Last Updated on May 19, 2023
If you’re thinking of moving to Canada and you’re unsure whether you’ll be better off on its East or West Coast, then you’re in the right place. Obviously, our answer isn’t intended to show the superiority of one over the other, because which area suits you best depends on factors unique to you, including your lifestyle, job, climate preferences, and your budget. Both coasts offer unique advantages and disadvantages, and what may be the best choice for one expat may not be the same for another.
Of course, one of the most practical things to do (time and budget permitting), is visiting the province you’ve been considering. Not only will you be able to get a feel of your surroundings, its people and the overall daily lifestyle, you’d be able to experience leisurely activities. And let’s be honest, we all need those in our life!
There’s no denying it, one of Canada’s winning features is its abundant open spaces. Its richness of land and endless trails offer so many possibilities for outdoorsy activities, even if you’re a local, there’s always some new place to discover. Of course, if you’re more of an indoorsy person, or one who doesn’t always like to go on adventures in forests or mountainous land, there are plenty of cozy activities to enjoy inside too. Plus, you can still add that element of risk taking – with a twist! How, you ask? Well, you’d also be pleased to find out, there are plenty of online casinos that are licensed and regulated. Many operators even offer exclusive no deposit bonuses – to both Canadians or residents!
The perk of online casinos, of course, is that you can enjoy them from both parts of Canada (from every part of the world really!) but then some other activities or benefits are exclusive or more commonly found in an area rather than another. The following is a breakdown of what you can enjoy and where, which hopefully puts you in a better position to decide which area works best for you.
Cuisine
Although on both coasts seafood is the name of the game, the seafood that’s most common in the East differs from what you’ll often find on the West Coast, mainly due to the regional availability of ingredients, cultural influences as well as general culinary traditions.
East Coast cuisine is heavily influenced by its coastal location and maritime heritage, with prominent dishes highlighting the abundance of fresh fish and shellfish from the Atlantic Ocean. This is why East Coast cuisine, particularly in the Atlantic provinces, is known for its lobster, scallops, and cod. Popular seafood dishes also include fish and chips, clam chowder, and seafood boils.
On the other hand, the cuisine of the West Coast of Canada, especially that of British Columbia, is influenced by its abundant natural resources and diverse cultural influences, with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. In fact, West Coast cuisine includes salmon, halibut, and oysters, with an emphasis on farm-to-table and locally-sourced ingredients. West Coast cuisine also draws inspiration from Asian culinary influences, particularly in cities like Vancouver, known for its diverse food scene.
Outdoor Experiences
Both the East Coast and the West Coast of Canada offer stunning outdoor experiences, but they differ in terms of geography and landscape.
The East Coast is known for its rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and picturesque fishing villages., with outdoor activities such as whale watching, kayaking, and hiking being popular in this region. The East Coast also offers opportunities for camping and RVing in picturesque natural settings, including national parks, provincial parks, and private campgrounds.
The West Coast, then, is known for its majestic mountains, temperate rainforests, and rugged Pacific coastline. You’ll find many people skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and camping here. The West Coast is also known for its abundant opportunities for water sports, such as surfing and paddleboarding.
Affordability
In general, the East Coast of Canada tends to be more affordable than the West Coast.
For starters, housing costs, including both renting and buying, tend to be lower in the Eastern region. In fact, cities like Halifax in Nova Scotia, Saint John in New Brunswick, and Charlottetown in Prince Edward Island are known for having more affordable housing options compared to cities like Vancouver and Victoria in British Columbia.
The cost of living, including transportation, food, and services, may also vary between the two regions, with the East Coast generally having a lower cost of living compared to the West Coast. For example, consumer goods and services, such as dining out and entertainment, may be more affordable in Eastern cities compared to cities in Western Canada.
Job Opportunities
Finally, the East Coast and the West Coast of Canada also differ in terms of employment opportunities.
The East Coast of Canada is known for its traditional industries such as fishing, forestry, and mining, as well as emerging sectors like information technology, renewable energy, and tourism. This is why major Eastern cities offer job opportunities in fields such as healthcare, education, government, and services. The East Coast also has a strong presence in the aerospace and defense industry. Additionally, there are opportunities in the marine and offshore sectors, including shipbuilding, oil and gas exploration, as well as ocean technology.
The West Coast of Canada, then, particularly British Columbia, is known for its thriving technology and innovation industry, including software development, gaming, and film production. In fact, major cities like Vancouver and Victoria are home to numerous tech companies and startups. It also has a strong presence in natural resources, including forestry, mining, and oil and gas, which can offer job opportunities in these sectors. There are also opportunities in other industries such as film and television production, healthcare, and education.
So, Which Coast Is Best?
The bottom line is, both coasts offer a lot, in terms of employment, activities and nature. The final decision is greatly dependent on your line of work, lifestyle and whether you’re planning on relocating alone or with your family. Ultimately, whichever coast you have your heart set on, doing a fair amount of research is always highly recommended. Remember, even moving from one home to another within the same country is a huge feat. Moving from one country to another, is a whole different ballpark, bringing with it its own new set of challenges. Thus a great deal of thought and consideration is necessary.
