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17 Reasons Not to Move to Canada in 2024
I’m a Canadian who fell out of love with Canada, and at that time, I could’ve given you 100 reasons not to move to Canada. That led me to spend nearly a decade abroad, moving to a new country every year.
But I eventually made my way back to Canada and have spent a few years learning to love my homeland again. Since then, I’ve written a lot about living in Canada, moving to Canada, and tips for living abroad.
But I’m all about fairness, and there were some valid reasons why I left Canada in the first place.
The winters are downright freezing, phone plans are ridiculously expensive, and affordable housing is hard to find in any major city.
So, I’ve pulled together the top reasons not to move to Canada – or at least consider before making the move.
1. It’s Expensive to Travel in Canada
Canada is one of the worst countries for domestic and international travel.
Not only is it far from literally everywhere (except the US), but it also has incredibly expensive flights.
You might already expect that for International flights to Europe and Asia, but it’s also hard to find cheap flights within Canada.
For example, a flight from Toronto to Ottawa (a 45-minute flight) costs an average of $373 CAD ($270 USD).
Meanwhile, when I lived in the UK, it only cost the equivalent of $35 USD to get from Glasgow to Amsterdam (a 1.5-hour flight).
The only way to get half-decent deals is to book way in advance. So, if you’re looking to move somewhere that will facilitate easy, cheap travel, then Canada isn’t the place for you.
Save on flights with Skyscanner!
2. Winter is Downright Freezing!
Another one of the most common reasons people don’t want to move to Canada is winter, and I can 100% resonate with them. Winter is the #1 reason why Canada sucks – and the main reason I wanted to leave Canada so badly in the first place.
Canada gets all four seasons. That means beautifully hot summers, crisp autumns, and blossoming springs.
But if you’re not used to winter weather, be prepared for some serious culture shock.
We have the coldest winters you’ve ever felt. They can be ruthless!
Unless you live in Vancouver, you’ll need to invest in a whole set of Canadian winter clothes.
Toronto is the warmest city outside of Vancouver, but still temperatures regularly fall to -10°C (14°F).
If you account for windchill, it gets down to -25°C (-13°F)!
No one argues with the fact that this is one of the main reasons why Canada is a bad place to live. But you do get used to the cold – eventually.
I was happily skating on the Rideau Canal and going for two-hour walks in Ottawa last winter.
The benefit of the snow is that winter in Canada is very bright. The sun reflects off the snow, turning the country into a polar beacon. You’ll need sunglasses just to go outside!
But don’t move to Canada if you want to live somewhere warm year-round.
Even our population prefers to leave for winter. That’s why we have snowbirds – people who go south for winter.
Be sure to get a parka like this one!
3. Immigrants Find it Harder to Get Jobs
Canada may love to bring in immigrants, but they haven’t figured out how to ensure they can work (unless you are moving to Canada from the US).
There are a few issues for immigrants working in Canada.
First, you need to speak English. And, in some cities, you’ll also need to speak French.
If you don’t speak either language fluently, you’ll struggle to find work in the country.
Need help learning a new language? I’ve tried ALL of the apps, and iTalki is the only way I’ve managed to learn as much as living in the local country.
The other thing is that you need Western certifications, even if you’re trained as a doctor in your homeland. Unless your certification is from a Commonwealth country or the US, you’re unlikely to find work without re-certifying.
That means either retraining entirely or passing expensive licensing tests.
They say that Toronto has the most doctor-cab drivers because of this.
Companies also favor Canadian work experience. If you have experience working outside of Canada, it’s difficult for them to check references. Even my degree from the UK has made it a challenge since some of my teachers act as my references.
Finally, it’s hard to get in the door with many companies.
Canada lacks upper-level jobs. This is partially due to the country’s lack of competition (many of our markets are controlled by the government, which means a stable economy but fewer executive and C-level positions).
Thankfully, the government has started recognizing the need to assist immigrants with their job hunt.
Now, numerous programs are available to teach foreigners English, help them find jobs, and assist with certifications.
It’s still a challenge, but it’s no longer as impossible as it once was.
I recommend this platform to find jobs as a foreigner.
4. Free Healthcare Has Its Downsides
Canada is home to free healthcare, and that’s one of the main reasons people move to Canada.
However, it isn’t entirely “free.”
For example, our free healthcare does not cover dentists, prescriptions, vision care, and preventative medicine.
Also, coverage varies between states. Some doctors and procedures covered in Ontario might not be covered in Alberta!
That means you’re still paying out of pocket for expensive medical visits.
Many jobs have benefits to help cover these. They occasionally pay a percentage of your dental and vision or even offer a fixed cap that they will pay up to. This is helpful, but you’ll still need to cover additional expenses.
