
However, like most places around the world, some crime does occur, so you should still always apply common sense and exercise some caution in Canada.
Although, the biggest danger you will likely encounter in Canada is actually the weather! With snow and ice in winter, 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.
How difficult is it to move to Canada?
The most difficult part of moving to Canada is the immigration process. If you qualify for one of Canada’s immigration pathways, then moving here is actually easy compared to other western countries!
However, the process will usually take several months, and you have to be careful to work through every step meticulously. The main things which can complicate the process, or even compromise your eligibility, are criminal records, financial issues, health grounds, inadmissible family members and misrepresenting yourself in current or previous immigration applications.
Once you have been granted status in Canada, relocating comes with the same challenges you would face moving to any country, such as the logistics of moving and finding work and housing when you first arrive.
How much money do I need to immigrate to Canada?
Depending on the immigration pathway you’re pursuing, you may be required to show proof of funds, to demonstrate you have sufficient funds to settle in Canada. In particular, for Express Entry and Provincial Nominee programs, you will need to show a minimum of $13,757 CAD in savings. Although this number increases by around $3,000 to $4,000 for each family member who will be accompanying you to Canada.
On top of settlement funds, the immigration application process can cost between $2,000 to $3,000 CAD for an individual applicant. This is due to government fees, language tests, medical exams and other required documents and miscellaneous expenses.
And don’t forget to factor in your relocation costs such as flights, insurance, shipping and accommodation for when you first arrive.
Final Thoughts – Best Reasons to Move To Canada
So, there you have it, my top reasons to move to Canada!
Canada truly is a beautiful country with plenty of opportunities, high quality of life and diverse and welcoming communities. However, each of these reasons to make the move to Canada will carry different weight for everyone. And it’s important to consider both the pros and cons of relocating to Canada, before making the move.
I hope this article has helped you in deciding whether Canada is right for you. Or, at least brought your attention to some factors which you might not have thought of already.
Are you interested in moving to Canada but don’t know where to start? Speak to a Canadian immigration lawyer to find out your options!
READ MORE
50 Pros and Cons of Living in Canada (From an Expert)
Do You Really Need A Canadian Immigration Lawyer?
17 Reasons Not To Move To Canada
Do You Need a Passport to Go to Canada?
Do You Regret Moving To Canada? What You Need To Know Before Immigrating
