Donald Trump’s presidency shouldn’t be the sole reason for you to decide to move to Canada, no matter how compelling it is! Statistics show that plenty of Americans would rather watch events in the US play out from a cool, northern vantage point.
Although The Guardian reports that Canada’s immigration website is down, that just means you have more time to plan. To help you along, we’ve compiled a list with 31 reasons that make Canada great (cold notwithstanding).
1. The Northern Lights
Seeing the Northern Lights is a once in a lifetime opportunity for most people, but not so much for those living in the northern parts of Canada. In provinces such as British Columbia, Newfoundland and Northern Saskatchewan, you could one day wake up to a sky like this:
2. The Great Lakes
The largest lake in the world, Lake Superior, is more than 31,700 square miles in size and makes for a spectacular natural landscape for fishing, camping, sailing and more. As is to be expected from such a name, the lake has a deep-rooted superiority complex as well!
3. Casa Loma
Casa Loma is a small neighborhood in mid-town Toronto. Why is it important? Because, if you could afford to move there, you could have a real-live castle for a neighbor. Built in 1911 by Canadian financier Sir Henry Pellatt, the Casa Loma Castle makes for one spectacular view.
4. The Deliciousness of Poutine
Originating in the province of Quebec, this specialty is essentially French fries smothered in gravy and cheese curds. What’s not to love about it?
5. Historic Hamilton
Just down the highway from big-brother Toronto is the port city of Hamilton, which has some of the most beautiful historic homes in Canada. Moreover, the prices of some of these homes are great value when compared to Toronto.
6. Cowabunga! in Vancouver Island
You might not think of Canada as a surfing nation, but people travel from all over the world to catch waves on the rugged and beautiful Vancouver Island. The district of Tofino is among the most popular destinations for those who want to move to Canada and leave city-living behind.
7. Sports – Sports Everywhere!
Professional sports thrive in Canada and especially in its largest city, Toronto. The CFL, MLS, NBA, and a bunch of other sports with three-letter acronyms all have teams that call this city home. Go <insert the name of your favorite team>!
8. Happy and You Know it
Canada was recently listed as the 6th happiest country on the planet. Upon hearing the news, the Canadians were ecstatic! Sweden, which secured fifth place, now feels threatened and a bit more insecure.
9. National Parks
Banff, Canada’s most famous national park is also one of its most spectacular. The park was established in 1885, 13 years after Yellowstone, and features some of the most serene and jaw-dropping landscapes you will ever have the privilege to see in your life. As an added bonus, the park is home to the wolverine, the fierce animal that inspired a certain someone’s temperament.
10. Old Quebec
Quebec City real estate is gorgeous, especially in walled part of the old city! History buffs would enjoy exploring the wonderful architecture all day. That is, if they could manage to put their cameras down for a second and stop taking photos of Chateau Frontenac, the most photographed hotel in the world. One more photo couldn’t hurt, right? Right?
11. Skiing
If you understand the appeal of crisp, white snow, you will understand one of the most appealing features of British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec. Just have a look at this amazing photo from the Big White Ski Resort in BC and you’ll understand why. As an added bonus, Canada is home to Whistler Blackcomb, considered the best ski resort in the entire world!
12. Low Crime Rates
Canada is renowned for its low crime rates and for being one of the safest places on earth. According to the OECD Better Life Index, Canada is the third safest place in the world with an impressive rating of 9.8 out of 10 for safety.
13. Beer That Would Make Homer Simpson Proud
Although it has long been common knowledge that Canadian beer far surpasses its American counterpart, the burgeoning craft beer scene in Canada has exploded in recent years, making Canadian beer more exciting than ever. In addition, the legal drinking age here is lower than in the US – either 18 or 19, depending on the province/territory. Cheers!
14. The Luminato Festival
This annual arts festival in Toronto is one of the best of its kind in the world and not to be missed by anyone who enjoys theatre, music, dance, and visual arts. The festival runs in mid-to-late June each year and with an annual budget of around $10 million, you should expect to see some pretty amazing things! The festival will be held in the Hearn Generating Station this year, a decommissioned power plant in Toronto’s east end.
