A Practical Guide to the Way of Life in Canada

Jump right in:

• Pros & cons of living in Canada
• Practical information
• Culture & social etiquette
• Driving in Canada
• Public transport in Canada

The pros & cons of living in Canada

At first glance, there are many pros to living in Canada, but some of the cons are often less obvious for people who have yet to move to the North American country. In this section, we discuss the benefits and the disadvantages of living in Canada, so you can approach your move there with your eyes wide open.

Pros

There’s a lot to love about life in Canada, though everyone’s experience will be different. Here’s a shortlist of some of the best things about life here.

Excellent healthcare

Canada’s healthcare system ranks among the best worldwide. It provides publicly funded care for all residents, plus educational programs, like those helping seniors prevent injuries. About two-thirds of Canadians also have private health insurance covering extras, such as dental, eye care, prescription drugs, and private hospital rooms. Around 90% of these premiums are paid for by employers or unions.

Welcoming to all

Canada is known for being progressive, diverse, and multicultural. Especially in major cities, newcomers tend to fit in easily. For example, Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is home to speakers of over 140 languages. More than 20% of Canadians were born abroad, and many expats settle in Ontario, British Columbia, Québec, and Alberta.

Abundant nature

From mountains and lakes to city parks, Canada's natural beauty is everywhere. It holds about 20% of the world’s fresh water in its lakes and rivers, and has the longest coastline on Earth. Keep an eye out for wildlife like bison, black bears, and bobcats if you’re hiking — you might even hear a wolf howling.

The waters are full of life too, including humpback whales, sea otters, and orcas. Nearly two-thirds of the world’s polar bears call Canada home, too — safely from a distance, of course. Top natural spots include Lake Louise at Banff National Park, Big Muddy Badlands in Saskatchewan, Red Sands at Prince Edward Island, Cathedral Grove on Vancouver Island, and Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in British Columbia.

Cons

No country is perfect, and Canada has its challenges. Here are a few things that might make life challenging at times.

High cost of living in the major cities

Remote areas of Canada can be relatively affordable, but cities like Toronto and Vancouver come with a high price tag. For instance, the average annual cost of living in Toronto is around 41,000 CAD (approx. 30,500 USD), nearly double that of Québec City at 25,374 CAD (approx. 19,000 USD). Vancouver is slightly cheaper than Toronto, with an average cost of living of 40,680 CAD (approx. 30,400 USD).

French-speaking Québec

If you’re moving to Québec, remember that French is the official language. About 95% of the residents speak it as a first or second language. This might make you feel like an outsider if you don’t speak French, so give yourself time to adapt.

Immigration can be competitive

In 2023, Canada admitted 471,550 new permanent residents, surpassing the target of 465,000. However, the government has announced plans to reduce the number of permanent residents admitted to Canada to less than 1% of the Canadian population per year, or less than 410,000 by 2025. This reduction is part of a broader strategy to manage population growth and address housing affordability issues.

In contrast, several other countries have been more open to immigration in recent years. For instance, between 2021 and 2023, Germany, Sweden, Australia, and Austria welcomed a higher proportion of migrants relative to their population compared to Canada. These countries have maintained or even increased their immigration targets, reflecting a more open approach to immigration.

Despite these high numbers, Canada’s immigration system remains competitive, with various programs and criteria that potential immigrants must navigate. It’s essential to understand the specific requirements and processes involved to enhance your chances of success in immigrating to Canada.

Practical information

Below are some useful resources to have on hand when moving to Canada.

Emergency numbers

In case of emergency, dial 911, this connects you to the police, fire, and ambulance services. The number works from landlines, phone booths, and mobile phones. Non-emergency services can be reached by calling 311 in some areas and most major cities.

Public holidays

Canada has ten national holidays:

• New Year’s Day — 1 January
• Good Friday — March or April
• Easter Monday — March or April
• Victoria Day — the Monday before 25 May
• Canada Day — 1 July
• Labor Day — First Monday of September
• Thanksgiving — Second Monday of October
• Remembrance Day — 11 November
• Christmas Day — 25 December
• Boxing Day — 26 December

There are also provincial holidays such as Family Day on the third Monday of February, which is observed locally in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. In British Columbia, it’s celebrated on the second Monday of February.

Main embassies

Canada hosts many embassies and consulates, especially in its larger cities. Ottawa, the capital, is home to 129 embassies and high commissions.

Here are the embassies from countries with large expat communities in Canada:

• High Commission of India
• [Embassy of the Philippines
• Embassy of China
• Embassy of the United States of America
• Pakistan High Commission
• Embassy of France
• Nigerian High Commission
• British High Commission
• Embassy of Iraq

Main airports

These are Canada’s four busiest airports by passenger traffic:

• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
• Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
• Calgary International Airport (YYC)

Culture & social etiquette

To avoid awkward moments or cultural misunderstandings in Canada, it helps to know the basics of local customs and etiquette. This section covers what to expect in everyday situations — from greetings and conversation to dining, tipping, and public transport.