It’s nowhere near as bad as in the US, though, as these costs won’t bankrupt you for one visit.
Free healthcare has created an issue in the industry. Doctors get paid less here, which leads to our best doctors leaving for the US to make more money.
Of course, you can still see a doctor or specialist, but it will take longer than in the US.
Since we have “free” healthcare, there are limited options to pay for upgrades or expedited service, which some immigrants expect.
You’ll have to get used to waiting like the rest of us.
👉 “Free healthcare” isn’t 100% free. Use Safety Wing travel insurance to protect yourself until you get insurance through your employer.
5. Housing Costs Have Skyrocketed
Toronto’s housing market has boomed in recent years, making it exceptionally expensive to buy a home in Toronto.
It’s the same for other major cities, too. If you live in Toronto or Vancouver, you’ll need upwards of $1.5 million USD to find a place bigger than a shoebox.
That being said, you can find affordable housing if you commute from suburbs or smaller towns.
If you live in cities with fewer job opportunities, like Halifax, you can find much more affordable houses.
So it’s not impossible to buy a house, but it is a challenge, especially in the bigger cities.
If you’re moving to Toronto from the US, you will be SHOCKED at the prices here.
6. Price Tags Don’t Include Tax
If you already live in North America, this probably seems totally normal to you, similar to tipping at a restaurant.
But once I moved to New Zealand and England, I realized how strange it is.
You go to a store, see a posted price, and then have to guess what your total will be after factoring in tax.
It makes it much harder to budget – especially when grocery shopping!
This also means that prices may seem a bit cheaper initially, but up to 10% will be added at checkout.
Be prepared for everything to cost more than the price tag upon relocation to Canada.
7. Phone Plans Cost a Fortune
An odd hobby of mine is comparing the prices of phone plans around the world.
Canada has the most expensive mobile phone plans of everywhere I’ve lived.
In New Zealand, my phone plan was month-to-month (one of the more expensive options). It included 3 GB of data as well as unlimited texting and calling.
Additionally, Vodafone had a promotion where you spun a virtual wheel every month and could get additional GB or other freebies.
In total, I paid less than $20 NZD ($12 USD) per month, even on the month I added GB while I was traveling. That same plan worked in Australia as well.
In the UK, my phone plan was also month-to-month with GiffGaff. It cost me 4 pounds (or $6 USD) for a phone plan that included unlimited texting, 150 minutes of calling across Europe, and 4 GB of data.
In Canada, my phone plan is currently $70 CAD ($50 USD) per month (before taxes).
This is considered cheap, too, since I’m on a bundle plan with my father and sister.
It includes unlimited texting and calling in Canada only and gives me a measly 5GB of data, which somehow gets used much faster than the equivalent amount of data when I lived abroad.
For example, one video call in Canada requires 4x as much data as the same video call in the UK.
In Canada, it’s nearly impossible to get an unlimited data phone plan. However, they are readily available around the globe and cost less than a single month on a Canadian phone plan.
Make international calls cheaper with Google Fi!
8. Learn that “Sorry” Doesn’t Always Mean “I’m Sorry”
Canadians are well known for saying “sorry” a lot.
But we don’t always mean it.
It’s such an ingrained response in us that if someone bumps into us, we’ll apologize to them. However, we’re not doing it to actually say “sorry.” We’re saying it as a reaction.
We can also use it very passive-aggressively.
So look out for tone when you hear people saying “sorry” across Canada.
And be prepared to decode the true meanings if you plan to move here.
9. We’ve Got a Lot of Wildlife and Terrible Bugs
In Canada, we’ve got a lot of wildlife.
And most of it is dangerous or annoying.
We’ve got moose, deer, bears, and gophers (or marmots if you’re in BC). There are wolverines, coyotes, wolves, and many more carnivores running amok through our wilderness.
But the worst of our wildlife comes in the form of insects and Canadia Geese (a.k.a. satanic hell beasts).
It’s a common feeling amongst Canadians that these geese are pure evil. They often hiss at you, try to bite people, and take over entire university campuses.
And they poop on everything!
They might be the number one reason why you shouldn’t move to Canada. Ok, not really, but some days I feel that way!
In addition to all this wildlife, you’ve also got to deal with insects.
Canada’s four seasons foster a lot of insect life. You’ll find horseflies, blackflies, mosquitos, and more. And they’re all out to get you!
I’ve been bitten by mosquitos too many times to count. I used to have dozens of welts on my legs at any given time.
They’re frustrating annoyances you never really get used to, even living here. That’s one reason why we all smell like bug spray all summer — especially people who are into hiking.
10. Canada Doesn’t Recognize International Credit
When you move to Canada, you have to start over in many ways. One of those ways is with your credit.
