Before you make the move, you’ll likely want to think about where in Canada you want to live. Climate, employment, and lifestyle will all play a factor.
We examine the options across the country to give you a better idea of where you should be setting your sights as you plan to relocate to Canada.
As the number of immigration to Canada increases, it is important to make an informed decision about exactly where in Canada you want to live.
You can read more about the process of moving to Canada
While getting permanent residence is the first step towards Canadian immigration, it is also important to decide which province you want to live in. With that in mind, here’s a quick overview of the provinces and capital cities of Canada:
ALBERTA
Capital City: Edmonton, Alberta
Situated on the western edge of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Alberta is famous for its beautiful landscapes. Calgary, Alberta, is one of the largest cities in Canada, and a popular destination for newcomers. However, the high cost of living in Calgary could make other cities, such as the province’s capital, Edmonton, a more attractive option.
Alberta is one of Canada’s economic powerhouses, and the center of the Canadian energy industry due to the massive Alberta tar sands. Engineers, oil rig workers, or managers working in Alberta’s oil industry can expect large salaries.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Capital City: Victoria, British Columbia
British Columbia is nestled on Canada’s Pacific coast. With beaches to the west and the Rockies to the east, British Columbia is well known for its vibrant outdoor lifestyle.
Vancouver, British Columbia is one of the most popular destinations for newcomers in Canada, in part because of its mild climate. Winters in British Columbia tend to be warmer (and wetter) than most other provinces in Canada.
Vancouver also has a vibrant tech industry, excellent arts and cultural scene, and great social programs. However, it is also one of the most expensive cities in Canada to live in.
MANITOBA
Capital City: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Manitoba is a prairie province located between Saskatchewan and Ontario.
Manitoba has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Canada. The Manitoba economy revolves largely around natural resource exporting. Forestry, mining, and oil are all major economic sectors.
The cost of living in Manitoba is also lower than many other provinces in Canada. The winters are also harsher than most other provinces in Canada.
ONTARIO
Capital City: Toronto, Ontario
Ontario is the number one destination for newcomers in Canada. Toronto, Ontario is the largest city in Canada. It’s also one of the most expensive places to live in the country.
As the largest economy in Canada, Ontario has many different industries, including finance, tourism, manufacturing, and arts and sciences.
Ontario is also home to the capital of Canada, Ottawa.
QUEBEC
Capital City: Quebec City, Quebec
Quebec is the only officially French province in Canada. However, while speaking French is definitely an asset, it’s not required to live and work in some parts of Quebec.
Larger cities, like Montreal and Quebec city, offer opportunities for non-French speakers. Montreal is also a very popular destination for newcomers to Canada.
While offering many of the economic advantages of other large cities in Canada, the cost of living in Montreal is still relatively low, making it a more affordable option for many newcomers.
SASKATCHEWAN
Capital City: Regina, Saskatchewan
Located in the middle of Canada, Saskatchewan was once known as the “breadbasket of the world”. It is the country’s largest producer of grains and oilseeds.
Agriculture is the largest sector of Saskatchewan’s economy, but Saskatoon, the largest city in the province, is also the headquarters of the Canadian mining industry, and an important research and technology centre.
ATLANTIC PROVINCES
Capital Cities: St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Fredericton, New Brunswick
The provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, together, make up Atlantic Canada.
Smaller provinces, located on Canada’s Atlantic coast, Atlantic Canada is well known for its fishing, farming, forestry, and mining. The Atlantic Provinces offer some of the lowest costs of living in Canada.
TERRITORIES
Capital Cities: Iqaluit, Nunavut; Yellowknife, Northwest Territories; and Whitehorse, Yukon Territory
Canada’s northern territories are Yukon, Nunavut, and Northwest Territories. Large, but also largely unpopulated, the northern territories’ economies revolve around natural resources. Because they are further north than the other provinces, the territories have some of the harshest winters in Canada.
When you’re researching which province to move to, here are some things to keep in mind: