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Budgeting tips for settling into life in Canada

Alternatives to most popular Canadian national parks

August 02, 2024

Did you know? Canada's best athlete is also a teenager. Seventeen-year-old swimming sensation Summer McIntosh just won her first Olympic gold medal and is the first Canadian woman to win an Olympic 400-metre individual medley race. (CBC Sports)

LIVING
Budgeting Tips for Settling into Life in Canada

Managing your finances can be a challenge, especially as a newcomer. In The Star, Leslie-Anne Scorgie offers a refreshing take on budgeting — without a spreadsheet.

1. The Pinwheel Method 🌈

Create a colorful drawing to categorize and visualize your expenses. You’ll be able to see where your money goes and adjust as needed.

2. Automate Everything 🤖

Set up automatic transfers and payments to manage bills and savings effortlessly. Ensure your system worked by checking it once a month.

3. Turn Budgeting into a Game 🎮

Why not try competing to see who can save the most each day?

4. Bullet Journaling ✍️

Manually track your income and expenses for a personal touch. For an added bonus, use journal prompts to determine how you feel about your spending decisions.

5. The 60/20/20 Rule 📊

Allocate 60% of your income to needs, 20% to wants, and 20% to savings or debt repayment.

CANADA EH?
Things To Do Around You:

Toronto's Caribbean Caribana festival has grown exponentially since its start in 1967 and is currently North America’s largest cultural festival. August 1-5

Osheaga Music Festival is a festival in Montreal, Quebec, that is held every summer at Parc Jean-Drapeau on Île Sainte-Hélène. August 2-4

Viva! Victoria Latin Fest is a Latin American inspired cultural event that features live music, dance, food, cultural activities, and more. August 3-4

Festival Country Gatineau is for all country music lovers. August 1-4

Woodbine Park has never tasted this delicious before. Back for another year, The Toronto Food Truck Festival is serving up some real must-eats! August 2-5

The Busker Festival in Halifax and Dartmouth scours the globe to find the best street performers and musicians to perform at the annual event.

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TRAVEL
Less Busy Alternatives to the Most Popular National Parks 🌲

Parks Canada has made a list of of less busy but just as beautiful alternatives to the most popular and crowded destinations 

🌄 If You Love Banff National Park…

Banff, Canada's oldest and most visited national park, welcomes over four million visitors each year. Its Rocky Mountain scenery, glaciers, ice fields, and iconic sites like the Cave and Basin National Historic site and Banff Upper Hot Springs make it a must-see. Plan ahead to make the most of your visit!

🌊 If You Love Pacific Rim National Park Reserve…

Over a million visitors flock to Pacific Rim each year to surf Long Beach, hike the West Coast Trail, and enjoy the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nation culture. For a quieter experience, visit during the shoulder season. Always "know before you go" and stay CoastSmart about the water.

🏖️ If You Love Atlantic Canada…

Then explore Fundy National Park
You’ll also love Kouchibouguac National Park

Dive into the East Coast charm with beautiful beaches, Anne of Green Gables' legacy, the history of Confederation, pristine hiking, and biking trails.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT
🍽️ Canada’s Classic Diners and Hidden Gems!

Here are some standout local favorites recommended by Globe and Mail readers:

Wilensky’s – Montreal, QC

🍔 Serving classic fare for 91 years.

White Lily Diner – Toronto, ON

🌟 Michelin Green Star, farm-fresh Buttermilk Griddle pancakes.

Patrician Grill – Toronto, ON

🍳 Renowned for omelettes, peameal bacon sandwiches, and roasted turkey clubs.

The Senator – Toronto, ON

🍞 Cozy ambiance and famous Challah French toast.

Creme de la Creme Café – Toronto, ON

🍳 Delicious three-egg omelettes with hash browns and peameal bacon.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Céline Dion Makes Triumphant Return at Paris Olympics 🎉🎤

After a four-year hiatus due to stiff-person syndrome, Céline Dion graced the Paris Olympic Games opening ceremony with a stunning performance. The Canadian icon sang Edith Piaf’s classic "Hymne à l'amour" from the iconic Eiffel Tower, marking her first live concert since 2020. The emotional finale was met with rave reviews on social media, with fans and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praising her powerful comeback. Dion's performance, described as a "triumphant" return, was a beautiful celebration of resilience and love.
(CBC Entertainment)

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