Every day the demand to move into Canada grows as the nation’s supportive infrastructure expands. The country is especially attractive to individuals living in the United States that wish to reside north of the border. This is mainly due to the fact that Canada and the US have very similar cultural beliefs and lifestyles, and as a result it’s relatively easy for one to make the switch. To help you get started on choosing a new Canadian home, we’ve defined the nation’s major cities and created an overview of where to move in Canada.
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Found in what is arguably one of the most geographically-stunning provinces in Canada is the city of Vancouver. Located just a few dozen miles north of the border, Vancouver, British Columbia is one of Canada’s largest cities strictly in terms of population size. The city has quickly established a reputation as “migrant magnet” based on how many US citizens decide to move there. Vancouver’s top industries range across the visual arts – from photography, videography, and special effects, the city acts as a hub for creative and ambitious artists. Coupled with a spectacular mountainous landscape that features the Pacific Ocean, it’s hard to beat this city if you’re a young adventure seeker. The only drawback is; it helps to move to this city with pre-established wealth. Vancouver is undoubtedly one of the most expensive places to live on our list.
Of course it’s impossible to form a list of prime Canadian living spots without mentioning Ontario’s crown jewel, the city of Toronto (and its surrounding metros). Frequently referred to by Americans as their “home away from home,” Toronto features an astounding level of cultural inclusivity – everybody who visits can feel right at home. Toronto’s infrastructure is arguably Canada’s best, as the city features a plethora of public transportation options to get around, reducing the need for personal vehicle ownership. The city is also home to Canada’s financial district, where all the major banking and accounting firms lead their operations from, so it’s a very attractive option for those working in the financial sector. Much like Vancouver, the cost to live in Toronto is incredibly high compared to its neighbouring cities, but it’s still generally regarded as one of the best places to live in Canada as a US resident.
Cradled by the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies, Alberta is home to stunning landscapes and vibrant cities like Edmonton and Calgary. Known for its expansive blue skies and abundant sunshine, Alberta ranks highly among Canada’s most livable provinces. It’s an economic powerhouse in the oil and gas industry, as well as in sectors like agriculture, forestry, and technology. With a more dispersed population outside of its major urban centers, having a vehicle is advantageous for navigating the province. While the cost of living in Alberta’s cities can be more affordable compared to those in Ontario, the convenience of personal transportation is a notable consideration for residents.
It’s not a coincidence that Montreal is often called the nation’s cultural capital. This giant city is home to both English-speaking and French-speaking Canadians alike, and is home to the country’s highest bilingual population. Residents in Montreal frequently report having a higher quality of life compared to other Canadian cities due to Montreal’s reputation as an entertainment city. There are plenty of fun things to do and places to see in any season of the year, including multiple art museums and the historic Old Montreal. On a more serious note, Montreal provides tons of job opportunities in a variety of different sectors, most notably: medical, pharmaceutical, and even aerospace!
Home to Canada’s main body of parliament, Ottawa is quite often overlooked as an exciting city for Americans looking for where to move in Canada. Ottawa is likely where you’ll find modern Canadian culture to be most prominent, as many of the locals typically work within government sectors. The Canadian capital city is also the birthplace of tech giant Shopify, along with a few other creative start-ups. Housing in this city is still somewhat affordable, but prices are on the rise as more and more people are becoming aware of its attractiveness.
Referred to by locals as “the Hammer,” Canada’s industrial steel city has a lot to offer to its residents. Originally home to Canada’s steel manufacturing industry; Hamilton hosts plenty of jobs for those with a mechanical, business, or engineering background. The city’s residents can benefit from a huge number of forest trails and bike paths, not to mention that it hosts a record number of waterfalls within the city limits. You can also find a fairly impressive public transportation system in Hamilton called the HSR (Hamilton Street Railway) so you don’t necessarily need a car to get around the city. In terms of cost it’s definitely one of Ontario’s best options for mid-size city living affordability.
This city is widely regarded as the hidden gem of central Canada. Seeing as it is the capital of Manitoba, the city is still growing and jobs are becoming more widely available (especially in government sectors). Winnipeg is the ideal Canadian city to move to if you consider yourself an American that is looking to stray away from the norm. It’s significantly more relaxed than similarly sized cities in Ontario. The city is not too big and not too small, although public transportation is lacking – personal vehicle ownership is a must. The main advantage of moving to Winnipeg lies is in its affordability. Speaking plainly, home ownership in Winnipeg is incredibly cheap compared to other mid-sized Canadian cities.
If you’re young, ambitious, and have dreams that require working hard, you’ll probably attain the most benefit from moving to Canada’s sprawling metros like Vancouver or Toronto. On the other hand, if you’re edging closer to a comfortable retirement and want to escape the hustle and grind of major cities, small to mid-sized spots such as Winnipeg and Hamilton may be more attractive. While the entire country is beautiful and has a lot to offer, it’s important to choose a city that best suits your individual needs.
Before you decide to pack everything up and move to Canada, check out our guide that describes a few things to consider when moving from the US to Canada.
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