Canadian cities guide for renting

LIVING
Canadian cities guide for renting

Moving to a new city comes with lots to think about – from the job market to schools to lifestyle – but one of the biggest factors? Cost of living.

Good news: According to a recent Narcity article, rent is down in some cities.

Vancouver, BC
Still the most expensive rental market in Canada, but rent has seen significant decreases.
🛏️ Two-bedroom: $3,460 (-10.4%)
🛋️ One-bedroom: $2,550 (-5.6%)

Kitchener, ON
This mid-sized Ontario city leads in savings, with the largest year-over-year rent drops.
🛏️ Two-bedroom: $2,140 (-9.7%)
🛋️ One-bedroom: $1,770 (-8.3%)

Burnaby, BC
A more affordable alternative to Vancouver, Burnaby has also experienced sharp rent declines.
🛏️ Two-bedroom: $2,900 (-9.4%)
🛋️ One-bedroom: $2,330 (-6.4%)

Toronto, ON
Canada’s largest city has seen notable decreases, offering a rare chance to enter this competitive market.
🛏️ Two-bedroom: $2,950 (-8.7%)
🛋️ One-bedroom: $2,380 (-4.8%)

Halifax, NS
Halifax’s rent drops have pushed it out of the top five priciest rental markets in Canada.
🛏️ Two-bedroom: $2,400 (-7%)
🛋️ One-bedroom: $1,930 (-3.5%)

CANADA EH?
Things To Do Around You:

In Vancouver, enjoy the 13th annual Street Food City outside the Vancouver Art Gallery. Celebrate a family-friendly festival featuring diverse cuisines from Indian to Mexican, pizza, grilled cheese, and more, with food trucks like Reel Mac & Cheese, Disco Cheetah, and Moms Grilled Cheese. January 24–26, 2025.

In Vancouver, the Hot Chocolate Festival returns for its 14th year, featuring over 162 creative hot chocolate designs at 105 locations across 10+ municipalities. Indulge in unique creations by Vancouver’s top chocolatiers, cafes, and bakeries. January 18–February 14, 2025.

In Winnipeg, WINTERRUPTION transforms winter with an exciting lineup of music events across the city. Enjoy performances from artists like Phosphorescent, Kool Keith, and Owen Pallett at venues such as The West End Cultural Centre and The Park Theatre. Both free and ticketed concerts are available. January 22–26, 2025.

In Toronto, the Toronto Spring Festival – Chinese New Year Festival & Fireworks at Nathan Phillips Square offers a vibrant celebration with an ice show, Chinese-style DJ performances, dance shows, and a market featuring delicious food stalls. The day culminates with the first-ever Chinese New Year-themed fireworks lighting up the sky over City Hall at 10:00 PM. January 25, 2025.

In Montreal, the 11th Annual Great Canadian Kilt Skate at Verdun Auditorium invites you to celebrate Scottish culture by skating in your finest tartan. Join the fun as communities across Canada compete for the title of “Kilt Skate Capital of Canada.” Don’t forget your skates, as rentals are not available. January 25, 2025.

In Edmonton, the Celebrate Lunar New Year event at Londonderry Mall. Welcome the Year of the Snake with lion dances, martial arts demos, arts and crafts. Enjoy a vibrant celebration of Chinese culture for all ages. January 26, 2025.

FEATURE SPONSOR

Explore your path to success in Canada with True North coaching and career newsletter! Discover valuable insights, career tips, and heartwarming stories for newcomers. Join our supportive community and subscribe below for success at your fingertips!! Your journey to a fulfilling career starts here.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Warm up with these cozy soups and stews

As the weather gets colder, there’s no better way to warm up than with a comforting bowl of soup or stew.

Here are three recipes from Canadian Living for a cozy night in.

🥣 Québécois-Style Pea Soup
This traditional Quebecois dish is the perfect winter comfort food. Made with a ham hock, it’s hearty and flavourful. If you can't find an unsmoked ham hock, a smoked one will work—just adjust the salt.

🍲Classic Pea Soup with Ham
Another classic, this chunky yet smooth soup simmers as you relax. The addition of a bone-in ham adds richness, while a smoked ham hock brings a depth of flavour.

🍖Quick Cassoulet Stew
This French-inspired stew usually takes hours, but this version uses canned beans and chicken thighs to get dinner on the table quickly. It’s a hearty, filling dish perfect for a busy day.

ARTS & CULTURE
Learning to ice skate in Canada

Winter in Canada can be a shock for many newcomers, but the best way to embrace it? Get outside and enjoy winter sports like skating.

Cities like Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal are famous for their stunning outdoor rinks, but let’s be honest – stepping onto the ice can feel intimidating, especially with a crowd watching. Don’t worry! Certified skating instructor Jean-Philippe Eyelom has you covered with beginner-friendly tips (all while showing off the picturesque rink at Vieux-Port de Montréal).

⛸️ Lock your heels together when standing to prevent falls.
Keeping your heels locked helps you stay stable and avoid slipping while you’re standing still.

🛴 Use "scooter pushes" to get moving.
Place one skate behind the other in a "T" shape, then use your back foot to push forward. Once you’re gliding, bring your feet back together for balance.

🛑 Master the “plow stop” to slow down.
Point your toes inward and “shave” the ice with the inside edge of your skates to come to a controlled stop.

⚖️ Bend your knees to stay steady and avoid falls.
Keeping your knees bent lowers your center of gravity and helps you balance better.

🆙 If you fall, here’s how to get back up:

• Get onto your knees.

• Place one foot forward.

• Push yourself up using your hands and that front foot.

Remember, everyone falls when they’re learning – the important part is to get back up and keep going.

(via rollerblading)

OUR PICKS & FAVS

🛷 Montreal’s massive new winter slide
🥐 Try authentic French pastries near Ottawa 
👗 The evolution of newcomer fashion in Canada
🏡 Best places to retire in Canada
🛒 Grocery items you can get cheap at Dollarama
💪 Safety tips for shoveling this winter