35 Pros and Cons of Living in Canada in 2023

Thinking of moving to Canada? If so then you’ve come to the right place, my friend! Because I’m about to unveil my epic insider’s guide to 35 of the biggest pros and cons of living in Canada!

After all, I’ve basically grown up right across the border from our great neighbors to the north and know all about the pros of living in Canada and even some of the cons of living in Canada too!

So, if you’re considering moving to Canada and want to know what it’s really like to live in this amazing country, then check out this expert’s guide to 35 of the all-time biggest pros and cons of living in Canada!

Fair warning though, after reading this article you may start to spontaneously say, “sorry” for everything and may feel an uncontrollable need to watch hockey while hoovering down a giant plate of poutine.

Yup, consider yourself warned my Canada-loving friend.

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After all, this past year has been a wild ride and I don’t want you to lose money because government regulations have changed. 

Truth be told though, I’ve never traveled without travel insurance and don’t think you should either – especialy since I think we’ve all had plans drastically change because of the pandemic. 

Therefore, find an insurance agency that covers travel changes related to COVID-19, like my two all-time faves World Nomads and Safety Wing. You can also read more about which policy is right for you in my full review here.

Since I am incapable of making it rain money, there’s a high chance that this post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Pros of Living in Canada

1. Universal healthcare

Free healthcare. And yes, I really did just say FREE. HEALTHCARE. Because as an American who is used to paying a ridiculous amount of money for medical insurance, this is easily one of the biggest pros of living in Canada.

I mean, doctor’s visits, emergency room treatments, tests, check-ups, and ambulance transportation? Yeah, they can all be found for free up in Canada.

Honestly, just knowing that if you have to get medical care when you least expect it – and that it won’t cost you thousands upon thousands of dollars – might just be the most important things on this list of the pros and cons of living in Canada.

Plus, the healthcare that you’ll be getting for free (did I mention it’s for free?) is some of the best in the world. Alright, Canada! So, if you’re considering moving to Canada, this might be one of the best reasons to do so.

2. The Economy is Doing Great

For the last 20 years, the average household income in Canada has been steadily and consistently climbing. As a result, the rate of unemployment is also one of the lowest in the world, with plenty of jobs still available for and potential new arrivals who are considering moving to Canada.

Because, guess what? Canada runs on a free-market economy wherever possible. This means that it’s a great place for individuals to set up a new business.

After all, you’ll have more freedom to run it how you want to. And seeing as Canadians are enjoying increased income, they’ll have more to spend at your new business – easily making this one of the best pros and cons of living in Canada.

3. Canada is Beautiful

Let’s face it – Canada is one of the most Instagrammable (read, stunningly beautiful) places in the world. After all, this next-level gorg country has got mountains, forests, lakes, beaches, wildlife … I mean, even the cities have some amazing architecture and historical areas that are just *chef’s kiss” awesome.

So, whether you’re walking along the seafront in Vancouver, hiking through Banff National Park, or taking in the glory of Niagara Falls (yes, the best part is on the Canadian side – I’m sorry but it’s true), you can’t deny that Canada has everything a photographer could ask for.

So, come and see for yourself and enjoy one of the many pros and cons of living in Canada!

4. It’s an English-speaking country

It might be a small detail, but it makes a huge difference – especially if you’re considering moving to Canada from the good old US of A.

After all, one of the many concerns that prevent people from moving to a new country is that they will have to learn a new language as part of the immigration process.

And, come on. How long will that take? Will it be one of the easier languages? What if you just aren’t good at it and can’t communicate?

Well, fortunately in Canada, learning an entirely new language will (hopefully) not be a problem! After all, Canada is the largest country where English is the first official language. So you’ll have no problems with reading signs or communicating with locals.

Yup, talk about a major relief when considering the pros and cons of living in Canada.

5. The People Are Hella Friendly

Some stereotypes are based on truth, and I’m happy to report that this is one of them!

And FYI, I’m not just talking about politeness and apologizing for everything (sorry) – Canadians are just generally really happy people who are super friendly and courteous to strangers, including recent arrivals to the country like you.

