Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

Hi

We are still weighing up where we would like to move to in Canada, but I would just like to hear a few pros and cons for various areas provinces etc to help us decide. Dependent upon what you say, may determine where we go on holiday this year, on our reconnaisance trip.

We would like to buy a main residence and another smaller property(ies) to be used as a holiday let as a means of partial income. Any suggestions?

We have been to Ontario and really like it, but it would be foolish to decide on one particular place without considering all the other options.

We are just looking for a few ideas, so personal thoughts from people who live there is what I would really like to hear. Likewise any info on nice places to stay for a couple of weeks would also be useful.

Job wise I am in Financial services, but do not intend to stay in this industry once settled in Canada. If we cannot make a living from property letting I would be happy to consider any stress free occupation.

Weather is not too important, we know what to expect.

I have heard positive reports about Nova Scotia, Ontario, BC and Alberta, but about other areas that never seem to get mentioned?

Over to you all for your thoughts

Regards

Gray C

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

:p Iqaluit :p

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

Damnit Gray C, I was gonna ask that :)
Also, can someone tell me how crazy this scheme sounds, any pitfalls etc?

So far the plan is to pay the place as many visits as we can afford once we've made our mind up where we might like to go. If we go through with our app, get accepted & make it there in one piece, for starters we plan on getting any damn jobs that will bring home enough cash for us to live on. If we get that far I plan on applying for the police force, not sure what the Mrs wants to do yet.

While we're stuck in blighty, we're gonna bide our time, save up our cash & dig up as much info as we can, I'm thinking to join the Specials (volunteer police) so I have some previous experience but I've read a lot of posts saying Canadian experience is the only sort that counts, so would this be a waste of time?

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

So you think we are Eskimos?

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

Heck What an experience that would be for you all!!!!

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

It's Innuit ... Iqaluit is -30C and sunny today, almost tropical.

We decided a long time ago that Iqaluit was the ideal answer to an almost unanswerable question ... ie.where to go in Canada?

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

The prefered term is Innuit.

If you had bothered to search for the countless times that this question has been asked and not answered before you would know "Why Iqaluit"

http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=254755

and numerous other "where to go" threads

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

OK I consider myself told off for asking such a "daft" question, but you must appreciate that we are on the other side of the pond and need as much support and advice that we can get. As I said in my original question I was only seeking personal opinions, as I feared I would get a reply like this. Any suggestions offered would only be taken for guidance purposes only!!

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

:D

All kidding aside... I'm going to put a plug in for the north. A substantial segment of my family lives in the Yukon and they wouldn't live anywhere else. It is a compelling, beautiful place though obviously not for everyone. I can't begin to describe the natural beauty and sense of peace one experinces up there. It's amazing. The summers beat anything else in Canada, IMO, though the winters are definitely "an experience" best experienced with a plane ticket to Cuba in your possession. For those really wanting to escape the rat race (as oppose to those who say they do yet go about re-creating it for themselves but in a different country) I suggest, at the very least, giving it a consideration. :)

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

Sorry if I was short with you, just fed up of seing the same impossible question time and time again. If you are still posting here in 3 years, you'll probably be beating me to it with the smartarse answer to some unfortunate new poster!

This forum works at its best if you can narrow down your options and then ask for opinions from those who have first hand experience of an area.

Otherwise everyone will tell you there little corner of this huge country is the best place, and for them it is, but without knowing outside interests, career prospects, weather tollerances etc you are asking a lot to suggest areas that are right for you. for example welshmountie has set his heart on the Quinte area where I live. I'll tell you its a nice area, and Im happy here, but he works in IT and there is no major IT employer here. If you suggest a few places and tell us what in particular you are looking for, then I'm sure you will have a more productive response (hopefully!)

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

Iaink

I accept what you say and I knew it was a difficult question to answer. As I said in my original message, weather tolerance is not a major issue, within reason (I do not think we would like the weather in the far north of Canada in the winter). we are not averse to a bit of snow, likewise rain, as I believe is the norm in BC. Summer we like warmth and sun. As I mentioned if it is feasible, we would like to buy a couple of holiday homes to let out and hopefully generate some income this way. I would already be able to bring about £600 per month from the UK and without a mortgage I would hope that we could make a reasonable (not extravagant) living.

Am I way off beam with my thoughts on this one? if so, I would be happy to do any sort of stress free work that would bring in enough income to live on, so therefore I do not think career chasing is important, except for my original idea, which would mean living somewhere where tourists are likely to want to visit, most of the year round.

