Which Is The Best Province To Live In Canada?

Canada is the second-largest in the world and is a popular destination for expats and tourists alike. If you are planning to move to Canada, which area should you choose to settle down in? Let’s talk about the best provinces to live in Canada.

At the moment, the country is undergoing a massive drive to encourage more people to relocate to the country. The government aims to welcome just over 400,000 new permanent residents every year for the next three years.

The government is doing its best to welcome expats by helping them get visas, jobs, bank accounts, and more. With so many opportunities and such a fantastic quality of life, now is the perfect time to move to Canada.

But where should you go? Canada is huge, with ten separate provinces and three individual territories. These are:

• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Prince Edward Island
• Nova Scotia
• New Brunswick
• Quebec
• Ontario
• Manitoba
• Saskatchewan
• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Nunavut
• Northwest Territories
• Yukon Territory

With 13 choices, you may feel overwhelmed. Here are our top five best provinces in Canada and why each would make the perfect place to call home.

1. British Columbia – high standard of living & higher life expectancy

British Columbia, or BC as locals know it, is the westernmost province bordering the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the best provinces in Canada if you are after a high quality of living and don’t mind paying for it.

Like most of Canada, life here is all about the outdoors, and since it has the mildest winter weather in the whole country, it is perfect for people who want to be outside but don’t like the cold.

There’s still snow in winter, but temperatures are more manageable than elsewhere.

Vancouver is the largest city and the place most people head to, attracted by the scenery and opportunities. Vancouver is a beautiful city right on the water with mountains behind it.

Vancouver can be a bit expensive in terms of house prices, but you’ll find most corporate job opportunities here. It’s a major metropolitan hub.

You can find out more in our guide on the best neighborhoods in Vancouver.

Outside of Vancouver, you’ll find Victoria on Vancouver Island.

Victoria is actually the province capital, so you’ll find the city has an older, more prestigious attitude than its younger, more modern sister city. There are ferries from Vancouver straight to the island.

If you want to be close to Vancouver but stay out in nature, consider living in Victoria, BC, or anywhere else on Vancouver Island. There are some lovely towns there, including Nanaimo, Port Alberni, Parksville, Courtenay, and Campbell River.

Other significant towns in the province include Kelowna, Kamloops, and Chilliwack. Each has excellent access to the Rockies for winter sports but is metropolitan enough to have everything you need.

Education, transport, and public services are well funded in BC, with great local schools, major private colleges, and international schools in Vancouver.

The province has one of the highest life expectancies in Canada – the average life expectancy is 82.6 years.

The only real factor that could be a drawback is the cost of living.

Living in BC can be pricey. The Vancouver private schools can have annual fees of CA$30,000.

You will enjoy quality public services but pay high taxes for them.

It’s recommended that a minimum yearly salary for a more or less comfortable life in Vancouver or BC for a single person is CA$50,000. For a family with children, it could get tough on less than CA$120,000.

2. Ontario – good employment opportunities

Ontario is the most popular area for people moving to Canada. The province is home to almost 15 million people, which makes it the most populous province and an economic powerhouse for Canada.

Ontario’s capital, Toronto, is considered one of the coolest cities in the country. It’s a very diverse and lively place. Toronto’s distinct neighborhoods attract young families, professionals, arty types, and all other kinds of expats from all over the globe.

Toronto is often compared to New York for its blend of laid-back attitude, hardworking corporate areas, and a fun, all-night party vibe. It’s pricey, but if you want to be in a major city, Toronto is the place to be.

Outside of Toronto, you have the option of several other large towns and cities.

The most popular are Ottawa, Mississauga, and London.

Each has an outstanding education system, including universities that attract internal students and excellent public transport and job opportunities.

Ottawa, the capital city of Canada, is a great choice and competes with Toronto in popularity. There’s always a debate going on about whether Ottawa is better than Toronto or not.

Ontario offers a lot of employment opportunities. In fact, if you don’t already have a job lined up, Ontario is an excellent place to start. Unemployment here is the lowest in the country.

Outside of work, living in Ontario is pretty amazing. There are mountains for winter sports, lakes and beaches for the summer, forests, national parks, rivers, and more.

