- \n
- Excellent career opportunities in a wide range of sectors from film to finance; pharmaceuticals to IT.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A wealth of cultural and artistic attractions<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Toronto is one of the safest cities in North America<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Extraordinary cuisine<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- An efficient transportation system<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A wide range of excellent schools<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A range of activities to do solo,, as a couple or as a family<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
… In short, an excellent quality of life for anyone considering moving to Canada<\/a>!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n![\"expat](\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/mwangi-gatheca-qlKaN7eqay8-unsplash-819x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nAccommodation in Toronto<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Where to live?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Toronto may look a bit like New York, with its skyscrapers such as the CN Tower. At the same time, the city is home to living spaces of all types and sizes<\/strong> to suit all profiles and budgets. From luxury condos in tall towers to charming Victorian townhouses and spacious lofts; you’ll be spoilt for choice!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Leases are generally for 12 months, and the deposit is often equivalent to 1-2 months’ rent. In addition to the rent, tenants are required to pay for gas and\/or electricity. By law in Ontario, all tenants are required to take out tenant\u2019s insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finding your perfect space<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Before you find your new home, it’s a good idea to take a temporary place to stay (B&B or Airbnb) so you can explore the city and find the neighbourhood and type of accommodation that suits you best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can browse property lilstings on websites such as Kijiji<\/a>, Craigslist<\/a>, Rent Board<\/a> or PadMapper<\/a>, contact estate agents such as Toronto Rentals<\/a> or join specialist Facebook groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Toronto\u2019s districts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Toronto may be a huge metropolis (it covers about 630 km2!), but its many different neighbourhoods, some peaceful, some lively, give it a village feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- The Annex<\/strong>: is located next to the University of Toronto. This neighbourhood is popular with students and young creatives alike for its vibrant, bohemian atmosphere, where cute cafes rub shoulders with old Victorian mansions. All with easy access to public transport and parks!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Forest Hill<\/strong> is home to some very exclusive mansions and prestigious public schools.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Liberty Village<\/strong> Is a former industrial neighbourhood. This residential area is popular with urban souls and ambitious young professionals. Many digital and technology start-ups have set up here.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- West Queen West<\/strong> is a very trendy area where urban art and design rule. According to Vogue. It\u2019s renowned for being the second coolest neighbourhood in the world! <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Yorkville<\/strong> is the place for wealthy expats who love glamour, high-end living and gourmet restaurants. This former hippie neighbourhood is home to skyscrapers, gorgeous (and expensive) Victorian houses and chic boutiques. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Kensington Market<\/strong>:This neighbourhood symbolises the city’s immense cultural diversity. In the Market you’ll find vintage clothes shops, lively cafes, churches and fusion restaurants of all kinds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Rosedale<\/strong> is a quiet, exclusive, upscale area of the city with some beautiful homes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Cabbagetown<\/strong> is a historic Toronto neighbourhood named after the Irish immigrants who planted cabbages in front of their homes in the 1840s. Gentrified in the 1970s, it is the largest area of Victorian housing in North America. It’s a very family-friendly neighbourhood!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Little Italy<\/strong>:This neighbourhood exudes conviviality! It’s perfect for families and anyone looking for a taste of Italy on the other side of the Atlantic! <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Distillery District<\/strong> : This charming pedestrian neighbourhood in Old Toronto is home to luxury apartments, art galleries, trendy gourmet restaurants and open-air markets. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Leslieville<\/strong>: Both family-friendly and bohemian, this is one of Toronto’s trendiest neighbourhoods. It’s home to beautiful homes and a variety of cafes and restaurants.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- High Park <\/strong>is Named after Toronto’s largest park overlooking Lake Ontario. This neighbourhood is popular with families looking for green space living in a diverse residential area. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Junction Triangle:<\/strong> Once the city’s industrial hub, Junction Triangle is a fast-growing residential neighbourhood of beautiful townhouses and spacious lofts. It’s popular for its easy access to public transport, shopping centres and High Park! <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Trinity-Bellwoods<\/strong>: This dynamic, bohemian neighbourhood has grown up around the beautiful Trinity-Bellwoods Park, which is full of white squirrels. It’s a haven for young professionals with a taste for street art and trendy cafes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- King West Village<\/strong> is a modern, fast-growing and very vibrant neighbourhood, popular with young professionals for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and lively nightlife. Its proximity to downtown office blocks is appreciated by busy commuters. It is also home to apartments nestled in high-end condominiums. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Harbourfront<\/strong>: Both a residential and leisure area, Harbourfront is sought after for its geographical location and unobstructed views of Lake Ontario. It is one of the capital’s major cultural centres.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Riverdale<\/strong>: This large, family-friendly neighbourhood is popular with young expat families as well as young professionals and couples.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"expatriation](\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/dan-newman-DnATKk5tGns-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n Looking for health coverage abroad?<\/span>\n \n \n\nDiscover today our plans in just a few clics.<\/h2>\n \n <\/div>\n\n
