English

A GUIDE FOR Moving TO

Canada

A GUIDE FOR Moving TO

Canada

A GUIDE FOR Moving TO

Canada

GUIDE FOR

Moving to Canada Here is what you need to know

Moving to Canada Here is what you need to know

Canada has become one of the most desirable destinations for expats, families, and digital nomads thanks to its high quality of life, stunning natural landscapes, and welcoming multicultural society. Known for its safety, strong economy, excellent education system, and friendly atmosphere, Canada offers newcomers a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. Whether you're drawn to Toronto’s fast-paced urban energy, Vancouver’s mountain-meets-ocean scenery, Montreal’s European charm, or the peaceful rural communities across the country, Canada has something for everyone.

To prepare for a successful relocation, it’s important to understand Canadian culture, work life, climate, languages, and the costs associated with moving.
This guide provides an overview of Canada, including cultural insights, work environment, a simple language guide, and useful relocation tips.

How much does it cost to move to Canada?

Moving to Canada can vary in cost depending on your origin, the size of your shipment, and the transportation method you choose. Below are realistic price ranges for international moves to Canada.

Average moving costs by region of origin

  • From Europe: €5,000 – €9,000

  • From the UK: €5,000 – €8,000

  • From the North America (international cross-border): €3,000 – €7,000

  • From the Middle East: €5,000 – €10,000

  • From Asia or Oceania: €6,000 – €12,000

  • From Latin America: €6,000 – €11,000

Costs depend on volume, whether you choose a shared or full container, and additional services like packing, insurance, storage, customs support, or vehicle transport.

Factors that influence your moving cost

  • Distance and country of origin

  • Volume of belongings (m³)

  • Shipping method:

    • Sea freight – cost-effective but slower

    • Air freight – quick but more expensive

  • Season: peak relocation months are spring and summer

  • Additional services: packing, customs handling, insurance, pet relocation, car shipping, temporary storage

Typical examples

  • Move from France to Toronto with 10 m³: €4,500 – €6,500

  • Couple relocating from the UK to Vancouver with 20 m³: €5,500 – €8,000

  • Family moving from Australia to Montreal with 30 m³: €8,000 – €12,000

To get the most accurate cost, it’s best to request a personalised moving quote based on your needs.

A Glimpse into Canada

Geography and climate

Canada is the world’s second-largest country, offering breathtaking natural diversity: towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, vast forests, prairies, tundra, and vibrant coastal cities. With 10 provinces and 3 territories, the climate and scenery vary dramatically across the country.

Climate characteristics:

  • West Coast (e.g., Vancouver): mild winters, warm summers

  • Central Canada (Toronto, Montreal): hot summers, cold snowy winters

  • Prairies: dry climate, wide temperature swings

  • Atlantic provinces: cool summers, wet winters

  • Northern territories: Arctic climate with long winters and short summers

Canada’s winters are famous, but so is its natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle.

A snapshot of history

Canada’s history is shaped by Indigenous cultures, French and British colonial influences, and a long tradition of immigration.

Key historical highlights:

  • Indigenous Peoples: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis cultures dating back thousands of years

  • French and British settlement: shaping language, law, and culture

  • Confederation (1867): establishment of Canada as a self-governing nation

  • 20th century: evolution into a modern, multicultural democracy

  • Today: one of the world’s most diverse, peaceful, and economically stable countries

Canada’s multicultural identity is central to its welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.

Diving into Canadian culture

Canada’s culture is friendly, diverse, and community-oriented. Respect, politeness, and personal freedom are deeply valued.

Food and drink

Canadian cuisine reflects its multicultural population and regional specialties. Popular foods include:

  • Poutine

  • Maple syrup treats

  • Butter tarts

  • Nanaimo bars

  • Fresh seafood (especially on the coasts)

  • Diverse international cuisines found in every major city

Craft beer, coffee culture, and farmer’s markets are widely enjoyed.

Festivals

Canada celebrates a variety of cultural and seasonal festivals, including:

  • Canada Day (1 July)

  • Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)

  • Montreal Jazz Festival

  • Calgary Stampede

  • Winter carnivals in Quebec and Ottawa

  • Indigenous cultural celebrations across the country

Each celebration highlights Canada’s diversity and creativity.

