Originally Posted by pinkkristen (Post 7746223)

On this forum a lot of the people moving back to the uk seem to be coming from Australia. Are there any unhappy people leaving Canada?
We have been in Canada for four months and although its a great lifestyle for the kids and where we are is low in crime and a great place to raise kids, we are finding it tough. In all honesty its all a bit dull. The canadians i have met and socialise are very nice people, but i'm craving some good old British banter, and am starting to feel more homesick as times go on.
If i could transfer all the area has to offer for amenities and activities and deposit it in the beautiful yorkshire Dales (where we came from) it would be fab!!;)

Just interested if there are any other expats in Canada feel the same way?

Originally Posted by pinkkristen (Post 7746223)

Are there any unhappy people leaving Canada?

Originally Posted by pinkkristen (Post 7746223)

If i could transfer all the area has to offer for amenities and activities and deposit it in the beautiful yorkshire Dales (where we came from) it would be fab!!;)

Originally Posted by Elaine B. (Post 7746480)

(it will be exactly a year ago tomorrow) :

Originally Posted by Bevm (Post 7746511)

Where in the Dales and where in Canada? If you're comparing a town in Canada with a village in the Dales, it's a bit unfair.

I'm just wondering what amenities you're particularly valuing and if they'd be available near York, for example, or another area of the UK.

We're heading back from Victoria BC after 30 plus years, so clearly we don't hate it here, but even after all that time we still feel not quite here, if that makes sense. As we haven't been pining to return for all that time and have made some great friends (mostly British, however, we notice!) it's not that we haven't lived full lives here. Still feel like foreigners at heart, though.

But we're citizens and can come back any time we like, so it's more of an adventure than a do-or-die,

Bev

Originally Posted by ann m (Post 7746754)

:blink: Where the heck did that go Elaine ?! :D

Originally Posted by pinkkristen (Post 7746223)

On this forum a lot of the people moving back to the uk seem to be coming from Australia. Are there any unhappy people leaving Canada?
We have been in Canada for four months and although its a great lifestyle for the kids and where we are is low in crime and a great place to raise kids, we are finding it tough. In all honesty its all a bit dull. The canadians i have met and socialise are very nice people, but i'm craving some good old British banter, and am starting to feel more homesick as times go on.
If i could transfer all the area has to offer for amenities and activities and deposit it in the beautiful yorkshire Dales (where we came from) it would be fab!!;)

Just interested if there are any other expats in Canada feel the same way?

Originally Posted by Rixy (Post 7752996)

I'm moving back in 2/3 weeks time.
I came over to Newfoundland 3 years ago for a girl I truely loved( yes i know stupid) we went all through the common law process and lots of argueing about fititng in. Finally got my pr October last year and we split up June 1st this year.

It is dull here and I've never felt like I fitted in. I appreciate the fact I could have dual citizenship but if I'm unhappy is that being good to myself.

The people back home say the uk has gone to the dogs but I heard that same song 3 years ago too. I dont hate Canada, I just feel part of a nation in the UK

Originally Posted by pinkkristen (Post 7746223)

On this forum a lot of the people moving back to the uk seem to be coming from Australia. Are there any unhappy people leaving Canada?
We have been in Canada for four months and although its a great lifestyle for the kids and where we are is low in crime and a great place to raise kids, we are finding it tough. In all honesty its all a bit dull. The canadians i have met and socialise are very nice people, but i'm craving some good old British banter, and am starting to feel more homesick as times go on.
If i could transfer all the area has to offer for amenities and activities and deposit it in the beautiful yorkshire Dales (where we came from) it would be fab!!;)

Just interested if there are any other expats in Canada feel the same way?

Originally Posted by brizzle (Post 7752478)

I find it dull too. Everything is very insular and inward looking. People I knew in the UK used to talk about anything and everything under the sun. Here conversation and debate seems so limited. Anything that happens outside the city or province (or at a stretch N. America), may as well be taking place on a different planet. Yes, it's a decent, pleasant place with nice scenery, but it seems such a backwater at times where the status quo must be maintained at all costs. Things like entrepeneurship, enterprise, innovation and different thinking seem stifled at every turn. I feel as though everything is going on elsewhere and life has stopped here.

Originally Posted by jad n rich (Post 7753339)

Thankfully we have done so many years in the ultimate bland land, North America now looks very exciting.

