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Top 20 Most Livable Cities in Canada for Newcomers

Fun Things To Do In Winter In Canada

Did you know? The Polar Bear Dip, also known as the New Year's Day Dip, is a tradition in Canada where individuals brave the icy waters of lakes, rivers, or oceans. The dip often takes place on January 1st, symbolizing a fresh start to the new year!

The origin of the Polar Bear Dip is believed to have roots in European traditions. In Canada, the first documented Polar Bear Dip in Canada is often attributed to the Courage Polar Bear Dip in Oakville, Ontario. Canada has embraced this chilly tradition with enthusiasm and often have a charitable component, with participants raising funds for various causes.

 

LIVING
Top 20 Most Livable Cities in Canada for Newcomers  

🇨🇦 Newcomers On the Move:
A recent article by The Globe and Mail ranked the 20 most desirable cities in Canada for newcomers who have arrived in the past five years. This ranking prioritizes easy community integration, accessible amenities, and affordable housing. Demographics were considered, along with the economy, and housing variables to cater to newcomers' needs.

👀 Where to Reside: Considerations:
When deciding to relocate, consider factors like the economy, housing, demographics, healthcare, safety, education, community, amenities, transportation, and climate. It's a personal decision, but a livability-focused ranking can offer guidance.

The list is as follows:

  1. Pitt Meadows, BC

  2. Victoria, BC

  3. Winnipeg, MN

  4. North Vancouver, BC

  5. Saanich, BC

  6. Wellesley, ON

  7. Burlington, ON

  8. Regina, SK

  9. Delta, BC

  10. Maple Ridge, BC

  11. West Vancouver, BC

  12. Oak Bay, BC

  13. Abbotsford, BC

  14. Colwood, BC

  15. Norwich, ON

  16. Parksville, BC

  17. Fort St. John, BC

  18. Port Coquitlam, BC

  19. Middlesex Centre, ON

  20. Coldstream, BC

CANADA EH?
Things to do around you:

The weather outside may be frightful, but Niagara’s Icewine sure is delightful! Niagara Winter Grape & Wine Festival, January 12 - 14. Multiple locations in the Niagara wine region. Get tickets

Ring in the new year with VINI VICI NYE at the Harbour Event & Convention Centre, Vancouver. Sunday December 31st. 10:00 PM - 3:00 AM (Ages 19 +) Get tickets

Catch the electrifying new smash-hit Broadway musical Ain't Too Proud - The Life and Times of The Temptations. December 30 & 31. National Arts Centre, Ottawa. Get tickets

The Holiday Classic Returns - Come relive Calgary’s favourite holiday tradition. Christmas Carol is playing at the Max Bell Theatre (Arts Commons) December 30 & 31. Get tickets

Montreal's flagship winter event, Luminothérapie invites you to experience luminous and whimsical interactive works. On now at the Quartier des Spectacles until March 10. FREE

TRAVEL
Fun Things To Do In Winter In Canada

Embracing Winter Magic in Canada: 22 Cozy Adventures for Newcomers!

As a newcomer to Canada, winter opens up a treasure trove of enchanting experiences waiting to be discovered. From skiing the majestic Canadian Rockies to sipping hot cocoa in a backcountry lodge, the planet shares 22 things to make your winter in Canada truly magical.

1. Go Skiing and Snowboarding
🏂Canada boasts some of the world's best downhill skiing and snowboarding locations. From the iconic Whistler Blackcomb to the charming Mont Tremblant, the thrill of the slopes spans from coast to coast.

2. SkiJoring
🎿For a unique winter adventure, try Skijoring, a mix of cross-country skiing and dogsledding. It's a rip-roaring good time for the whole family!

3. Watch the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)
🌌Marvel at the enchanting dance of the Northern Lights. Head to Yellowknife, Goose Bay, or the prairie provinces for the best views.

4. Skate on the Rideau Canal
⛸️Experience the iconic joy of ice skating on the Rideau Canal, the world's largest skating rink. Warm up with frozen maple syrup and beavertails along the way.

5. Attend a Winterlude
❄️Celebrate winter at various carnivals, with Winterlude in Ottawa being a favorite. Lights, ice sculptures, and winter activities await.

6. Carnivale Quebec City
🏰Quebec City transforms into a winter wonderland during Carnivale. Explore the famous Ice Hotel and enjoy ice sculpture competitions.

7. Ice Wine Festival
🍷Indulge in Canada's unique Ice Wine Festival in Niagara Falls. Savor the region's popular dessert wine amid ice sculptures and winter cheer.

8. Frozen Niagara Falls
❄️Witness the magic of frozen waterfalls, with Niagara Falls taking on an especially mesmerizing appearance in winter.

9. Frozen Waterfalls Exploration
💦Explore the winter wonderland of frozen cascades throughout Canada. Niagara Falls, Ontario, offers a particularly lively experience.

10. Dog Sledding Tours
🐕Embark on a legendary Canadian winter adventure with dog sledding. From the Canadian Rockies to Northern Ontario, mush through the snowy landscapes.

11. Ice Climbing
🧗For thrill-seekers, try ice climbing in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta or the picturesque settings in Quebec.

12. Snowmobiling
🛷Explore the vast winter landscapes of Canada with exhilarating snowmobiling. Trails connect the country over a 21,500-kilometer route.

13. Canyoning
🏞️Discover the beauty of frozen canyons, caves, and crevasses in Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper National Park.