Lifestyle and social norms

Life in Canada is defined by:

  • Politeness and respect: saying “please,” “sorry,” and “thank you” is standard

  • Multiculturalism: people from all backgrounds feel at home

  • Outdoor lifestyle: hiking, skiing, skating, canoeing, and camping are popular

  • Work–life balance: valued, though it varies by industry

  • Environmental awareness: recycling and sustainability are widely supported

Canadians are generally friendly and helpful, making it easier for newcomers to adapt.

Working in Canada

Canada offers a stable, inclusive, and diverse work environment with opportunities across many sectors.

Business culture

  • Professional yet friendly atmosphere

  • Punctuality and politeness are important

  • Diversity and equality are core values

  • Workplaces often encourage collaboration and open communication

Job opportunities for expats

Canada’s strong economy offers opportunities in:

  • Technology & software

  • Engineering

  • Healthcare

  • Education

  • Finance

  • Natural resources (e.g., mining, energy)

  • Hospitality and tourism

Canada also offers popular immigration pathways for skilled professionals, students, and entrepreneurs.

English & French made simple

Canada has two official languages: English and French. English is dominant nationwide, while French is primarily spoken in Quebec and parts of New Brunswick and Ontario.

Common phrases

English

French

Hello

Bonjour

Goodbye

Au revoir

Thank you

Merci

Please

S’il vous plaît

How are you?

Comment ça va ?

I don’t understand

Je ne comprends pas

Where is the nearest…?

Où est le/la plus proche…?

Can you help me?

Pouvez-vous m’aider ?

How much does this cost?

Ça coûte combien ?

Do you speak English?

Parlez-vous anglais ?

Even if you live outside Quebec, knowing a little French is appreciated.

Final thoughts

Canada offers a unique combination of safety, opportunity, natural beauty, and cultural richness. Whether you're moving for work, family life, education, or new adventures, Canada’s welcoming society and high standards of living make it an exceptional place to start a new chapter.

Embrace the landscapes, enjoy the diverse communities, and discover why so many people choose to call Canada their home.

Welcome to Canada

Sponsors

A + International

A + International

A + International

APRIL International is a global leader in international health insurance, providing coverage to over 150,000 policyholders worldwide in both their professional and personal lives. Our mission is to make healthcare easily accessible, no matter where you are.

Whether you're a student, an intern, on a working holiday, an employee, or a retiree traveling alone or with family APRIL International offers comprehensive and flexible insurance solutions designed to suit your unique needs and budget. With our expertise, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you have access to quality healthcare wherever your journey takes you.

A Place in the Sun Currency

A Place in the Sun Currency

A Place in the Sun Currency

Our service is specifically designed for anyone making overseas payments to buy, maintain, or sell an overseas property. We understand the importance of an efficient and transparent currency service and have an experienced team in place to help make your money go further and secure your very own “place in the sun”.

Buying and transferring currency across borders is a critical part of any overseas property transaction to get right, and our personal account-manager led service is here to help you understand and navigate the process safely and securely, without incurring any unnecessary costs. You can benefit from our knowledge about both the currency markets, and the logistics of international payments.



Abroad Experience Recruitment

Abroad Experience Recruitment

Abroad Experience Recruitment

Abroad Experience specializes in connecting international professionals with exciting career opportunities in the Netherlands. With a focus on multilingual job seekers, we help candidates find roles that align with their skills, ambitions, and background.

From recent graduates to experienced professionals, we provide guidance throughout the recruitment process, offering job placements in fields such as customer service, finance, marketing, and more. Our goal is to make international job transitions seamless, ensuring candidates find the right opportunities while supporting them every step of the way.

It is of utmost importance to us that we offer a high level of service and build strong and trusting relationships with clients and candidates. As an international agency, we are devoted to international professionals in order to help them succeed on the Dutch labor market. As part of our recruitment services we can provide you with feedback on your CV & interview preparation sessions.

ActiveQuote Ltd

ActiveQuote Ltd

ActiveQuote Ltd

ActiveQuote is a leading comparison platform for health insurance, providing an easy way for individuals and businesses to compare health plans from a wide range of providers. With a focus on transparency, ActiveQuote helps customers find the best insurance coverage that suits their needs and budget, whether for personal or family health insurance, or for small businesses looking to provide benefits to employees.

