As the second most popular destination in the world for British expats, it is no surprise that Canada offers both financial stability and an excellent quality of life as well as spectacular natural beauty. If, like thousands of others, you are thinking of making the move over the pond, the first hand advice of seasoned expats is an invaluable tool in helping research your destination. There are plenty to choose from, but here are our top ten blogs about moving to Canada:
1. Toronto Newbie
Charlotte is a journalist who moved from the London to Toronto in 2012. Her love of local festivals, food and the great outdoors shines throughout her blog which is a great resource for likeminded expats moving to Canada for the scenery, skiing and fresh air.
http://torontonewbie.wordpress.com/
2. The Expatriate Mind
This clear, well thought out blog is a must-read for anyone thinking of making a permanent move to Canada. Its author, J, gives concise, insightful advice on every aspect of the sometimes lengthy immigration process from research and preparation to full naturalization.
http://expatriatemind.blogspot.com
3. Moving2Canada
This website and blog is a great starting point for anyone wanting to find work in Canada as it is bursting with helpful links, step by step guidance and first-hand accounts of Canadian employment. Its founder, Ruairi Spillane, also details his travels across the country with fascinating insight into each region.
4. How’s it going, eh?
Shelli is a Japanese-American girl now based in Vancouver with her Canadian husband, Jeff, and their baby son. Her blog is an enthusiastic, energetic look at adjusting to life in a new country with lots of tips about the immigration process.
5. Full of Beans and Sausages
Holly is a 30 year old Brit who moved to Hamilton, Ontario in January 2013 to be with the man she loved. Her blog deals with the usual expat dilemmas of culture shock and homesickness as well as a specific focus on some of her particular passions, namely travel and crafts.
http://www.fullofbeansandsausages.com/
6. Moving to Saskatoon
Barbara upped sticks to Saskatoon three years ago along with her husband Michael and their five kids. Her hilariously honest blog gives a detailed account of what it’s really like to relocate with a large family and is a must-read for anyone emigrating with children.
www.movingtosaskatoon.wordpress.com
7. K&K Adventures
This blog, written by Karin and her boyfriend Kieran, focusses on expat life in Toronto but also follows their trips around the rest of Canada, and further afield. This well-travelled couple are an inspiration for inquisitive, adventurous twenty-somethings thinking of moving abroad.
http://kandkadventures.com/
8. Skippy or Bullwinkle?
Emily O’Hara and her husband moved from rural Australia to British Colombia as newly-weds back in 2012. Her blog charts their exploits as they continue to embrace Canadian culture and the outdoors-loving lifestyle.
http://skippyorbullwinkle.blogspot.ca/
9. Expatlog
A perennial expat, Aisha found herself moving to Canada when her husband was reposted for work. Her blog deals with the more emotional and cultural aspects of emigrating and has some great posts about the less obvious pitfalls of moving to Canada.
http://expatlog.com/
10. Off Track Travel
Off Track Travel follows the adventures of British-born Gemma and her French Canadian partner Jean Robert in and around Western Canada. While mainly based in Vancouver, they have explored most of BC as well as the Yukon and the Northwest Territories, hiking, canoeing and skiing their way through some of Canada’s most beautiful scenery.
