val50

Hi Debbie, it might also be worth checking out the moving back to UK forum on here - quite a few people we know who moved to NS have since moved back to UK or other parts of Canada, and it might be a useful to check out their comments too.
We've been in Bedford almost 4 years now, our son was 16 when we arrived and finished school in Halifax.
I've never really settled there and only keep my sanity by being able to spend part of the year in France. I was in UK last week, and had a great time. The countryside was absolutely gorgeous - saw loads of bluebells in the woods around Portsmouth, and couldn't get over how much colour there was everywhere. I think Autumn is probably the best time of year in Nova Scotia, the colour of the trees is really spectacular.
May/June can be very foggy especially around Halifax, as it starts to warm up. That's when you also start getting problems with black fly.
I think getting a job is a worry anywhere at the moment, but maybe things will be easier when you are finally ready to make the move.
Good luck, it's not an easy decision to make

Auld Yin

Debbie,

Please believe me that I do not ask this question with cynicism, but if you dislike Canada, as your post suggests, and you appear to have the wherewithal to live in France/UK ,which you do like, why continue to torture yourself by returning at all? I can assure you if I was in your position I would go and live where I'm happier.

val50

I think your question was meant for me not Debbie
I do not dislike Canada, what I dislike is those who make out Nova Scotia is some sort of Eutopia. I have seen too many expats come and go in the 4 years since we've been there. Like Louise said (post 2) it is more expensive living there than many think, and it is probably those who live in the more rural areas and are self efficient that are the happiest.
What I try to do is give a balanced view of life there, and from personal experience, provide information when it's asked for.
We have family ties still in NS that make it impossible for us to leave at the moment, so I plan my year to make sure I don't get too depressed and make the most of it. I know I am very lucky to be able to do that. As those who know me will agree, I am certainly not unhappy and certainly do not torture myself in any way.
The OP was unsure about the move and asking for opinions. If anyone does a search back, you will see that although there are lots of people who love NS and are very happy there, there are also lots who moved there and found it was not what they were expecting. We were in the latter category. I just wish someone had been honest enough to point out a few home facts to us before we went ahead and made the move.

the nixs

You know this feedback is exactly what I would want. I dont want to think that everything is going to be rosy in the garden then turn up to find out weve made a mistake because thats a major problem then. In fact if anyone wanted to tell me all the down sides then I am more than happy to listen to them.

I know we are going to come to Canada no matter what but I want to be sure we settle in the right area for us and the kids. We know we will have to make some major lifestyle changes and are ready and willing to do that because to be fair the stress from work commitements (running our own business together) and the way the uk is at the moment is only going to get worse in our opinion.

Its just getting scary now as were doing more than just dreaming and talking about it and its becoming a reality. Oh the joys of all the uncetainty and hassle to make this major change and you just wish and pray that your doing the right thing so being cautious and making as many enquiries into it all and speaking to as many different people about it will open our eyes a little wider to what its really like and not what we think its like.

Keep the opinions coming good or bad I appreciate it thanks

Tangram

Good post.

AmyDavid

Here, here.

P.S - Why not just torture your OH instead...I think he might like it...