The Land of The Niagara Falls & Algonquin Provincial Park

Information on Relocating to Canada

·      The capital city of Canada is  Ottawa with about 1,2 million people. Canada is a Constitutional Monarchy.

·         Languages: The languages spoken are English , French  (both official) and 50 native languages. The TV programs and radio programs are offered in English. However, in the larger metropolitan areas such as Toronto or Montréal, one can find both television and radio programming offered in a number of different languages including French and English.

·         Population: The population is about 34 million people - 28% are British Isles origin, 23% French origin, 15% other European, 2% Amerindian, 6% other mostly Asian, African, Arab, 26% mixed background.

·         Expat areas: Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal.

·        Housing: The availability of apartments and houses across Canada particularly in these popular areas varies. Many Expats rent their apartment or house; some buy their homes. Both options are available but mainly depend on your company policy, income, and the length of your stay.

·        Cost of housing: Housing in Canada can be very expensive and varies based on type of residence and location. Rent can be anywhere from US$ 650 - US$ 4000. The local currency is Canadian Dollar (C$).

·       Schools: We have the American school, the British school, the International school, etc., and of course all the local school systems available. Depending on the age we can tell you about waiting lists, etc.

·      Transportation: Metropolitan buses operate on a flat-fare system (standard fares, irrespective of distance traveled). Fares must be paid exactly, which means that drivers do not carry change or issue tickets. Transfers should be requested when boarding a bus.

·        Bank: The banks are open Monday to Friday 9.30am - 4.30 pm (most banks). Some banks in major centres have extended hours; visitors should check locally.

·       Shopping: Is generally done from Monday-Saturday 9.00 am - 9.00 pm and Sunday 10.00 am to 6.00 pm with late-night shopping in some stores. Some stores are open 24 hours a day.

·        Climate: It is difficult to generalize about the Canadian climate. Most visitors come during the summer, when temperatures average around 24°C (75°F). During July and August, however, the mercury can climb into the 30°C (86°F) on the prairies and in southern Ontario. In northern Canada, summer temperatures stay at 15°C (59°F) during the day, but can drop close to freezing at night. Winter temperatures average between -5°C (20°F) and 10°C (50°F) from the Maritimes through southern Ontario. It gets colder and windier from northern Québec through the Rockies, with temperatures ranging from -18°C (28°F) to -5°C (20°F).

·    Culture: Every major provincial capital in the more populated areas has nightclubs, and hotel dinner/dancing. Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg are centers for ballet, opera and classical music, with visits from leading orchestras and internationally renowned performers. Entertainment in the more remote towns is scarce.

·       Public holidays: January 1st-New Year's Day; March/April-Good Friday, Easter Monday (dates vary); Monday preceding May 25th-Victoria Day (the Queen's birthday); July 1st-Canada Day; First Monday in September-Labour Day; Second Monday in October-Thanksgiving Day; December 25th-Christmas Day; December 26th-Boxing Day (except Québec).