15. The Canadian Side of Niagara Falls
The Canadian side of the falls is home to Horseshoe Falls, the largest and the most impressive waterfall of Niagara Falls. Don’t believe us? Check out the image below:
16. Universal Health Care
There are lots of great reasons to move to Canada that aren’t political, but the fact of the matter is, if you fall sick or are injured in Canada, it won’t cost you a cent to get the care you need.
17. Maple Trees
A symbol of strength and endurance, the maple tree is an iconic part of life in Canada. The leaf is featured on the Canadian flag and even on its coat of arms.
18. The Road Trips
As you’d expect in a country with a massive land mass and a relatively small population, journeying across Canada by car is an epic adventure that everybody should have at least once in their lifetime.
19. The Okanagan Valley
Despite being home to some of the best new wine makers in the world, the Okanagan Valley is surprisingly peaceful and quiet… Living here means living within the second largest wine region in Canada and being surrounded by about 200 vineyards and 120 wineries.
20. Dawson City, Yukon
For many, the world has become too urban and too civilized! Yet, in Canada’s rugged north, the pioneers and adventurers of the world can still find a home. According to the 2011 census, there were 1,319 such pioneers left in Dawson.
21. Niagara-on-the-Lake
In Southern Ontario, this area is home to world-class wine and beautiful weather. The Shaw Festival is also held there, which features the second largest repertory theatre company in North America. This year’s season features plays such as “Alice in Wonderland” and “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”
22. Luxury on the Bridle Path
If you’re one of the true elite and worry that you can’t find something to suit your taste in Canada, check out these homes in the Bridle Path in Toronto, considered to be Canada’s most exclusive neighborhood.
23. Sunsets
Photographers from across the globe have made the journey to capture the stunning sunsets over the wheat fields and waters of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
24. The CN Tower
Although it’s no longer the tallest building in the world, this Wonder of the Modern World still boasts some of the best views of Toronto from its glass-floored viewing deck and revolving restaurant. The tower itself is pretty photogenic at night as well!
25. Incredible Malls
As one of the largest shopping malls in the world, the West Edmonton Mall has set a high bar for mega-mall tourist attractions all around the world. The mall even comes with an exact replica of Christopher Columbus’ flagship, the Santa Maria, on which he took his first voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. This is pretty appropriate now, because it’s conceivable that Columbus would move to Canada too, if he were alive today.
26. Montreal’s Indie Music Scene
Considered one of the best music scenes in North America, this city has birthed indie rock giants like Arcade Fire, The Stills, and The Dears.
27. Capital City
Ottawa is not only one of the most beautiful cities in the country, but it’s also the capital city of Canada. And yet, strangely enough, Ottawa housing prices have stayed well below what is seen in Toronto and Vancouver. Our favorite activity there? Yoga with hundreds of other people in front of Parliament Hill.
28. Hockey
For hockey fans, there is no greater place to live than Canada. From the small town rinks to the seven NHL teams nationwide, every community in the country has a tie to hockey.
29. Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger
According to the OECD, Canada is the second healthiest country in the world with a score of 9.3 out of 10. In addition, on average, Canadians live longer than Americans! So, if you want to enjoy life to its fullest, you’d better move to Canada and pray that you aren’t a statistical outlier!
30. Gros Morne National Park
This UNESCO heritage site in Newfoundland is one of the few places on earth where you can actually see the earth’s mantle, not to mention the fact that the park is a stunning natural wonder.
31. Cape Breton Island
Not just for those thinking they can trump Trump when they move to Canada, Cape Breton offers some of the most scenic and rugged coastlines. When asked, Cape Breton residents confirm that Canadians are welcoming Americans with open arms!
Just to be clear, we’re not saying you should let Donald Trump run you out of the country (whether you’re Hispanic, Muslim or not). But if you feel like you need to go, Canada is a shining option regardless of circumstance. Hopefully this list is convincing. And if you do want to move to Canada, here are some articles about the local real estate market which might pique your interest:
British Columbia’s Islands – Still Secluded but Increasingly Sought After
Canada’s Top 18-Hour Cities – Emerging Places to Be
