Why I Left England for Canada | Toronto vs Vancouver vs Victoria | My Story 

My wife & I moved to Nanaimo almost 50 years ago from the North East UK. Having bears in our back yard & cougars on our street is very much unlike the UK

Hello There. You made me feel a little emotional when you mentioned how much you love Canada. I just finished watching a piece from the USA stating how Americans don't even think about Canada because we don't matter. What you said was like therapy. I'm 74 and at 19 years of age I moved from Toronto where I was born to Vancouver. I came for a 2 week holiday and stayed. I married a wonderful Vancouver girl 52 years ago and we have 5 grandchildren. I'm glad you like Canada, especially the west coast. Thanks

Having lived in Toronto for 2 years , I completely relate to everything you just expressed. I have had the exact urge to move to BC and explore the outdoors and also the mild winters are such a plus point. I cant wait to move to Victoria this Summer for the very same reasons you shared. 💕💕

I'm from Montreal and never visited the West side of Canada until this year when I did an exchange in Vancouver. I was completely shocked to see that there were Canadians who get to see how beautiful Canada is. All my life I thought we were all going through the same harsh winters! Like you, I've felt a change in my mental health just being surrounded by nature. I've been now seriously thinking about moving there...

Toronto is over run by endless cars. Housing has become impossible. Transit was run into the ground and you can't get to work in rush hour. Years of mismanagement by provincial and the mega city municipal government make it nothing like it was 25 years ago. It's become unlivable IMO. If you don't need to be here do yourself a favour...

How did you go about finding a room or apartment once moving?

I'm absolutely loving this video! I'm a BC boy, born and raised. I avoid cities like the plage and definitely agree with you on nature. When life is back to normal and travel is possible, I highly recommend exploring the small islands. The Southern gulf islands are the most well known. The central and northern islands are hidden treasures. Many are the kinds of places you need your own boat to reach. Getting some friends together to hire a sailboat and captain is how I'd do it. The absolute best memories I've ever made come from my time on Lasqueti island. Those folks are super nice and know how to enjoy life. The northern islands have charms all their own. Whenever you choose to go, you won't be disappointed!

Toronto stopped being liveable around 2005-2010, use to be a great city.

As someone from Ontario I understand why you prefer the mountains but the nature and scenery in Ontario is amazing as well. The province goes from peaches to polar bears and I wonder how much you saw.

I am definitely more outdoorsy and active person. I got so exhausted from Toronto, the city noise, expensive real estate and now with lockdown its even harder to do anything and enjoy Toronto. I really feel you! I’d love to learn more about Victoria lifestyle!

Emme, the absolute ultimate Truth is, You are infinite and Eternal Spiritual being of Divine Magic and Endless Wonders, infinite Light without boundaries, Majestic indescribable Beauty far beyond the limits of space and time. You are Abundance Overflowing, Alchemy Miracles, Divine Light of Nature Spirit, Timeless Formlessness, You are Sacred and Divine Manifestation, Creativity in Creativeness Joy, and infinite Cosmic Multi-dimensional Consciousness with no end !! Namaste ! Aho ! OM and much love. .. Thank you Mother Ayahuasca, Infinite Endless Eternal Gratitude ! .. Nature is my church, and Rock N' Roll and Heavy Metal music (and a touch of Psychedelic Trance) is my religion : - )

Great video! I thing you should visit Australia, I went to Melbourne and I'm sure it is very similar to Vancouver's vibe, even with a better weather, I would return but it's to far way from everywhere. Now I'm going to Toronto and I been looking versus between Toronto and Vancouver because I have the feeling that BC is nicer than Ontario and maybe I will move there if I can not bear Ontario's winter, also Victoria looks great too so it will be also in my top priorities when looking for a better place to live! thanks for share your experience!

