7 Things You Should Know Before Moving to Canada

Are you an expat considering a move to Canada? Here's everything you should know before taking the plunge as explained by former Canadian Mike Barnard.

1. The size
Canada is geographically one of the largest countries in the world, so being able to quickly and easily visit other cities in the nation is not an easy or budget-friendly feat.

2. The emptiness
Despite its size, Canada only has roughly 33 million inhabitants and some provinces are more populous than others. Living outside of major cities will be much quieter.

3. The temperature
The Great White North is cold, with winters lasting at least five months in certain places -- temperatures can even drop to 20 below Celsius (-4 Fahrenheit).

4. The language
The two official languages of Canada are English and French. While English is predominant, French is useful in Quebec. Speak better French than English? Montreal may be the right place for you.

5. The diversity

Most major Canadian cities support a wide variety of nationalities -- especially Toronto -- meaning you will still have access to your national culture if you start to feel homesick.

6. The freedom
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms ensures citizens the right to freedom of conscious and religion, thought, belief, opinion and expression, peaceful assembly and association, life, liberty, security and equality.

7. The air and water quality
Canadian tap water is as good as bottled water in most countries around the world and except for forest fire season, the air quality is superior to most cities.

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