By simplifying the process of comparing and purchasing health insurance, ActiveQuote offers a personalized experience, ensuring customers make informed decisions quickly and efficiently. With a commitment to excellent customer service and competitive pricing, ActiveQuote is dedicated to helping you secure the right health insurance coverage for your circumstances.

Aetna Health Insurance

Aetna Health Insurance

Aetna Health Insurance

Aetna is a leading global health insurance company providing a wide range of health plans and services for individuals, families, and businesses. With a strong presence in both the United States and internationally, Aetna focuses on improving health outcomes by offering affordable and accessible healthcare coverage.

Aetna provides a comprehensive range of products, including health, dental, vision, and disability insurance, as well as health management programs designed to support customers in leading healthier lives. With an emphasis on innovation and customer care, Aetna aims to deliver high-quality healthcare solutions that meet the needs of diverse populations worldwide.

Agato Visa & Immigration

Agato Visa & Immigration

Agato Visa & Immigration

Our life is full of metaphors; sometimes we don’t even notice them. However, if you look at today’s world through such a metaphorical lens, you understand why it can be compared to the river. It is dynamic, it is fast moving, every day it gets filled with new streams of ideas, tendencies, and innovations. Then, we can consider different organizations as banks of that river. They all have their traditions, cultural colors, and shades. That’s why there must be something to connect these banks, to make them united by common desires, ideas, business, strategies, language, etc. Therefore, our company come to serve as the bridge for that; we can build a connection between people, business organizations and various establishments. This singular belief makes ourselves and our clients’ products/services and international brand distinguishable amongst all of the rest.

Aims Immigration & Relocation Specialist

Aims Immigration & Relocation Specialist

Aims Immigration & Relocation Specialist

AIMS is a leading immigration and relocation consultancy based in Singapore, specializing in visa and residency solutions for individuals, families, and businesses. With a strong presence across Asia, AIMS provides expert guidance on immigration programs, investment migration, and global mobility solutions.

From securing work permits and permanent residency to facilitating business expansion through investor visas, AIMS offers personalized services to help clients navigate complex immigration processes. With a commitment to professionalism and efficiency, AIMS ensures a smooth transition for those looking to live, work, or invest abroad.

April International

April International

April International

Global Health Insurance, 100% Online – Anytime, Anywhere!

Whether you're an expatriate, student, frequent traveler, au pair, or business, we offer flexible insurance solutions for anyone traveling abroad. From registration to reimbursement, we make it easy to manage your health needs worldwide!

As a global leader in international health insurance, APRIL International provides comprehensive coverage for individuals, families, and businesses. Specializing in expatriate insurance, we offer tailored health plans that ensure access to quality healthcare—whether for short-term trips, long-term stays, or corporate needs.

With a strong focus on innovation, digital services, and customer support, APRIL International simplifies international health coverage, giving you peace of mind wherever you are. Our commitment to accessibility and personalized service makes us a trusted partner for those living, working, or traveling abroad.

Apt Wealth Partners

Apt Wealth Partners

Apt Wealth Partners

Apt Wealth Partners is a trusted financial advisory firm based in Australia, providing expert wealth management, financial planning, and investment solutions. With a client-first approach, we help individuals, families, and businesses achieve their financial goals through tailored strategies and long-term planning.

From retirement planning and superannuation to tax-effective investment solutions, Apt Wealth Partners offers comprehensive financial guidance designed to build and protect wealth. Our focus is on delivering financial advice that allows us to become your personal CFO. Your finances will be tailored to your needs, allowing you to concentrate on living the life you want. We're privately owned and focus on providing the most transparent advice possible.

Aquent

Aquent

Aquent

We are the leading global work solutions company. Through a range of brands, we help guide businesses toward the talent, technology, and services they need to excel. From specialty recruiting and talent experience to creative strategy and project management, we're making the future of work better for everyone.

From UX/UI designers and content strategists to marketing experts and developers, we connect organizations with skilled talent to drive innovation and success. Our commitment to career growth, diversity, and cutting-edge workforce strategies makes us a trusted partner for both employers and job seekers in the digital and creative industries.

Load More

Start now

Sign up to get in touch with trusted local service experts!

Sign up to get in touch with trusted local service experts!

Sign up to get in touch with trusted local service experts!