5 Things I Love About Living In Canada
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Canada Day is today, so I wanted to share what I love about Canada and why I’m proud to be a permanent resident.
Canada, A Place To Call Home
I was a tourist, and now I share stories to inspire those who want to visit or move to Canada.
Related: How I made my move to Canada from the UK
Sometimes, I still can’t believe that I am living in Canada. It’s a place that I thought would pop onto my radar, but here I am.
It’s been almost six years since I landed in this beautiful country, not knowing where my life would take me.
I knew I had a beautiful wife to take me under her wing and show me the ropes.
Career and Education
Moving to a country where you don’t speak the same language is a challenge.
However, moving to a country where you speak the same language can be frustrating.
I did have to get my feet wet and struggled to find work without the so-called “Canadian experience.”
Sadly, this is what I was told I needed by one hiring agency in Toronto that I didn’t have.
Wait, but I have a University degree that must mean something.
It helped me move through the education system as I didn’t let that define my new life, path, and goals.
Now that I have been here for several years, I’m still wondering what that Canadian experience should be.
I’m still unsure of what that Canadian experience babble was all about.
Education, skills, communication, career, work experience, it’s not rocket science, and we don’t do much different in Canada to the UK.
I’ve learned never to let anyone define you, rather surpass your own goals and expectations and make yourself proud.
There’s a bad apple in every bunch; no matter where you live, it’s true. Instead of tossing out the apple, cut the worm out and enjoy the fruit of your labor; you deserve it.
I didn’t let anyone stop me, and I can tell you that I am thrilled with the outcome.
Love My Life In Canada
Although I have yet to experience everything, Canada has been perfect for both of us.
I couldn’t ask for a better place to live.
Although some people may disagree with me, I believe life is what you make of it.
Not everything is greener, but I’ve adapted to my surroundings and enjoy what life has offered me.
As much as I wish Canada would use the roundabout system, I have to take the good with the bad.
I may miss my yogurt in the UK, but nothing stops me from making my own.
Appreciate Where We Live In Canada
I’m well-traveled, and seen some of the world’s riches and held hands with people whose income is below the poverty level.
I remember when some children begged me for my water bottles so they could fill them with water.
Traveling has made me understand how fortunate we are and that we must live and embrace life without fear.
Those children were happy, smiling, and friendly, yet their world was a world I couldn’t even imagine living in.
We often judge others and forget that not everything revolves around money.
If you don’t explore, you may never find what you seek because not everything is in plain sight.
If Canada is not for you, go where you can live the life you want.
No matter where we are, there will be sadness, turmoil, beauty, homeless, poor, middle class, wealth, greed, opinions, criminals, etc.
After traveling around the world, I also learned to take my time exploring my own country first.
You’ll be amazed at what you’ll find.
Explore Canada
Canada is filled with culture and plenty of tourist attractions for all ages.
Destinations in Southwestern Ontario, such as Toronto to Niagara Falls, Canada’s Wonderland, camping, beaches galore, and some good fun in small farming communities only scratch the surface.
Some of my best times are hanging out with friends and making memories.
If you love snow in western and eastern Canada, from BC to Alberta to Ottawa, offer winter activities for the enthusiast.
Each year, the dedicated hoards flock to these places to ski at some of the best state-of-the-art resorts.
Most smaller cities also have ski resorts, but they are not nearly as large as what you will find at the more prominent resorts.
If all else fails, there’s always tobogganing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing.
There’s something for everyone and plenty to see, even if you are a beach bum like me.
I enjoyed surfing in the sea, and the time spent at the beach is reminiscent of my UK days.
We also have gorgeous provincial parks in Ontario and all over Canada.
I’m only skimming the surface as there is too much to list.
I have yet to take advantage of all this country offers and plan to in the future.
Five things I love about Canada
I love more than five things about Canada, but I’ve condensed it for easy reading.
Come back in ten years, and I bet things will be different. Who knows?
