A beginner's guide to moving to Canada

Moving to Canada is a major decision to make, whether you're relocating for a job opportunity or due to an affinity for the culture, natural beauty and way of life in the Great White North. An international move requires a lot of planning and preparation. Atlas is here to help you move to Canada, with plenty of advice and guidance for the process, from start to finish.

What to expect when you move to Canada

An especially large and diverse, but welcoming country

One of the hardest things to understand about Canada is its sheer size. It may look smaller on a map, but Canada is larger than the U.S. by hundreds of thousands of square miles. That means there are a wide variety of environments, cultures and settings to experience. From the bustling city center of Toronto, the country's largest metropolis, to the bucolic, seaside country towns of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, and the rural settings of territories like The Yukon and provinces like Nunavut, Canada can't be defined by one type of living situation.

One common trait across the country, however, is friendliness. Treat your new neighbors with respect, understanding and kindness, and expect to see it returned in many circumstances.

Similarities and differences

Canada has a thriving culture of its own. However, its proximity to the U.S. - the largest single land border in the world, with about 90 percent of Canadians living within 100 miles of the U.S. border, the CBC said - shared history and love of similar things mean there's lots in common. English is an official national language, and you'll find identical or familiar offerings in terms of everything from restaurants and TV shows to literature, cars and clothes.

There are plenty of major differences to remember, however. Canada officially uses the metric system, although people and even some businesses will mix metric and imperial measures. Health care is publicly funded for the majority of needs besides dental care, prescriptions and long-term care. That means there's no need to secure private medical insurance after you move. Canada has a parliamentary government, with a variety of different legislative structures and changes to the way you're used to following and participating in the political process. French is the other national language, and in Quebec especially, you will encounter people more comfortable speaking it than English. Hockey is the biggest sport throughout the country, cultivating a passion among many Canadians that must be seen to be believed.

How to start moving to Canada

A basic understanding of Canada is critical for a positive and productive move. But what about all of the important but sometimes confusing technical details, from securing residency to what you can and can't bring over the border? Atlas is proud to offer dedicated resources, including information and contact information for appropriate Canadian agencies. You can also check out this past blog post for more details about migration patterns and what your family needs to make the move. Once you're ready to start the process, get a moving quote from us! We're here to give you the best movers and service as you make your home in Canada.