Canadian cities guide for finding your home

Canada offers an incredible range of lifestyles, each with its own blend of culture, nature, and opportunity. Finding the right place to call home here means looking beyond affordability to consider what you and your family need to thrive. Money.ca compiled a helpful guide that breaks down other essential factors like safety, schools, and amenities across Canadian cities.

Here are four key areas to keep in mind as you explore your options for building a fulfilling life in Canada.

1. Cost of Living and Housing

• Sherbrooke, QC – Known for its low cost of living and affordable housing

• Edmonton, AB – Offers affordable home prices in a growing urban area

• Charlottetown, PEI – Small-town living with some of the lowest rental costs

• London, ON – Affordable housing with proximity to major cities

2. Job Market and Economic Opportunities

• Toronto, ON – Canada’s economic center, with diverse job opportunities in finance, tech, and more

• Calgary, AB – Strong economy and job growth, especially in energy sectors

• Halifax, NS – Expanding job market with roles in healthcare, education, and marine industries

3. Community, Safety, and Quality of Life

• Ottawa, ON – Low crime, a strong sense of community, and family-friendly amenities

• Montreal, QC – Known for its multicultural, safe, and family-oriented atmosphere

4. Education, Childcare, and Transit

• Vancouver, BC – Highly rated transit system, quality schools, and various childcare options

• Calgary, AB – Efficient commute times, strong schools, and parks for families

• London, ON – Reliable transit, good schools, and supportive family services

Montreal’s Sylvan Adams Theatre presents Titanique, the hilarious musical mashup of Titanic and Céline Dion’s greatest hits. Experience a reimagined journey of Jack and Rose with iconic songs and powerhouse performances, co-produced by the Segal Centre and Mirvish. Set sail for laughs from October 27 to November 24.

Vancouver’s Lumière Festival lights up Coal Harbour, Robson Street, and the West End with stunning installations and performances for all ages. Curated by Ana Valine, this free celebration of art and community runs from November 7 to 10.

Ottawa’s Library and Archives Canada invites you to Together at LAC: Remembrance Day, a day of family-friendly activities, expert talks, and a book sale. Reflect on this important day and explore archival collections on November 9.

Celebrate French films at Cinéfranco 2024 in Toronto! This francophone cinema festival features films by top directors like Léa Pool and Robert Guédiguian. The festival runs from November 1 to November 10 at Imagine Cinemas Carlton, 20 Carlton St. Tickets from $10.

Welcome to Canada! The next several months will be full of excitement and new beginnings; Scotiabank can help navigate your journey by providing resources, banking solutions and tailored advice that help newcomers succeed financially. Newcomers can earn up to $2,200¹ in value with StartRight^TM and can get a credit limit up to $15,000² with StartRight^TM.²

Canada’s food scene is a wonderful mix of cultures, with flavours from all over the world coming together to create something special. This year’s Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants highlights this diversity, offering dishes that blend local ingredients with global influences.

Here are the top 3 restaurants on the list:

Sabayon in Montreal, QC is known for its innovative seasonal tasting menu, featuring dishes like the signature grilled oyster mushrooms with sabayon sauce, as well as its exquisite pastries and afternoon tea service paired with Camellia Sinensis teas.

 Mhel in Toronto is known for its fusion of Japanese and South Korean influences, featuring standout dishes like charcoal-seared kanpachi sashimi, dak guyi (grilled chicken), and a nostalgic potato salad with pickled ramps and Ontario peas. Their unagi cucumber and velvety purin dessert also shine.

 Maison de Soma in Mont-Tremblant is known for its serene, farm-to-table approach with a menu blending Quebec terroir and East Asian influences. Signature dishes include okonomiyaki with Gaspé seaweed and shiitake mushrooms, and tsukune made with locally sourced guinea fowl, while their inventive kimchi martini adds a unique twist to the dining experience.

On her recent Canadian tour, Sabrina declared Vancouver her “superior” Canadian stop, sharing how much this city means to her. Sabrina first came to Vancouver at age 13, returning frequently for work, and estimates she’s “probably lived here for about six months in total.” For her, Vancouver is a place filled with beauty, kindness, and fond memories.

Whether you’re exploring bustling Robson Street, escaping to Squamish for some adventure, or just taking in Vancouver’s breathtaking natural beauty, there’s always something special. 

• Explore Stanley Park’s scenic trails and the Vancouver Aquarium.

• Visit Granville Island for its vibrant public market and local arts scene.

• Take a walk or bike ride around the Seawall for stunning views of the waterfront.

• Savour the diverse culinary offerings, including fresh sushi and Asian fusion in neighborhoods like Richmond.