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To consider Canada or not
Hi all,
I am probably posting a thread posted many times but hopefully someone who is similar to us and out reasons, who can offer advice, will read it Myself 37, my wife 31 and our 8 month old baby have been talking about either a permanent move or a temporary move (possibly leading to permanent). To the mountains. We currently live in Cornwall UK. We are considering Canada, PNW USA, or French Alps. Canada has always been top of my list, for a number of reasons. There seem to be fairly even pros and cons to each option though. My wife is a teacher (we understand this will be difficult for her to continue in Canada) I am a College lecturer in sustainable Architecture but I am also a carpenter. We are outdoors people, hence the options of where to move. We climb, mountaineer, trail run, ski and surf (we just want to do more of it). We are also open minded about what we end up doing for work, lifestyle is more important. I won't post more now, or it will become an essay. Hope to hear some advice, on any aspect Many thanks |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Myself 37, my wife 31 and our 8 month old baby have been talking about either a permanent move or a temporary move |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Originally Posted by bobble
(Post 11746521)
Hi all,
I am probably posting a thread posted many times but hopefully someone who is similar to us and out reasons, who can offer advice, will read it Myself 37, my wife 31 and our 8 month old baby have been talking about either a permanent move or a temporary move (possibly leading to permanent). To the mountains. We currently live in Cornwall UK. We are considering Canada, PNW USA, or French Alps. Canada has always been top of my list, for a number of reasons. There seem to be fairly even pros and cons to each option though. My wife is a teacher (we understand this will be difficult for her to continue in Canada) I am a College lecturer in sustainable Architecture but I am also a carpenter. We are outdoors people, hence the options of where to move. We climb, mountaineer, trail run, ski and surf (we just want to do more of it). We are also open minded about what we end up doing for work, lifestyle is more important. I won't post more now, or it will become an essay. Hope to hear some advice, on any aspect Many thanks |
Re: To consider Canada or not
French Alps. If BC, pursue the carpentry route (although you will find the cost of living horrendous).
|
Re: To consider Canada or not
bristol, haha yep, it was his idea too!
I have been through the points scheme and comfortably have enough but that is as far as we have gone, so far |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Originally Posted by bobble
(Post 11746521)
Hi all,
I am probably posting a thread posted many times but hopefully someone who is similar to us and out reasons, who can offer advice, will read it Myself 37, my wife 31 and our 8 month old baby have been talking about either a permanent move or a temporary move (possibly leading to permanent). To the mountains. We currently live in Cornwall UK. We are considering Canada, PNW USA, or French Alps. Canada has always been top of my list, for a number of reasons. There seem to be fairly even pros and cons to each option though. My wife is a teacher (we understand this will be difficult for her to continue in Canada) I am a College lecturer in sustainable Architecture but I am also a carpenter. We are outdoors people, hence the options of where to move. We climb, mountaineer, trail run, ski and surf (we just want to do more of it). We are also open minded about what we end up doing for work, lifestyle is more important. I won't post more now, or it will become an essay. Hope to hear some advice, on any aspect Many thanks Hi there, I'm no expert on the subject, so I wont go into the whole can you emigrate as opposed to the why you want to debate.. I'm sure there will be erm, well intentioned people on here to point that out to you if they can. But I'm just curious (bit of self analysis on myself here I suppose also) If its 'mountains' and outdoor activities you are looking for have you ever considered moving to sunny Scotland? North / West coast has everything on your list.. 280 odd Munro's to climb and ski on, lochs + rivers to play on, mountain biking, treks, even surfing so I hear lol etc. Weather may be a bit damper than the French alps I'll give you that one! |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Originally Posted by Roberto1980
(Post 11746546)
Hi there,
I'm no expert on the subject, so I wont go into the whole can you emigrate as opposed to the why you want to debate.. I'm sure there will be erm, well intentioned people on here to point that out to you if they can. If its 'mountains' and outdoor activities you are looking for have you ever considered moving to sunny Scotland? North West coast has everything on your list.. 280ish Munro's to climb and ski on, lochs + rivers to play on, mountain biking, treks, even surfing so I hear lol etc. Weather may be a bit damper than the French alps I'll give you that one! |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Originally Posted by bobble
(Post 11746521)
Hi all,
I am probably posting a thread posted many times but hopefully someone who is similar to us and out reasons, who can offer advice, will read it Myself 37, my wife 31 and our 8 month old baby have been talking about either a permanent move or a temporary move (possibly leading to permanent). To the mountains. We currently live in Cornwall UK. We are considering Canada, PNW USA, or French Alps. Canada has always been top of my list, for a number of reasons. I won't post more now, or it will become an essay. Hope to hear some advice, on any aspect Many thanks http://britishexpats.com/forum/canad...used-s-864729/ |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Originally Posted by Shard
(Post 11746547)
Indeed. There's even an argument that Scottish and Welsh mountain terrain is far more accessible than Canada's, simply because the country is more compact and the road network better.
