Navigating life in Canada is significantly challenging for expats who seek to move to Canada and integrate into the Canadian culture. They can connect with like-minded communities, socialize and work toward expanding their circle by forming new international friends. The foremost thing to do after their arrival in Canada is to participate in online groups as well as other in-person events that could be related to anything from music to sports and so on.  

The Maple-Leaf country has made its mark among some of the unique things. For instance, it is incredibly spacious and consists of extraordinary destinations. Besides this, it is prominent for its species and animals and has been granted world records, too, for several things. This country is well-known for its polar bear population, as Manitoba is world-famous for them. Moreover, there are more than 3,000 hockey rinks, with endless winter sports available for expats.  

The benefits one can avail of by living in Canada  

When the expats move to Canada, they are sure to find a lot about this intriguing country because it has such an interesting geographical background that it’s easier to learn about unique destinations. Let us now dig into the benefits of arriving in Canada: 

A healthcare system to vouch for  

Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system is something that makes this country the best alternative for expats looking forward to living abroad. Besides this, it also provides several educational programs to make people understand the ways through which they can maintain their health. 

Most Canadians get healthcare coverage through other healthcare services, such as prescriptions, drugs, dental, eye care, and private hospitals.   

Canada has a welcoming approach  

Canada has a diverse background with more scope for immigrants to understand and live within a multicultural setup, with so many other foreign nationals who come from several backgrounds. Interestingly, in Toronto, the biggest city in Canada, there is a presence of over 140 spoken languages. Besides this, 20 percent of the Canadian population belongs to other countries by birth, and hence, expats will be able effortlessly to engage within such a culture.   

The abundance of nature in Canada 

Canada’s abundant nature is due to its vast geography and unique features, and its natural world consists of a variety of things like mountains, lakes, and excellent urban life, and one has greater chances to meet black bears, bison, and bobcats. There’s more variety if we talk about aquatic creatures like orcas, otters, and humpback whales. The country has several tourist attractions that are unparalleled in their beauty, such as Capilano Suspension Bridge, Banff’s Lake Louise, Saskatchewan’s Muddy Badlands, etc.   

The vast cities have a higher cost of living  

Residing in the most appealing and vast Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver will cost you a lot because these are densely populated, and their living cost could be anywhere around CAD 45,000, which is twice the cost of living in the province of Quebec.   

Quebec has a cost of living of around CAD 25,374, and besides this, Vancouver is pretty much more affordable compared to Toronto, with an average cost of living of nearly CAD 40,682.   

Knowing about Canadian life and culture  

Expats must have in-depth knowledge of the Canadian way of life because it will help them deal with social situations without any hesitation and awkwardness. Here’s a look at the following essential customs and etiquettes based on tipping, routine activities, and accessing public transport.   

Basics of Canadian culture and life  

Canadian values majorly revolve around honesty, sensitivity, and empathy while maintaining their relationships with others. Kids in Canada experience a modernized upbringing, and there is rarely any room for inequality in this egalitarian country, which essentially believes in offering equal opportunities to Canadian-borns as well as expats. Canadians are highly polite people who believe in generosity and kindness. Also, Canadians often look for space in their conversations with other people because they don’t possibly like to touch others while they continue to talk. You must be well-learned when it comes to your dining habits, and people must usually avoid sitting first if they’re at a restaurant and they must wait for everyone else to be seated. As far as tipping is concerned, Canadians usually tip almost 15 percent of the bill they pay for a meal. However, when there are popular events, the tip must have been included in the bill already, so they must check the bill for sure. They’re also highly punctual individuals, and it is better to be prepared to live a disciplined lifestyle. Avoid disturbing anyone else in the early mornings or late at night as this will be considered impolite as per their culture.  

Key points when dealing with other Canadians  

Understanding the Canadian way of life in detail will help expats to integrate well within the country. Therefore, they must ensure that they keep the following essential points in mind: 

• Avoid addressing indigenous people as Indians and instead address them as First Nations People.  
• Keep yourself as politically correct as possible, as it is a diverse country, and humor might go wrong if any insensitive remarks or comments are passed on without thoughtful consideration.  
• Try to avoid using any cuss words because cursing is not a part of Canadian culture.  

Ensure to obtain a Canadian driver’s license  

A majority of Canadian provinces or territories allow expats to use their international driver’s licenses for nearly ninety days. However, it is recommended that they also possess an International Driver’s Permit because many provinces like Prince Edward Island, Northwest Territories, and New Brunswick might require your IDP from your home country. It is also required when the driver’s license is neither English nor French. Moreover, non-residents can use the IDP until one year.  

Conclusion 

Expats moving to Canada for a high-end standard of living and several work opportunities will get it all. Besides this, the Canadian transportation system is also feasible, safe, and clean. This Canadian guide is perfect for you to understand the crux of Canadian culture and its way of living.