“What is the best province in Canada for immigrants?” is a frequently asked question. With Canada being the world’s second-largest country, deciding where to begin might be difficult. Canada comprises 10 provinces and three territories, each with its own distinct personality.
One crucial consideration, depending on your profile and where you are in the process, may be which province has a nominee programme that is suited for you.
Other factors to consider are your lifestyle, line of employment, and weather preferences. Here are four of the most popular Canadian provinces for immigrants to help you get started:
1. Ontario
By far the most popular province for new immigrants to Canada is Ontario. By 2021, Ontario will have received roughly half of all new Canadian permanent residents.
The most populous city in Ontario is also the largest in Canada. The majority of newcomers who chose Ontario as their province of residence opted to settle in Toronto. Toronto is one of the world’s most urban and multicultural cities, with more than half of its people being members of a visible minority group.
Ottawa is the capital of Canada and the second most populous city in Ontario. Ottawa is regarded as one of Canada’s safest cities. The capital city of Canada also has a great quality of life and affordable living costs.
There’s no denying that winters in Ontario can be bitterly cold. Temperatures in some portions of Ontario can fall below -40°C during the winter months. It’s all worth it when summer arrives, with temperatures reaching 30°C or more.
Ontario has a robust economy, accounting for 37% of national GDP, owing to a combination of resources, manufacturing expertise, and exports. In addition, approximately half of all employees in high-tech, financial services, and other knowledge-intensive businesses work in the province.
2. British Columbia
British Columbia, located on Canada’s west coast, is noted for its stunning natural beauty. In 2021, British Columbia was the second most popular province for incoming immigrants after Ontario. British Columbia is frequently regarded as the greatest province in Canada for immigrants seeking outdoor activities and cooler temperatures.
Vancouver is the most populous city in British Columbia. Vancouver, located on Canada’s Pacific coast, with breathtaking ocean and mountain views. Vancouver boasts a vibrant art scene and is a prominent filming destination for major motion pictures.
Victoria is British Columbia’s second most populous city. Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia and is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. The slow pace, charm, and distinctive geography of Victoria make it a great city for any low-key outdoor enthusiast.
British Columbia is an excellent choice for individuals who want a mild winter. The coastal regions of British Columbia experience among of the mildest winters in Canada, with temperatures rarely falling below freezing. The interior and central regions enjoy colder and snowier winters, but hotter summers than the coast of British Columbia.
The economy of British Columbia is varied, with service industries dominating. Agriculture, construction, film and television, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, high technology, manufacturing, mining, and tourism are among the other major businesses in British Columbia.
3. Quebec
Quebec is the third most popular destination for newcomers to Canada. Quebec is Canada’s greatest province for immigrants who enjoy cultural activities and the French language.
Quebec, Canada’s largest province, is famed for its wealth of culture, maple syrup production, and the French language. Despite the fact that French is the official language of Quebec, the provincial government offers some rights and services to the English-speaking people. While it is feasible to navigate Quebec without speaking French, it is recommended that you learn the language. Fortunately, Quebec provides free French classes to incoming immigrants.
Montreal is the most populous city in Quebec and the third most popular with new immigrants. Montreal, as North America’s number one host city for international events, is frequently regarded as Canada’s most cultural metropolis; here, you can enjoy a variety of established music, comedy, and film festivals all year.
Quebec City is the province’s second most preferred location for newcomers. The one-of-a-kind French-speaking metropolis maintains a delicate balance between history, modernity, culture, and environment. Quebec City residents do not keep idle during the winter months; the city provides a variety of distinctive winter activities and attractions, such as the famous Winter Carnival, tobogganing in the heart of the city, and visiting the Hotel de Glace (Ice Hotel).
The climate of Quebec is notable for its extremes. While temperatures in some parts of the province might drop as low as -40°C during the cold months, summer temperatures can reach as high as 35°C.
Quebec’s economy is varied, with the manufacturing and service industries dominating. Quebec also spends heavily in research and development, resulting in growth in areas such as:
- information and communication technology;
- electronics and optics-photonics;
- life sciences and health technologies;
- food and nutrition;
- video games and digital solutions;
- insurance and finance services;
- green and smart building; and
- artificial intelligence
4. Alberta
Finally, Alberta will be the fourth most popular province among immigrants in 2021. Alberta, located in Western Canada, has some of the most popular natural attractions in the country. Alberta is well-known for its vast oil and natural gas deposits, cattle farming, the Rocky Mountains, and Dinosaur Provincial Park.
Calgary and Edmonton are the fourth and fifth most popular cities for immigrants in Canada, respectively.
Calgary is the most populous city in Alberta. Calgary, located in the foothills of the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, is great for outdoor enthusiasts. Calgary is also home to the world-famous Calgary Stampede & Exhibition, one of the world’s largest outdoor rodeos.
Edmonton is Alberta’s capital and the province’s second most populous city. Edmonton, which holds over 30 events each year, never runs out of things to do. Edmonton also has Canada’s largest planetarium and was once home to the world’s largest mall.
Calgary and Edmonton have the most sunshine hours in the country, with more than any other Canadian city. The ample sunshine helps Albertans get through the winters, which can reach -51 °C in some regions of the province. Temperatures rise dramatically as the summer months go, with portions of the province experiencing temperatures as high as 35°C.
The oil and gas business is Alberta’s largest, followed by agriculture, forestry, education, tourism, finance, and manufacturing. Alberta also has lower taxes than the rest of Canada, making it the greatest province in the country for newcomers trying to save money.
Now is the time to move to Canada
As Canada’s population ages and fertility rates fall, there is a strong demand for immigrants. Over the next three years, Canada expects to welcome a record number of newcomers. With increased immigration targets and more efficient processes, now is an excellent moment to relocate to Canada.
