Living in Canada can be an amazing experience. From stunning landscapes to vibrant cities, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the Great White North. But while it can be a great place to live, it also comes with its own unique set of do's and don'ts. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the essential tips to keep in mind when navigating life in Canada, so you can make the most out of your time living here.
Table of contents:
Section 1 Do: Learn About Canadian Politics
Section 2 Do: Bundle Up in the Winter
Section 3 Do: Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Section 4 Do: Try New Foods
Section 5 Don't: Assume Everyone Is Friendly
Section 6 Don't: Complain About the Weather
Section 7 Don't: Forget Your Passport
Section 8 Don't: Expect Too Much from Healthcare
Do: Learn About Canadian Politics
If you're moving to Canada, it's important to get familiar with the country's political system. Canada is a democratic nation that operates under a constitutional monarchy. At the federal level, the country is divided into ten provinces and three territories, all of which have their own governments. Additionally, the country is divided into three levels of government: federal, provincial, and municipal.
Understanding the various levels of government can be helpful when living in Canada. For example, if you have questions about taxes, you'll need to know who to contact: federal, provincial, or municipal. It's also important to familiarize yourself with the election cycles for each level of government, so that you can take part in the democratic process.
Additionally, learning about the culture of Canadian politics can help you become more involved in your community. Understanding the various cultures across the country, from English-speaking Quebec to Inuit communities in Nunavut, will help you get a better understanding of the people and issues at play in your new home.
Finally, researching the current political climate in Canada is important to understand the issues facing the country. From major environmental policies to initiatives to tackle poverty and inequality, learning about the current topics of debate can help you stay up-to-date with Canadian politics.
Do: Bundle Up in the Winter
When it comes to winter in Canada, you have to prepare yourself to bundle up! The cold months can be harsh and temperatures can drop below freezing. It's important to make sure you are dressed appropriately in order to stay warm and comfortable. You'll want to layer up with items like wool sweaters, coats, hats, scarves, and gloves. Make sure you also have waterproof boots for when the snow begins to fall. With all of these items, you should be able to brave even the most intense Canadian winter days.
Do: Enjoy the Great Outdoors
If you're living in Canada, one of the best things to do is to get out and explore the great outdoors. Canada is filled with spectacular landscapes from coast to coast, from the majestic Rocky Mountains to the rugged coastline of Newfoundland. There are countless outdoor activities to enjoy in Canada, from hiking in national parks to kayaking on remote rivers. For those who love skiing and snowboarding, Canada has plenty of snow-covered slopes to choose from. No matter what type of outdoor adventure you're looking for, you can find it in Canada. Not only will exploring the great outdoors give you a chance to experience all that Canada has to offer, it will also help you stay active and in shape while you live here. So grab your gear and get ready to explore the great outdoors in Canada!
Do: Try New Foods
Canada is known for its delicious cuisine and unique flavors. From poutine to beavertails, there are so many interesting dishes to try in Canada. If you want to get a true taste of Canadian culture, you should definitely take the time to try some of these unique foods. Poutine is one of the most popular dishes in Canada and is made up of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy. The combination of these ingredients creates a delicious dish that can be found at most restaurants across the country. Beavertails, which are made from fried dough and topped with various sweet toppings such as cinnamon and sugar or nutella, are also a must-try. Additionally, a variety of smoked salmon dishes, maple syrup-based treats, and bannock (a type of fried bread) can all be found throughout Canada. So don't forget to indulge in the local delicacies while you explore the country!
Don't: Assume Everyone Is Friendly
Canada is known for its friendly and welcoming people, but don't make the mistake of assuming everyone will be equally as warm and open. Canadians can come across as quite reserved when you first meet them, so it's important to remember to give people time to get to know you. Don't be surprised if it takes a while before someone invites you over for dinner or a coffee - this is simply how things are done in Canada! That being said, once you've broken the ice, you can be sure that your new Canadian friends will be more than happy to welcome you into their homes.
Don't: Complain About the Weather
One of the main things people should know before visiting Canada is that the weather can be very unpredictable. One moment it could be a beautiful, sunny day and the next it could be a blizzard. Canadians understand this more than anyone, so it's important to remember not to complain about the weather. Although it can be frustrating, complaining will get you nowhere. Instead, take advantage of the changing climate and plan your activities accordingly. If you're expecting rain, bring an umbrella and dress for the weather. If it's cold outside, bundle up and stay inside if necessary. With the right attitude, you can make the most out of any situation and enjoy your time in Canada regardless of the weather.
Don't: Forget Your Passport
If you are coming to Canada from another country, it's essential that you remember to bring your passport. Your passport is your proof of identity and the only way for you to enter the country. Without it, you won't be able to cross the border. Additionally, when travelling domestically within Canada, you may be asked to show your passport as proof of identification. For these reasons, it's important to always keep your passport with you in a safe place whenever you are travelling in and around Canada. Make sure that you keep your passport up-to-date, as expired passports are not accepted as proof of identity.
Don't: Expect Too Much from Healthcare
If you're considering relocating to Canada, one of the things you should be aware of is that healthcare is not as comprehensive as in some other countries. Although Canada offers a publicly-funded health care system, which provides coverage for most medical needs, there are still many services and treatments that are not covered by the government. For instance, in most provinces, you will be expected to pay for prescription drugs and certain dental procedures, such as braces or tooth whitening. Furthermore, the wait times for certain treatments can be long, depending on where you live.
Therefore, it's important to understand the limitations of the healthcare system before you move to Canada. Make sure to research what is covered under your province's health plan so you can budget for any additional costs you may incur.