Originally Posted by Jules Europe (Post 7754148)

There are many on the Canada forum that refer to Canada as the ultimate big bland land, having seen Canada I don`t agree with this as I feel it has a lot to offer etc. But if you don`t know Canada, you may reach the same conclusion as these people.

Originally Posted by Yes-can-do (Post 7754470)

I don't find it bland at all - Nova Scotians and Newfoundlanders are certainly very upbeat and friendly - must be all that Scottish and Irish blood in them ;).

Aside from family, it's all to do with who are in your circle of friends surely. That's what make life happy and exciting wherever in the world you live.

Immigrants have to put themselves out there and network, network, network. It's the fastest way to feel part of your new community and find like-minded friends. It can be quite daunting but has to be done because building a social network doesn't come handed to you on plate. You soon reap the rewards of all the effort you put in :D

Originally Posted by Jules Europe (Post 7754481)

I was actually referring to the anti-Canada brigade on the Canadian forum and not the majority of people on there. Personally I love Canada and wouldn`t hesitate to live there.

Totally agree with the fact that immigrants really need to put thmselves out, as this is all part of the immigration procedure and half the fun.

Originally Posted by Yes-can-do (Post 7754676)

People forget that it takes many years to build up true friendships even in their homeland, so you can't expect it to happen in a few months in your new chosen country. That's unrealistic - it takes time and effort :)

Originally Posted by Sunshine Girl (Post 7756753)

I can only speak for myself insofar as to what I have come to realise is important for us is our family, friends, familiarity, and employment.
Both myself and OH have overcome serious health issues in the 5 years or so that we have been in Canada, and that sense of vunerability when you are very alone makes me glad that I have learnt the lessons I have whilst we can still return 'home' :)

Originally Posted by jad n rich (Post 7753306)

You think your confused :lol: from UK, went to australia, now have lodged application to get into Canada. However know that will take a long time, so started looking at York :thumbup: again too, I love that place, and as you say, UK is pretty exciting compared to many places... Not that many there appreciate it.

I dont know where we will end up, wont be australia:eek: but the choice between York and Canada is tough.

Will probably end up with citizenship for Aus, Canada and UK then each time I am bored I can move between all of them:eek::lol:

Originally Posted by Sunshine Girl (Post 7756753)

I can only speak for myself insofar as to what I have come to realise is important for us is our family, friends, familiarity, and employment.
Both myself and OH have overcome serious health issues in the 5 years or so that we have been in Canada, and that sense of vunerability when you are very alone makes me glad that I have learnt the lessons I have whilst we can still return 'home' :)

Originally Posted by iaink (Post 7754923)

That is 100% the truth. I see the original poster has reached 4 months and is increasingly homesick.... Do people not look into culture shock and homesickness as part of the emmigrating process? It should really be a compulsory part of the curriculum. Around about that time the initial honeymoon is over, the adrenaline rush of finally getting here long gone, but for most people if you stick at it, then in time, like another 6 months, things will start to fall in place and feel familiar, and then you can make a rational decision about how you feel.

Making any decision in the first year or two is really asking for trouble in the long term.

Originally Posted by Rixy (Post 7753034)

Just PR but is it worth waiting till November next year just apply which take another 6 months. All to be miserable here?

Originally Posted by brizzle (Post 7752478)

Indeed, count me in !! What area do you live in ?

For me, although IMO some things are better here (overall it's cleaner, nicer parks, good recreation etc for kids), and some worse (endless urban sprawl, fewer job prospects, rubbish tv etc). Overall most things balance out in comparison to the UK. But I don't feel at home here at all.


I find it dull too. Everything is very insular and inward looking. People I knew in the UK used to talk about anything and everything under the sun. Here conversation and debate seems so limited. Anything that happens outside the city or province (or at a stretch N. America), may as well be taking place on a different planet. Yes, it's a decent, pleasant place with nice scenery, but it seems such a backwater at times where the status quo must be maintained at all costs. Things like entrepeneurship, enterprise, innovation and different thinking seem stifled at every turn.

I feel as though everything is going on elsewhere and life has stopped here. It's hard to clarify, but in the UK, I felt part of something and close to what is happening in the world. Now I feel like I've retired to somewhere quiet, boring, and where not very much of interest ever happens.

