Digital Nomad Life in Canada

"There are lots of social activities in and around where I live. For example, University of Toronto offers all kinds of courses, lectures, classes, etc., which anyone can take," said one person in Toronto.

"To different extent, life in Toronto evolves around work, family, socializing, sports, and just life in general," remarked one member in Toronto.

"Career based and military, University town, medical center, lots of sports, especially water, boating and cycling Very musical town -lots of muscians/venues," explained one expat living in Kingston, Canada.

"Living in Canada as an expat or digital nomad offers many advantages. Due to its high standard of living and welcoming society, it is a great place to live. There are plenty of major cities to choose from, each offering a unique cultural experience and vibrant nightlife. Canadian cities are well connected, with public transportation, bike paths, and ride-sharing services making it easy to get around. The country also offers many outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and surfing, plus national parks, forests, and lakes. The cost of living in Canada is slightly higher than other western countries, so expats and digital nomads often need to budget carefully. The local healthcare is world-class and expats from all over the world can easily find English-speaking doctors and services. Canada also has a culture of multiculturalism, allowing expats and digital nomads to explore and take advantage of the diversity and friendly locals," said one person in Canada.

"There are many young families and lots of activity on the water in summer and in the snow during winter. Lifestyle - paradise in summer," said one expat who made the move to Kelowna.

"Searching for a place to live in Canada can be an intimidating task. Consider what type of space you are searching for (i.e. apartment, house, townhouse, etc.), in what area you would like to live in, and what sort of budget you have in mind. Once you have a general idea in mind, you can begin to research your options by searching online for rental listings, browsing the classifieds section of the local newspaper, and/or attending open houses for potential options. Additionally, you could also reach out to real estate agents or look for resources such as housing cooperatives in your chosen area," said one expat who made the move to Canada.

"I came here 54 years ago and was married to a Canadian and so the house was chosen for me due to a housing shortage. Subsequently, my husband died and I came to the North West part of this city," explained one foreigner living in Calgary, Canada.

"Try to get a job prospect first, rental properties are scarce and pricey compared to rest of Ontario. They want a resume for the most menial jobs. They are pretty strict about a lot of stuff. Good bus system, don't need car," remarked one member in Kingston.

"Plan ahead and make sure you find a place to live BEFORE coming here, there is a major housing shortage in Ottawa as of Aug 23rd 2002..," explained one expat living in Ottawa, Canada.

"It is important for expats to research their options carefully before retiring in Canada. Those who plan to emigrate should make sure they meet the qualifications for Canadian permanent residency and verify that their desired income source is recognized in Canada. Additionally, they should familiarize themselves with the Canadian healthcare system, as well as applicable tax regulations and responsibilities. Additionally, retirees should know the various ways to stay connected to family, friends, and colleagues abroad. Lastly, they should explore the vibrant cultural offerings and travel opportunities available in Canada," said one person in Canada.

"Expatriates in Canada appreciate the country's warm, welcoming culture that encompasses an enormous range of cultural experiences. Canadians are generally very open and accepting of other cultures, and expatriates often find the Canadian people to be friendly and helpful. Additionally, expats are often enamored with the incredible natural beauty Canadian is so well known for. Expats also enjoy the many cultural activities available such as art galleries, theatrical performances, sporting events, and festivals. Furthermore, Canada's excellent healthcare and education systems are particularly attractive to expats looking to stay in the country long-term," said one person in Canada.

"The slower pace of life and the driving, how helpful people are and how much safer I feel," said one expat who made the move to Lethbridge.

"One of the most challenging aspects of Canadian culture for expats is the emphasis on politeness, which can often take precedence over honesty. Another challenge is the formidable Canadian winters, which necessitates winter clothing and equipment that expats may not be used to. Cultural norms like maintaining personal space can also be confusing to expats, as they vary greatly depending on one another’s cultural background. Finally, many expats come to Canada expecting certain stereotypes, which may not be accurate or up-to-date," said one person in Canada.

"The English language barrier, although we speak then same language, different words have different meanings, and usually require extra explanation until both parties understand each other, but this explanation of mean can be very funny at times," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Lethbridge.

"If you plan to stay in Canada for a significant period of time, you will need to apply for a residency document, such as a Permanent Resident (PR) card or a Temporary Resident (TR) permit. The immigration processes for each of these documents can be quite different, so it is important to make sure you understand which type of residency document or visa you need before submitting an application. To apply for a PR card, you must meet both residence and eligibility requirements. For a TR permit, you must meet certain requirements such as having a valid passport, a valid job offer, proof of funds to support your stay in Canada, and be able to meet medical and criminality requirements," said one expat in Canada.

"The "embarrassing" blunder we committed is actually leaving our dandelions in the garden because we like them. It's one of the few flowers children are actually allowed to pick in abundance. However, according to several of my friends, it is actually "asocial" to have dandelions in your garden because you "contaminate" the gardens around you and trouble your neighbours who will therefore have to work harder getting rid of theirs. I am still in culture shock and feel sad about this desire to eradicate innocent natural plants (including forget-me-nots, lilies of the valley, and many other beautiful wildflowers which don't cause any harm.)," remarked one member in Toronto.

"It is important to be mindful of cultural customs and taboos when interacting with people in Canada. For example, it is polite to address people by Mr., Mrs., or Miss, or another formal title, rather than only using first names. Additionally, it is important to respect customs like not discussing politics or religion in public or being overly loud in conversation. When eating with others, it is important to wait to be served before beginning to eat. Finally, as a visitor, it is important to be aware of Canadian holidays and not assume holidays celebrated in other countries are celebrated in Canada," explained one expat living in Canada.

"You cannot get any health care without having permanent residency card which takes over 4 years and retired people are not even considered if you register online, as everyone is told to do. You can pay exorbitant out of pocket fees though. Over $500. Just to have your eye pressure taken by an ophthalmologist. The only health insurance you can get is travel insurance and emergency insurance at high prices. A small bottle of aspirin that costs less than $2. In the US, costs over $10. In Canada including 15 per cent tax. Although you can buy prescription medication while in the US cheaper in Canada through the mail, if you are living in Canada, it is difficult to even find a lot of medications because they say there is a big shortage here," explained one digital nomad living in Halifax, Canada.

"Needs a complete facelift, typical ex farming town which has 60% seniors and no transportation (rail or bus service ) to hospitals over 100 km away or big stores. Such a shame that a beautiful town with so much for recreation, walking trails, hiking , skiing, etc. To many empty stores and houses. Desperately needs investment , plus youngsters need to know what it's like to visit a cinema or go to ice cream, soda parlor. Absolutely nothing for youngsters. In fact nothing here at all except land !," said one foreigner in Crystal City.

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the high quality of life in Canada, with its excellent healthcare system, strong economy, and welcoming culture. They also enjoy the country's stunning natural beauty, with its vast forests, mountains, and lakes. Additionally, Canada is known for its multiculturalism, with a diverse population that speaks many languages and celebrates many cultures. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the cold winters and high cost of living in Canada to be a challenge," remarked one member in Canada.