10 fun facts to know before moving across Canada

Canada captivates with its sheer size, rich culture, and unique experiences. If you’re planning a move across this incredible country, there are some fun facts to know before moving across Canada that can make your relocation smoother and more enjoyable. From understanding time zones to preparing for weather changes, every detail matters. To make your move easier, consider working with experienced Canada movers, who simplify the logistics and save time, leaving you with more free time to learn more about this amazing country.

What are the 10 fun facts to know before moving across Canada?

Seeing as the size of Canada is 9.985 million km², there are obviously more than 10 fun facts to know before moving across Canada, but these are the most important and interesting things:

• Canada is really big
• Six time zones
• Weather extremes
• Language differences
• Provincial rules differ
• Tolls and fees
• Island access
• Wildlife awareness
• Regional foods
• Cost of living varies

There are many fun facts to know before moving across Canada.

Canada is big—really big

Canada’s immense size surprises many. Spanning over 9.9 million square kilometers, it ranks as the second-largest country in the world. Stretching from the Pacific Ocean in the west to the Atlantic Ocean in the east, its landmass encompasses ten provinces and three territories. These regions vary greatly in size, population, and geography, making each province unique.

The largest province by area, Quebec, covers over 1.5 million square kilometers. In comparison, Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, is home to nearly 15 million residents, making it a hub of activity and culture. The smallest province, Prince Edward Island, covers just 5,660 square kilometers, but its charm lies in its rich history and communities.

Traveling across the country highlights the vast distances involved. Driving from St. John’s, Newfoundland, in the far east, to Victoria, British Columbia, in the far west, spans approximately 7,400 kilometers. This journey would take about 80 hours of continuous driving, making flights a more practical option for many travelers.

Planning a trip across provinces requires attention to detail:

• Plan fuel stops and rest breaks for long drives.
• Budget for flights when covering large distances.
• Prepare for areas with limited cell service, especially in rural regions.

Six time zones

Canada’s six time zones can make adjusting to a new home challenging, especially when moving from Montreal (Eastern Time) to a place with a vastly different timezone, like Vancouver (Pacific Time). For instance, when it is 9:00 a.m. in Montreal, it is only 6:00 a.m. in Vancouver. This three-hour difference might disrupt routines, such as work schedules or evening calls with family.

Relocating across time zones affects more than just your clock. Coordinating deliveries, settling into a new neighborhood, and managing personal tasks become harder when you feel jet-lagged. Professional movers can take on the logistical burden so you can focus on rest and adaptation. If you hire long distance movers in Montreal, they will ensure your belongings arrive on time while you prioritize reestablishing your daily routine in the new timezone.

Practical tips for adapting include:

• Syncing your schedule to the new timezone a few days before the move.
• Asking movers to unpack essentials so you can adjust without added stress.
• Using sunlight exposure to reset your body clock.

When you let the experts handle transportation and logistics, you gain the time and energy needed to settle in comfortably and align your routine with your new time zone.

There are 6 time zones in Canada!

Weather extremes

Language differences across Canada

Canada is officially bilingual, recognizing English and French as its national languages. Across the country, approximately 75% of Canadians speak English as their primary language, while about 22% identify French as their first language. Quebec stands out as the heart of Canada’s French-speaking population, with over 85% of its residents fluent in French. In contrast, English dominates in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia, though bilingual signage appears in many areas.

Adapting to Quebec’s French-dominant environment becomes smoother with even basic knowledge of French. Phrases like “Bonjour” and “Merci” ease interactions and help build connections with locals. When relocating, working with Montreal to Calgary movers ensures a seamless transition, with professionals often fluent in both official languages to help navigate linguistic nuances during the move.

Canada’s linguistic diversity doesn’t stop at these two languages. Immigrants play a significant role in broadening the country’s language pool. Nearly 23% of Canada’s population consists of immigrants, many of whom bring additional languages into everyday life. In cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, you’ll hear languages like Punjabi, Mandarin, Tagalog, and Arabic alongside English and French.

Canada is a multilingual country for sure.

Provincial rules differ significantly – one of the fun facts to know before moving across Canada

Canada’s provinces each enforce unique rules for essential services such as healthcare, driver’s licenses, and vehicle registration. Navigating these variations requires careful research to avoid unnecessary complications.

For example, healthcare enrollment timelines differ widely. In Ontario, new residents may need to wait up to three months before provincial health coverage begins, while British Columbia offers coverage starting on the first day of the third month after arrival. Failing to apply on time can leave you without access to medical services. To prevent delays, ensure all required documentation, such as proof of residency, is ready before applying.

Driver’s license regulations also vary. In Alberta, newcomers must exchange their out-of-province licenses within 90 days, while Quebec requires the process to be completed within six months. Ignoring these deadlines could lead to fines or driving restrictions. New residents should visit their local registry office promptly to avoid issues.

Vehicle registration is another area with distinct rules. In Manitoba, vehicles must pass a safety inspection before being registered, while other provinces like Saskatchewan have different inspection requirements. These rules highlight the need to confirm provincial-specific obligations before arriving.

Understanding these differences might seem overwhelming, but addressing specific tasks, like transporting your vehicle, can make the process smoother. For assistance with moving your car across provinces, it’s wise to contact car shipping companies in Canada. These specialists focus on vehicle transportation, ensuring your car reaches your new home safely and efficiently. While they handle your car’s logistics, you can concentrate on managing other aspects of your relocation. Proper planning and partnering with the right experts ensure a seamless transition to your new province.