Culture

Canadian culture values honesty, sensitivity, empathy, and humility in relationships both with friends and strangers. Canada is largely egalitarian, meaning people are treated as equals regardless of status. Hierarchy matters less here, and children are raised to be independent from a very young age. Many kids are confident enough to speak to teachers and other adults in the same casual manner they might talk with friends. Canadians are generally polite, friendly, and unpretentious.

Introductions

When meeting someone for the first time, make eye contact and shake hands with your right hand. In Québec, they may kiss you on the cheek. Older men might even kiss a woman’s hand. If you’re a woman, you can accept this graciously, but if you’re a foreign man, don’t do this to a Québécois woman as they may find it strange. It’s polite to refer to people as “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” “Madame,” or “Monsieur” until invited to use first names.

Everyday manners

• Hold doors open for others.
• Don’t interrupt when someone is speaking (Francophones may interrupt more often).
• Let people exit elevators before entering.
• Say “please,” “thank you,” and “you’re welcome.” If you didn’t hear someone, say “pardon.”
• Treat elders and people with disabilities with respect.
• Don’t spit in public, litter, or leave pet waste behind.
• Wait your turn in line.
• Avoid pointing directly at someone.

In conversation

Canadians tend to keep personal space when talking, and keeping physical contact is minimal. Remove hats and sunglasses when speaking to someone. In Québec, it’s rude to keep your hands in your pockets while talking. French-Canadians are generally more animated and expressive than English-speaking Canadians.

Gift giving

Neighbors may welcome you with a small gift, card, or food. Gift-giving is common at Christmas and birthdays, but usually just for close friends and family. If invited to dinner, bring something for the host — wine, flowers, or chocolates work well. Avoid cash. Gifts are usually opened when received.

In Québec, it’s common to send flowers before a dinner party, but never give white lilies (reserved for funerals) or red roses (linked to romantic love).

Dining

At a restaurant, event, or someone’s home, wait to be seated. Do not start eating until everyone else has been served and, if at a dinner party, wait for your host to start eating before you begin. Avoid talking with your mouth full and resting elbows on the table. Leaving a small amount of food on your dinner plate is fine.

In restaurants, don’t snap or yell for service. Instead, make eye contact with the waiter and say, “excuse me.”

In Québec, it is normal to be served wine with your meal. However, avoid asking for a martini or scotch before dinner. These drinks are considered “palate numbing.” If you are having drinks before dinner, opt for champagne, Pernod, kir, or vermouth instead.

Tipping

If you’re eating out, tipping is expected. Usually, Canadians tip 15% of their bill. However, in some places, the tip is automatically included when serving large parties, so make sure you check your bill carefully before leaving another tip on top of what might already be there. Other tipping norms:

• Taxi drivers, hairdressers, and barbers: 10–15%
• Valet parkers and bellhops: around 1 CAD per service

Punctuality

Canadians take punctuality seriously. If a meeting is at 15:00, arriving exactly on time is expected. Being late is considered rude and requires an apology. Arriving more than 15 minutes early can also be awkward — aim for right on time. Avoid calling people early in the morning or late at night.

Public transport

Public transport is generally quiet. If listening to music, use headphones. If you’re with friends, don’t yell or speak too loudly.

Other things to know

• Don’t confuse Canada/Canadians with the US/Americans.
• Avoid sensitive topics like Québec separatism, politics, and religion with new acquaintances.
• Swearing in public is less common, so keep language polite.
• In Canada, don’t refer to the indigenous people as “Indians.” Instead, use First Nations people, natives, or Aboriginal people.
• Canada is diverse and politically correct; avoid jokes about race, religion, gender, or other sensitive topics.
• While Canadians may discuss controversial topics, subjects such as sex, religion, politics, and finances are typically shied away from.

Driving in Canada

If you have a UK, US, or European license (or pretty much any foreign license), you can usually drive for about 90 days. But this varies a bit from province to province: for example, Québec lets you drive for six months, Ontario only 60 days, and the Yukon gives you 120 days.

You’ll probably need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) if your license isn’t in English or French or if you’re in places like Prince Edward Island or New Brunswick. An IDP is valid for up to one year for visitors. After your allowed driving period, if you become a resident, you’ll have to swap your license for a Canadian one.

Getting a Canadian driver’s license

Alberta: If your license is from countries like Australia, Austria, Germany, Japan, the UK, or the US, you can swap your license without tests — just hand over your original and prove 2 years of driving experience. If not, you’ll need to take knowledge and road tests. With less than 2 years of experience, you get a learner’s license (Class 5-GDL) and have to wait 2 years before getting a full license.

British Columbia: Similar rules to Alberta, but the list of countries includes New Zealand and South Korea. You’ll answer some road safety questions and provide ID. Experience over 2 years means you get a full license right away; under 2 years means starting with a Class 7 license and waiting 2 years.

