Where is the best place to live in Canada for an aussie girl who is moving there for a year?

Question

I'm from Perth. Australia and am wanting to come over to work for a year in Canada, but I'm not sure where to go. I am looking at possibly Vancouver or Toronto or Edmonton. I'm a graduate architect and have been working professionally now for a year and a half...and am interested in continuing my career or even pursuing a more graphic field. Its only for a year, and I want to be where its modern and happening... I know very little about Canada, and only been told its awesome so any information is GREAT! And what is the rent like in Canada in those three places? I hope theres a little help for me out there!
THANKS!!

Answer 1

I live in Calgary, and let me tell you, not enough workers, the economy is hot, that I see jobs that use to pay 8 dollars an hour 2 years ago, now paying 14 dollars an hour to start. Plus we've got the Calgary Flames (Hockey), and the biggest Rodeo Exhibition event in all of Canada, The Calgary Stampede: The greatest outdoor show on earth.

I've also visited Vancouver, really nice city, love the City Skyline, very beautiful at night. The harbour in some pictures resemble Sydney if you ask me. You could also try Toronto, entertainment and fashion capital of Canada. If you like cities that have a somewhat France feeling to it, I would say Montreal. Even though it's in a French speaking province, you don't have to actually no French to get by, most people there speak English to. And, they also have the biggest comedy festivals out of every cities in Canada.

My personal Bets, Calgary, Vancouver or Montreal. Not Edmonton though, visited, and never find anything good. The only thing that they have that you might like if your a big shopper is West Edmonton Mall, the worlds biggest shopping and entertainment mall in the world. Trust me, it gets old after a few hours there, unless you really love shopping then their 800 plus stores will keep you busy for hours.

Out of all those places, I think Calgary and Edmonton might be cheaper when it comes to rent, but it's also very hard to find a place because everybody is comming here for the jobs. Vacancy rate here in Calgary is less than 1 percent. Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal, are also more expensive. Average rent in Calgary and I think Edmonton to, are somewhere around 750 to about 1000 a month. Depends on what you're looking for and your budget.

Answer 2

Although cost of living is high, Vancouver has mega jobs these days because of the 2010 winter olympics coming - building boom going on and not enough workers. Also, if rain is a problem, be aware it rains quite a bit in winter, it's not for everybody. But its incredibly beautiful. Ocean and snowcaps!

Edmonton is too cold for too many months (i mean really cold: Anchorage Alaska is on average warmer). Toronto, well......... there is an old joke that the best thing about Toronto is the plane that takes you back home. There is a lot of truth to that. I've lived in Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto, and i'd have to say Vancouver wins.

But the best place to live in Canada - hands down - is Vancouver Island. I dont care what people in Toronto have to say about that!!

Answer 3

Toronto, of course, is Canada's center for business, the arts and where it is alleged that everything is happening. On the other hand, I think that you would find Vancouver more to your liking. It, also, is very vibrant, cosmopolitan and particularly eclectic &, perhaps, a bit less expensive. I suspect that you would find the quality of life and life style most enjoyable and fitting with your interests. The climate is much more moderate, although there are more drizzly days to put up with. The added bonus is the natural beauty of Britsh Columbia and the opportunities that you will have to spend time in the great outdoors. Consider Vancouver very carefully before making your hardfast decision. Good luck.

Answer 4

Yes Marina i would have to agree with the majority here, Melbourne is the best city to live in Australia, the sporting capital of the world, some say. so many events that leave the rest of the country for dead, you answered my question so I'm returning the favor, i live 3 hours from melb now but grew up there, Aussie rules, you will have to go to a game, the night life is huge too, right up your ally. couldn't answer you directly on my question coz you don't allow email but if you want to email with any questions i will be more than happy to help you, its 4.20 pm here on Thurs, very warm, Tues we hit 39.4, today we got some much needed rain. you will love it here and yes the majority of Aussies like Canadians i think, not so much the yanks, people will ask you that, i know my mates in Alberta and Vancouver (Canadians) hate being called or mistaking for Americans, cant blame em hahaha, cheers. Chris.

Answer 5

I live in Red Deer, Alberta. It's a nice City. It's right in between Calgary and Edmonton. If I were you I would come to Alberta. It's got may job opportunities. Rents goes between $650-$1500 depends on where you want to live. One thing I will say about us Albertians we are hard workers and we sure know how to party. Really when it comes down to it anywhere in Canada is beautiful and your going to enjoy any where you go because Canadians are very friendly. Good luck and your not going to regret coming here. I hope everything works out for you.

Answer 6

i did this a few years ago! i got the holiday working visa for a year and i worked on the snow fields at fernie.i also lived in vancouver for a while.its such a beautiful city.ive travelled a bit and to this day i still say that if i was to live anywhere other than australia, vancouver is one city i could move to and live and be extremly happy.its fun and friendly and really beautiful.it has a really awesome holiday feel to it and the vancouver islands and banff and everywhere else on the west coast is beautiful! the rent wasnt that bad.3 of us had a brand new apartment right on the very main road of vancouver over looking the city and we only paid about $75 a week each. im jealous! i hope you have the time of your life!!

Answer 7

The perfect place for you would be British Columbia. The province border the pacific ocean just like Australia, people speak English. They don't have too much crime and they economy is great. If you hate plane, you could come to Van cover by boat because its really not far to Australia , near the north pacific ocean.

If you want to visit your family back to Australian, plane travel doesn't take long because again, that province is near the Australian region. Because of that proximity with Asia and the Pacific , British Columbia has a large Chinese, Japanese,Polynesian population.

Unfortunately I don't re command Montreal because of the rise in crime .Montreal use to be a nice city to live but recently there is a rise in criminality that include home invasion,car jack, murder, rape,homophobic violence, anti-Semitism. Strangely all this start to rise just after the lock-up the preeminent figure of hells Angele's motorcycle gang.The bikers terrorize our streets but the crime involved only other biker criminal .They were quickly replaced by street gangs who are more in to hip-pop and rap than rock'n roll. Street gangs are wilder and less controllable but it seam that they still work for the hells Angele's.Its sad but the city is slowly becoming more and more like other big city in north America.

Answer 8

While all cities are great, I would actually consider anywhere in Alberta, it has Canada's fasting growing economy, cheapest gas, no sales tax and is growing and booming. Even the Tim Horton's Staff (Coffee Shops) are pulling in $14.00 an hour which is pretty darn good for an unskilled labour where on average in Canada between $6.50-$10.00 an hour as minimum wage. I am a Torontonian and love the multi cultural-ism here and in Vancouver but Alberta is where it is at right now!!!

Answer 9

Vancouver is great but it is hard to find a job.
There are so many jobs in Toronto but competition is crazy
May be Edmonton is the best, but first find the job and then move
1 bed room apt in Vancouver is around $700-$900

Answer 10

I agree with the folks who are suggesting Vancouver or Calgary. Both are fantastic cities. Personally, I'd lean more towards Calgary (cheaper, better job prospects), but I've never met a person who moved to Vancouver and regretted it. I hope you have a great experience wherever you choose to go.