Emigrating to Canada?

Dear all,

I am giving some serious consideration to emigrating from the UK in the next few years and Canada, from what I've gathered, is in pole position.

Your country seems beautiful, but it's so vast I'm not entirely sure where to start, so I'd appreciate it if you could give me some advice, point me in the right direction so I have some sort of idea where to consider looking for a new home, how to go about finding work, and other stuff I've not even begun to consider yet. Hopefully any advice you give me will come in handy for others considering going west.

First off, a little about me. By the time I'm planning on moving, I'll be a doctor. I've heard that medics are in high demand in Canada, but also that my qualifications won't be recognised, so that means more exams. I'm primarily interested in becoming a general practitioner or a psychiatrist.

We'd love to live somewhere semi-rural, where I can own some land and raise some animals. However, relatively easy access to a large town or city is important- my girlfriend isn't keen on being too isolated from civilisation. Plus, if Canada is like home, we'd be more likely to find the sort of church we're looking for in town.

I love to ski, and so it would be great to live somewhere close to the slopes, particularly for the mountain scenery. We both love the sea, so it'd be great to be on the coast or near a large lake. I'd be keen to become more 'outdoorsy' and develop latent interests in boating, fishing etc that I've not been able to pursue over here for one reason or another. Oh, and if there's a rugby club in the area, it'd be nice to get a bit of spectating done.

Anyway, that's probably enough for now. My fantasy location, close to town but also to the mountains and the water- does that suggest anywhere to you? Would you recommend anywhere else? Is there something awesome (or otherwise) I've not thought of?

In short, sell your country to me

Many thanks in advance for your help!

I'd recommend somewhere out west, such as Alberta. I've never been there (yet), but I know that job opportunities are good out there right now. I have a friend who now lives in Edmonton, Alberta and enjoys it immensely.

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"And the law of God is written in every heart, and it is there that he manifests himself; And in infinite love, according to our necessities, states, conditions. And as we are all various and different from one another, more or less, so the law by the immediate operation of divine grace in the soul, is suited to every individual according to his condition." — Elias Hicks

"I am more interested in the religion of Jesus, than the religion about Jesus." — Dom Aelred Graham

Thanks for the suggestion- I'll look into it

You're welcome.

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"And the law of God is written in every heart, and it is there that he manifests himself; And in infinite love, according to our necessities, states, conditions. And as we are all various and different from one another, more or less, so the law by the immediate operation of divine grace in the soul, is suited to every individual according to his condition." — Elias Hicks

"I am more interested in the religion of Jesus, than the religion about Jesus." — Dom Aelred Graham

yeah from what you've said i would suggest either Alberta (which has the mountains and plenty of rural ground) or British Columbia which has the ocean and the mountains.

i doubt you'd have much trouble getting work as a doctor anywhere you chose to settle though since pretty much everyone needs a doctor these days, esp if you're planning on being a GP

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Yeah, British Columbia looks pretty close to the dream- saw some amazing scenery on the interweb. What are winters there generally like? I've heard rumours of -40oC, which sounds pretty extreme from where I'm sitting- coldest it tends to get here is around -10, if that.

On the other hand, you actually get decent snow somewhat reliably, so I suppose there are pros and cons!

Vancouver Island has a climate similar to where you live. There is lots of surrounding land where you can be as rural as you want to be.

Victoria is Canada's most British city, architecturally speaking. It will remind you of home. Vancouver is a sprawling metropolis with millions of people and is accessible by ferry. Seattle, U.S.A. is also close by, should you feel the need to make a short getaway out of Canada.

http://images.google.ca/images?gbv=2...=Search+Images
http://images.google.ca/images?clien...h+Images&gbv=2
http://images.google.ca/images?gbv=2...=Search+Images

A second consideration for you might be land near Halifax. The climate is also similar to the U.K. and the topography even moreso than B.C. It's not called Nova Scotia for nothing. Being on the east coast, it also has the advantage of being only a few hours away from the U.K., should you get homesick.

http://images.google.ca/images?gbv=2...=Search+Images

Ooh, thanks for that- like the sound of Victoria. And Nova Scotia, for that matter. I reckon a 'research trip' is in order sometime soon.

I think British Columbia would be perfect for you. It has everything you listed...mountains, water, land (as long as you stay away from dense Vancouver).
The climate is pretty mild (it doesn't get anywhere near -40oC)
Victoria is nice...it's sort of sleepy, but if you're looking for a slower pace it would be good. Vancouver Island is the quintessential "outdoorsy" place...lots of earthy types. Y'know, pot smoking hippies and the like .
There are lots of little places in BC you should check out as well as the Island. Maybe try out some places east of the populous Lower Mainland (like Mission, Chilliwack, Kelowna, Kamloops, etc) as well. There's lots of land and it's not too far form Metro Vancouver (and the coast!)

Just some thoughts, I hope you have a successful research trip . Good luck!