Nova Scotia: US license holders 16 or older can exchange their license after a vision test and medical disclosure. Licenses from Germany, South Korea, the UK, Taiwan, and the Isle of Man can also be exchanged with a vision screening and medical check. Others must take knowledge and road tests.

Ontario: Licenses from the US, Australia, France, the UK, Germany, Japan, and others can be exchanged. If you have 2 years of experience, just pass an eye test for your Ontario license. Under 2 years, you start with a learner’s phase. If your country isn’t on the list, you’ll take written and road tests. Foreign experience counts toward the 2-year requirement.

Québec: Licenses from Austria, Belgium, France, the UK, Germany, Japan, the US, and more can be exchanged, but you’ll need proof of legal status and residency, and you must pass knowledge and road tests. Others follow the graduated licensing system after tests.

Driving rules to keep in mind

Canadians drive on the right-hand side of the road and pass on the left. At pedestrian crossings, people on foot always have the right of way. Seatbelts are mandatory for everyone in the car and using a cell phone while driving is only allowed with hands-free devices.

Always carry your driver’s license, international driving permit (if needed), registration, and insurance documents. If the police stop you, pull over safely to the side, turn off your engine, and wait for instructions.

Speed limits & safety

• Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Rural roads: 60–80 km/h (37–50 mph)
• Highways: 80–100 km/h (50–62 mph), minimum 60 km/h (37 mph)
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.08% (80 mg/100 ml) — drinking and driving is a serious offense and can lead to suspension, impounding, or arrest.

In Québec, right turns on red are not allowed on the island of Montréal, and some road signs may be in French only. Certain provinces also have High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes on highways, marked with diamonds, reserved for cars with two or more passengers.

Car seats and smoking laws

• Car seats are required for kids under 40 lbs (18 kg).
• Provinces like Ontario, BC, Manitoba, and others ban smoking in cars with minors.

Winter driving

• Blue flashing lights mean snow removal vehicles — don’t pass them.
• Watch out for black ice and heavy snow — drive carefully.
• Some provinces require winter tires (BC, Québec).
• Stop fully for school buses with flashing red lights or stop signs — passing is illegal.

Renting a car in Canada

• Minimum age: 21 with a driver’s license for 1+ year.
• You’ll likely need a passport, return ticket, and credit card.
• Kids? Some companies rent car seats for an extra fee.
• Young renters (21–24) pay a fee.
• Watch for extra fees: one-way drop-offs, taxes, additional driver fees, airport premiums, highway tolls.
• Most rental cars are automatic, with options from economy to trucks.
• Major rental companies: Alamo, Avis, Dollar, Hertz, Thrifty. There are also car-sharing options like Zipcar.

Public Transport in Canada

Getting around Canada is fairly straightforward with public transit. Systems are generally safe, clean, and reliable, especially in larger cities.

Public transport includes buses, trains, subways, light rail, and streetcars. Most major cities offer at least one of these, while buses remain the most common option across the country.

To ride, you’ll need a ticket or pass. Monthly passes are usually cheaper than buying single tickets and allow unlimited travel for a set period. Tickets and passes are sold at transit stations, convenience stores, and often directly on buses.

Taxis are available in most towns and cities but tend to be more expensive than public transit (see prices below).

Cost of public transport in Canada

This is an overview of public transit prices for monthly passes in major Canadian cities. The costs presented here are the regular adult fare. Keep in mind that some of these cities have discounted prices for children, youth, students, seniors, and other affordable access programs for those who qualify.

The flag down rate for taxis in major cities is around 4 CAD (approx. 3 USD) and price per kilometer is around 2.5 CAD (approx. 1.8 USD). Here’s an overview of how much you should expect to be charged per kilometer across major Canadian cities:

If traveling by train in Canada, your go-to company will be Via Rail Canada. It’s the country’s intercity passenger rail service operating across the country. A short-distance, one-way trip will cost a passenger between 35 to 150 CAD (approx. 26–112 USD). Of course, the earlier you book, the cheaper your ticket will be. Montréal to Toronto usually ranges between 80 to 150 CAD (approx. 60–112 USD). Montréal to Ottawa can be 35 to 60 CAD (approx. 26–45 USD), one-way.

A one-way, cross-country trip can cost 500 to 2,300 CAD (approx. 374–1,719 USD) in economy class. Prices can be much higher for sleeper or prestige tickets, sometimes over 6,000 CAD (approx. 4,485 USD). Fares are typically highest in July and August. VIA Rail also offers discounts for youth, students, seniors, children, and frequent travelers.

Best ways to travel around Canada

Since Canada is such a large country, the most convenient and fastest way to travel is usually by plane. Airline options are Air Canada or WestJet.

However, the most popular method of transport between Canadian cities is by bus. Popular bus service companies include Coach Canada, Megabus, Greyhound, or Orléans Express.

Train rides are a good option for those wishing for a more scenic ride and a unique view of Canada. It’s a great way to see some of Canada’s most magical panoramas, all from the comfort of your train seat.