Immigrating to Canada: Which province is right for you?
Immigrating to Canada: Which province should you choose?
Are you planning to settle in Canada, either temporarily or permanently, but unsure which province to choose? We’ll help you find the region of your dreams to start your new life in Canada!
Quebec, but not only…
Canada is a vast country with diverse regions to suit every taste and need.
What do they have in common? Breathtaking landscapes and a pleasant living environment.
While many people immediately think of Quebec when they think of Canada, it’s because the Belle Province is the largest in terms of land area : the province of Quebec alone covers about 15% of Canada’s territory! However, it’s not the most popular province among foreign nationals: in 2024, Quebec welcomed around 15% of Canada’s temporary immigrants.
Canada is made up of 10 provinces and 3 territories, divided into 5 geographic regions. That means plenty of options to find the one that suits you best!
Each province has its own unique characteristics, especially when it comes to culture and language.
Depending on your needs and profile, you may feel more comfortable in certain regions. The diversity of profiles of candidates allowed to immigrate to Canada reflects this diversity.
No matter which region you decide to settle in, you will have the opportunity to discover a multitude of surprises that Canada has to offer. This includes nearly 50 national parks and nature reserves, as well as over 2 million lakes!
10 provinces, 3 territories, 2 languages
Are you an English speaker or a Francophone? Canada is a great fit for you!
The country proudly recognizes two official languages, French and English, reflecting its cultural and geographic diversity. This is a major factor in Canada’s global appeal.
The Canadian provinces each have their own language preferences. Only one of them officially recognizes both languages equally: New Brunswick. In the other provinces, either French or English is recognized as the official language and is predominantly used.
Not only can you choose your province based on the language you speak, but you are also more likely to have your immigration profile approved if you speak the province’s official language. Language skills are indeed a criterion in immigration programs like the Express Entry.
In reality, almost all Canadian provinces recognize English as an official language. The only exceptions are New Brunswick, which also recognizes French, and Quebec, which officially recognizes only French.
Quebec, a destination for francophones
Because the official language is French. Because the vast majority of residents are fluent in French. Because the culture recalls the ties between France and Quebec.
Many Francophones see Quebec as a perfect blend of a culture reminiscent of the United States and European culture. Settling in Quebec means living an experience or starting fresh in another country where the quality of life is attractive, and the language is not alien.
It’s not uncommon to hear a recently arrived French speaker say, « Je me sens comme chez moi ! » (“I feel right at home!”) For this reason, the Belle Province includes a large number of temporary and permanent residents who are Francophones, forming a true community!
So, if you exclusively speak French, it may be more comfortable to choose to settle in the Belle Province.
Initiatives for learning French
No worries, though, if you don’t speak French fluently or if you want to improve your English! It is common to hear people speak English, and many residents are quite proficient in it.
Furthermore, the government offers initiatives to promote learning French, especially within businesses. The latest initiative, the creation of the Francisation Québec portal, aims to make French language learning more accessible.
Choose a province for its dymanism
For working and enjoying the economic and cultural dynamism of major cities, some provinces are particularly renowned.
It is common to prefer Quebec, but also Ontario, Alberta or British Columbia, four major provinces that are home to Canada’s largest cities such as Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton.
These regions are ideal for enjoying the benefits of major cities without straying too far from the great outdoors.
However, keep in mind that a metropolis is often synonymous with a higher cost of living, including housing, food, and activities. This dynamism comes at a certain cost that you should consider.
Ontario, the most populous province
Among them, Ontario is the most popular province for newcomers and the most populous in Canada. In 2024, 42.6% of immigrants to Canada chose Ontario.
Toronto is particularly popular, being a major metropolis with impressive skyscrapers and extensive green spaces.
While the official language in Ontario is English, Francophones have their place as well. The province boasts the largest Francophone community in Canada after Quebec.
Settling in a quieter province
If you are looking to settle with your family in a province where life is quieter and more peaceful than in major metropolises, Canada offers several options.
Among them, Prince Edward Island, the smallest province in Canada, offers a pleasant living environment where nature reigns. It has many advantages for those looking for a quiet living environment or for settling with a family. Its small size makes daily commutes easy and provides a strong sense of community, with a predominantly English-speaking culture.
Choosing a province based on your profession
Labor shortages affect all of Canada, but provinces may have different needs based on their economic and demographic structure. In Quebec, Ontario, or Manitoba, the professions in high demand may vary. Feel free to inquire about the most relevant immigration options in your profession.
Immigration programs are tailored to the needs of each province, so you may have an easier time settling in a province if you work in a highly demanded sector.
Do you have a project in Canada? Don’t hesitate to fill out our pre-assessment form to learn more about your immigration options.
Here, we have mentioned only a few provinces among all those that make up Canada. Each province has its own distinct characteristics, so you can find the one that resonates with your heart!