Why Is Canada a Good Place to Live: 9 Benefits of Living in Canada

Canadian permanent residents enjoy a high standard of living. Not only that, but good health services, secondary education, and a good job market that always seeks new employees all make Canada one of the best immigration countries in the world. But is Canada a good place to live in?

Besides those above, Canada has many more reasons that make it not a good, but a great, place to live. Canada’s medical services are available to all, and its vast lands with a lot of job opportunities make it the land of opportunities for many. Canada has welcomed more than 300,000 new immigrants in 2018 alone, with plans to accept over 1 million more from 2023-2025.

Keep reading to know why you should act NOW on the ‘moving to Canada’ plan.

Reasons To Live in Canada

Needless to say, if Canada had nothing to offer, not many people would consider it a good place to move to. But Canada has a lot to offer, both in the social sense and in a more natural sense. The second largest country in the world, Canada has access to three oceans, numerous mountain ranges, rivers, and the Great Lakes.

Not only that, but Canadian cities are among the most liveable in the world, and the Canadian people are known for being polite and friendly people. Social services are up to date with the latest developments and just the charity sector in the country employs as much as 12% of the total workforce in the country, accounting for up to CAD300 Billion in total revenues yearly.

But, is it worth moving to Canada from the USA? Many would say yes. Canada has a bit lower average salary than the US, but it still has lower healthcare expenses, and Canadian education is much cheaper than that in their southern neighbour. The strong economy has managed to overcome financial crises around the world with much lower inflation levels and with fever people losing their jobs, and their immigrant-friendly policies making getting the status of a temporary resident or a permanent resident a piece of cake. Let’s consider some more aspects of why Canada is such a good place to live in:

Employment and Economy

The Canadian economy has one big problem: labour shortage. This means that there are not enough people in the country to fulfill the needs of every single company. This is why Canada has a rich immigration program array: over 80 of them. They include federal and provincial programs, and they differ slightly, although the basic prerequisites are the same.

This, however, does not mean that Canada will accept just about anyone. Canada has their screening process before you come to the country, and issues such as a criminal record, involvement with terrorist organizations, and other illegal activities will easily leave you without a visa. In fact, despite having a huge influx of immigrants year after year, Canada has remained one of the safest countries in the world.

Canada has a very strong economy. It is one of the G7 countries, together with the USA, Italy, Germany, the UK, Japan and France. The countries are the most powerful economies in the world, and they still show signs of economic growth. When it comes to Canada, its economy is quickly changing: first, from products to services and now to a knowledge-based economy. All this demands a huge influx of workforce, something that Canada has been struggling with.

Universal Healthcare

Good health insurance and a high quality of living make Canadians very healthy. An average Canadian can expect to live some 6.3 years longer than an average American – thanks to clean air and water and thanks to high living standards. Not only this, but the Canadian healthcare system is universally accessible – meaning it is available to all for as long as you live in Canada and have applied for it.

Healthcare is considered a fundamental right in this beautiful country. This is the reason why you pay nothing when you visit your doctor and why everyone with a Health Care Insurance Card can access all the medical services they need, whenever they need them. Not only that, but Canada has good maternal and paternal leave programs, and good social policies will not leave you unemployed if you find yourself sick.

Education

Canada is also well known for its educational system. Primary and secondary education are everyone’s right, and they have been made free. Unfortunately, colleges and Universities in the country are not free, but there are many programs, scholarships, and even grants for those who wish to pursue their education in Canada.

These are not only available to Canadian residents but to all who would like to study in Canada. With the help of these programs, an average Canadian student ends up with as little as CAD17,000 of student debt at their graduation, almost 50% less than their US counterparts.

High levels of investment in the educational sphere and the Canadian spirit of hard work and hard studying made it one of the most educated countries in the world. Canada has the highest number of University graduates. It is also very likely to be one of the best countries in the world to study in. Five of the top 100 Universities around the world are in Canada.

Culture

Canada is a very multicultural country. Every Canadian citizen enjoys the same rights, regardless of where they come from and whether they moved to Canada recently or decades ago. Of course, it takes time for the permanent residency application, but even during a temporary residence, no rights can be denied to one.

In schools, the Canadian government encourages children to represent their countries and pursue their personal freedom. Medical care, dental care, and all other social services are available equally to all. The media is often bilingual, and not just English and French: some newspapers are issued in Arabic and Chinese, and they help immigrants stay informed on the latest developments in the country.

Low Crime Rate

Canada practices Level 1 Democracy and is one of the most developed democracies in the world. This means that the country invests a lot in people and their freedoms while working actively to prevent the gap between the rich and the poor from forming. It is also one of the best countries when it comes to low unemployment rates, and a relatively high minimum wage of CAD16.55 makes living in a dignified way a reality for many.

