Canada is huge, and your experience will vary greatly depending on where you choose to settle. To help you choose, we’ve shared our thoughts on Canadian culture, lifestyle, job opportunities, and some regional options that might surprise you.
Culture and Lifestyle
If you picture Canada as one culture, think again. In British Columbia, you can find a relaxed, outdoorsy lifestyle, with access to mountains, beaches, and vineyards. The East Coast, in places like Halifax or Fredericton, offers a warm, small-city vibe and a rich maritime culture. Quebec is unique, with French as the primary language and a vibrant blend of North American and European traditions. Prairie cities like Saskatoon and Lethbridge are friendly with wide-open spaces.
It’s clear that where you live will shape how you spend your downtime—whether it’s skiing in the Rockies, enjoying wine country in the Okanagan, or exploring history in Québec City. While work is important, what your life will actually look like during your stay in Canada is a really important factor to consider too. So you should think about what you like to do, how often you’d like to do that ideally, and work out how your location can contribute to your dream lifestyle.
Job Opportunities
Many IECers head straight to big cities like Toronto or Vancouver in search of work. While these hubs have opportunities, they also come with higher unemployment, rising rents, and stiff competition compared to many regional and rural areas. For IEC workers, looking outside the major cities can mean less competition for service industry, hospitality, and entry-level roles.