It’s an outdoor dream, an embodiment of the Canadian lifestyle. In summer, the temperatures reach over 30, meaning you get a real summer; winter is the traditional Canadian cold. 

Ontario is culturally diverse and attracts international visitors, making it a great place to move if you like embracing new cultures, meeting new people, and learning something new. Home to expats from all over the world, the quality of living here is incredible if you love the outdoors.

It also has the highest average income in Canada, so no wonder that so many expats end up living in Ontario.

All those positive factors lead to a higher life expectancy in the province compared to the rest of the country.

3. Quebec – Canadian province with the taste of Europe

The largest province in Canada, Quebec, offers a very different lifestyle from that of the rest of the country.

Aside from the language, the area is considerably more European than the other provinces, favoring a more American outlook on life.

The main difference is, of course, the language. But if you speak French or are willing to learn, Quebec offers a distinctly dynamic way of life at a slightly slower pace.

The two main cities of Montreal and Quebec don’t buzz in the same way as Toronto and Vancouver.

You’ll still find everything you need and can party all night if you want to, but it’s more likely to be in an underground bar or on your neighbor’s terrace rather than in a club.

• Living In Montreal Vs. Toronto: Which One Is The Best City For Expats?

Winter in Quebec is long and cold, but there is much more open friendliness among neighbors because of this.

When the weather is cold enough to kill, most people let go of petty arguments and help each other out, meaning even the big cities and towns feel like oversized villages. Quebec also has the safest cities in the country and is generally the safest province – another upside of choosing Quebec.

If you want culture, Quebec could be perfect for you. It’s less culturally diverse than Ontario, but it’s home to many Europeans who feel more at home here.

Of course, the outdoors plays a huge part in everyone’s life, with ice hockey and skating at the top of the list.

The Quebec wilderness is much wilder than in Ontario, so if you really want to get back to nature and don’t want to walk the same trails are everyone else, you’ll find Quebec much nicer.

Citizens in Quebec have excellent access to public and private schooling and healthcare, and there are some pretty strict rules regarding pollution to keep wildlife safe.

Generally, Quebec is much cheaper than in other provinces, particularly regarding property prices.

Even though some major universities bring in plenty of international students and families, the cost of living here is pretty low.

There are plenty of job options with decent salaries, which means Quebec often draws in people who want to enjoy life on a reasonable budget and surrounded by natural beauty.

4. Alberta – the best province for slower and less expensive living

In the center of Canada, you’ll find three huge, flat provinces called the Prairie Provinces. Of these, Alberta is generally considered the better place.

Because of its vast flat expanses, Alberta has a massive farming culture. Here you’ll find harvest parties, cowboys, rodeos, concerts, and lots of locally grown food and drink.

There’s a real country feeling in Alberta, which is slightly elevated by the hugely popular city of Calgary.

Calgary received vast amounts of funding when it hosted the Winter Olympics, and as such, it has excellent transport infrastructure and outstanding facilities. In particular, it’s got some pretty fabulous sports facilities.

Since it’s close to the Rockies, it attracts many skiers in winter, and the surrounding countryside is basically a giant playground all year round.

If you’re looking for work outside of Calgary, it’s mainly agricultural work that does pay well and comes with an entire community of support.

You’ll also find a fair amount of oil, gas, and mining jobs.

Corporate jobs are limited to Calgary and the provincial capital Edmonton. Many people here do seasonal work, choosing to work on farms in summer and in the ski resorts in the winter.

• Living In Calgary Vs. Edmonton: which one should you choose?

Living in Alberta is relatively inexpensive, and living is a bit slower than in other places with major cities. You’re unlikely to find significant fashions in Alberta, but it’s a great place with one hell of a scenic backdrop.

5. Nova Scotia – Canada’s top spot for a relaxing lifestyle

If you’re looking to get away from it all and relax in some tranquillity, Nova Scotia is the best province for you.

The East-coast province has low property prices, low cost of living, clean air, minimal crime, and lots of peace and quiet. For many people, it’s a dream.