Places to consider.... Having only been to Ontario, that is one of the reasons I would like a bit more info regarding Nova Scotia, BC etc. The only place that I can think of that might fit the bill in Ontario is Stratford. Any other suggestions.

All I would like to know, is our idea a pipe dream or reality? if the latter, some suggestions of places that might fit the bill would be gratefully received.

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

that's good... plenty here even if this year was mild (well for montreal it was).

And with that hint, can i reiterate that Montreal is nice... :) though to work here you do need to have a good basis of french.

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

As I've mentioned on a few other posts...I don't know east of Manitoba at all, but I know the west. If you are looking for tourism...BC is the place. The Rockies draw thousands year round. Summer all outdoor pursuits, winter outdoor pursuits from skiing to hunting. So if looking to let out a home for extra income...this would not be a bad place to do it.

No tourism to speak of in Manitoba or Saskatchewan. A bit in Alberta especially Calgary for the big stampede.

Hope that helps a bit.

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

Thanks for the information.

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

No problem...good luck! We are looking to open a B&B in BC so who knows we may be neighbours and competitors :)

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

Calgary is a big draw for the Stampede, but Banff and Canmore are the tourist centres ... fantastic scenery and good for winter sports ... cheaper to visit than BC thanks to Alberta's lower taxes :cool:

Tourism in the rest of Alberta (Sylvan Lake, etc) is more for locals, but very active ... apart from an Albertan, who else wants to sit by an artificial lake in the middle of the prairies??!!

Speaking as an Albertan ... I like sitting by an artificial lake in the middle of the prairies ... it's sunny and there aren't any sharks in the water :cool:

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

Yes can't forget Banff and Canmore. Gorgeous as well, the only problem is that the cost of housing in those areas is very high...but can be worth every penny!


Oh Sylvan lake...brings back many happy memories...great fishing there! :)

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

We originally considered a B&B but then decided that we would prefer to have our own space in our own home, hence running separate establishments. At the end of the day it all depends on whether our application is successful, and how much we can realise from our assets and how much the potential properties will cost us. It is all a bit crystal ballish at the moment.

Good luck with your B&B and keep in touch to let us know how you are getting on.

Graham & Pauline

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

Hi,

Unless your really keen I would'nt bother with the specials. I served for 8 years with Hampshire Constabulary and RCMP did'nt want to hear about it. With the current processing times for a PR it might pay you to join the regular police which takes about 6-12 months depending on the force area. Given the quoted 3 year processsing time you could gain a good 2 years experience that RCMP would recognise.

Good luck with the application

Steve

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

Is a fair question to ask I think.....I know its repetitive but theres no harm in people asking.

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

I just wish they would search before asking, would save a lot of everyones time. The answers havent changed since last time.

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

Having lived iN NS and Ontario, i definitely prefer Ontario simply becuase there is so much more to do here with my young child.

The Ontario Early Years Centres are fantastic, totally free and available six days a week including some evenings.

Better transport links here and more choice.

NS is beautiful though but seemed to suffer from harsher weather in the winter and more humid weather in the summer. The mosquitoes are terrible there as well. I have not yet expereinced them here in the summer though so I am kind of hoping that they will be better than they were in NS.

They definitely cleared the snow better in NS though!!!!!

Loved all the lakes in NS, brilliant for swimming. Definitely more of them within closer proximity there.

Hope this helps a little bit!!!

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

Some people aren't as knowledgeable on websites though as you Iain, thats all.

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

Don't pull your punches ... just come straight out and tell him he's a smartarse :p

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

Didnt think searching the old posts was rocket science, just good manners. Maybe I'm smarter than I thought.

Wasnt there a suggestion a while ago that there should be some sort of sticky introductory FAQ type post for newbies? Might be helpfull in these circumstances.

Apart from the obvious "where to go" question what else should go in.

TV (PAL / NTSC/ DVD regions) comes up a lot, and credit worthyness, and car insurance / drivers licensing.

Anymore for anymore?

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

Do you want an honest answer or a nice answer??

We could do with some sort of sticky ... I'm so glad that you volunteered to maintain it ... come on everyone, give Iain a big pat on the back ...

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

:D Nice I think...but then given your previous comments about getting all polite, maybe honest is better :confused:

I dont think any maintainence is necessary, just have to get it started and pursued Ray to make it sticky. Be a good idea to have a short list of regular topics though before starting.

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

Any chance it can be filtered or secured to keep irrelevent posts (or posters) out?

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

I just really don't see what the big deal is with asking, its tbe sort of question i might ask if I was new to the board and wanted adviceand I wouldn't probably think of using the search facility but that doesn't make me stupid.