1. Friendly People In Canada
Most people I’ve met are happy and welcoming, even if I still struggle to understand ‘Eh.’
2. Canadian Affordable Spacious Housing
You’ll be shocked at Europe’s house prices, land, cars, and petrol (gasoline) prices.
It’s cheaper for most to purchase domestic vehicles and get replacement parts.
You also get a larger home for your money, and most houses have a basement with added living space.
It’s the space I love at home and while out and about.
Canada is such a large country, and Getting lost outside Southwestern Ontario is easy.
That’s very different from the UK, where Getting lost on a small island jam-packed with people is impossible.
3. Canadian Healthcare
There are holes in the Canadian healthcare system.
However, Canada combined an employment benefits system with the UK NHS to get the best of both.
The Canadian healthcare system is one of a kind.
Although the odd wait times may be extended, the finest medical professionals care for us.
4. Canadian Weather
This is an odd one, but hear me out.
Six feet of snow is refreshing when you come from a country where all seasons blend into one dull grey blob.
I look forward to the change in seasons as a new beginning each year.
5. Tim Hortons Restaurants
Need I say more?
It’s convenient, but if you want a hot cup of coffee, you don’t have to look far to find a Tim Horton’s coffee shop.
That and they make an excellent Boston cream doughnut.
Treat Canada With Kindness
My life here in Canada is one that I never take for granted.
People are waiting to come to “the island” because they believe Canada offers them hope.
We all dare to dream; there is no crime in such honesty to aim for a better life.
Just don’t sulk about Canada because there’s always someone waiting to take your spot.
There is plenty to explore here, so take your time, research, and look around; I know I will.
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my wife, family, friends, professors, and employer.
So, thank you, Canada, for having me here to call your land my new home.
No matter whether I am of Canadian or British-landed immigrant status, both the UK and Canada are home to me.
Happy Canada Day… now I’m off to enjoy the festivities.
Discussion: What do you love about Canada and why? Share your comments below.
Related articles
- 5 Tips for sorting out your finances when moving abroad
- New Canada E-passport is around the corner for Canada
- Emigrating to Canada- Should I rent out my house?
- Building credit in Canada as a new permanent resident
- How I made my move to Canada from the UK
Photo Credit: freedigitalphotos. net/Bill Longshaw
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Vancouver also boasts a large immigrant population. Over 53 percent of Vancouver’s residents don’t speak English as their first language. That makes it a melting pot of different cultures and peoples living in and enjoying the beautiful landscape.
Vancouver also boasts a large immigrant population. Over 53 percent of Vancouver’s residents don’t speak English as their first language. That makes it a melting pot of different cultures and peoples living in and enjoying the beautiful landscape.
Happy be-lated Canada Day, Mr. CBB. What a beautiful testament to Canada. I agree it’s so important to be grateful for everything we do have, because we honestly have so much and so many people don’t see that. It’s one of the many things I love about traveling – it really does open your eyes.
That’s just it. There are always people that will complain but they are often the people who only see what’s on the outside rather than exploring all the hidden gems.
Canada is an amazing country. Like every country, we have our issues that need to be addressed but I love knowing that our country is so free, fair, and equitable compared to other developed countries
I’ve never been to Canada. It’s been a dream of mine to visit some day. I’ve never been out of the USA. I have many friends from Canada on face book . They are wonderful people & love Canada. We in the USA have many problems as everyone knows. I still love my country & I still believe we will make a comeback . It will take time. As in anyone’s budget if you let it get out of control it takes time to correct. I want to wish Canada & all my friends in Canada a Happy Holiday !!
Mr.CBB enjoy. Missed sharing our meals on the blog tonight. 😀
Happy Canada Day Mr CBB! looks like an awesome country, I hope I’ll get to visit some day. Last time we tried to go to BC but BF didn’t get a visa! So sad, I love national parks and it looks like you have some awesome ones. Vancouver and Toronto sound great to visit too. And I love a cold, white winter, but not really when it gets humid and muddy. I guess every place has a drawback.