Doors will be held open for you, seats will be given up for you, and you’ll make new friends regularly when you find yourself having a conversation in a cafe or chatting someone up while waiting in line at the store.

Just remember that although this isn’t true for everyone (there are exceptions to every rule), on the whole, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at just how friendly everyone is.

6. Very Multicultural and Immigrant-Friendly

Canada is very welcoming to immigrants and a wonderfully tolerant country. In fact, most Canadians believe that diversity makes a country stronger, and they’ve been encouraging people from other countries to make it their home for a long time.

As result, immigrants have such a normalized presence in Canadian society that unlike in other countries, being an immigrant doesn’t immediately set you apart from everyone else.

Therefore, once you’ve been through the Canadian immigration process, you might even get a more positive attitude than you’re used to as a local in your own country!

Yup, just another one of the many pros and cons of living in Canada eh?

7. Canada Is A Place To Get Your Hobby On

Whatever you do to relax and enjoy yourself, you can probably do it in Canada. Because in addition to all of the traditional indoor activities and hobbies you might get up to from the comfort of your own home, Canada is a utopia for anyone looking to get active in the great outdoors.

So, wanna go mountain climbing? Sure, you can do that here. Into skiing? No problem. Canada’s got loads of mountains. Want to try your hand at surfing? Sweet, Canada’s got some gnarly waves. Interested in long-distance running, cycling, swimming, or hunting?

Well, take your pick because you can do all this and more while in Canada. Also, because of the change in seasons and the unique climate that each one brings with it, you’ll have the perfect weather for almost any sport, exercise, or activity you might want to try as you uncover the pros of living in Canada.

8. Enjoy A High quality of life

Canada is home to one of the most highly educated populations in the world. The employment rate is also super strong (as previously mentioned), and there are a large number of social support systems designed to make life easier for Canadian residents.

And, added bonus? The crime rate is extremely low here as well. In fact, it’s almost 40% lower than the crime rate in the US, with violent crime now on the decline.

Add to that free healthcare, stunning natural landscapes, and a booming economy, and you’ve got yourself a pretty sweet package that may make moving to Canada even more appealing once you consider all the pros of living in Canada.

9. It’s Not too far from the United States

Almost all of the major cities in Canada are within 100 miles of the American border. So, if you find yourself dreaming about all of the fun things you want to get up to in the United States, you can easily make your dreams come true since they are sitting there, right on your doorstep!

Trust me on this. Millions of people – both tourists and returning Americans – fly in and out of the US from Canada every year.

Also, because of the geographic location of the USA, lots of people have to spend tons of money and fly over long distances just to visit this epic place.

However, not so if you’re in Canada. Not only will your flight be way less expensive than a trans-Atlantic one, but you might not even have to fly at all if you feel like going on a road trip across the border and enjoying one of the many pros and cons of living in Canada.

Pro Tip: If you’re a Canadian citizen, it’s also super easy to get into and out of the US since the US/Canadian governments have a great relationship and make it really easy to travel to and from both countries. So, no visa is needed for Canadians going into and out of the US for short periods of time.

10. The Quality Of The Air And Water Is Very Good

According to the World Health Organization, Canada’s air quality is consistently ranked as one of the best in the world. And that makes sense since there is so much natural, open land and stunning mountain ranges in the great nation of Canada.

That’s also why anyone who’s just moved to Canada will find themselves feeling refreshed and healthier just by being there!

And that goes for the water too. In fact, Canada is home to 9% of the world’s freshwater resources. This means that in larger cities, the water you drink will still be of the very highest quality – even if you source it from your kitchen sink!

So, no need for nasty and super wasteful plastic bottles of water here.

11. Canada Is Safe

So, I know that for many people safety is one of the factors that they look at when it comes to relocating. Canada is one of the safest places in the world and that is a known fact. The people are friendly, the crime rates are low and the police are extremely fast in their response rates.

You do have to be smart about it though. Don’t leave things unattended. Keep your vehicle locked when not in use. The basic personal safety concepts that you use elsewhere in the world would apply here too.