I agree. Where I live (just west of Glasgow) In regards to outdoor activities and accessibility to it all, can't be faulted. 15/20 mins from Loch Lomond surrounding mountains and everything else that entails. As we (my wife and kids) are planning on emigrating in the near future, that element of it all is something I will be comparing. As that is something I have grown to appreciate |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Originally Posted by Roberto1980
(Post 11746555)
I agree. Where I live (just west of Glasgow) In regards to outdoor activities and accessibility to it all, can't be faulted.
15/20 mins from Loch Lomond surrounding mountains and everything else that entails. As we (my wife and kids) are planning on emigrating in the near future, that element of it all is something I will be comparing. As that is something I have grown to appreciate |
Re: To consider Canada or not
All valid points and things we have been backwards and forwards over.
I used to live in the lakes and briefly in North Wales. I love UK mountains but.....We want more alpine terrain for climbing and more great wilderness for exploring. I spend a fair bit of time in the Alps and love it but its the compactness that I don't think I want. With regard to the UK, the seasons are just too meh, particularly winter. I want to be able to cross country ski/snowshoe to the shops/work etc. head into the mountains for multi day uninterrupted wilderness and climbing and all those other unrealistic dreams, when you have to earn a living and raise family ;) Essentially it is all about lifestyle and letting the kids grow up where they are free to become ski or mountaineering bums, if they choose. We will take cons in our stride to achieve that, life pretty good now but we reckon it could be better. |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Originally Posted by bobble
(Post 11746608)
All valid points and things we have been backwards and forwards over.
I used to live in the lakes and briefly in North Wales. I love UK mountains but.....We want more alpine terrain for climbing and more great wilderness for exploring. I spend a fair bit of time in the Alps and love it but its the compactness that I don't think I want. With regard to the UK, the seasons are just too meh, particularly winter. I want to be able to cross country ski/snowshoe to the shops/work etc. head into the mountains for multi day uninterrupted wilderness and climbing and all those other unrealistic dreams, when you have to earn a living and raise family ;) Essentially it is all about lifestyle and letting the kids grow up where they are free to become ski or mountaineering bums, if they choose. We will take cons in our stride to achieve that, life pretty good now but we reckon it could be better. |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Originally Posted by Shard
(Post 11746530)
French Alps. If BC, pursue the carpentry route (although you will find the cost of living horrendous).
BC's interior ski resorts offer much more modestly priced property and are generally within a stones throw of cities that offer work opportunities if living at the ski hill itself doesn't appeal or isn't practical. |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Originally Posted by mikelincs
(Post 11746630)
Have you ever experienced a Canadian winter, and I don't just mean for a holday.. :rofl:
|
Re: To consider Canada or not
Originally Posted by bobble
(Post 11746608)
I used to live in the lakes and briefly in North Wales. I love UK mountains but.....We want more alpine terrain for climbing and more great wilderness for exploring. I spend a fair bit of time in the Alps and love it but its the compactness that I don't think I want. With regard to the UK, the seasons are just too meh, particularly winter.