Great insights, Emily. My husband and I are moving to Victoria early next year. Few weeks ago, we had a hard time deciding between Ontario and BC. But since we are from a tropical country, the Philippines, Victoria won. We are excited to personally experience the things you are talking about. Keep posting videos :)

West coast definitely wins 😆🙌🏻❤️

I moved to Victoria recently from Toronto having lived there for three and half years . I can totally relate to your comments ! Honestly , I do sometimes miss the big city vibe and my friends there . I drop in to your channel and watch this video every time I forget the blessings of living here on the island . Thank you Emily, good luck with your new channel 😊

Yeah I fell you last time in Vic I was suprised to get all the things you need. Very nice. However, Vic is too far away from the ferries and still too overcrowed. But yes if I am in BC I am definitly more outdoorsy than in Germany. In BC I do kayaking, hiking or playing tennis what I have never done before. There are so many choices. If we get the chance I would like to live on one of the little north islands between Vac Island and Vanc. Otherwise, Nanaimo would be my first choice. Real estate is not so expensive and you close to the ferry and there is hospital and it is closer to the liffle islands and Tolfino. Location is better in my opinion.

All provinces and territories are special….👌

You bring the sunshine and sparkle everywhere you go....

I knew that once you visited BC, you wouldn't come back to TO. Lol. I have lived in TO my whole life and am used to what it has to offer but am tired of the winters here. I've been to Vancouver once in my life and it was great. My wife really wants to visit Vancouver so we will probably visit in a few years. Enjoy your life there and savour every moment!

I'm from Poland, but I live in the UK 😉 I'm moving to Canada soon and exactly victoria bc, I can't wait! 😊

You made the right decision moving to Victoria. It is known as one the best small cities in the world. We spent Feb / Mar of 2019 and 2020 in Victoria escaping the Ontario winter. Unfortunately due to the pandemic it was not to be the case in 2021. During our first stay, we rented downtown. The second year we parked ourselves in lovely Cook St. Village. Our favourite (other than dining out) activity was walking along the wonderful trails and through the spectacular neighbourhoods. Our "step count" was around a million each visit. Such a beautiful part of the world! Enjoy.

Enjoyed your video!! I have lived in Toronto and Vancouver and spent extended time in Victoria. They r all fabulous places. Now that I am older I realize that many people in Toronto feel as you do but they make it work by travelling a lot, living in leafy neighbourhoods, going to centre island etc. And people in Vancouver go to Arizona/Hawaii/Vegas a lot to dodge the rain and have to put up with a lot of petty property crime and homeless people. And people in Victoria make a lot of sacrifices career wise. You can make any place work if u want. I love your enthusiasm! 🇨🇦

“I don’t know how people in montreal do it”. I’m from Montreal and I don’t know either.. Toronto is super warm compared to Montreal in wintertime

I moved from Vancouver to Toronto 45 years ago, and have never looked back. Two words: job opportunities. Ones with major Canadian and multinational corporations, to be precise.

They say home is where the heart is, Welcome home.

Im about to move to canada from UK and i'm allowed to live anywhere except Quebec despite, ironically, being selected from a french speaking EE draw. I lived in London for a few years and hated it, and I love rain & sunshine, don't like overcast. Maybe British Colombia is for me!

You need to try the Okanagan valley in the summer.

I'm glad I found your channel. I've been watching a Canadian woman in England, now the reverse. Glad you like Victoria. I live up the road in Qualicum Beach/Parksville area.

I moved to Toronto but agree that the 2 negatives for Ontario are winter and landscapes. If winter in southern Ontario were 2 months shorter it wouldn't be an issue at all. I like winter but by February I'm over it. Spring doesn't really arrive to mid-April. Ontario has it's beautiful landscapes but the other 9 provinces beat it imo. Alberta and BC are the most spectacular. They just are. I do like the big city though (from London UK originally) so very happy in Toronto.

Im moving from Ontario to Scotland next year! I'm outdoorsy and do landscape photography and its just time to leave Ontario. I agree so much with what you said about googling Canada and everyone seeing Alberta and BC. The majority of Canada is flat and forested and I crave the history, cliffs, mountains and oceans. I cant wait to make the leap to the UK.

So which city recommends in terms of safety, family friendly and Most Beautiful. How is healthcare of Victoria

I live in Victoria.. you are so right!! Victoria and The Island are amazing.

You’re comparing two of the most 10 livable cities in the world

The island is great but it can get expensive taking the ferry back and fourth to the lower mainland or States. Better to stay on the island.

Im not critiscing(however you spell that freakin word) canada. But to update the situation in aus, they now give you up to 4 years worth of holiday visa in 1 year batches.