There are things that you have to worry about when it comes to safety that you probably don’t have to worry in other parts of the world and yes! I’m talking about the infamous wildlife in Canada. In a way, the wildlife pose more security issues that are caused because of mugging, gun violence etc.

12. Canada’s Economy Is Growing

Did you know that the Canadian economy is booming? I’m not kidding. Even with inflation the way it is, the country has still managed to keep pace with the growing economies which is a really good thing.

Some of the top industries in the country are the oil industry and agriculture. In the cities on the other hand you will find that people hold a lot of white collared jobs like banking and law. 

What you really need to understand is that Canada is really huge and the main (popular) occupations vary from state to state. Fishing is something that is popular along the coastal towns. Agriculture can be seen thriving during spring and summer. Yes… The seasons play a role too!

There are loads of people who hold a lot of creative jobs too. So if you are researching the pros and cons of living in Canada, make sure to look closely at the places you would want to live in and the job opportunities that they present to you.

13. Education Is Free

One of the best parts about living and working in Canada is that both primary and secondary education is free. If you have children, you probably know that the cost of education can poke some serious holes into your financial plans.

This is one of the most attractive things that families consider when they think about relocating to Canada. Since the medium of instruction is English, it makes the transition so much easier for the kids too!

Another interesting point to note is that the difference between private schools and public schools is not that wide. Which is why there really is not much need to fork out the extra cash.

College education is not much of a challenge either because in general the tuition costs are much lower when compared to countries like the USA. Canada has a lot of scholarships that students can apply for so that they can reduce their tuition costs.

If you are an international student the same fees do not apply. In fact, everything gets much pricier. So if you are intending to relocate to Canada as a student this may actually count as a con for you.

14. Canada Has A Lot Of National Parks

One of the biggest reasons why people want to head to Canada is the National Parks. The pristine acres of land are perfect for anyone who loves the wild outdoors. 

In fact, Canada is home to some of the largest forests in the world. These forests give you a chance to explore its diverse flora and fauna. Popular wildlife sightings in Canada include polar bears, black bears, wolves, moose, Canadian Lynx etc.

The advantage of the numerous National parks is that most of them are close to many different cities and towns. That way you always have a calm place to escape to every weekend.

15. Canada Experiences Four Incredible Seasons

If you’re planning on moving and living in Canada then that means that you’ll be able to experience all four seasons, aka summer, fall, winter, and spring.

Now, each of these seasons has its very own upsides and downsides which makes living in Canada a bit tricky.

After all, summer can get really hot. But, it’s generally sunny and beautiful and one of the best times to visit Canada.

In contrast, fall is when the leaves change color and make the Canadian forests come alive with vibrant hues.

However, it can also get pretty windy. So, be sure to pack a windbreaker before doing some of the best hikes in Vancouver.

And then there’s winter, which can get hella cold. Like, imagine your breath instantly freezing in the air cold. However, if you’re into skiing and other winter sports then Canada is the place to be.

Although, spring is a mega epic time to visit since one of the many pros and cons of living in Canada is that you can attend the Ottawa Tulip Festival.

Just pack plenty of waterproof layers since spring in Canada is always super rainy. But, you’ll need that rain if you want all those stunning flowers to spring to life.

16. Canada Has Low Crime Rates

Canada consistently ranks among nations with impressively low crime rates for several reasons, making this one of the many pros of living in Canada.

Firstly, robust social welfare programs and accessible healthcare help reduce crimes born out of desperation.

Secondly, stringent gun control laws keep firearms out of the wrong hands and help prevent violent incidents.

Moreover, Canada’s amazing law enforcement agencies and community policing efforts create safe communities.

As a result, these factors work together to create lower crime rates, making Canada one of the best places to live in the world.

17. Cheap Apartment Rentals as Compared with the US

Of course, the cost of an apartment rental can vary greatly depending on where you’re looking to stay or the quality of life that you want.

However, in some Canadian cities, like Montreal and Winnipeg, you can find rentals that are infinitely cheaper than the ones you’ll find in US cities like NYC and San Francisco.

But in places like Toronto or Vancouver, rental costs can be on par with or even greater than in the US.

Because as the old saying goes, it’s all about location, location, location. So, it’s always a good idea to do your research before signing a lease on a rental property.

