Are you eager to live in a large bustling city, in the middle of all the exciting urban action, close to cultural centers and upscale amenities? Or is the smaller town to your liking, where neighbors know neighbors, the pace is more leisurely and intimate, and life is simpler? Maybe you prefer the solitary life that living in the northernmost lands can afford you. Canada has all these. You will not have trouble finding an environment that suits you to a T. There are advantages and disadvantages to any choice. You will want to take these into consideration when making your decision about where you want to settle.
Urban Living
Canada's large metropolitan areas stretch across the country. Toronto in Ontario has the largest urban core, with Montreal in Quebec a close second. Vancouver in the west is the third largest. Other large, densely populated areas include Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa-Gatineau, Quebec City and Winnipeg.
Urban living often means living in apartments, townhouses, or condos. You will be very close to many neighbors. Streets, sidewalks, shops and parks will be teeming with people. It will likely be noisy and bright. Evenings hold their own charm with the vibrant urban nightlife and constant stream of events. A large selection of restaurants and other amenities will be at your fingertips, as will a broad assortment of entertainments. Culture is close at hand with art shops, museums, and theaters. Access to these is a snap with public transportation at every turn whether taxi, bus, or subway. You won't need an automobile in the big cities. Life can be very exciting and fast paced in a metropolitan environment.
Among the disadvantages, you will find a higher crime rate, more pollution in some areas, and traffic congestion. Costs are higher and there are more enticements that lay claim to your money if you attend a lot of cultural events and visit specialty shops. Housing is more expensive. The noise and proximity of the masses of humanity may be more than is comfortable for some. Skyscrapers have a way of hiding the sunshine, and other than carefully carved out parks there will be little grass.
Rural Living
Smaller towns are usually favored by those who have children. The pace is more leisurely and there are more activities that are geared toward families. In these areas, life centers on the children and family. Life is more traditional than otherwise. It's easier to know one's neighbors and to have a feeling of community. The smaller towns usually have less crime. Living in a rural area brings one closer to nature.
In the smaller towns there are sometimes limits on job opportunities. Transportation services are not as available, so residents usually must buy a personal vehicle. There is less organized activity, so those who live in small towns must endeavor to create their own. Small towns generally follow traditional paths, so there is less social progress evident.
Between these major environments can be found middle-sized towns, or suburbs that surround the urban areas. They offer the closeness of the large and bustling city but also provide for the quieter and more personal atmosphere of the smaller towns.