I want to be able to cross country ski/snowshoe to the shops/work etc. head into the mountains for multi day uninterrupted wilderness and climbing and all those other unrealistic dreams, when you have to earn a living and raise family ;) Essentially it is all about lifestyle and letting the kids grow up where they are free to become ski or mountaineering bums, if they choose. We will take cons in our stride to achieve that, life pretty good now but we reckon it could be better. Whisler BC https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whistl...itish_Columbia climate https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whistl...lumbia#Climate properties Whistler Listing System - Your source for all listings in Whistler. schools The Best 10 Elementary Schools in Whistler, BC V0N, Canada jobs Restaurant and Food Service Managers Whistler British Columbia - Job Bank Jobs in Whistler, BC | Indeed.com whistler / squamish jobs - craigslist |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Then there is Alberta
Canmore https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canmore,_Alberta climate https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canmore,_Alberta#Climate property Houses for sale in Canmore, AB - PropertyGuys.com House for Sale in Banff / Canmore | Real Estate | Kijiji Classifieds schools Canmore Alberta Schools, Education & Training, Schools in Canmore Alberta Canada | CanmoreAlberta.com Directory jobs Home - Job Bank Jobs in Canmore, AB | Indeed.com |
Re: To consider Canada or not
You also forgot Regina
Tourism Regina | Regina’s Official Tourism Website Winter | Tourism Saskatchewan |
Re: To consider Canada or not
OP, you mentioned the French Alps. if your French is up to par, take a peak at Quebec Canada
Live, work & play somewhere between Montreal & Mont- Tremblant https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mont-Tremblant,_Quebec |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Originally Posted by R I C H
(Post 11746632)
Vancouver real estate prices may be considered expensive, but that doesn't make the whole of the province 'horrendous' in terms of living costs - that's just misinformation.
BC's interior ski resorts offer much more modestly priced property and are generally within a stones throw of cities that offer work opportunities if living at the ski hill itself doesn't appeal or isn't practical. |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Originally Posted by R I C H
(Post 11746632)
Vancouver real estate prices may be considered expensive, but that doesn't make the whole of the province 'horrendous' in terms of living costs - that's just misinformation.
BC's interior ski resorts offer much more modestly priced property and are generally within a stones throw of cities that offer work opportunities if living at the ski hill itself doesn't appeal or isn't practical. Once your out of the Lower Mainland/Squamish/Whistler/Pemberton & Victoria the rest of the province can be fairly decent, assuming one can manage to not need to be near the larger city's/population base for work. |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Originally Posted by bobble
(Post 11746521)
I am a College lecturer in sustainable Architecture but I am also a carpenter.
Trade Chart / Red Seal which basically means that you need to have the certification to work in the trade Carpenter / Red Seal |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Originally Posted by not2old
(Post 11746637)
then come for a recce first, see the place maybe search the job market, schools & housing
Whisler BC https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whistl...itish_Columbia climate https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whistl...lumbia#Climate properties Whistler Listing System - Your source for all listings in Whistler. schools The Best 10 Elementary Schools in Whistler, BC V0N, Canada jobs Restaurant and Food Service Managers Whistler British Columbia - Job Bank Jobs in Whistler, BC | Indeed.com whistler / squamish jobs - craigslist You chose probably the most expensive ski resort in BC....:lol: to link to. |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Originally Posted by Shard
(Post 11746557)
Expand your circle to say 3 hours (a day trip) and compare to what can be reached in Canada. There will be less variety, although, in the Rockies, a bit more intensity!
Do you mean there will be less variety in Scotland or Canada? If I was to make my starting point / home in say Hamilton, Ontario.. How accessible are the above mentioned activities? (throw in a bit of fishing + camping also) Sorry a little bit of thread hijacking.. |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Hi, and welcome to BE. Just a few things that jumped out at me from your posts......
Originally Posted by bobble
(Post 11746531)
I have been through the points scheme and comfortably have enough but that is as far as we have gone, so far
As above, forget the US as it doesn't sound as though either of you would qualify for a visa without a long slog unless you've got a close USC family member or something else that you've not mentioned. Personally I'd go with France out of those three options, but I love France and it would have a lot of benefits for me over Canada. Re: your wife, you're right that she's not in a great profession for Canada. Is she prepared to do something else if you do move there? I don't know how your own profession is in Canada, but I think there are a lecturer or two on the forum (or former lecturer) that can hopefully help out with that - I don't think it's as bad as teaching, but it's definitely something to look in to. Good luck with wherever you decide. |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Originally Posted by Roberto1980
(Post 11746675)
Do you mean there will be less variety in Scotland or Canada?