\n \nget a free quote<\/a><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWork in Toronto<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Toronto\u2019s job market<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Toronto’s economy is highly diversified, with a dynamic job market<\/strong>.Many career opportunities exist for expats in a wide range of industries, ranging from technology, film, banking and finance through design, teaching, catering, tourism, arts and fashion. Toronto is home to the headquarters of Canada’s five largest banks (RBC, TD, Scotia Bank, BMO and CIBC), as well as international film production studios such as Pinewood Toronto Studios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Ontario capital’s geographical proximity to New York is key to strengthening Toronto’s pivotal position in fostering trade and political ties with one of the world’s major economic powers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finding a job<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Expatriates who move to Toronto often do so for professional reasons and have already found a job prior to their move. Many are highly skilled and were hired before moving to Toronto, either through an internal transfer within the same company or by finding a job before leaving for Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s also possible, however, to start looking once you’re in Toronto<\/strong>, especially online, using the many resources available (professional networks, job online portals, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Corporate culture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This varies from sector to sector. For example, in the financial sector, corporate culture, including meetings and dress codes, is much more formal than in the communications sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In general, in Toronto as elsewhere in Canada, corporate culture is a unique blend of several cultures<\/strong> notably, American, British and French. Canadian companies value punctuality, egalitarianism, inclusiveness and tolerance. Canadian management style is also less formal than in Europe, and while decisions are taken by management, the contributions and opinions of employees are valued and inform decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The language<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
While English is essential for the vast majority of companies in Toronto, French is still useful, especially if the company has commercial relations with the French-speaking world, particularly Quebec.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Living in Toronto<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cost of living<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
After Vancouver, Toronto is the most expensive city in Canada<\/strong>. The overall cost of living has risen steadily since the early 2000s, with housing being the biggest expense. Depending on location, a three-bedroom apartment costs between \u20ac1206.65 and \u20ac4022.16 per month. Education, childcare, leisure and health are also important costs to factor in when relocating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Getting around<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Toronto may be a sprawling city, but residents can rely on an extensive and efficient public transportation network that includes buses, trams and the subway, which is operated by the Toronto Transit Commission<\/a> (TTC). The subway is, by far, the fastest way to get from one part of the city to another. PRESTO cards<\/a> allow you to use any public transport in the city and elsewhere in Ontario.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\nCycling<\/strong> is becoming an increasingly popular mode of transportation in Ontario’s capital. As more and more people are using their bikes as the preferred modeof transport, the city is developing a network of bike lanes and has launched Bike Share Toronto, a subscription-based bike-sharing system.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n![\"toronto](\"https:\/\/www.foyerglobalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/tim-gouw-sfUxCShoKbE-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWith traffic and lack of parking, the car is not the most efficient way to get around the city. If you still want to use your car to get around, you should be aware that you will need to exchange your national licence for an Ontario licence within two months after arriving in the province. Be sure to factor into your budget that insurance premiums are very high in Toronto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moving to Toronto with your family<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Childcare<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
In Ontario, parental leave (which can be shared by both parents) can last up to 63 weeks<\/strong>. It’s not uncommon for parents to take this time to spend with their baby. In Canada, children go to school at the age of four.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are several childcare options in Toronto:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Subsidised public or private nurseries\/daycare<\/strong>. Please note that some do not accept children under 18 months or two and a half years old. Fees depend on the age of the child and your eligibility for the subsidy programme (for subsidised daycare). Don’t hesitate to get on several waiting lists as soon as your child is born… And if you want to know more, visit the Childcare Services website<\/a>!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Home-based childcare services approved by the City of Toronto<\/strong>: this is where a person, under contract with an approved and licensed childcare agency, looks after a group of children in their own home. Find out more about licensed home childcare<\/a> here. These services are generally around 30% cheaper than those offered by nurseries. Do verify if they are accredited by the City of Toronto, Social Services.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A live-in or live-out nanny<\/strong> to look after your children at home. Some families share a nanny to look after their children. Facebook groups such as Moms & Nannies Toronto<\/a> or websites such as Nanny Services<\/a> can help you find information about this type of childcare.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
N.B.: Financial support for child care<\/a> provided by the province of Ontariocan help cover some of the costs of childcare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
