Moving to Toronto

Nestled between three of North America’s Great Lakes, namely Eerie, Huron and Ontario, the bustling city of Toronto attracts droves of tourists who come to hike, swim and boat along their shores.

Besides boasting oodles of natural splendour, Toronto is a multicultural, cosmopolitan city with plenty to offer in terms of its job market, entertainment and overall quality of life, which is why it is such a hotspot for expats moving to Canada.

Living in Toronto as an expat

Toronto is the heart of Canada's working world and home to several large banking institutions as well as plenty of opportunities in business, finance, biotechnology, aerospace, media, communications and IT.

Downtown Toronto is constantly expanding and boasts a variety of accommodation options for expats. The iconic CN Tower, which was once the tallest freestanding structure in the world, can be seen from anywhere in the city. Locals claim that navigating by the tower is a foolproof way to avoid getting lost, and this can be helpful for newly-arrived expats.

Toronto has also earned recognition as one of the best shopping destinations in the world. Many local stores and speciality boutiques find themselves wedged between exclusive European and American outlets.

Toronto has a highly efficient public transport system. Almost every area and suburb has access to buses, trains and a rather unique streetcar system. The backbone of the city’s transport, though, is its extensive subway, which links most of the outlying suburbs to the city centre.

Cost of living in Toronto

Expats who hold resident permits will be able reduce their expenses by taking advantage of Canada's widely-praised tax-funded health scheme. Those in Canada on a more short-term basis will need to invest in private health insurance to cover their medical needs during their stay.

Expat families and children in Toronto

Expat parents moving to Toronto will find the city ideal for raising a family. As mentioned, expat families can rest assured the healthcare specialists in Toronto are highly qualified and the facilities advanced.

With excellent public, international and private schools throughout Toronto, parents will have no shortage of options when it comes to their children’s education.

Family get-togethers, hikes, picnics and leisurely strolls are sure to become regular pastimes for expats, thanks to the many green spaces, lakes and forests in and around Toronto. The city also boasts exciting theme parks, museums and other attractions for families to explore.

Climate in Toronto

The climate in Toronto is categorised as continental and is milder and more enjoyable than in other parts of Canada. Winters in the city tend to be cold with plenty of snowfall, while summers are surprisingly hot and humid. The city experiences year-round rainfall.

Overall, expats who choose Toronto can expect a welcoming and safe city with a rich quality of life.