If you’re thinking about moving to Canada, you’re probably very excited! It’s a huge decision to relocate to another country but it opens the door to a world of new opportunities.
Canada is known for being a friendly and welcoming country. It’s culturally diverse and attracts people from all over the world.
Aside from the incredible culture, Canada has stunning scenery and delicious food. You can enjoy some maple syrup pancakes before heading out into a busy town center or taking a trip up the snowy mountains. It’s also got a range of thriving industries that provide ample job opportunities.
There is something for everybody in Canada and no matter where you decide to settle, you won’t regret your decision to move to the country.
However, you will need to do plenty of research before your move so that you can find the perfect city or town for your needs and preferences. Doing lots of in-depth research will also ensure you don’t miss any important steps during the relocation process.
To help you along your journey to the incredible country of Canada, here are some important things that you need to know for your move.
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It’s More Than Just Toronto
Although Toronto is one of the most densely populated areas of Canada, it’s not the only place to consider when you’re relocating to the country.
Whether you prefer experiencing the hustle and bustle of a busy city center or you enjoy the serenity of the countryside, Canada has it all. It’s the second largest country in the world and spans almost 10 million square kilometers, so there are hundreds of different cities and towns.
Canada is split into ten provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Yukon). The provinces are similar to American states and each one has something unique to offer
You Will Need Health Insurance
Canada has a free public healthcare system but there may be restrictions for expats. To avoid being denied access to healthcare when you live in the country, you should get health insurance before you move.
Healthcare in Canada for Non Residents may be restricted to certain facilities or treatments. If you fall ill or get injured and require treatment, you may not be able to access the necessary treatments if you’re not covered with insurance.
Health insurance will also provide you with access to top-quality treatments that you may not otherwise be able to acquire while you’re living there. Before you move to Canada, make sure to search for the best health insurance provider. Consider your unique needs and budget to find a plan that offers the necessary coverage at an affordable price.
There’s a Lot of Slang
Every country has its own slang and Canada is no different! There are lots of words that are exclusive to Canadian English but the most famous Canadian phrase is short and sweet – ‘eh’.
Don’t be surprised if you hear ‘eh’ when you’re interacting with a native Canadian. They enjoy adding the phrase to the end of almost any sentence and there are lots of other unusual words that you’ve probably never heard of before.
To name a few of the common Canadian phrases:
- Loonie means Canadian dollar
- Timmies is the nickname for Tim Hortons
- Two-four is the name given to a box of 24 beers
- Hydro is the slang term for electricity
There’s also the characteristic Canadian accent that will take some getting used to when you relocate. Don’t be surprised if you hear ‘aboot’ in place of ‘about’!
The Country is Bilingual
Canada has two main languages – English and French. Most of the French speakers reside in Eastern Quebec but you might hear some French as you walk around other provinces.
The Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) has enforced laws that maintain the Frenchness of the province. For example, retail stores must use the French language on their signs as well as Canadian English.
If you’ve got time to do so, try and learn some basic French phrases so you can interact with the French-speaking portion of the Canadian population.
Canada Has Beautiful Landscapes
If you’re an outdoorsy person, you won’t be disappointed with the stunning landscapes of Canada. The cities are great but if you want some peace and quiet, you can head to the countryside to explore nature.
Since Canada is such a huge country, there’s so much to explore. You could easily spend your free time roaming through the forests or hiking up the mountains if you love staying active. Canada also has some gorgeous lakes that enable you to connect with nature and breathe in the fresh air.
