Canada: urban vs. rural life

In Canada, you can live in the peaceful style of Green Gables, Prince Edward Island, or the dynamic style of Metro Vancouver, British Columbia. It all depends on the personal quest of each inhabitant, whether native or immigrant.

This beautiful country is populated by receptive people; the universities are among the most prestigious in the world and the government has immigration programs that attract the immigrant to even obtain permanent residency.

That is why it is common that thousands of foreigners every year plan to travel to Canada to study, work, just for tourism or to stay and live. But there is one question you should ask yourself before taking the big step: what lifestyle do I want to lead? A cosmopolitan one in the big Canadian cities or a quiet and more bucolic one in the beautiful rural communities of the country. On that will depend the success of your trip and your paperwork.

Today we will find out what immigrants prefer when it comes to living in Canada. Read with me to the end and learn why some choose urban life and others rural life. Let's get started!

‍

Canada: the ideal destination for immigrants

Canada is recognized worldwide for its geographic, cultural and economic diversity, which has made it for years the ideal destination for many immigrants looking for a new start in this country. Let's take a look at what each lifestyle is like and what it offers to foreigners.

‍

Urban life: dynamism and professional growth

Cadillac Fairview Tower, a commercial office building located in the 

at 20 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario.

Large cities such as Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal are the economic engine of the country. These cities offer a myriad of employment, educational and social opportunities, making them the preferred choice for those seeking professional development, access to modern services and a cosmopolitan lifestyle.

‍

How do you describe urban life in Canada?

When we talk about urban life, we refer to a high population density, with modern and well-developed infrastructure, increased traffic and bustle typical of the city, with ample offers of services and employment, commercial signs everywhere, people from all over the world, with different customs, languages and ways of thinking, a dynamic and fast-paced environment, due to the demanding pace of work, school and/or university classes and, very importantly, the hectic and lively nightlife! 

‍

Who prefers urban living?

Immigrants who prefer urban living in Canada tend to be in the active working age group, 25 to 54 years old . According to Statistics Canada data, more than 64% of new immigrants arriving between 2016 and 2021 belong to this age range.

This group of immigrants seeks professional growth, access to higher education and economic opportunities, which leads them to settle in Canada's major cities, such as Toronto, which is the financial center of the country, and attracts business and technology professionals. Vancouver, which has a strong presence in the film and technology industry and is a magnet for entrepreneurs and creatives, and Montreal, the cultural and French-speaking heart of Canada, are ideal homes for those seeking opportunities in the arts, design and education.

In these cities, there is a high demand for qualified international talent willing to fill vacancies in priority sectors such as health, education and technology. 

On the other hand, 17% of new immigrants are under the age of 15, indicating that many young families also choose urban life to ensure better access to education and services for their children. 

Living in a Canadian city is an enchanting experience, which opens up the world view of new immigrants, as described by foreigners who managed to fulfill this dream, who also say that it has been easier for them to establish social and professional connections faster than they thought. 

The presence of health services, efficient transportation and prestigious universities are also key reasons to prefer the urban style.

Note: the statistical data in this article are based on the official site: Statistics and Open Data.

‍

Rural life: nature and peaceful communities

Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, in the province of Nova Scotia.

‍

For those seeking more contact with nature and a lower cost of living, Canada's rural regions are the first choice. Provinces such as Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and Manitoba offer peaceful environments, with less traffic and hustle and bustle, and a smaller, closer-knit community that invites you to live in constant calm and tranquility on a daily basis. 

In British Columbia cities such as Peace Liard, North Okanagan-Shuswap, or in Sudbury, Northern Ontario, among others, there is a trend towards attracting and retaining qualified foreigners who want to work and live permanently in these rural communities.

‍

Who prefers rural life?

Immigrants who value tranquility, security and access to natural areas find rural life a perfect refuge. Those interested in agriculture, livestock, ecotourism and mining tend to settle in rural areas, where the demand for employment in these sectors is high.

Families seeking greater stability and less stress, as well as retirees who wish to enjoy a more peaceful environment, also opt for rural provinces. In addition, the cost of housing and services is significantly lower compared to cities, allowing for a more affordable and balanced life.

The age groups settling in rural Canada tend to be: young adults and young families (25-44 years old), and seniors and retirees (55+ years old).

‍

Immigration programs for Canada

Canada's immigration system is very demanding and is designed to attract primarily skilled professionals and young adults with skills in demand in the labour market and to meet demographic needs. Programs such as Express Entry, provincial nominations and the Quebec Immigration Program favor those with post-secondary education, work experience and proficiency in English and/or French. Also, many foreigners arrive through specific programs such as the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot.

‍

Applicants should thoroughly analyze the requirements and evaluate their profile before starting the process, because, beyond the particular preferences regarding urban or rural life in Canada, candidates should know whether or not their skills are aligned with what each region is looking for. Only then will they be able to fulfill their expectations.

And you, have you already identified the lifestyle you want to lead in Canada? If you have doubts in the process, don't worry. You can request a free profile assessment and start exploring the immigration routes that suit your needs.

At Immiland Canadawe have a team of CICC-regulated consultants who can assist you in making well-informed decisions that will lead you to the Canadian province that best suits your lifestyle.

Contact us at for personalized advice and start your successful journey to Canada.

I hope this topic has been of your liking and will help you to choose the best option in Canada. Thanks for reading, see you soon!

‍

With love, 

‍

Immiland Canada

‍