Friday, January 6, 2017

Everyone's Doing It: So Just Why Should YOU Move To Canada?

Ever since Donald Trump became President-Elect in November, interest in moving to Canada from US nationals has reached an all-time high. In fact, the interest was so high that the Canadian Immigration website actually crashed on the day of the results. But even before news of the election spread, people from the US (and indeed all over the world) have been emigrating to Canada. This is for a whole hoard of different reasons. One is Canada's seemingly prosperous economy - reports suggest it is one of the wealthiest nations in the world. Therefore it's not a surprise that so many people move to Canada with the intention of growing their business, or even starting one. It also holds the advantage of having quite liberal rules on immigration, meaning that you can get through the whole process without the kind of hassle that may be thrown up by other countries. If you're not already convinced, take a look at the following reasons why moving to Canada might be the right option for you.


Image source

There is a great contrast of terrain

Mention the word 'Canada' and you will probably find that it means different things to different people. For some of us, the name conjures up images of remote, wild locations surrounded by snow and mountains. For others, it brings to mind the bustling metropolis of cities such as Vancouver and Toronto. The great thing about the country as a whole is that it can offer the best of both worlds. If you are naturally a city slicker, you can set up home in one of the modern cities, where everything you need is at your fingertips. If you would prefer to bring up your children in a quieter, more relaxed setting, there are plenty of quaint towns and villages to choose from - many also within commuting distance of the cities.

The ski season is unrivaled

Whether you're already into your snowsports or if you just want to give something new a try, you'll struggle to find a country that values skiing as much as Canada does. The Whistler Blackcomb is one of the largest ski resorts in the whole of North America and is home to an impressive 8,171 kilometers of pistes. The season itself stretches from November right up until May, so you have plenty of time to perfect your snow plough. Whistler attracts ski enthusiasts from all over the world and the resort is also home to other attractions and plenty of restaurants, so it's well worth a visit even if you are not a skier yourself.


Image source

There is a public healthcare system

The different healthcare systems across the world can often be a cause for contention. Every country is different, but Canada is regarded as one of the most progressive countries in the world due to its well-regarded public healthcare system. Essentially, healthcare in Canada is free for citizens. That means visits to your doctor, accidents at work, broken bones, hereditary diseases - all of them are covered by the national healthcare plan. The only exceptions to this rule are dental care (which you still have to pay for), glasses and the purchasing of prescription drugs.


Image source

It is a place full of culture

Another great reason to move to Canada is simply the huge amount of things there are to do there. Canada is sometimes referred to as a melting pot of cultures, due to its rich and diverse history. The country was built on a whole hoard of different settlers, ranging from American to European to indigenous cultures. This has given birth to a very exciting and vibrant culture, and a nation that is made up of people from all different backgrounds and races. As a result, there are plenty of attractions and museums to visit, such as the history museum, the nature museum and the agriculture museum. It is also a great place to bring up your children as the diverse history of the country can teach them about the importance of tolerance and multiculturalism. Canada is one of the most relaxed and liberal countries around, which is another reason why it is regarded as so progressive. So it can be a perfect environment to raise a family in, if strong values are important to you.

The education system

The education system in Canada is ranked as one of the best in the world - making it one of the few Western countries to achieve such a status amongst rival countries such as China and Japan. In fact, Canada ranked 6th on the OECD survey, the first western country on the list just after Singapore.  Canadian students are considered some of the top performers in the world, and tend to perform well regardless of their socio-economic backgrounds. The country is made up of a mix of both private and public funded schools, so you can choose whatever your personal preference is for your child. If your children are considering going to university, you are also in luck; Canada boasts some of the best universities in the world, including McGill in Montreal and the University of Vancouver.



The natural wonders

It wouldn't be worth mentioning Canada without touching on some of the amazing natural features that it boasts. The Rocky Mountains stretch an awe-inspiring 3,000 miles across Canada and down into North America, and feature nature at its very best. Rugged canyons, crystal clear lakes and snow-capped mountains all make this remote place a must-see if you are planning on making a move to Canada. There are also a handful of national parks, where you can see glaciers in all their glory and spend a weekend hiking with the family. Wildlife is rife in these protected areas, so see if you can spot a wild elk or a grizzly bear. Just make sure you wrap up warm, as it sure can get cold in the winter. With all this on your doorstep, it's easy to see why so many people are making the move to Canada these days.