School options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Toronto has a vast network of public and private schools<\/strong> where classes are taught in English and\/or French, and other languages in the case of certain international schools. Expatriates with work permits and permanent residents can enroll their children to public schools for free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the private sector, there are both religious and non-religious Canadian schools that follow the Canadian curriculum and specialised schools that follow a specific curriculum (International Baccalaureate (IB); specific national curriculum): United States, United Kingdom, France, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prominent schools include the York School<\/a> (English; full IB programme); Toronto French School <\/a>(bilingual French-English programme, with IB option); the Lyc\u00e9e fran\u00e7ais de Toronto (LFT) (French programme with English courses).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Healthcare in Toronto<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Toronto’s public health care system<\/strong>, funded by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), covers medical services provided by doctors and hospitals for all residents of the province. Once enrolled, beneficiaries have access to this medical care almost for free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once in the province, you must go in person to a Service Ontario centre with identification, proof of residence and proof of status to apply for your provincial health insurance card, which is valid in Ontario..Healthcare is a provincial responsibility. There is no waiting period to be covered as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. Find out more about the Canadian health care system<\/a> here!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many expatriates, however, opt for a private international health insurance<\/a> plan that covers them in Canada and in their home country in both the public and private sectors. This is a good option as the waiting times are very long in Ontario’s public healthcare system, particularly due to the shortage of healthcare professionals in the province.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Which are the best hospitals in Toronto?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Toronto’s hospitals are among the best in Canada. Here is our selection of the city’s best hospitals, both public and private:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Toronto General \u2013 University Health Network<\/a> (in the top 3 in Canada)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Sunnybrook Health Science Centre<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Mount Sinai Hospital<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
– North York General Hospital<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Unity Health Toronto \u2013 St. Michael\u2019s Hospital<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Home-based childcare services approved by the City of Toronto<\/strong>: this is where a person, under contract with an approved and licensed childcare agency, looks after a group of children in their own home. Find out more about licensed home childcare<\/a> here. These services are generally around 30% cheaper than those offered by nurseries. Do verify if they are accredited by the City of Toronto, Social Services.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Riverdale<\/strong>: This large, family-friendly neighbourhood is popular with young expat families as well as young professionals and couples.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Harbourfront<\/strong>: Both a residential and leisure area, Harbourfront is sought after for its geographical location and unobstructed views of Lake Ontario. It is one of the capital’s major cultural centres.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- King West Village<\/strong> is a modern, fast-growing and very vibrant neighbourhood, popular with young professionals for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and lively nightlife. Its proximity to downtown office blocks is appreciated by busy commuters. It is also home to apartments nestled in high-end condominiums. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Trinity-Bellwoods<\/strong>: This dynamic, bohemian neighbourhood has grown up around the beautiful Trinity-Bellwoods Park, which is full of white squirrels. It’s a haven for young professionals with a taste for street art and trendy cafes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Junction Triangle:<\/strong> Once the city’s industrial hub, Junction Triangle is a fast-growing residential neighbourhood of beautiful townhouses and spacious lofts. It’s popular for its easy access to public transport, shopping centres and High Park! <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- High Park <\/strong>is Named after Toronto’s largest park overlooking Lake Ontario. This neighbourhood is popular with families looking for green space living in a diverse residential area. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Leslieville<\/strong>: Both family-friendly and bohemian, this is one of Toronto’s trendiest neighbourhoods. It’s home to beautiful homes and a variety of cafes and restaurants.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Distillery District<\/strong> : This charming pedestrian neighbourhood in Old Toronto is home to luxury apartments, art galleries, trendy gourmet restaurants and open-air markets. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Little Italy<\/strong>:This neighbourhood exudes conviviality! It’s perfect for families and anyone looking for a taste of Italy on the other side of the Atlantic! <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Cabbagetown<\/strong> is a historic Toronto neighbourhood named after the Irish immigrants who planted cabbages in front of their homes in the 1840s. Gentrified in the 1970s, it is the largest area of Victorian housing in North America. It’s a very family-friendly neighbourhood!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Rosedale<\/strong> is a quiet, exclusive, upscale area of the city with some beautiful homes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Kensington Market<\/strong>:This neighbourhood symbolises the city’s immense cultural diversity. In the Market you’ll find vintage clothes shops, lively cafes, churches and fusion restaurants of all kinds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Yorkville<\/strong> is the place for wealthy expats who love glamour, high-end living and gourmet restaurants. This former hippie neighbourhood is home to skyscrapers, gorgeous (and expensive) Victorian houses and chic boutiques. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- West Queen West<\/strong> is a very trendy area where urban art and design rule. According to Vogue. It\u2019s renowned for being the second coolest neighbourhood in the world! <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Liberty Village<\/strong> Is a former industrial neighbourhood. This residential area is popular with urban souls and ambitious young professionals. Many digital and technology start-ups have set up here.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Forest Hill<\/strong> is home to some very exclusive mansions and prestigious public schools.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- The Annex<\/strong>: is located next to the University of Toronto. This neighbourhood is popular with students and young creatives alike for its vibrant, bohemian atmosphere, where cute cafes rub shoulders with old Victorian mansions. All with easy access to public transport and parks!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n