Is Canada a Good Place to Live?

Beaches

Canada isn’t all snow and ice, mountains, lakes and rivers. Canada has some stunning beaches and with 2,000 hours of sunshine in the year, there is plenty of time to enjoy them. At least in the more southern parts of Canada, when the summers get very warm.

The most famous Canadian beach is probably Long Beach on Vancouver Island. But you don’t have to be at the seaside to find beautiful sandy beaches. Many of the lakes have their sandy beaches, so you will be spoilt for choice.

Cityscapes

Many of the cities in Canada combine historical buildings with modern architecture and skyscrapers. The cities are well designed and easy to get around with a lot more space compared to, for example, older European cities. Canadian cities are also known to be the cleanest cities in the world.

Some larger cities, such as Toronto or Vancouver, can feel more crowded and have higher house prices. However, there are many beautiful and friendly suburbs to choose from that offer easy access to the large city centres with more space and lower prices.

And whichever city you are in Canada, you never have to travel far to enjoy the country’s stunning nature.

Climate

When people think of Canada, they usually think about freezing temperatures and months of snow and ice. However, the climate in Canada is very varied depending on the area you are in. In some parts of the country, the temperature can reach 35°C in the summer.

The days are long in the summer and many parts of Canada have over 2,000 hours of sun per year. How cold and harsh the winter is depends on where you are. For example, if you live on Vancouver Island, the daytime temperature rarely dips below zero even during the coldest months. On the other hand, in Eureka, Nunavut, the daytime averages remain below 10°C even in July, the warmest month of the year.

Culture and Arts

Canada has a vibrant culture and arts scene and most Canadian cities invest in and encourage art, music, and literature. There is generous funding for cultural activities.

Most cities have a wide range of annual festivals ranging from arts and theatre to music and beer. Some of the biggest and most popular include the Ottawa Winterlude in February, The Calgary Stampede in July, and the Montreal International Jazz Festival in June.

Education

Canada is one of the top ten countries in the world for education. In the 2018 PISA (The Program For International Student Assessment), Canada placed 8th overall with the top three places going to China, Singapore, and Macao. PISA assesses the performance of 15-year-olds in reading, mathematics, and science. Canada scored high in equity in achievement, too, based on social background and gender.

The country invests a lot of money in education and makes it accessible to people from all backgrounds. Primary and secondary education is free for all, as are public high schools. There are also private high schools with variable termly rates. Students must attend school until the age of 16 or 18, depending on their province. Attending a university is not free, but the average tuition fees are lower than, for example in the USA or the UK.

Employment

Unlike many other countries, you can move to Canada before you have a job. Options such as the Express Entry’s Federal Skilled Trades Class make it possible to move first and then look for a job. Currently, 347 occupations qualify for a fast-track entry.

The country has a growing economy with a shortage of skilled workers, making finding a job easier. However, you need to do your homework as the job markets between provinces and cities can vary a lot. For example, Windsor and Brampton have a high unemployment rate, whereas Mississauga, Hamilton, and Guelph all have healthy job markets.

Many companies are continuously on the lookout for highly skilled workers. Often, they will help non-resident employees through the visa process and with settling in their new homes. Another benefit is that most employees can choose to work more flexible hours.

Equality

All Canadians are protected against discrimination and racism under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. People are free to express and maintain their spiritual practices regardless of their religion or cultural heritage.

Everyone has equal rights, and it doesn’t matter what your ethical background, religious or sexual orientation might be. Canada was the fourth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2005. Canada has been ranked the most tolerant country in the world in a survey among expats.

Family Friendly

Canada has an aging population, so families are warmly welcomed and supported. It is a great country to bring up children because of its low crime rate, excellent education, and plenty of recreational opportunities.

Many neighbourhoods across cities and towns in Canada host community events such as barbecues and festivals catered for families. The beauty of family life in Canada is that you can do so many outdoor activities with your children for free or at a very low cost. As a result, children grow up healthier and spend more time outdoors.

Food

The richness of food on offer in Canada reflects the multicultural society, with restaurants ranging from Asian and African to European and American and everything in between. You will find restaurants to suit every budget from fast food to fine dining. The choice is vast, especially in larger cities.

In smaller towns and cities, you will often find farmers’ markets offering the best of the local produce. There are all-year-round markets, summer markets, and specialist markets such as the market specializing in potatoes.

Canada has given many delicious foods to the world. Most people will have at least heard of, if not tasted Canadian maple syrup. Other Canadian favourites include poutine, Saskatoon berry pie, and bannock.