You’re right about Canadians being nice. I’ve never met one I didn’t like. You are right that you can make wherever you are a good home if you don’t take the good for granted and always try to improve yourself. Otherwise, if you aren’t happy with yourself, the grass will always seem greener somewhere else.
Great post Mr.CBB. I’m proud to be Canadian! Visiting Alberta and Saskcatchewan this summer will leave Manitoba as the only province I haven’t seen. There’s so much beauty in our country 🙂 Happy Canada Day to you!!
Nice post Mr. CBB. Thank you from all of us who are so grateful to be Canadian. Sharing the link forward on my new FB page, B on Balance, later today.
Closest I’ve been to Canada is Niagara Falls. Hope to travel there someday though. Thanks for giving me a glimpse into your country. Enjoy your special day!
Such a fun read, CBB!!! We live in Houston,TX, which is ok. It has restaurants, museums, galleries, all the things a big city has. But we are loving our lives here because of us and our habits,just as we would anywhere. May you have a festive week, CBB!!!
Nice post Mr. CBB and Happy Canada Day! I’ve never been to Canada, but it is on our list of places we want to visit and there are many places I would like to see in Canada. I know my wife can relate to the weather issue. She was born & raised in San Diego, which has great weather, but they really do not have any seasons. Ever since we moved to the Midwest she really loves experiencing the seasons which I always took for granted as I grew up with them.
Well, my goodness, CBB. I’m moving to Canada right now. Your points are so important. It reminds me of the saying: No matter where you go, there you are. Texas is hardly the perfect place for us, but we are finding so many gems because we are looking at things differently than we used to. Amazing what a change in perspective and priorities can do for you!
I think the people are friendly and the scenery is gorgeous. I’ve been to Toronto, Saskatchewan, and BC (Vancouver/Whistler are my faves). Toronto has good food and good theater. They love hockey, and they sent us Ryan Gosling, Ryan Reynolds, and Taylor Kitsch. 🙂 Happy Canada Day!
You got that right! Eh! Happy Canada Day!!
Awww, sweet post! I so agree about life being what you make it. Many times, being happy is a choice. We can choose to focus on and appreciate the good things in life, and dismiss the bad to the best of our abilities. I agree about the weather too – as much as I hate winter, it sure makes you appreciate summer, spring and fall. I went to Canada one year, with a friend, up to Banff, then across and down home through Winnipeg. What beautiful country it is up there. Can’t wait to go with Rick and the kids someday.
I loved reading this. I am American but my husband is Canadian…and now a dual citizen. However, the plan is to move to his home province of Nova Scotia as soon as my daughter is graduated high school in about five years. I feel more at home in Canada than I ever have here in America. I agreed with so much in this blog post…thank you for a great read and Happy Canada Day! 🙂
What a super article!! It’s great to be able to see our country from some one else’s eyes, it gives a new perspective to you….. My grandparents came to this country from Great Britain many years ago and raised their family here. Not quite sure exactly when but I know Grandpa fought in WW1 for Great Britain and my Dad was born here in November 1931. Some of his family stayed and I remember Grandma and Grandpa going ‘back home’ for a visit when I was very young. Neither one ever lost the accent in over 40 years here………
Much as we might complain about the snow it is nice to actually have the four seasons to enjoy, and we do enjoy it. It can be very nice to look out the window and watch the blowing snow from the warmth of the house….. Not so much when you have to drive in it but you learn if you are smart.
You make your own fun sometimes and not everything takes a lot of money…. We love watching the bird feeder outside the kitchen window and running off the local squirrels if the blue jays don’t beat us to it….. Those pressurized water guns work great on the squirrels by the way…lol!!!! A walk around the area can be nice too catching up on the news around town. We have the local Heritage Festival coming up in a couple of weeks…. Lots of sales, entertainment, and Sat night is the street dance and fireworks after… Pass the hat there…….
We are lucky to have people such as yourself coming here to live, enjoy your life here…. And Happy Canada Day to you and yours…………..