People have been moving from place to place since the beginning of time. Today, with a variety of cultures and governments across the global, it has gotten easier to relocate than ever before. For hundreds of years now, the United States has been known as a melting pot of diverse people from all over the world, but it is a mistake to ignore America’s friendly northern neighbor.

Canada has long had a reputation for being friendly, but don’t take the kindness for granted. With a thriving economy and a steadily growing population, Canada is the place to be. Approximately one in five of Canadian residents were born in another country. With statistics like that, it seems that Canada would be an ideal place for people of all backgrounds to feel right at home.

Once a potential expat has decided to settle in Canada, there are many different cities to choose from. When choosing a place to move, it is important to consider a variety of factors including the economy, culture, and cost of living in their new home.

1. Guelph, Ontario

With unemployment sitting at just under five percent, Guelph’s economy is capable of sustaining working professionals across a variety of sectors. At about $1,000 for a two-bedroom apartment, rent is comparable to prices found in many mid-size American cities. Because of this, many expatriates will not experience sticker shock when shopping for a place to live.

Facts About Guelph :
• Founded on April 23rd, 1827
• Nicknamed the “Royal City” because of its ties to Great Britain whose ruler at the time was a member of the Royal House of Guelph (Welf)
• Guelph was home to North America’s first cable TV system.
• Guelph is home to The Ontario Veterinary College, founded in 1862, the oldest veterinary college in the Western hemisphere

2. Regina, Saskatchewan

Located in the south of Canada, Regina is the crown jewel of the Prairie Provinces. Often known as “The Queen City,” Regina is the capital of the province of Saskatchewan. Regina is an appealing location to immigrants due to its economic prosperity. In 2016, the city had the highest full-time employment rate of any major city in Canada.

Facts About Regina :
• Regina was originally named Wascana, a native word loosely translated as “pile of bones.” It was renamed Regina in honor of Queen Victoria in the 1880s.
• Regina’s Wascana Centre Park is home to Olga, the world’s largest Western Painted Turtle
• Regina is home to RCMP Depot Division, the training facility the iconic Royal Canadian Mounted Police Officers.

3. Toronto, Ontario

Toronto is the largest city in Canada. With over 2.5 million residents within the city, and millions more in the surrounding area, Toronto is a metropolis on pace with cities like Chicago, Paris, and Rome. A city with the motto “Diversity Our Strength” is unsurprisingly welcoming to immigrants. Over 45% of Toronto’s population comprises of foreign-born immigrants. In addition to the large immigrant population, over half of Toronto’s population comprises of visible minorities, so Toronto is an excellent choice for incoming immigrants who want a multicultural experience.

Facts About Toronto :
• Toronto is the number one tourist destination in Canada
• Toronto is home to of the largest zoos in North America. The Toronto Zoo is home to over 5000 animals!
• Toronto’s Yonge Street is recognized as the longest street in the world
•Until 2007, Toronto’s CN Tower was the tallest freestanding structure in the world

4. Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa is Canada’s capital city. As the seat of the government, Ottawa has relatively low unemployment rate and a strong economic sector. With a population hovering just over a million, Ottawa

Facts About Ottawa :
• Ottawa was originally named Bytown after Colonel John By
• Ottawa is home to Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s longest ice-skating rink.
• Ottawa is consistently ranked as one of the top ten coldest capital cities in the world.
• Ottawa is home to the annual Canadian Tulip Festival. The festival celebrates the gift of tulips from the Dutch Royal Family, thanking Canadians for their role in liberating the Netherlands during WWII.

5. Vancouver, British Columbia

Consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world, Vancouver has all the charms of a modern city, all while providing lots outdoor recreational activity. With some of the mildest temperatures in Canada, Vancouver is an ideal place for expats who aren’t quite ready to brave the traditionally brisk Canadian winters. Vancouver is also known for its diversity. Vancouver has the largest Asian population of any metropolitan area outside of Asia.

Facts About Vancouver :
• Nicknamed “Hollywood North,” Vancouver follows closely behind Los Angeles and New York City in television and feature film production.
• Vancouver’s Stanley Park is home to hundreds of Eastern Grey Squirrels, all of whom are descendants of 8 pairs of squirrels that were gifted by New York City
• The environmental organization Greenpeace was founded in Vancouver in 1971
• Unlike the majority of North American cities, there is no freeway access in downtown Vancouver.

Best Canadian Cities for Expats by Alex Briggs | PR Specialist for North American Van Lines.