Okay here is my situation:

I have been dating a Canadian girl for the last 7 years. Throughout that time we have kind of moved backwards and forwards between Canada and the UK making use of short-term visa's (working holiday etc.) and temporary work permits via agencies (for work in the UK), with the odd year or so spent apart. She is currently studying for a masters in Halifax and we have been apart for most of the last year. I am planning to go over to Halifax to live as soon as possible but am wondering what is the best way to go about this? I am currently planning to study (accepted on to a post-grad course & student visa application is in process) but I am going to struggle financially and I'm really not keen on being a student again. The only other option that I can see is that I head over for 6 months as a visitor and try and fix up some employment in that time. Presumably this is a high-risk strategy, particularly in the current labour market? Are there any wise folk out there who would be able to offer me any advice? I feel like I'm going mad trying to digest all of the information out there!

Get married.

...without getting married, I should add!

Then as far as I understand, your only option is to get LMO, get TWP and start working... but that's a lot easier said than done... especially in the current climate.

Getting married would be the easiest & quick, and considering how you've been together 7 years, want to move over here to be together, etc etc, dont understand why you wouldnt consider tying the knot.

Getting married would be a last resort (in terms of immigration). Call me old fashioned, but when we get married I'd rather do it properly, rather than getting hitched on the cheap to get a visa. Is it even a guarantee that that'll get you in to the country?

Dont really know much about BUNAC, but depending on your age, you might qualify? (it's a 12 month open working visa).
Might be worth looking in to?

Already done that, mate. Lived in Halifax for 12 months a few years ago. Common sense is telling me that I should just stick with my plan to study, but I'm sorely tempted to try staying as a visitor for 6 months and spend the time tring to get a job.