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

Could just lock the thread after its been edited to perfection!
Sure Ray could do that. If he has the time, and is getting any sleep.

while heading off topic....Ray...we need more pictures!!!!

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

It just seems like an impossible question to answer. Like me saying "I'm moving to Europe, where should I go?" There are so many variables that depend on personal preferences. I guess I would have assumed that before moving to another country, you would have an idea of the different areas so the question could be narrowed down a bit.

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

I certainly didn't say you were :)

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

I dont remember anyone calling anyone stupid, but would you really want to take advice from a bunch of people until you had read a bit of what they have said on the subject in the past??? Again, maybe its just my nature to watch for a while from the side before jumping into the fray. Its not a big deal, but as a regular here it gets tiring seeing the same impossible question time and again, so it was decided a few posts ago to give a smartarse answer.

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

You prolly already know this since it sounds like your already across the pond, but just in case you don't, there's other forces besides the RCMP (& last time I checked you had to have citizenship before they'd let you apply for RCMP). I found a few on the websites for the various states.
I thought about applying for the regular police, but the probation period lasts 2 years & I was worried it might look like I couldn't hack it if i left just as that was up.

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

Ooops ... please don't call provinces states when you get here, they'll lynch you.

Each major city has its own police department ... in Alberta, the smaller communities and highways are policed by the RCMP ... but I believe that Ontario has some sort of provincial police deprtament??

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

I wasn't saying anyone did call me stupid, everyone is way too touchy here. All I made was a casual observation offering up why people may ask time and time again!!!! It wasn't meant to be anything deep!!!! And who cares if people ask time and time again, I mean does it really matter.

Anyway matter aside, I think the sticky posts would be a great idea, maybe there could be one each for all the main provinces!!!

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

Very true

And one for Iqaluit :D

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

Thats the OPP. In addition many small townships have there own independent forces. even tiny Stirling has its own PD, as does Belleville. These seem to be slowly being amalgamaeted with the OPP for cost efficiencies, for example recently the "Quinte West" PD became an OPP detachment, and even Quinte West was a fairly recent amalgamation of a number of townships.

All a bit different to the UK. The RCMP acts as a kind of FBI as well as a local force, and the OPP will be called in to help with big investigations beyond the scope of a small town force.

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

As the originator of this "tiring impossible question" I would just like to state a few points on this matter.

I fully recognise that many questions of a similar nature have already been asked before, hence my thread title starting "Probably been here before......"

However, what I was trying to ask for was some personal opinions about various provinces, regions etc, purely as a means of getting a feel for a place with a view to possibly making a reconnaisance visit later this year. It was never intended to be a really serious question to get responses that I would act upon and then come back to haunt people if their recommendation did not live up to our expectations. As I said, just a few personal opinions was all I wanted!

Thanks for all of you that offered your views on various places, I have found this to be useful as part of my research into where we would like to live. So in that respect, I have found the thread to be very helpful

It should also be noted that this thread has been read almost 600 times as of today (10/02/05 at 9.42am) with in excess of 37 replies to date, which is not bad for a repetitive subject. It just proves that it is still a subject that people want to read and hear about. I suspect that the majority of the people that find this subject most useful are the people like myself, still in the UK, but still unsure as to where they would like to settle in Canada.

Anyone currently living in Canada (or not, as it may be) that is tired of the subject can simply ignore the thread when it is next posted, which I am in no doubt will happen again in the near future.

Iaink, I am not having a go at you, and please do not take offence, I have found this particular thread to be enlightening.. and entertaining, and has been contributed to in the true manner of this forum!

For me the question and ultimately the answers have been useful, which in itself has served its purpose. At least I now know where Iqaluit is in Canada!

Re: Probably been here before. Where to live?
 

Oh dear, I don't usually get involved with this one but here it goes. The senior members are not trying to be rude. If i came on and asked which car should I buy, it is impossible to answer. Do I need all-wheel drive, do i want it to be fast, what about a two seater or do you have 15 kids etc.

That is why its funny when a post appears recommending a bloody robin reliant! :D Its not supposed to be serious!

But if I posted "There is me and my girlfriend, we have no kids, not planning any. Would like a fast car but must be spacious as we go camping and need to fit in a tent" etc, it helps someone say "I have a subaru estate, I like it, its fast, you fit a tent in it, try it"

Now apply to locations in Canada.

The danger here is that some people will start to ignore some questions because of repetition and valuable info for others will be lost. Carry on please Glas, iaink, willmore etc etc