6 Things to Know About Canada Before Moving Here

Know what to expect before you arrive here!

1. 1. We’re a cultural mosaic! A term Canadians grow up knowing, we welcome people from all around the world and are not forceful about joining our culture. Bring your country’s culture and share it with everyone!



2. 2. Our winter gets COLD. The summer months are beautiful and hot, even getting up past 30 degrees Celsius on the hottest days. But our winter is what we’re known for. Some places go below -40 degrees Celsius! Once you get to Canada, be sure to buy the appropriate winter clothing. Think down jackets, boots, hats, gloves and scarves!



3. 3. The Great Outdoors. A short trip from any major city, and even right outside of your door in some cities, Canada has stunning outdoor landscapes and sites. Whether you’re in British Columbia taking in the massive forests and mountains or you’re in Nova Scotia at Peggy’s Cove, there is no shortage of beautiful sites to take in all around Canada.



4. 4. Canadian Foods. You can get pretty much any food in Canada, thanks to the great mixture of culture in our cities. But there are some truly Canadian foods you should try while here! The best of which is Poutine, French fries with cheese curds and gravy. Other popular Canadian foods include peameal bacon, beaver tails, and ketchup chips. Be sure to get out there and try them all!



5. 5. The English and French Languages. Canada has two national languages, English and French. If you’re studying in Quebec, you’ll be able to survive off of just French, while the rest of the country you’ll be fine with just English. Because of the diverse cultures in Canada, it’s very easy to find an ESL (English as a Second Language) course to improve your skills with the language if needed.



6. 6. Don’t forget your manners. Canadians are known throughout the world for being very polite and friendly, and saying “sorry” for things that aren’t even their fault. Although this can be over exaggerated, there’s a lot of truth behind it. You’ll hear the words thank you, please, and sorry a lot! We’re a nation built on our good manners, and we’re definitely not sorry about that!