All this has brought about a state of peace and safety to the country. Many people do not even own guns, and the overall low crime rate is an unprecedented experience for many. Canada also has strict immigration policies, and many crimes will make you inadmissible into the country. If you do commit a crime, you are guaranteed a legal court trial with no third-party interference.

Freedom

Canada is an open and open-minded country. Everyone deserves to practice the same rights, and everyone has a fair chance to succeed there. The country was the 4th country in the world to allow same-sex marriages, and discrimination of any kind is absolutely forbidden.

Canada has strict anti-discrimination laws that are in place. In addition to this, actual life is arranged in such a way that everyone can pursue the life they want. There are few homeless people, and Canada is very often the goal destination for many refugees and those persecuted in their own countries.

Scenery

Canada also has a lot to offer to those who seek natural adventures or beautiful nature in general. Pristine lakes and rivers, as well as beautiful mountain ranges and a lot of snow every year are just some of the natural beauties that you can enjoy in in this country. One of the biggest advantages of the country is also the Great Lakes, as well as its access to three oceans: the Pacific, the Atlantic Ocean, and the North Sea.

Wildlife and Nature

Another thing that contributes to the quality of life in Canada is its incredible wilderness. The Rocky Mountains and the Great Lakes, other mountain ranges, and numerous rivers all offer a lot of opportunities for nature enthusiasts to spend a lot of time outdoors. And although the winters are long and cold, summers offer long days and very comfortable temperatures, with Victoria being the warmest city in Canada with an average temperature of nine degrees above freezing.

Spacious Properties

Canada has a lot of space. This vast country is perfect for anyone who loves the great outdoors, as well as for every animal lover outdoors. However, many may find major cities to simply be too big and noisy – and that is just fine. Moving just to the outskirts of larger cities offers a great chance to enjoy large and spacious homes and properties and to have a garden, a terrace, and a swimming pool. The property tax may be a bit higher, but many choose to turn a portion of their land into tilled land, bringing their taxes down.

Best Places To Live in Canada

So, is Canada better than America? In many regards, yes. Not only does it have low population density and a lot of opportunities for outdoor activities and career development, but the country also offers attractive cities, a low cost of living compared to the US, and ample job opportunities for all who decide to settle here. In addition to this, Canada’s great education and healthcare systems make it perfect for both the young and those not so young.

If you decide to move to Canada, you will find out that moving to Toronto is not the only option you have. One of the biggest benefits Canada has to offer is great city planning and very liveable cities in this amazing country. There is a lack of opportunities, and being able to choose where you want to live is just one of the benefits that you will have when moving.

Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada. It is also the fourth largest city in the country. It has a thriving economy and great educational facilities, and it is known for its rich history and diverse culture. It is also home to some of the best Canadian universities, and a lot of students come here to study. Ottawa offers a unique Canadian experience with lots of parks and green spaces, cultural institutions, and a good food scene which offers a very international experience to all who try it.

Ottawa is a spectacle to see during the winter. The Rideau Canal freezes over, and many use it to ice skate. In addition to the Canal, the Ottawa River passes through the city, bringing more opportunities to enjoy nature. Both water features are home to many walking and cycling trails. The city offers moderate home prices, with prices lower than those in some larger cities, such as Vancouver.

Burlington

Ranked as the second-best place to live in Canada, Burlington is located near Toronto, is Lake Ontario. It is a perfect city for those who want the proximity of an even larger city and for all those who would like to be close to nature. Burlington provides an exceptional quality of life to all with median or higher annual income and affordable housing prices. The city has some of the best-ranked schools, and it attracts families in search of a good place for their children to grow up in.

Oakville

Oakville is situated in the Halton Region on Lake Ontario. It is 30 minutes away from downtown Toronto, but it features much lower property prices, especially for empty plots of land. The city has a rich history and diverse cultural background. This is one of the most prestigious places to live in Canada. All around it, there are many golf courses and incredible nature, despite it being so close to Toronto.

St. Albert

St. Albert is some 30 kilometres away from Edmonton. This is the Alberta Capital. St. Albert offers a more relaxed everyday experience and a strong sense of community spirit. People like to take part in many different events and activities, and they enjoy living in what is one of the cleanest cities in Canada. The city is also great for all sports enthusiasts, as it offers over 85km of cycling paths. The cost of living here is much lower than in larger cities, which is why we can see a trend of Canadian companies moving some of their offices here.

Boucherville

A city in the Quebec province, Boucherville is a charming place where around 90% of inhabitants speak French, and only around 4% speak English. The city has strong traces of FrancoCanadian culture and history and knowing French is essential if you would like to live here. The city was founded in 1667 by Pierre Boucher.