14. Ice Fishing
🎣Experience the unique thrill of ice fishing on frozen lakes across Canada, from Lake Simcoe to Tobin Lake.

15. Snowshoeing
🌨️Enjoy the simplicity of snowshoeing in picturesque winter destinations like Callaghan County in Whistler and the Rocky Mountains.

16. Pond Hockey
🏒Skate gracefully or engage in a game of ice hockey on frozen lakes and ponds across Canada.

17. World Pond Hockey Championships
🌎Join the friendly competition at the World Pond Hockey Championships in Plaster Rock, New Brunswick.

18. Ice Skating Across Canada
⛸️Besides the Rideau Canal, explore numerous ice trails and skating rinks, with Winnipeg boasting the world's longest ice skating rink.

19. Sleigh Rides
🛷Indulge in the romance of winter with a magical sleigh ride, whether around Lake Louise or in Muskoka.

20. Hot Springs
🔥Warm up after winter adventures at hot springs like Banff Hot Springs in Alberta and Harrison Hot Springs in British Columbia.

21. Backcountry Lodges
🏞️Escape to backcountry lodges across Canada for a truly off-the-grid experience. From Winterdance in Haliburton to Sundance Lodge in Banff, these lodges offer a cozy retreat.

22. Create Unforgettable Memories in Canada
🇨🇦From coast to coast, Canada is an incredible winter destination. Embrace the season's magic with these unique experiences, and make memories that last a lifetime.

SPONSORED BY TRUE NORTH

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
Canada’s Most Popular Quick and Easy Recipes of 2023

🌟 A Delicious Journey Through the Year 🍽️

Food has a magical way of bringing people together, and this year, Food Network Canada’s kitchens became a hub of creativity and comfort. From trendy treats to timeless classics, here's a recap of the recipes that stole the show in 2023.

1. Chewy Mochi Cake with Fresh Corn
This jiggly masterpiece, featuring fresh corn, has held its reign as the top pick for the second year running. Discover the addictive charm of this chewy mochi cake that proves good recipes never go out of style.

2. Viral Smash Burger Tacos With Secret Sauce
Merge the best of both worlds with these viral smash burger tacos. A concoction of burger sauce, ground beef, and flour tortillas results in a crunchy shell, making it a literal "smash hit" as endorsed by our readers.

3. Traditional Acadian Chicken Fricot
Transport your taste buds to the comforting embrace of New Brunswick with this classic chicken fricot. A delightful Acadian take on chicken stew and dumplings, it's a soul-warming dish echoing the comforting notes of chicken noodle soup.

4. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
Anna Olson's classic chocolate chip cookies have secured a spot on our list for the second consecutive year. With the secret touch of cornstarch for a soft center and a chill time for chewiness, these cookies are truly out of this world.

5. Viral Upside Down Puff Pastry Tarts
Versatility takes the stage with these viral upside-down puff pastry tarts. Perfect for holiday parties or utilizing leftovers, these tarts are a quick and delicious treat that you need to try ASAP.

6. Sticky Toffee Apple Cake
Proving its universal appeal, this sticky toffee apple cake, introduced in late October, has become a timeless favourite. A fusion of classic apple cake and sticky toffee pudding, it's a testament to sweet indulgence.

7. Anna’s Classic Banana Bread
Anna Olson's classic banana bread secures its place as a go-to for readers, marking its popularity for the second consecutive year. Enhance it with chocolate chips and walnut pieces for an extra oomph.

8. Simple Oven-Baked Stuffing
Simplify your holiday feasts with this oven-baked stuffing, a classic for both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. The beauty lies in its make-ahead feature, allowing you to savor more precious moments during family gatherings.

9. Ghanaian Jollof Rice
Celebrate West African flavours with Ghanaian Jollof Rice—rice cooked in a spicy, well-seasoned tomato stew. Pair it with your favorite chicken recipe for a delightful winner winner chicken dinner.

10. Barbie-Inspired Bright Pink Beet Pasta
Capturing the spirit of the Barbie movie, this bright pink beet pasta stole the hearts of our readers. The vibrant colour comes naturally from roasted beets, blended with mascarpone, parmesan, lemon, and garlic to create a velvety pasta sauce. Perfect for your next Barbie rewatch!

Cheers to another year of culinary adventures!

ARTS & ENTERAINMENT
2023 Canadian Wildlife Photography of the Year competition

Discover the magic of Canada's wild beauty through the lens of talented photographers in the Canadian Geographic 2023 Canadian Wildlife Photography of the Year competition. Celebrate these awe-inspiring moments and connect with the wonders of nature in Canada.

Canadian Geographic is pleased to recognize one photographer whose work stood out among the more than 14,000 entries and wins the grand prize of $5,000.

Jean-Christophe Lemay

Eli Wolpin

OUR PICKS & FAVS
Boxing Week Continues!

  • Our Place — Up to 47% off sitewide. Now through Jan. 7

  • ALDO — Up to 50% off select styles. Now through Jan. 31

  • Frank and Oak — Up to 50% off + 25% off everything Now through Jan. 4

  • The Body Shop — Up to 60% off sitewide. Now through Jan. 14

  • Joe Fresh — Up to 50% off the best styles. Now through Dec. 30

  • Rove Concepts — Up to 70% off select items, while supplies last.

  • QE Home — Up to 60% off! Now through Dec. 31