People often end up asking the question “What is the best Canadian province for immigrants?” As Canada is the world’s second-largest country, deciding how and where to get started can be pretty overwhelming. There are a total of ten provinces and three territories in Canada, each having its distinctive charm.
Perhaps one crucial consideration is the province with the right nominee program for you. However, it depends on your profile, and where you are at in the process. Other considerations might include your lifestyle, field of work, and weather preferences. To help you make the right choice, there are four of the most popular provinces in Canada for immigrants.
Four of the Most Popular Canadian Provinces for Immigrants
1. Ontario
Ontario is undoubtedly the most popular province new immigrants have been considering for coming to Canada. In 2021, the province received almost half of the new permanent residents in Canada.
The most popular city in Ontario is Canada’s largest as well. Among the newcomers that chose Ontario as their destination province, most of them intended to live in the city of Toronto. Toronto is one of the world’s most metropolitan and multicultural towns, with over half of its residents belonging to a visible minority group.
The second most popular city in the province is Ottawa, which is also Canada’s capital. Ottawa is considered one of the safest cities in the country. The capital city of Canada offers a high quality of life and low living costs as well.
There is no denying the winters in Ontario can get cold. In some parts of the province, temperatures can go below -40°C. When the summertime comes around, hot months go up to above 30°C. So it’s all worth it.
Ontario takes immense pride in its strong economy, which generates 37% of the national GDP, primarily through a blend of exports, resources, and manufacturing expertise. Moreover, Ontario is home to approximately 50% of all employees in financial services, high-tech, and other knowledge-intensive industries.
2. Quebec
The third most popular Canadian province for newcomers coming to Canada is Quebec. Immigrants who take pleasure in cultural activities and recognize the value of French can choose Quebec. That is because it is best for them in every sense of the word.
Quebec – the largest province in Canada – is renowned for its wealth of maple leaf production, culture, and the French language. The provincial government provides certain services and protections for the English-speaking populations, albeit French is Quebec’s official language. While one can get around the province without speaking French, learning the language is a great thing to do. Fortunately, Quebec offers free courses to new immigrants that are willing to learn French.
As far as the most populous city is concerned, it has to be none other than Montreal. Also, it is the third most popular city among new immigrants. As the number one host city for international events in North America, Montreal is often considered the most cultural city in Canada. In this city, you can enjoy comedy, music, and film festivals year-round.
Furthermore, Quebec City is the second most popular destination among immigrants who wish to settle in the Canadian province. This unique (French-speaking) city strikes a balance between culture, history, modernism, and nature. Residents in Quebec City don’t prefer staying at home in the cold months as it offers them a myriad of winter activities and attractions such as tobogganing in the middle of Quebec City, visiting the Hotel de Glace (Ice Hotel), or the major Winter Carnival.
The climate in Quebec is known for its extremes. In some parts of the province, temperatures in the winter months can drop as low as -40°C. On the other hand, the province can experience temperatures as warm as 35°C in the summer months.
Quebec’s economy is diverse. It is mostly dominated by the service and manufacturing sectors. Also, the province invests considerably in research and development, with tremendous growth in the following industries:
- Electronics and optics-photonics
- Information and communication technology
- Artificial intelligence
- Food and nutrition
- Life sciences and health technologies
- Insurance and finance services
- Video games and digital solutions
- Green and smart building
3. British Columbia
British Columbia, located on Canada’s West Coast, is known for its stunningly beautiful landscape. After Ontario, BC was the most popular destination province for new immigrants in 2021. British Columbia is often considered the best province in Canada for immigrants that are looking for outdoor adventures as well as milder temperatures.
Vancouver is the most popular city in the province. Located on the Pacific coast of Canada, Vancouver boasts striking mountain views and oceans. Also, this city has a booming art scene and is undoubtedly a popular location for major motion pictures.
The second most popular city in BC is Victoria. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is also the capital of British Columbia. Slow pace, irresistible charm, and unique Geography make it an amazing city for any modest outdoor enthusiast.
British Columbia is a wonderful province for those individuals who have a preference for their winter on the moderate side. British Columbia’s coastal regions have some of the mildest winters throughout the country that hardly drop below-freezing temperatures. The interior as well as central regions are likely to have colder and snowier winters. However, they have hotter summers compared to British Columbia’s coast as well.
The province of British Columbia offers a diverse economy, which is dominated mostly by service industries. Other major industries in the province comprise agriculture, film and television, construction, fisheries & aquaculture, forestry, high technology, mining, tourism, and manufacturing.
4. Alberta
The fourth most popular province among new immigrants was Alberta. Located in Western Canada, Alberta offers some of Canada’s most popular natural attractions in Canada. The province is extensively known for its large deposits of oil and natural gas, Rocky Mountains, cattle farming, and Dinosaur Provincial Park.
Calgary and Edmonton are the fourth and fifth most popular cities among immigrants.
Calgary is the largest city in the province by population. Located in the foothills of the striking Rocky Mountains, Calgary is ideal for those who are fond of the outdoors. Also, the city is host to the well-known Calgary Stampede & Exhibition – one of the largest outdoor rodeos in the world.
Edmonton, the capital city of Alberta, is the second most inhabited city in the province. There is no shortage of activities in Edmonton and it is a city that hosts more than 30 festivals every year. Moreover, Edmonton hosts the largest planetarium in Canada and has the title of the largest mall in the world in the past.
Calgary and Edmonton are Canada’s top two sunniest cities, with more hours of sunshine than any other city in Canada. The plentiful sunshine helps Albertans get through the winters. Parts of Alberta can get as cold as -51°C. Once the summer months roll along, temperatures warm considerably as parts of Alberta experience temperatures as warm as 35°C.
The largest industry is the oil and gas sector in Alberta, followed by other industries including agriculture, finance, education, tourism, manufacturing, and forestry. Moreover, Alberta offers lower taxes than the rest of the country, making it Canada’s best province for immigrants that are looking to save money.
It’s Time to Move to Canada!
As the population in Canada ages and the fertility rate plunges, the demand for immigration is high. Canada looks forward to welcoming a record number of newcomers over the next 3 years. With enhanced immigration targets and more effective processes in place, it is the right time to get going to Canada.
If you are interested in exploring more options to immigrate to Canada, contact Oasis Resource Management for proper guidance.