18. Great Reputation Around the World

One of the many pros and cons of living in Canada is that this nation has a stellar reputation around the world.

So, within the greater global community, Canada is seen as a nation that stands for peace, respects diverse cultures and religions, and champions universal human rights and freedoms.

Additionally, they prioritize diplomacy over interventionism, except in extreme cases when it’s needed for peacekeeping.

Plus, as an American traveler, you can expect a warm reception in Canada since people appreciate the shared values and principles between these two countries.

Cons of Living in Canada

19. The Currency is Weak

In general, the Canadian dollar tends to be weaker than the US dollar, the Euro, and the British pound.

Therefore, one of the cons of living in Canada is that the average exchange rate has been about $1 USD to $0.90 CAD over the past decade.

And while some imported goods may seem more expensive when compared with the United States, Canada remains reasonably priced when compared with the rest of the world.

So, If you’re considering moving to Canada then be sure to keep an eye on the exchange rate since your money may or may not go a long way in Canada.

20. Canada Gets REALLY COLD

Y’all may disagree, but when I picture Canada, I think of snow. I envision mountains and trees and cute little log cabins, all covered in crisp white snow. And I think that for a reason!

That’s because throughout the winter – which can last up to 8 months depending on how far north you live – average temperatures in Canada can hover around 5 °F. And sometimes, when you add in wind chill, the temperature can drop to as low as -40 °F in many places. Now that’s pretty darn cold!

And if you’ve read my article about what to wear in New York in winter, then you know that as an NYC local I know what I’m talking about when I say I know what cold really is!

So, if you plan on moving to Canada any time soon, be sure to bundle up because this is one of the biggest pros and cons of living in Canada.

21. Getting Around Between Cities can be a Problem

If you think there’s a lot of space between cities in the United States, just wait until you get across the border!

After all, Canada is the second-largest country in the world. And a lot of that giant landmass is made up of rural areas and extreme wilderness.

Therefore, that means long drives between places – sometimes up to five hours or longer between populated areas – and not necessarily on big, straight, easy-drive highways either.

Yeah, there are a lot of giant mountains and lakes scattered throughout Canada too. 

So, you might find yourself having to go a long way out of your way just to get around a lake, river, or mountain that sits between you and your final destination.

And one broken bridge? Well, that just might stop you dead in its tracks, making this one of the biggest cons of living in Canada.

22. Flights are Expensive

As someone who flies into and out of Canada regularly (from New York), I can tell you from first-hand experience that flights into and around Canada can be hella expensive.

So, if you travel a lot for pleasure or for work then one of the cons of living in Canada will be the high cost of airfare.

In fact, flights in Canada are generally a lot more expensive than flights in the US. And that’s mainly because Canada’s large landmass and low population density make maintaining airports expensive.

Additionally, limited competition between airlines coupled with high taxes and fees drive up the price of tickets.

And then there’s the harsh weather and high operational costs. Pair this with stringent safety regulations and you have high overhead that leads to expensive airline tickets.

So, even though Canadian air travel is reliable and safe, these factors contribute to the high price of local flights.

23. City Life is Expensive

It’s a sorry situation, but the things you buy in Canada just cost more. From food and clothes to the smartphones and other devices necessary for life in the 21st century, you’ll find yourself with a lot less leftover for a proverbial rainy day up in the great north.

And while this varies between districts and provinces, in general, the cost of living is just a lot higher – making this one of the biggest cons of living in Canada.

This is largely because Canada incurs high import taxes since many of its goods are first shipped to the USA before eventually being transported to their final destination.

As a result, prices to consumers increase so that companies can still make a profit on the products they sell. Oh, and just like in the USA, tax isn’t included in prices. So, you may end up paying way more for something than what is listed on the price tag.

24. Taxes Are Higher Too

Who likes paying taxes? Yeah, me neither. But sadly, they’re a necessary evil, especially in a country with a wealth of social programs like Canada.

That’s why, it comes as no surprise that Canada has one of the higher tax rates in the world. This is due in part to the fact that their universal healthcare program has to be funded somehow, though plenty of Canadians will agree that it is 100% worth it.

