Cities & Hotspots

Toronto is the broadest job market, Vancouver is outdoors and Pacific-facing, and Montréal is more affordable and culture-led with French as part of daily life.

  • TorontoOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • VancouverOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • MontréalOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.

Best Time of Year

May to October Conditions vary by city, so check the local forecast before booking a long stay.

Air Quality, Simply

Wildfire smoke can affect any city in summer; winter brings cold, heating and reduced daylight rather than classic pollution concerns.

Use the city-level AQI or official air-quality service before planning long outdoor days, especially if you have asthma or are travelling with children.

Getting Around the Country

  • International arrivalCompare the main gateway airport with the city you actually want. A cheap flight can create an expensive onward journey.
  • Between citiesCheck rail, coach and domestic-flight time including airport transfers, luggage and seasonal disruption.
  • Inside citiesEach city guide covers the local mix of public transport, taxis, ride-hailing, walking and driving.
  • DrivingCheck licence recognition, insurance, tolls, parking and road conditions before renting a car or scooter.

Housing & Cost of Living

  • RentCapital, coastal and visitor-heavy markets can be completely different. Compare like-for-like homes and contract lengths.
  • DepositsVerify the property, owner or authorised agent, inventory, notice terms and payment trail before transferring money.
  • Daily costsGroceries, transport, healthcare and imported goods often matter more than a headline rent figure.
  • Family costsSchool fees, insurance, larger housing and transport should be priced before choosing the city.

Hospitals & Healthcare

Public provincial systems are the backbone, with private clinics and major teaching hospitals. Call 911 for emergencies and check provincial waiting and eligibility rules.

SIM, eSIM & Local Apps

Rogers, Bell and Telus offer eSIMs. Uber and Lyft cover rides in many cities; DoorDash and Uber Eats cover delivery. Transit apps vary by city.

  • Mobile networksRogers, Bell and Telus are the big three; Freedom can be useful in some urban areas. Coverage and pricing are province/city dependent.
  • Ride appsUber and Lyft cover many larger cities, with local taxi apps still useful. Public transit apps matter in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.
  • Food deliveryDoorDash, Uber Eats and SkipTheDishes are the main delivery apps; Instacart and grocery chains cover groceries.
  • PaymentsCards are common, Interac e-Transfer is essential once banking is set up, and cash use is limited.
  • Home internetBell, Rogers, Telus, Videotron, Shaw/Rogers and local fibre options depend on province and building.

Working & Remote Life

  • Legal positionRemote work and local employment can be treated differently. Match your visa, tax and company arrangements to what you actually do.
  • ConnectivityTest home internet, mobile backup and power reliability at the exact address before a long lease.
  • WorkspacesUse day passes to compare coworking, call space and commute before paying for a membership.
  • CommunityIndustry groups, recurring activities and professional events are more useful than relying only on broad expat groups.

Long-Stay & Paperwork

  • IRCCImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada handles work permits, study permits, PR and many temporary-resident processes.
  • Provincial healthcareHealth-card eligibility and waiting periods vary by province. Bridge private cover if you are not yet eligible.
  • TaxCRA residence, province, worldwide income and treaty position need advice before a long stay.
  • DrivingLicence exchange, car insurance and winter driving vary by province.
  • Admin habitKeep status documents, SIN, lease, health card, insurance, provincial ID and tax records organised.

Schools & Family Fit

International and bilingual schools are usually concentrated in the largest city hubs listed above. Ask about curriculum, admissions dates, language support, transport, deposits and whether the school year matches your current country before choosing a neighbourhood.

Safety & Practical Risks

  • Personal safetyUse city-level advice: neighbourhood, time of day and transport habits matter more than broad country labels.
  • Health and weatherUnderstand heat, storms, flood, fire, air-quality, altitude or sea risks before choosing a season.
  • MoneyUse traceable payments, verify rentals and keep emergency access to more than one card or account.
  • Official adviceCheck government travel, immigration and health sources before decisions that affect status or safety.

Who It Suits

Skilled workers, families and people who value public systems and outdoor access over tropical weather.

Before you move: visa rules, hospital access, mobile registration and app coverage change. Confirm the current position with the relevant official provider before making a non-refundable commitment.