Originally Posted by pinkkristen (Post 7757963)

We spent 5 weeks trying to find accomdation that would suit us, but after desperation landed in complete suburbia without any charactor (or people!) The streets are filled with houses and houses and more houses:p but nobody around. I am a stay at home mum so it makes it feel like a ghost time at times!!

Originally Posted by pinkkristen (Post 7758869)

We are in oakville ontario, there are loads of facilities for families and i do find lots to do with the kids. I can't put my finger on what it is but maybe it does take more time (yes i know i have only been here 4 months) I have integrated myself and have met lots of decent people and get together with our lovely canadian neighbours lots but something is missing.
I have to agree although it shouldn't be important (though with 3 little ones at home everynight it becomes more so) the telly is just awful and given up trying to find anything decent!! Go on shout me down! :eek:
The surbuban sprawl is taking getting used to and i do love the pretty areas you can drive to just need more life and soul in the area!

Whereabouts are you.

Originally Posted by brizzle (Post 7759085)

I am based in surburban Vancouver. Part of my problem is that I am here for family reasons and never had a desire or dream to live here. It can be a nice place to live especially if you love certain outdoor activities and can afford to live in one of the more central locations. Trouble is the lack of decent, interesting jobs. I'm working in a job, I was doing 10-15yrs ago. Outside of downtown, there are possibly one or two areas that have any life or soul.

If I were you I'd give it a year or two, it may grow on you. For me, I love my football/cricket, pubs, history, quality tv, culture and travel to Europe. Been away too long and would rather be in the UK than here :(

Originally Posted by jonfrank123 (Post 7759282)

We have recently returned to the UK from Canada. While I have nothing against Canada, since moving back our lives have improved imeasurably. Our Social life, money situation, and accomodation are far better now than they were in Canada.

It's also the little things. In our suburb of Montreal, Canada I could ring the doctor as an emergency and not get an appointment for a week. I rang my local surgery for a non urgent appointment here in Oxfordshire and got to see the doctor on the same evening. Our prescription charges are far, far cheaper now we are in the UK. The saving is almost £150 per month!! Even our weekly supermarket shop is less than half the price we paid in Canada.

We will certainly back to visit Canada as that's where my wife's parents live, but for us living in the UK wins hands down.

Originally Posted by jonfrank123 (Post 7759325)

Hi Sans

Thanks for that!! At the risk of sounding repetitive I pay a lot less on Car insurance in Oxfordshire than I did in Quebec. However I do live in a quite Cotswold Village, I reckon you could double my premium if I was back in North London.

Whilst it's true Natural Gas is more expensive in the UK than Canada, you need to use a lot more of it there due to the minus 30 degree winters so overall bills are lower in the UK. As for council tax, it's very similar in both countries.

Originally Posted by jonfrank123 (Post 7759282)

We have recently returned to the UK from Canada. While I have nothing against Canada, since moving back our lives have improved imeasurably. Our Social life, money situation, and accomodation are far better now than they were in Canada.

It's also the little things. In our suburb of Montreal, Canada I could ring the doctor as an emergency and not get an appointment for a week. I rang my local surgery for a non urgent appointment here in Oxfordshire and got to see the doctor on the same evening. Our prescription charges are far, far cheaper now we are in the UK. The saving is almost £150 per month!! Even our weekly supermarket shop is less than half the price we paid in Canada.

We will certainly back to visit Canada as that's where my wife's parents live, but for us living in the UK wins hands down.

Originally Posted by pinkkristen (Post 7759366)

i have to agree the shopping bills have increased even though i use about 3 different places to shop in! Which is a pain in the backside dragging little ones around!! Oh and don't even get me started on the cost of a pint in a pub and wine in LCBO!!!

Originally Posted by sans (Post 7759371)

The cost of living out there on Canadian money is so different to reccy-ing on british £s :) I think lots of us have got sucked in with that one, but you can never truely know until you have actually done it.

Originally Posted by Deva (Post 7758990)

Ahhh, suburbia. Some people on this forum love it, some hate it.

For me, suburban sprawl is one of the worst things about Canada. When returning to the UK was a possibility last year, one of the conditions we set for staying in Canada is that we are able to live in a walkable neighbourhood with real character and good social interaction. We've found that here in an older part of Ottawa. It is probably still classed as suburban but it is a million miles away from the developments on the outskirts of the city.

As you consider your plans over the next 18 months I hope you are able to determine how much of your dissatisfaction is due to the neighbourhood you are in. A completely different experience may be just a few km away.