It doesn’t matter to Canadians what kind of credit history you have abroad. Unless you’ve filed for bankruptcy or have a criminal record relating to financial crimes, you’ll basically start over.
This can be a great reason to move to Canada if you don’t have amazing credit abroad. But, if you’ve spent a lifetime building up great credit, it’s a big disincentive to move to Canada.
11. You Won’t Have Many City Options
Canada has many cities you could potentially live in, but only a few offer real economic opportunities.
Vancouver and Toronto are the most common choices for immigrants. They are also the most expensive cities to live in.
If you’re not a millionaire, you’ll likely find it difficult to buy a house in either of these cities. However, living outside of the downtown core is more affordable.
Ottawa and Montreal are other options, but they don’t have the same level of economic opportunity as Vancouver and Toronto. Here, you’ll need to know French to get a job.
So, consider where you would realistically be able to settle to determine where you should live in Canada.
Check out the best places to live in Canada here.
12. We Pay High Taxes
Canada has high tax rates compared to other countries in the world.
We pay many different types of taxes: income tax, property tax, provincial tax, tax on goods and services, and more.
The government also taxes people with higher incomes at way higher rates.
However, these high taxes are being put to use to fund free education and free healthcare. So, you do save money in the end since you save it on public services.
FYI – You must only pay Canadian taxes AFTER becoming a Canadian citizen.
13. High Cost of Living
The high cost of living in Canada is a deterrent for many people.
It’s especially difficult to afford to live in Vancouver and Toronto, but it is certainly more affordable to live outside of the city centers.
Many people also choose to move to Canada because the quality of life is high. This high quality requires a high cost.
Canada is beautiful, and it’s easy to find an ideal place to live that fits your lifestyle.
But the cost of living here makes it very difficult for people already struggling with their finances back home.
This is one of the primary reasons you should leave Canada if you were born here (and it’s why I kept looking for a way out myself!).
14. No Work-Life Balance
The high cost of living and the scarcity of lucrative job opportunities result in a lack of work-life balance for many Canadians.
Reaching financial comfort proves challenging, especially for immigrants lacking work experience in Canada, as earning a sufficient income becomes an uphill struggle.
With the rising cost of living, many people have to take a second job, a sacrifice that significantly impacts their overall quality of life.
You can quickly start to live to work rather than working to live.
Also, most employers only give you 2 weeks of annual leave. Compared to the minimum of 4 weeks annual leave in the EU, it is hardly enough time.
15. You May Face Issues with Racism, Homelessness, and Unemployment
Canada is a very diverse country.
This diversity can be seen in our demographics, food, and culture.
While the Charter of Rights and Freedoms prohibits discrimination, racism still exists in Canada.
If you’re not white, you may face discrimination when looking for a job or trying to find a place to live.
This can be due to implicit bias, racist individuals being in charge, or other issues. However, policies are in place to prevent this treatment.
Unemployment and homelessness are also growing issues.
Many jobs are sent overseas, and those lucky enough to find work may only receive part-time hours.
Therefore, in cities like Ontario (where I’m from), it’s common to find homeless people asking for money outside of every store and restaurant downtown.
In areas without the infrastructure of Vancouver or Toronto, there are fewer jobs available.
When I lived in Halifax, there weren’t enough jobs for the local population, let alone all the students trying to find work after graduating.
16. Pollution In The Cities
You might be surprised to learn that Canadian cities, particularly Toronto, suffer from intense air pollution.
The air quality in Toronto can get so bad during summer that it can be hard to see the CN Tower on a particularly hazy summer day.
If you have asthma or other respiratory difficulties, you might reconsider moving to Canadian cities.
People from the city are always looking to get out and explore the natural landscapes of Canada, but it’s for more than just a scenic retreat. It provides a literal breath of fresh air.
Beyond air quality, noise pollution is another thing to consider if you want to move to the city.
Whether it is the traffic, construction, nightlife, or the sheer number of people, it is hard to find a moment of tranquility in big cities.
17. It’s Too Beautiful
Okay, I’m being a bit tongue-in-cheek, but I want to leave off on a positive note.
Canada is full of beautiful, natural environments. You’ll never be short of somewhere to go hiking, camping, or exploring.
This beauty can also be a problem when you consider how many cool things there are to do. Even if you had multiple lifetimes in Canada, you’d never see it all!
From the Calgary Stampede to the wild horses of Sable Island, you’ll find so many amazing travel opportunities.
However, it’s not always convenient with only two weeks (on average) of vacation time per year.
Even when I work remotely, it’s distracting when you have a picture-perfect view of the Canadian coastline or Muskoka Lake. (Trust me, I’ve tried!)
Why I Left Canada
The main reason I left Canada was to travel.
But what instigated me to leave Canada was my inability to get a job.