Additionally, almost all of the national parks and recreational areas in Canada are free for visitors to use and regularly maintained.

And while this is awesome news for Canadian children (and visitors/Canadian parents too!), that standard is maintained by workers employed by the government, which means higher taxes to cover the cost of all that labor.

So, although this is something that won’t be a huge issue if you’re just visiting, it is something to consider if you’re moving to Canada and want to weigh out all the pros and cons of living in Canada first.

25. Limited Availability Of The Goods You’re Used To

Along with paying more for things, one of the cons of living in Canada is that there aren’t as many of those things around to pay more for in the first place!

See, because towns are spread out all across this vast country, it can be difficult to distribute things like groceries and household items to settlements in rural parts of the country. This means that many local businesses may not have things you need in stock.

This is a fact that can be hard to adjust to, especially if you’ve moved to Canada from the United States, where we have pretty much everything available all day, every day – making this one of the many pros and cons of living in Canada!

26. Tons of Construction

In Canada, the construction industry faces some unique challenges that are the result of harsh winters.

Therefore, it is almost impossible to repair roads and buildings throughout the long winter since temperatures are routinely well below freezing.

So, one of the bad things about living in Canada is that you will have to listen to and deal with traffic from the tons of construction that takes place during spring, summer, and fall.

After all, roadways and bridges take a beating all winter long and are in constant need of repairs as a result of cracks and potholes from the freeze-thaw cycle.

Plus, with Canada’s growing population, there’s been a higher demand for housing. This has prompted a surge in construction, particularly in condos to meet the needs of local citizens.

27. Houses Are Expensive And Getting Even More Expensive

One of the biggest problems that Canadians currently face is the price of housing and the lack of affordable options. Because guess what? Owning your own home is becoming increasingly difficult (read, expensive), especially in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.

And to save money, many people continue living at home with their parents before renting and then maybe buying something way down the line.

That being said though, the cost of renting in Canada is still significantly cheaper than the cost of renting in the US. I guess sometimes the pros and cons of living in Canada come hand in hand!

28. Healthcare Can Come with Delays

Yay, healthcare is free! And you’ll only have to wait for … 3 months? Seriously?! Yeah, that’s right. Wait times for procedures can be extremely long in Canada.

Now, sure, smaller health issues can be resolved pretty quickly and easily. But, if you have a major medical condition that requires a specialist, then you may have to wait for awhle since there will only be a couple of doctors to choose from – specialists who may not be located close to where you live.

Plus, once you get there you may find that there’s a waiting list because they can only treat so many people at a time. And while you might have the option of paying more to get private healthcare, if you want free coverage it might take a while to get seen by a doctor.

29. You May Have To Learn Some French, Oui

Parlez-vous Français? Non? Uh oh!

Ok, so this may only apply to eastern Canada, but if you want to live in Ottawa or Quebec, speaking French might be required for you to get a job.

Yeah, there’s a huge, mostly French-speaking population in these places that descend from French colonists who settled in the area way back when.

So, having certification in both French and English may be a requirement for potential employees at some companies. Therefore, you better get practicing yo!

And even if you do learn the language, there’s another part of this that might prove more difficult: Canadian French can be different from the French they speak in France.

Yeah, Quebec uses its own special brand of French. So, you may still find yourself sticking out even after you’ve learned a second language!

Yup, just another one of the pros and cons of living in Canada.

30. The Immigration Process Isn’t Exactly Easy

On top of relocating to an entirely different country – which can be difficult in and of itself – there’s one thing that’s absolutely one of the worst cons of living in Canada: bureaucracy. Wow, I feel bored just saying that word!

Because, believe it or not, Canada actually has a limit on the number of new people who are allowed to settle in the country every year. And that limit is around 250,000. Total.

And yes, that number includes any refugees that they choose to shelter. As a result, it can be difficult to meet the strict requirements that the government puts forth to regulate the number of people trying to get in.

However, there is a points system in place that may help those with in-demand skills who are looking at moving to Canada.

So, good luck, and consider all the pros and cons of living in Canada before making any major life changes.

