Of course, there are also some negative aspects that you also need to be aware of.
To help you decide if Canada is the right country for you, we have put together a list with the main pros and cons of living in Canada.
Pros
Strong economy
If you are keen to work abroad then Canada is a great country to choose. Canada is a highly developed country with the ninth-largest economy in the world. There are jobs available in most industries and so many global companies have offices here. No matter if you are looking for short term seasonal work in Canada, or a long term professional career you will be able to find employment opportunities.
It’s a welcoming destination
Canada is one of those countries that is welcoming to all. It embraces all cultures and is, therefore, recognised as being immigrant-friendly. But, it isn’t a case of moving to Canada and being treated as an outsider. Instead, everyone is made to feel extremely welcome and a part of daily life.
Free healthcare
If you live in Canada, you get free healthcare. It’s one of the reasons why some Americans choose to move to Canada: they’re tired of paying for medical insurance. So you will not be charged if you’re visiting the doctor, emergency room or having treatment. Think of the peace of mind that comes with that. And the savings you’ll make, of course.
Modern cities
There are so many world class cities in Canada including places like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Quebec.
The air quality is pristine
Believe it or not, Canada's air quality is right up there with the best in the world. And that’s official. But it makes sense as there is a lot of open space and mountain ranges. In addition, as everyone knows, great air quality is conducive to excellent health. So, people living in Canada are less likely to suffer from illnesses associated with air pollution.
Spectacular nature
There are so many amazing things to do in Canada and there is scenery to rival any country. From stunning mountain ranges, to Niagara Falls, you won't be bored when sightseeing here. When living in Canada you can travel in Alberta which is home to some of the most beautiful lakes in North America.
The US is close by
The US and Canada enjoy excellent relations, so if you live in the latter, you can visit the former anytime you like. And the US has so much to offer. You could look at it like this; you can enjoy everything the US brings to the table on-demand without having to deal with the hustle and bustle. It’s why millions make the trip Stateside every year. View USA tours for options.
Ice hockey is great
Ice hockey is Canada's national sport, and it is not only great to watch on TV, but heading to watch the action live is one of the best experiences you can have in the country. There is also NHL match betting online available. So the fun really never stops, especially in terms of the vast range of betting markets to choose from. There are currently seven teams from Canada competing in the National Hockey League.
Cons
The immigration process is tricky
You’re not going to think that immigration processes will be a walk in the park, but the whole process is kind of tricky, and in many ways, it relates to Canada being limited in how many people they can accept into the country. The figure is currently 250,000, so there is a points system in place to help determine who will get the thumbs up. View more information about working in Canada.
The weather is extreme
It’s probably something that most people around the globe are aware of, but Canada is renowned for being cold and has heavy snowfall in winter. So depending on where you live in the country, you could be dealing with the winter for up to eight months, which is quite something if you aren't used to negative temperatures.
House prices continue to rise
It’s the same in many countries, but in Canada, house prices have been rising for a while and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. It’s led to there being fewer affordable options, which is problematic for some. As a result, there are now more Canadians renting than ever before, and rental prices in cities like Toronto are astonomical.
You may need to learn some basic French
In Eastern Canada, it can often be a requirement for people to know some basic French if they want to land a job. It’s certainly the case in areas such as Ottawa and Quebec. French colonists settled in the region many years ago, and there is a large French-speaking contingent.
Streaming options can be limited
Everyone uses streaming services such as Netflix, right? But the content that you can view is going to be determined by the country you’re in and the rights that are held. So, for example, you may move from the US to Canada and find your favourite show is now unavailable. It’s more of an annoyance than anything, and can be solved by using a VPN.
There are pros and cons that come with living everywhere. And in Canada, it’s arguably the case of the pros outweighing any perceived drawbacks. But, as always, it will come down to the individual and what is important to them. Free healthcare and great quality of life are always fantastic places to start, and there are plenty more positives that we haven’t mentioned in our list.
