It’s been just over a year since I moved from the UK to Canada on a two-year Working Holiday Permit. I wrote about my initial experiences a few weeks after arriving. Now I’m more settled, it’s time to check in again. At the halfway mark, how do I feel about life in Canada?
1. It’s a challenge to be introverted
Despite years of solo travelling, the one country that has really challenged my social skills is Canada. This is for two main reasons.
First, locals will talk to you all the time (especially in smaller towns). Not for any ulterior motive; they’re just curious to know how your day is going, if you’re enjoying their part of the world, where you’ve come from, and so on. Whether I’m boarding a flight, buying groceries or waiting for a bus, I no longer bother with headphones. My time will be spent conversing with a stranger instead! It’s overwhelming when your natural instinct is to keep to yourself, but it’s also endearing to feel welcomed into their community.
Second, making friends in Canada is hard. Yes, people here are polite and smiley, but interactions don’t often go beyond that. To develop friendships, I’ve had to push myself out of my comfort zone and be forceful in encouraging others to move past surface level conversations to find a deeper connection.
2. Car is king
My advice to other backpackers: put aside some savings to buy a car! I wish I’d bought a car, even knowing it’s expensive. North America is impossible to get around without a vehicle. Even in Canada’s biggest cities, transport systems barely function (my hatred for the Toronto Transit Commission continues) and living in the suburbs feels isolating.
As a British citizen, I can stay in Canada for up to three years on a Working Holiday Permit. I dread to think about the car hire and Uber costs I could rack up in three years… (Not to mention the inconvenience of travelling 90 minutes to and from the rental agency each time I need to pick up a car!). Investing that money and time into buying a car would have made more sense.
3. Bilingualism is beautiful
Even though the UK is multicultural, there was never a focus on learning other languages when I was growing up. I’ve found I really enjoy hearing and seeing two official languages. Everything from packaging to road signs will be printed in both English and French; a constant reminder that another culture and language is valued here.
My love for travel stems from immersing myself in a different world. When I’m in French-speaking provinces, I get that sense that I’m somewhere different (something I lacked on my previous working holidays, where the culture was similar to at home).
4. The weather is unbearable
When I arrived in May 2024, I was horrified to discover how hot and humid Toronto already was for ‘spring’. It was constant torture until late October; month after month of uncontrollable sweating, sunburn, and more mosquito bites than I’ve received in South East Asia and Australia put together. Just when you think a reprieve is coming… you plunge immediately into the freezing cold.
Despite how much I’d been warned in advance, the research I’d done, and how many thermals I packed, the cold was too cold for me. I abandoned ship and went home spontaneously for Christmas just to avoid the worst of Canadian winter.
For me, the winters are too cold, the summers are too hot, and there’s only one or two days in between seasons for adjustment. Canadians are some of the bravest people I know to live this way year in, year out!
5. I’m happiest when in nature
Normally, I’m a big city girl. My plan of attack for a working holiday: travel around for a bit, then settle down and enjoy busy city life. In Canada, I’ve been craving the opposite. Settling in Toronto didn’t fill me with the excitement I expected, and I also didn’t fall in love when I visited other cities like Calgary or Vancouver.
Instead, I realised I was happiest surrounded by nature. The small town life that made me uncomfortable in other countries puts a huge smile on my face here. Give me a cabin on the lake overlooking the mountains and a bigger population of moose than people, and I’m content.
I’ve been craving peace and quiet, coastal views, and gentle walks in national parks. The Discovery Pass has been the most worthy purchase—I’ve used it to explore parts of Canada I’d never heard about, many of which have been surprise hits!
6. Don’t fear the healthcare system
When I first visited Canada as a tourist, I fell ill and had to seek medical help. I’ve never forgotten how expensive one doctor’s appointment and prescription was. I was nervous to stay longer-term in this country with such expensive healthcare… but it’s not a problem when you’re a working holiday maker!
First, everyone on an IEC permit must purchase health insurance as a mandatory visa requirement, so unexpected emergencies (like I experienced beforehand) are covered by insurance. Second, if you’re staying in one province for a job that lasts six months or more, you can apply for provincial healthcare. I was able to get the Ontario health card, which meant my doctor’s appointments were free and I only had to pay for the cost of medication!
7. There is more history than I expected
When I chose Canada for a working holiday, I knew to expect impressive scenery and wildlife, but I didn’t necessarily associate this destination with history. But in my travels, I’ve learned about Acadians and the Mi’kmaq people. I’ve visited the first European settlement, the birthplace of the Canadian Federation, and rode the Canadian Pacific railroad through the Yukon Gold Rush towns. I’m making it a mission to keep learning as much as possible throughout my second year.
8. Eating healthy is hard
Ever since arriving, I’ve been surprised by the similarity between food in Canada and America, both in flavour profile and size. After a year of this way of eating being my norm, well, I miss European food more than ever. The extra salt, sugar, colours and processed chemicals added to all your essential ingredients have impacted both my physical and mental health.
Going out to eat started out fun, but the novelty soon wore off. At least I take my leftovers home and stretch them over several meals to curb the overeating. I’ve also been sticking to lighter cuisines like Korean, Thai and Japanese, because I can’t face any more burgers, deep pan pizza, or even my once-beloved poutine. If you’re travelling around rural Canada, there won’t be much choice for diverse and healthy cuisine (especially if you’re vegetarian!).
9. Party at the farmer’s market
I’ve learnt that farmer’s markets in Canada aren’t just a place to buy food. They’re also a social hub, where everyone in the community gets together once a week to catch up. Speaking to locals at the market is one of the quickest ways to find out more about the town, any upcoming events or unique things to do. It’s a great way to support authentic small businesses. Some of the markets have been operating since the 1700s, so it’s also an example of more impressive history!
10. Canadian pride makes me proud
Especially in recent months, I am so proud to be an honorary Canadian. People at home regularly ask what it’s like to hear “Canada is the 51st state” (I timed moving to North America terribly…). I tell them how the Canadians are handling the confrontation from the Trump administration with such dignity.
They maintain their politeness; they don’t throw tantrums or play dirty. Yet, they also don’t back down. Canadians defend their country with quiet camaraderie: coffee shops changing Americanos to ‘Canadianos’, ‘Made in Canada’ signs popping up in stores (to avoid buying products with tariffs), or a focus on staycations instead of vacationing across the border.
In such a fragile political landscape, when it’s more important than ever to be here for each other, I’m grateful to be in Canada, surrounded by some of the nicest humans on the planet.
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