If I was to make my starting point / home in say Hamilton, Ontario.. How accessible are the above mentioned activities? (throw in a bit of fishing + camping also) Sorry a little bit of thread hijacking.. |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Originally Posted by Shard
(Post 11746683)
My point was that in Scotland/UK there are many hiking trails and routes that are accessible within, say, a three hours drive, because most of it is not real wilderness. In Canada, you can't get at most of the nature because it truly is wilderness. The Munro's are a good example, 255 hills, all within a small geographic area. I don't believe that exists in the Rockies, although in theory one could walk much further and higher. But it sounds that the OP is looking for just that, proper wilderness, and with some sunshine too.
HTH. |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Originally Posted by christmasoompa
(Post 11746686)
Very good point, it's one of the few things that I truly disliked about Canada - you get so used to the 'right to roam' in the UK and public footpaths everywhere! This thread gives a few views on the subject Roberto - http://britishexpats.com/forum/canad...-616313/page4/
HTH. |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Originally Posted by Shard
(Post 11746683)
My point was that in Scotland/UK there are many hiking trails and routes that are accessible within, say, a three hours drive, because most of it is not real wilderness. In Canada, you can't get at most of the nature because it truly is wilderness. The Munro's are a good example, 255 hills, all within a small geographic area. I don't believe that exists in the Rockies, although in theory one could walk much further and higher. But it sounds that the OP is looking for just that, proper wilderness, and with some sunshine too.
Of course there is provincial parks which are, but then you have people all around you, so not really experiencing nature there. There are a few really nice places around me which would be awesome to go see, but not easily accessible and require some mountain climbing tools, or a boat. I did discover a trail yesterday, looked promising at first, but then it led to clear cuts from logging. |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Originally Posted by Shard
(Post 11746683)
My point was that in Scotland/UK there are many hiking trails and routes that are accessible within, say, a three hours drive, because most of it is not real wilderness. In Canada, you can't get at most of the nature because it truly is wilderness. The Munro's are a good example, 255 hills, all within a small geographic area. I don't believe that exists in the Rockies, although in theory one could walk much further and higher. But it sounds that the OP is looking for just that, proper wilderness, and with some sunshine too.
It may not be as large geographically as parts of canada, and admittedly not as breathtaking as the Rockies, but when on the top of a Munro looking over the view or fishing/camping in a remote spot near a loch it's 'wild' enough for me. But I suppose that's only one aspect of the trade off of moving to ontario. As my wife has said "it's not all about you" lol |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Originally Posted by Roberto1980
(Post 11746773)
Great point. And to be honest it's something I do contemplate when comparing the two countries.. Although I don't get out and enjoy the hills etc as much as I'd like, (due to real life of work + family ) it's great that it's very accessible when I can, and safe in terms of wildlife lol.
It may not be as large geographically as parts of canada, and admittedly not as breathtaking as the Rockies, but when on the top of a Munro looking over the view or fishing/camping in a remote spot near a loch it's 'wild' enough for me. But I suppose that's only one aspect of the trade off of moving to ontario. As my wife has said "it's not all about you" lol I'm also currently still being a bit wussy about walking the dog in our woods with the recent bear who apparently hangs out close to us. I just need to bite the bullet:unsure: |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Originally Posted by bobble
(Post 11746608)
I want to be able to cross country ski/snowshoe to the shops/work etc. head into the mountains for multi day uninterrupted wilderness and climbing and all those other unrealistic dreams, when you have to earn a living and raise family ;)
Essentially it is all about lifestyle and letting the kids grow up where they are free to become ski or mountaineering bums, if they choose. We will take cons in our stride to achieve that, life pretty good now but we reckon it could be better. If you need to earn a living so that you can live that 'pipe dream' to be close to the Canadian outdoors with all of the wilderness, fresh air, lakes & ski slopes, then my suggestion to you is look for work, housing that you can afford, the children factor in as far as schools - then its down to location, location. What about Muskoka Ontario, it has all of the outdoors right there & winter activities of the wilderness:nod: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distri...ity_of_Muskoka Muskoka winter activities |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Originally Posted by Tirytory
(Post 11746780)
I'm also currently still being a bit wussy about walking the dog in our woods with the recent bear who apparently hangs out close to us. I just need to bite the bullet:unsure:
You just need a bear eating dog, along with that rifle & do not go out without the traditional GV Bear Paw snow shoes, a whistle, a flashlight, cell phone & a flask of hard liquor. |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Thanks of all the info everyone, all very interesting and useful.
