Canada Country Guide
Your Complete Guide to Moving, Living & Working in Canada

Important: This guide provides essential relocation information for individuals and families moving to Canada. Known for its strong public institutions, multicultural cities, natural landscapes and stable economy, Canada attracts newcomers in fields such as logistics, engineering, healthcare, IT, education, finance and skilled trades. Immigration, work permit and residency programs change over time, so always confirm current requirements with official Government of Canada sources.

Home To Home Relocations supports clients relocating to Canada from overseas, handling export packing at origin, ocean & air freight, customs coordination and delivery to key Canadian destinations such as Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Halifax.

1. Before You Move to Canada

1.1 Immigration Pathways & Entry Requirements

Most people who want to live and work in Canada long-term must first qualify for an immigration or temporary resident program. Common pathways include:

Economic immigration programs – for skilled workers, tradespeople and professionals selected for permanent residence
Provincial or territorial nominee programs – where a province/territory selects candidates with skills needed locally
Employer-based work permits – when a Canadian employer hires you for a specific role, often with a Labour Market assessment or special program
Study permits – for full-time students at designated learning institutions, often leading to post-graduate work options
Family sponsorship – for eligible spouses, partners, children, parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents
Visitor status – for tourism or short-term stays; does not usually allow you to work

Tip: The official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website provides detailed tools to explore programs, understand eligibility and submit applications online.

1.2 Working in Canada

Canada’s labour market is diverse and regional. Skills in demand often include:

Healthcare and long-term care
Logistics, warehousing, transportation and supply chain roles
Skilled trades and construction
Information technology and digital services
Engineering and project management
Financial services and business operations
Hospitality, food services and tourism in some regions

1.3 Housing & Accommodation

Housing choices range from downtown apartments to suburban homes and smaller-town properties. Common newcomer destinations include:

Greater Toronto Area (Ontario): Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Markham, Vaughan
Greater Vancouver Area (British Columbia): Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, Coquitlam
Montreal Region (Quebec): Montreal Island and surrounding suburbs
Calgary & Edmonton (Alberta)
Ottawa–Gatineau, Winnipeg, Halifax and other regional centres

Typical rental requirements:

First month’s rent and sometimes last month’s rent or a deposit
Proof of income or employment
Credit history in Canada (or references if you are new)
Signed lease agreement (often 12 months)

1.4 Banking & Finances

The local currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Many banks offer “newcomer” packages that make it easier to open an account. You may need:

Passport and immigration documents (e.g., confirmation of permanent residence, work or study permit)
Canadian address (temporary or permanent)
Social Insurance Number (SIN) for tax and employment purposes

1.5 Healthcare & Provincial Health Coverage

Canada has publicly funded healthcare delivered by provinces and territories. Eligibility usually depends on your immigration status and residency in that province or territory. In some places there may be a waiting period before coverage begins.

Important: Newcomers should review provincial health coverage rules and strongly consider private health insurance to cover any waiting period or services not included in the public plan.

1.6 Key Documents to Prepare Before Moving

Passport (with sufficient validity)
Visa approval letter or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (if applicable)
Educational and professional certificates and transcripts
Employment letters and references
Birth and marriage certificates for family members
Vaccination and medical records
International driving permit and home country licence if you plan to drive

2. Your First Weeks in Canada

2.1 At the Port of Entry

On arrival, a border services officer will examine your passport and immigration documents and may ask questions about your plans. If you are becoming a permanent resident, your documents will be reviewed and your status may be formally confirmed at this stage.

2.2 Social Insurance Number (SIN)

A Social Insurance Number is required to work in Canada and to access many government programs. You can usually apply online or in person after arrival using your passport and immigration documents.

2.3 Health Card & Family Doctor

Each province or territory issues its own health card. Once eligible, you should apply for your health card and register with a family doctor or clinic in your area.

2.4 Free Settlement & Newcomer Services

Government-funded settlement agencies and community organizations offer free services to help with:

Finding housing and schools
Language classes (English or French)
Job search and resume support
Accessing healthcare and government services
Orientation to daily life and community resources

Tip: Newcomer service directories let you search for free settlement services by city or postal code so you can quickly find help near your new home.

3. Canada at a Glance

3.1 Geography & Regions

Canada is the second-largest country in the world by land area, with ten provinces and three territories, stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific and north into the Arctic. Major population centres are concentrated in the southern parts of the country, near the US border.

3.2 Politics & Economy

Canada is a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. Its economy includes natural resources, manufacturing, technology, logistics, finance, agriculture and a broad services sector. Immigration is a key part of Canada’s long-term demographic and economic strategy.

3.3 Climate & Weather

Climate varies widely:

Cold winters with snow in most regions, especially the Prairies and central Canada
Milder coastal climates in parts of British Columbia
Hot, often humid summers in many southern areas
Shorter, cooler summers and long winters in northern regions

4. Why Many Newcomers Choose Canada

Publicly funded healthcare and education systems
Stable institutions and strong legal protections
Multicultural cities with established immigrant communities
High overall quality of life and safety
Variety of immigration and work programs for skilled workers and families
Access to nature, outdoor activities and four distinct seasons in many regions

5. Housing, Cost of Living & Daily Life

The cost of living depends strongly on region and city. Large urban areas can be more expensive, especially for housing, while smaller cities and towns may offer lower costs and different job markets.

Common monthly expenses include:

Rent or mortgage payments and property-related fees
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, internet, mobile phone)
Groceries and household goods
Transport (public transit or vehicle costs)
Childcare, school supplies and extracurricular activities

Tip: When choosing where to live, compare both housing prices and local job opportunities, as salaries and living costs vary significantly across the country.

6. Transportation & Getting Around

6.1 Public Transport

Public transit options vary by region:

Subways, light rail and buses in major cities (e.g., Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver)
Bus networks and commuter trains serving many suburbs and regional communities
Prepaid transit cards and mobile apps used for payment and schedules

6.2 Driving in Canada

Canada drives on the right-hand side. Many newcomers can use their foreign driving licence for a limited period and may later exchange or test for a provincial licence, depending on mutual agreements and local rules.

6.3 Domestic & International Travel

Canada’s size makes domestic flights common for long distances. Major airports include Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Montreal–Trudeau, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Halifax, with extensive connections within North America and worldwide.

7. Culture, Lifestyle & Places to Visit

7.1 Everyday Culture

Canada is officially bilingual (English and French), with French particularly important in Quebec and some other regions.
Workplaces value professionalism, punctuality and respect, with growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion.
Recreation often includes outdoor activities such as hiking, skating, skiing, camping and team sports.
Major cities host festivals, cultural events and food from around the world.

7.2 Popular Cities & Attractions

Toronto: CN Tower, waterfront, multicultural neighbourhoods
Vancouver: Mountains, ocean, Stanley Park
Montreal & Quebec City: Historic architecture, arts, French-speaking culture
Calgary & Rocky Mountains: Access to Banff, Lake Louise and national parks
Atlantic Canada: Coastal towns, seafood and maritime culture
Prairies & North: Open landscapes, northern lights and unique communities

Canada Country GuideYour Complete Guide to Moving, Living & Working in Canada