31. Being in Canada May Affect Your Streaming Options

So, I know this may seem petty and is probably one of the least important pros and cons of living in Canada. But, we all like our online TV and movies, amirite?

Of course, I am. I mean I know I am all about the Netflix and chill for a party of one. But, because Canada is in a different region than the US, shows that can be streamed in the US may not be available in Canada.

So, some things you’ll never have heard of may suddenly appear. And some programs that you felt sure would be available are suddenly missing!

It’s a small difference, but if you’re living in a new country and you want to watch something familiar that reminds you of home, it can be soul-crushing to log in to Netflix only to find utter disappointment.

Therefore, be prepared and consider these cons of living in Canada before moving to Canada.

32. Canada Does Not Recognize International Credit

So this is a biggie! Most people transfer their credit history from one country to another. Canada doesn’t accept credit history from other countries.

That means that once you move to Canada you have to build up your credit score from scratch. This however makes it a great reason to move to Canada if your credit history abroad isn’t great.

It is also important to note that while your credit history abroad isn’t important, the immigration process and the banks will pay close attention to your criminal record. 

I find this particular con something that works against my choice of moving there but that’s largely because I’ve spent a long while building up my credit scores. If you are young and haven’t yet worked on your credit history, this shouldn’t be much of a problem.

33. Getting A Job Can Be Hard

Getting a job in Canada may be really hard for non-nationals or people who have not lived in the country before. This is because a lot of hiring managers are looking for Canadian-specific experience.

Sadly this means all the experience you have racked up in the other countries may not count quite as much as you hoped.

In a way, this is great for Canadians. It means that it ensures that they get the top picks but it does make it so much harder for people who want to immigrate.

The good news is that the country is pretty large and if you are willing to look beyond the cities, you probably should have a good shot at getting a decent job.

34. Cost Of Resources Changes From Cities To Town

You know how cities are usually costly to live in? Well in Canada, many things get more expensive in the small towns. This is because it is really difficult to get the commodities across the distance. 

Add in the fact that Canada has a particularly harsh winter and you will see why transportation of goods is difficult and expensive. This is naturally reflected in the cost of goods. 

The jobs in these areas are also pretty limited. The ones that you can snag usually reflect the cost of inflation with higher salaries.

Unfortunately, that isn’t something that gets translated into extra savings in your bank. The additional money usually gets spent on daily essentials.

Considering where you stay is highly important because it will show you exactly how many pros and cons of living in Canada are applicable to you.

35. Marrying for Citizenship Isn’t Permitted

Believe it or not, getting married won’t fast-track you to becoming a Canadian citizen.

Yeah, because while marrying a Canadian citizen will grant you residency it won’t instantly make you a citizen.

So, you’ll still have to go through the regular citizenship application process, which might not be the hassle-free solution that many people are looking for when moving to Canada.

Pros and Cons of Living in Canada FAQs

What are the negatives of living in Canada?

The negatives of living in Canada are that:

• Healthcare – There can be long waits for treatment
• Government control
• High cost of living
• Cold winters
• Unfavorable exchange rate.

What are the Pros and cons of living in Canada?

Some of the pros and cons of living in Canada are:

• Multi-cultural country (pro)
• Visas can be expensive (con)
• The Canadian economy is growing (pro)
• Poor exchange rate (con)
• Primary/Secondary education is free (pro)
• High taxes (con)

Is Canada a Good or Bad Place to Live?

Canada is a good place to live since it is ranked as the seventh safest place to live in the world. So, many people will love the safe environment when moving to Canada.

Is Canada Worth Moving To?

Yes, Canada is worth moving to for a fresh start due to the fact that this country is multicultural, has a high-quality of life, and will make new immigrants feel comfortable.

Additional Canada Resources You’ll Love

• Best Places to Live in Canada
• Quebec Road Trip itinerary
• Best Provinces to Live in Canada
• Best Brunch in Vancouver
• Best Time to Visit Canada

Well, that just about concludes this guide to 20 of the biggest pros and cons of living in Canada!

Tell me, are you thinking of moving to Canada? Have I covered all the major pros of living in Canada? If not then let me know in the comments below.

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