Not-so-fun facts to know before moving across Canada: Tolls and fees

Moving across Canada often involves toll roads, bridges, and ferries, each adding costs to your journey. In Ontario, the 407 ETR stands out as a private toll highway, charging fees based on distance traveled and vehicle type. For a typical car, driving 100 kilometers on the 407 ETR costs approximately $20, with higher rates for larger vehicles. Many travelers use this highway for its convenience, though budgeting for it is essential.

In the east, the Confederation Bridge connecting New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island charges $50.25 for standard vehicles when exiting the island, with additional fees for trailers. Ferries, such as those to Vancouver Island, also contribute to travel costs. For example, a one-way fare on BC Ferries from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay costs $61.50 for a car and driver, with added fees for passengers.

To avoid surprises, plan your route and account for tolls in advance. Apps like TollGuru can estimate fees for your journey. Consider alternatives to toll roads or book ferry tickets early to secure lower rates. If moving from Montreal to Toronto, plan for the 407 ETR or opt for alternative routes to save money. Professional movers often suggest optimized paths to help manage expenses efficiently.

The best roads usually come at a price.

Island access requires careful planning

Canada’s islands offer breathtaking landscapes, but reaching them often requires careful planning for ferry travel. Major destinations like Vancouver Island and Newfoundland depend on ferry services as lifelines for both residents and visitors. Smaller islands such as Prince Edward Island (via the ferry route) and the Gulf Islands in British Columbia also rely on these essential connections. Missing a scheduled ferry can disrupt plans significantly, particularly during peak travel seasons.

Vancouver Island, for instance, is accessible via BC Ferries. The Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay route, one of the busiest, takes 1.5 hours and costs $61.50 for a standard car and driver, with $18.50 charged per adult passenger. For those heading to Newfoundland, the Marine Atlantic ferry from North Sydney, Nova Scotia, to Port aux Basques takes approximately 6 to 7 hours and costs around $115 for a vehicle and driver, plus $45 per additional adult. Seasonal variations may increase demand, requiring advance booking.

Other notable routes include the ferry to Prince Edward Island from Caribou, Nova Scotia, which takes 75 minutes and costs $84 for a vehicle and driver. Ferries to the Gulf Islands, such as Salt Spring Island, provide quick connections ranging from 20 to 35 minutes, with fares around $30 for a vehicle and driver.

To avoid delays:

• Book tickets early, especially during holidays and summer.
• Monitor schedules closely, as some routes reduce frequency in winter.
• Budget for vehicle fees and passenger fares.

Traveling with long distance movers in Canada can streamline the process, as they coordinate shipments to align with ferry schedules, ensuring your belongings reach island destinations without unnecessary complications.

Wildlife awareness is vital for rural travel

Canada’s wildlife creates a unique experience for travelers and residents alike. Moose, bears, and deer often appear on rural roads, particularly at dawn and dusk when they are most active. These encounters, while fascinating, pose serious risks to drivers who may not expect them.

To stay safe on wildlife-heavy roads, it’s important to reduce speed, especially in rural or wooded areas where animals frequently cross. Providers of moving services in Canada know how to deal with this, so your items will be safe even on wildlife-heavy roads. Drivers should remain vigilant during peak activity hours, keeping an eye on the sides of the road for any movement. Using high beams on dark roads helps spot animals from a distance, giving ample time to slow down and avoid collisions.

Encountering wildlife may feel thrilling, but prioritizing safety is essential. These moments offer a glimpse into one of the fun facts to know before moving across Canada: the vast and diverse natural environment that defines the country’s character. While nature can amaze and inspire, staying prepared ensures that these encounters remain memorable for the right reasons.

Wildlife is a normal occurrence in rural areas.

Regional foods

Canada’s food culture showcases a variety of regional specialties you will be able to enjoy after moving with the help of the best cross Canada moving company. From poutine in Quebec to lobster in Nova Scotia, every province offers unique flavors. Sampling these dishes provides a deeper connection to your new community and its history.

Some must-try dishes include:

• Poutine: Quebec’s iconic fries, cheese curds, and gravy.
• Butter tarts: Ontario’s sweet and flaky dessert.
• Lobster: A delicacy from the Maritime provinces.

Another not-so-fun fact to know before moving across Canada is that the cost of living varies greatly

Housing and daily expenses in Canada change significantly between provinces and cities. Toronto and Vancouver lead with high costs.

In Toronto, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is CAD 2,902 per month. Vancouver ranks even higher, with rents averaging CAD 3,339 monthly. Smaller cities offer more affordable options. Halifax averages CAD 2,527 for the same type of apartment, while Regina stands out as the most economical, with average rents at CAD 1,293.

Grocery costs differ too. In Toronto, expect to spend about CAD 600 monthly on groceries. Vancouver is slightly lower at CAD 500. Halifax and Regina offer even more savings, with typical monthly grocery expenses of around CAD 300. Utility bills, covering electricity, heating, and water, range from CAD 200 in Toronto and Vancouver to CAD 250 in Halifax and Regina.

Transportation costs also vary. A transit pass in Toronto costs CAD 156 monthly, while in Vancouver, it’s about CAD 100. Halifax transit passes average CAD 78.50, and Regina charges around CAD 83. These differences impact monthly budgets, making careful planning essential.

The cost of living varies greatly between provinces and cities.

Move with confidence

Each of these fun facts to know before moving across Canada reveals a unique aspect of this vast country. From tasting local foods to managing costs, preparation makes all the difference. Engage with your new environment, connect with its culture, and embrace its variety. Professional movers can guide you through this exciting process, ensuring a smooth start in your new home. By understanding these details, you approach your move with confidence. Canada’s vastness holds endless possibilities, and the right preparation helps you unlock them.