You just got a work opportunity with a good raise and better perks. The catch? It is outside Ottawa. To anyone who has always lived in the Canadian capital, moving to another province is difficult. It invites excitement, yes. But it is also incredibly laced with nostalgia for the city’s massive ice skating rink, the tulip festivals, and its intimate connection with nature.
Since Canada is a large country – the second largest globally – its ten provinces unsurprisingly have some remarkable differences. Moreover, when you are shifting base, a hundred things cause trepidation in your heart. How will the schools be? Will the cultural scene be vibrant? Will your precious household items travel smoothly so far away?
Here are some time-tested tips for adjusting to life outside Ottawa. They will help you embrace the newness while retaining the nostalgia.
A major plus of living in Ottawa is that many people speak English and French. Pew Research Center finds that 84% of the respondents feel that speaking English or French is integral to being Canadian. Workplaces and local communities comfortable with both tongues are conducive for monolingual families.
Unfortunately, you may not find a similar scene in cities like Vancouver or Alberta, where English is much more common than French. The cultural vibe can also differ considerably from quiet and laid-back Ottawa to hip-and-happening Vancouver or Montreal.
As you prepare for your move, it can help to spend some time learning the dominant regional language – even a few common expressions on DuoLingo can be helpful. Also, prepare your family for the expected changes. Kids may feel particularly vulnerable since they also have a school change in the pipeline. Your best bet is to view the situation as a challenge you can surmount as a team.
Similarly, looking for cultural connections can put your mind at ease without closing the possibility of exploring new things. For example, Country Living recommends visiting places like Cavendish in Prince Edward Island or Revelstoke in British Columbia for that connected-to-nature, calm feeling. You can find museums, hills, rivers, and quiet cafeterias in many places in Canada.
A typical worry for shifters is damage to their household and work things, like furniture, electronic appliances, and upholstery. Given the geographical spread of the country, interprovincial moving in Canada can take several hours by flight. However, having your beloved things close in a new city is the best balm against homesickness.
Selecting high-quality packing material can protect precious items from damage. MTS Moving notes that calculating costs beforehand and tracking the shipment for on-time delivery can ease your mind during moving. The last thing you want amid the emotional and physical turmoil is fretting over fragile cutlery shattering.
Hiring an experienced mover will also let you transport bulky items like your childhood piano, grandma’s antique collection, and your daughter’s favorite dollhouse. It will be a home away from home.
Ottawa’s outdoor culture is a mega draw for anyone who enjoys communing with nature and staying healthy. How will other provinces hold up?
Many Ottawa residents are fond of ice skating, thanks to the Rideau Canal, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Even if you are not athletic, the chances are you have enjoyed boat rides or summer strolls in the region. The Gatineau Park is a hotspot for adrenaline-pumping hobbies like kayaking, snowshoeing, and wildlife spotting.
The good news is that Canada has plenty of pertinent opportunities in other cities. Sports Illustrated magazine gushes over the joys of canoeing in Yukon’s South Nahanni River or kayaking in British Columbia. Enjoy hot tent camping in Ontario or experience dog sledding in the Northwest Territories. Participating in such activities will let you stay connected with your authentic self and adjust to the new region faster.
Blame the sheer size again, but the weather in Canadian provinces can be very different. Although Canada has a well-earned reputation for being nastily cold in winter, not all the cities have comparable conditions.
Ottawa can be cold, but it is far from the chilliest city in Canada. So, be ready for shivers if you go to Eureka, Nunavut, or Winnipeg, which once recorded a minimum temperature of -47.8 °C. On the other hand, cities like Victoria in British Columbia can be much warmer even in peak winter.
Different weather conditions are a prime source of nostalgia for movers. After all, everything must change, from your evening plans to your clothes and the kinds of food available. Being prepared is the surest way to welcome this new life in spirit. So, get some weather-friendly clothing and draw up some plans you can enjoy if it is all snowed up outside.
Why not also check out unique adverse-weather activities in the city you’re headed to? Snow mustn’t mean the fun stops. Winnipeg, for example, has some spectacular events involving bonfires, wine, and live music.
Moving homes is almost always tinged with emotions all over the spectrum: a hint of loss, a tinge of nervousness, and a frisson of excitement. Let Canada’s vast natural and cultural gifts tilt the scales toward the latter.
Photo: Rigo Olvera, www.pexels.com