To clarify a few points though, the first is we are not chasing an unrealistic pipe dream of a lifestyle change, we already live a similar life, we are now looking at basing ourselves somewhere to have a home base where we can do most of the things we live for (rather than travel constantly and never truly get to know an area). I also want to be able to do more winter stuff (climbing, skiing etc) on my doorstep, as i currently have to travel along way and at great expense to do this. Workwise, we are very flexible and also not chasing some improved financial situation. Just to get by, as we are now, fund our lifestyle and have plenty of free time. I would love to hear from anyone, who moved over for similar reasons and find out how it is working out. Keep posting though, lots of really interesting info cropping up and some great location reccomendations. Thanks |
Re: To consider Canada or not
To get the feel, why not come for a holiday or a recce, visit Muskoka spend a few weeks in the summer (rent a cottage on a lake) & in February (there are packages available).... seriously
Flying into Toronto airport it'll be a 2 hr drive to one of the Muskoka region towns, folks are warm & hospitable, enjoy the experience. Muskoka as an example, its area is 1520 sq'miles with a population of approx 58,000 people, a density of 38/sq ml (Wiki source)- compare that to a region in the UK Expats emigrate for all kinds of reasons, some for economic, for the future of their children & others for that adventure to be in the great outdoors or city living in one of the big smoke stack metropolitain cities. It does take money though & Canada is not cheap living. Best of luck to you . |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Sounds like a great idea not2old. Muskoka looks great and not somewhere I was familiar with until now.
Thanks |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Originally Posted by bobble
(Post 11746824)
Sounds like a great idea not2old. Muskoka looks great and not somewhere I was familiar with until now.
Thanks "Muskoka as an example, its area is 1520 sq'miles with a population of approx 58,000 people, a density of 38/sq ml (Wiki source)- compare that to a region in the UK" Is that wilderness enough for you? http://www.discovermuskoka.ca/things-to-do-see.html . |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Originally Posted by not2old
(Post 11746829)
my post 38, I added
"Muskoka as an example, its area is 1520 sq'miles with a population of approx 58,000 people, a density of 38/sq ml (Wiki source)- compare that to a region in the UK" Is that wilderness enough for you? We have a riding in BC that is the size or Norway that one lucky MP gets. |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Originally Posted by bobble
(Post 11746824)
Sounds like a great idea not2old. Muskoka looks great and not somewhere I was familiar with until now.
Thanks There is also not much work here unless you have a specific profession (for example my husband is a Family Physician) or a very specific business idea that makes you enough in the summer working all hours to combat poor local trade in winter. It's tough up here.. |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Originally Posted by bobble
(Post 11746521)
Hi all,
I am probably posting a thread posted many times but hopefully someone who is similar to us and out reasons, who can offer advice, will read it Myself 37, my wife 31 and our 8 month old baby have been talking about either a permanent move or a temporary move (possibly leading to permanent). To the mountains. We currently live in Cornwall UK. We are considering Canada, PNW USA, or French Alps. Canada has always been top of my list, for a number of reasons. There seem to be fairly even pros and cons to each option though. My wife is a teacher (we understand this will be difficult for her to continue in Canada) I am a College lecturer in sustainable Architecture but I am also a carpenter. We are outdoors people, hence the options of where to move. We climb, mountaineer, trail run, ski and surf (we just want to do more of it). We are also open minded about what we end up doing for work, lifestyle is more important. I won't post more now, or it will become an essay. Hope to hear some advice, on any aspect Many thanks |
Re: To consider Canada or not
Originally Posted by not2old
(Post 11746791)
A pipe dream me thinks, unless you have enough money to be self sufficient & if that be it, then why Canada or the PNW, simply stay in the UK & holiday in the Alps.
I live, work and play at a ski resort. There's a school here, medical centre, every amenity you need day to day, and all the recreation (and more) that bobble indicates they'd like to have access to. This week I dirt biked 100kms+ around the mountain, cross-country mountain biked, played tennis, paddle boarded on the lake, played golf and hiked. It was all accessible within 10 minutes of home. |
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