The city is both modern and traditional. The Old Boucherville is a charming heart of the old city, while the new complexes around it have many shopping centres, schools, and even recreational facilities. The place is also full of parks, sporting avenues, and much more.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a modern city situated in British Columbia. Vancouver is a large city and can often be seen in the media. It is situated on the west coast and is a top choice for nature lovers. It is nestled between the North Shore Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, so it has something to offer to both lovers of winter and summer sports and activities.

Calgary

Calgary is another city on our list, which is situated in Alberta. The city is thriving with urban possibilities, and the large suburbia has a lot to offer as well, especially to those looking for larger properties and more spacious homes. Every skilled worker with a permanent residence can settle here for as long as they can afford the ever-increasing housing costs.

Check Out the TOP 10 Best Places to Live in Canada

Halifax

Halifax is situated in Nova Scotia. The city is a coastal gem, a mix of traditional and modern. Halifax offers incredible scenery, sandy beaches, cliffs, and the best ocean views in all of Canada. It has a rich history, being one of the founding cities in Canada. Winters here are long and cold, so if you prefer warmer weather, it is probably best to think of another location to move to.

Quebec City

Quebec City is located, as the name suggests, in the Province of Quebec. It was founded in 1833 and offers a lot of cultural events, historical landmarks, parks, and museums. The city has a very European feel to it, so if this is what you are looking for, this is the right place to move to. However, the fact that only two percent of the population speaks English may be off-putting to some. Still, low prices (lower than the national average) make it attractive to all who speak French.

Saskatoon

Saskatoon is one of the smallest cities in Canada, with only about 275,000 people living in it. All the communities and neighbourhoods are communal, and the locals love visiting local events. There are a lot of parks, playgrounds, sports venues, and weekly farmers market. As the city is very small, this is not the best place to move to if you are thinking about starting a business. However, if you would like to go to Canada over the Agri-Food Pilot Start-Up Visa Program, you may want to move here, as the entire region is focused on agriculture.

What are the Downsides of Living in Canada? 

If you come from a 3rd world country and would like to move to Canada, this blog post is not only about the positive sides of living in Canada. To make the article worthwhile, we will also focus on some of the important downsides. Although there are not that many, we would still like to point out that this beautiful country also has some challenges that new immigrants have to get adjusted to. 

If you would like to get a permanent residency, you should know that your Canadian experience can be challenged to a degree by the cold weather in this country. Many places in Canada experience very cold, long, and harsh winters, to the point that the weather can even dictate housing prices in some areas. 

In addition to this, the high standard of living often means that the prices are really high – this does not only apply to property prices but also to a general cost of living compared to some other countries. Still, Canada has a cheap and often free educational system, so a part of these expenses are reduced. Still, being wise with the money and budgeting can save a lot of money for you. 

One more added downside to living in Canada is that the country has a very low population density. This does not mean that there are few people, but rather that the 38 million inhabitants have to cross vast distances to visit relatives who live on the other side of the country. Still, what may be a downside to one can often be one of the biggest benefits for the country, as the Canadian economy relies on a lot of land and natural resources to fuel its economy. 

FAQs

Is It Easy To Get a Job in Canada?

Yes, getting a job in Canada is easy. In fact, a lack of workers and a labour shortage are the main reasons behind Canada having such generous immigration programs. Still, even soon after moving, you will see that no one is a 2nd class citizen here and that you have the same rights as anybody else.

Is College Free in Canada?

No, college in Canada is not free, which is somewhat surprising considering other social benefits that Canada provides its citizens with. Still, there are numerous scholarships, loans, and grant programs that will help offset a portion of the costs. If you are lucky and disciplined enough to get a full scholarship, you can even pay for your housing costs.

What is the Minimum Wage in Canada?

As of 2023, the minimum wage in Canada is set to CAD16.55 per hour. The last increase in the minimum wage was introduced to help combat the rising energy prices and inflation. Still, Canada is a relatively cheap country to live in, one of the cheapest among the developed English-speaking countries.

How Much is the Average Rent in Canada?

The average rent in Canada, at the time of writing, is about CAD2,050. This is much higher than usual, but the inflation and the current worldwide economic crisis took their toll. Normally, a Canadian rent would be much cheaper. If this is too expensive for you, try staying away from large urban centres and moving to the outskirts of the city or to a less populated area. This is very likely to bring the rent prices down.

Final Thoughts

Canada is a vast country, full of possibilities for everyone. A good healthcare system, public transit, low prices (when compared to other developed nations), as well as an income tax that is just a hair higher than in the US, make Canada a very good place to live. In addition to this, a good educational system and affordable housing make it one of the best places to move to, even if you are coming from the USA.