Healthcare

In Canada, having equal access to healthcare is considered a fundamental right and all permanent residents get free health care. New citizens can apply for a Health Care Insurance Card and while you wait for the card (it can take up to three months), you will have automatic emergency coverage.

Canada has high standards of medical care and some of the best hospitals in the world. In Canada, if you face health challenges, you will be well looked after by the government. The government supports residents by providing affordable housing, sick payments, and access to social assistance programs. Canada also has generous maternity leave benefits for both mothers and fathers.

Impressive Nature

Canada is a beautiful country both in and out of the cities. Canada is the second largest country in the world and much of it is inhabited. In Canada, you will find unspoiled nature, virtually untouched by human feet. If you are looking to ”escape into the wild” you can certainly do that in Canada.

The country has many internationally famous attractions such as Niagara Falls and the Thousand Islands. There are mountains, crystal clear lakes and rivers, and vast national parks.

The snow-capped mountains offer great sporting opportunities, ranging from skiing to paragliding. The lakes and rivers, on the other hand, come with opportunities to swim, fish or get out on a boat. And if watersports are not your thing, the many national parks have kilometre after kilometer of hiking trails to explore.

Languages

There are two official languages spoken in Canada which are English and French. Some areas and cities are primarily English and others French, but you can get by with either language in any part of Canada.

In addition to the two main languages, there are many others spoken in Canada, especially in large cities. The most common languages among those are Chinese, Punjabi, Spanish, Italian, and German. Canada also has 60 Indigenous languages.

Low rate of crime

Canada has one of the lowest crime rates in the world and the country spends a lot of money on preventing crime. There is an excellent police system to protect citizens and most people feel safe in their homes and the cities day and night.

Canada’s justice system treats people fairly and believes that everyone has the right to be judged without interference. There is a stable democratic system in place as well as a benefits scheme to support people facing financial challenges.

The low crime rate makes Canada a very safe place to live. Canada has a population of just over 38 million, and in 2020, there were 743 murders. Of course, it would be better to have none, but if we compare that to California, for example, we can put the number in perspective. The population of California, just over 39 million, is similar to that of Canada. In 2021, there were 2,368 homicides in California.

Multicultural Society

Over 7 million people are living in Canada today who were born elsewhere. That is almost a fifth of the population. Many new residents arrive from other English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom, the USA, and Australia. But people also arrive from other countries in Europe, Asia and Africa.

Being such an attractive choice for immigrants has made Canada a mix of cultures and traditions. This is reflected in the wide variety of cuisine, fashion, and art that you can find in Canada. Having a no-tolerance policy ensures that all cultures and traditions are respected and fosters a truly multicultural society.

Seasons

Living in Canada, you can experience all four seasons in their glory. In the summer, many parts of the country will bask in glorious sunshine and temperatures competing with California. It is a great time to take advantage of the abundant lakes or the sea.

When summer turns to autumn, nature changes its colours. You can admire the bright colours before the leaves fall. The cooler temperatures of September can also be a relief after a hot and humid autumn in certain parts of the country.

Winters in Canada can be challenging, especially if you are in the far north of Canada. However, in other parts, the winter temperatures are a lot milder and you can enjoy an abundance of snow and winter activities like skiing and ice skating.

Spring is always a wonderful time as the days get longer and warmer. It is magical to see nature come back to life when the blanket of snow disappears. Although the days are warmer, the night-time temperatures can still fall below zero.

Spacious properties

Canada is a vast country, and this is reflected in the size of properties available, especially outside the large cities. Most houses come with a large garden and a beautiful terrace. Many people also have a swimming pool inside the house.

According to a report by the Statista Research Department from 2017, Canadian homes are 1,792 square feet on average. Only the USA and Australia have bigger average home sizes. So while property prices have been on the rise in Canada, you will still get more for your money with a spacious Canadian house.

Wildlife

Canada is a paradise for wildlife and nature lovers. There are over 200 species of mammals and over 450 species of birds living in Canada. The marine life is also hugely diverse and you can even spot blue whales and orcas in the Canadian waters.

Because Canada is such a vast country and with such different climates in the north and south, you will get different species in different areas. The country is a paradise for wildlife, with many areas unpopulated by people.

Depending on where you are in Canada, you might get to see moose, polar bears, grizzly bears, bison, or even southern resident killer whales. With so much wildlife, including carnivorous animals, it is good to do your research before heading out to the wilderness. Or better yet, go with an experienced guide.