After graduating with honors from Dalhousie University, I applied to over 190 jobs. (Granted, my resumes weren’t great back then.) But I got a grand total of… Zero.
Even the pyramid scheme marketing company turned me down!
So, I left to explore the world.
When I was abroad, I began to appreciate the lack of blistering cold winters, the lower cost of living, and the ease of travel.
Sure, things weren’t always perfect, but living abroad targeted some of the cons of living in Canada and removed them for me.
I stayed away from Canada in search of economic opportunities, travel adventures, and my love of slow-madding.
Why I Came Back to Canada
I returned to Canada in March 2020.
I had been studying in Oxford for my Masters, but things were quickly becoming unsafe. And on a student visa, it was very tenuous for me to continue in the UK.
So, I returned to Canada, thinking it would just be a month or two. But 4 years have passed, and I’m actually glad I had to return.
I now have a greater appreciation for Canada.
Sure, there are reasons not to move to Canada, but there are also many reasons to move to Canada. Even the negative parts of living here are easily solvable.
Besides, after a month, you get very used to winter. That actually shocked me after 4 years of no snow.
Living in Canada isn’t for everyone, and it’s probably not going to be my lifelong home (living in New Zealand is calling my name!). Still, I definitely think the reasons to live in Canada outweigh the reasons not to.
FAQs
Should I move to Canada?
You should move to Canada if you think it would be a good fit for you and your family. Consider your job prospects, the cost of living, and the climate when deciding. Most immigrants to Canada choose the country for its safety and warm summers.
Why not move to Canada?
There are a few reasons why you might not want to move to Canada. The cost of living can be expensive, the winters can be harsh, and travel abroad can be costly. Additionally, some people find the Canadian healthcare system to be subpar.
Why is moving to Canada a bad idea?
Moving to Canada may not be a good idea if you’re looking for an affordable place to live. The cost of living can be expensive, and travel abroad can be costly. Additionally, some people find the Canadian healthcare system to be subpar.
Is living in Canada worth it?
Living in Canada is worth it for many people, but it’s not for everyone. The cost of living can be expensive, the winters can be harsh, and finding a job without English fluency is challenging. But if you’re looking for a safe place to live with plenty of job opportunities, Canada is great!
Where should I not live in Canada?
There are a few places where you should not live in Canada. The cost of living can be expensive in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Some areas in major cities are also notorious for crime, so do your research and avoid places like Jane and Finch in Toronto.
Is it hard to live in Canada?
No, it’s not hard to live in Canada. The quality of life is high, and the major cities have plenty of job opportunities. The hardest parts are the frigid winters and the high cost of living. If you can handle those two things, then living in Canada should be a breeze!
Why Canada is not a good place to live?
Canada is not a good place to live for people who do not speak English, as it can be challenging to find a job. Additionally, if you aren’t a fan of snow, most of Canada will not be for you as the winters are incredibly snowy and cold.
Is Canada a bad place to live?
No, Canada is not a bad place to live. It is a safe place to live with plenty of things to do and see. However, there are many reasons not to move to Canada, especially if you value long holiday times, warm weather, and low cost of living.
Is it nice to live in Canada?
Yes, it is nice to live in Canada. The people are friendly, and there is a lot of natural beauty. But it does suck to pay heavily for prescription costs and preventative healthcare.
Summary: Reasons Not to Live in Canada
There are reasons not to move to Canada, but there are also many reasons why it may be worth your time.
If you’re considering moving or living in Canada for the first time, make sure that the pros and cons of life in this country match what you want from your new home.
While Canada has its share of negative aspects, it also has many attractive qualities, from plentiful natural beauty to a better quality of life (on average).
So, do you have an idea which city in Canada you want to live in?
Check out what it’s like to live in Toronto vs Ottawa, two of the most popular places to move to!
Read More About Living in Canada:
- 10 Pros and Cons of Living in Canada
- 22 Pros and Cons of Living in Halifax: Should You Move to Nova Scotia
- 30 Pros and Cons of Living in Toronto: Beyond the CN Tower
- 20 Pros And Cons Of Living In Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Moving and Living Abroad Guide
Find Amazing Things to Do in Canada:
- 86 Bucket List Canada Things to Do: The Ultimate Must Do List
- 202 Fun Facts About Canada You’ve Never Heard
- 10 Delicious Canada Cocktail Recipes to Make This Canada Day
- Canada Day Quiz: Are You a Real Canuck or Posing as a Hoser?
- The Best Toronto Food Tours: Reviews of the Top 10 for Travellers
- 15 Best Hotels in Toronto with Private Hot Tubs
Pin this for later!
Canada Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?
100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!
💧Can you drink the water in Canada?
Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)
📲 Will my phone work in Canada?
Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?
My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).
Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?
For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?
Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.