Economically, fishing, trawling, and hunting are the big employers here. It’s not for everyone, but if you have a modest retirement fund or can work remotely, this might be the right place for you.

Like Alberta, it’s not the most fashionable, trendy province of them all, but it offers an ideal lifestyle for people who like the outdoors, don’t want to be in a major city, and can deal with the cold winters.

Halifax is the province’s hub, and even that is much calmer than other cities.

The relaxed lifestyle means people really enjoy connecting with the outdoors and with each other.

Winter can be challenging in rural areas, but the facilities exist to make it as easy as possible. Canadians know how to deal with the cold.

Being very rural does come with both pros and cons. There’s no need to worry if you suffer from road rage; traffic simply doesn’t exist here. However, some people feel isolated during the winter months.

If you’re looking to climb the career ladder and aren’t interested in fishing, it is not your best option. However, the province offers a wild, rugged beauty that is unmatched and a peaceful lifestyle that means very few people want to leave.

What to consider when choosing a province to live in Canada

Canada has a lot to offer. Each province really has its own distinct personality, and people are fiercely proud of where they call home.

Choosing a province to live in Canada is one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make. While we’ve outlined our top picks, in the end, it is your choice.

Here are some things to consider when picking your province.

Job market

Some of the Canadian provinces have particular employers. Unless you can work remotely or aren’t planning on working at all, you seriously need to research the local job market, or you may find your only option is a job you hate.

Some places are much more straightforward than others for finding employment. For that very reason, Ontario is a popular choice among skilled workers as it has a strong economy and dynamic job market. Your career or employability will also hugely affect your chances of getting a Canadian visa.

The cost of living vs quality of life

The cheapest areas are not necessarily the best in terms of job opportunities and access to facilities. Newfoundland, for example, is the cheapest province in Canada. The province offers jobs in oil & gas, mining, hydroelectricity, and the fishery.

Yes, expenses are lower, and housing is cheaper here. Also, Statistics Canada reported the highest life satisfaction score among the local residents, the most of any province. The locals also rated their subjective well-being highly.

The reasons for this are affordable housing, low living expenses, and a relaxed, low-stress lifestyle.

Buis it the best province to live in Canada for you? It is one of the least populated areas in the country – the winters are harsh, and services are not always accessible.

British Columbia, on the other hand, is the most expensive province in Canada. It offers a high quality of living and great employment opportunities, but you will pay dearly for them.

The reality is that you can’t focus on just the cost of living or the quality. You have to strike a balance between the two.

Weather

It sounds silly, but you should consider the weather before you go. Some regions experience much colder winters, and they last for six months. It’s a long chunk of time to be stuck inside if you hate the cold and don’t enjoy the snow.

Immigration rules

Some provinces have set targets for accepting expats; some offer help with visas if you work in a specific industry; others are much harder.

Depending on your work, financial situation, and living plans, you may find some provinces welcome you with open arms while others are pretty strict.

The main and most popular way to move to Canada is as a skilled worker, so check your professional and language skills health, and look at what immigration program suits you best.

Connections

Some of the more remote areas have fewer international connections. If you plan on traveling a lot or visiting family, it’s worth checking how easy it is to fly in and out. Particularly during the winter months, some areas because very hard to access. Of course, if you don’t want visitors, this could be a positive thing.

Best provinces to live in Canada – summary

Moving to Canada is a dream for many, including you, perhaps?

But with so much to offer and so much variety, picking the right province for you can be challenging. Canada really does have something for everyone, and with such a strong expat community, you’re sure to find some like-minded people.

We think it’s worth exploring all 13 provinces to narrow down your choices before committing to the move. But no matter where you move to in Canada, you’re sure to love the scenery, which is truly unmatched.

You might find useful:

• Living In Canada– a detailed guide for expats on moving and settling down in Canada;
• Best Places To Live In Canada;
• Canada Visa – How To Move To Canada As A Skilled Person.

Helpful external links:

• Find the list of provinces that run Provincial Nominee Programs on the Government of Canada site.
• Moving to Canada with children? CompareSchoolRankings.org is a brilliant tool for checking school ratings.
• Find out minimum wages by province on the Retail Council of Canada site.