Your video made me feel so nostalgic! I am Ontario born but lived around the Lower Mainland Vancouver for 12 years and then spent the next two years living in the UK only to then find myself back in Ontario. I desperately miss the West Coast as it is the home of my heart. Be well and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you.😊

Victoria is completely different from Vancouver in many aspects! They receive significantly more sun days than Vancouver....which you mention🌞

6 months of winter in Toronto?!!?!? What?!?!?!? I lived there for 30 years, and for 6 of those years worked as a bike courier. That means 6 winters of 10 hours a day, 5 days a week on my bike in Toronto. You must have a very different definition of "winter" if you think it lasts 6 months. For me, winter in Toronto is mid December to at most, mid March. I think you are not accustomed to a place that actually has 4 seasons and you are lumping Fall and Spring into Winter.

Love your video! I just relocated from London to Vancouver after spending last winter in Whistler and had to come back to BC, I love it here. I chose North Van for similar reason to you, the incredible nature! So close to the mountains and also not too far from the city without the big city feel!

Great video! I've been in Victoria, hiding from the winter this year. I definitely agree that it hasn't seemed like winter, but just goes from fall to spring. It is absolutely beautiful here on Vancouver Island and I love being near the ocean. I've subscribed to your channel so that I can follow along on your adventures ( we small youtubers need to stick together lol). Keep those vids coming!

Suprising Toronto winters longer than Winnipeg winters didn't know i live in Winnipeg

Another good video! Cant argue with you about the winters though they are a lot better if you don't live in a big city. Glad to hear you are enjoying Victoria so much. A lot of older folks from Ontario actually move there to retire because of the weather. A very belated welcome to Canada. Hope it continues to go well for you. Cheers.

You did very good job stay on Canada so beautiful country everywhere good everything is best Canada 🇨🇦

Hi Emily! I also moved to Toronto! About 8 years ago :) But I really want to try living in BC since they have mountains 👌 Keep doing your vlog, I wish you all the best!

Sadly first world problems that 3rd worlders would never have😢🥴.

Hi Emily, thank you for this video! I just wanted to ask you if there is same drug problem even in Victoria or even more worse ? I'm considering moving to Victoria, but would like to know how is drug scene in Victoria.

Great video and have a wonderful life in maple land .......

You're Damn Good....You deserve so much appreciation.

Great choice ! ;- )

I'm so excited to have found this channel - I moved from Canada to the UK in 2017! And I have the same dilemma you had where I come from a very small place and moved to just outside of London, and I hate city life! Where would you recommend in the UK for someone who wants to be around nature? 💕

Did you say the winters in Toronto are “at least 6 months”? Which Toronto are you talking about?

It's funny how winter is like kryptonite for the English. They'd rather be wet all the time.

You’re great at describing landscapes. I could almost see it and smell the countryside.

What about jobs in Vancouver vs jobs in Victoria?

Thank you for your video! My husband is from the U.K. and we had just moved to Toronto from Asia. He feels exactly the same way as you said about the winter and the scenery, we are actually considering moving to the U.K. as we know Toronto is probably not where we want to be. Your content on Victoria is sparking a lot of ideas in my head, I wish we can come for a visit and experience all of the nature you mentioned. We are now leaning towards the English countryside...Toronto is not really working for us :(

It's kind of funny that you thought Toronto has bad winters considering outside coastal BC it probably has the mildest winters in the whole country.

Thanks for your great insights dear. British-columbia rocks compared to Ontario. I've lived in Montreal and Torobto and have visited occasionally Vancouver and Victoria. Tjey both outweigh Toronto for sure. Though winters apart Montréal is a beautiful city to live culturally. Cheers

I just came back from holidays in Vancouver. The beauty is unmatched. It’s proper Canada.

So true ... it’s so cold in Toronto and the rent is ridiculous but still love my city though 😅

As an English bloke looking to move to vancouver, this was great to watch. First time I've heard an in depth from another brit. Thanks a lot! 😁

Where is Calgary.??

Winters in Toronto are too cold? You've obviously never been to Winnipeg. 😄 Anyway welcome to Canada, I'm glad to hear that you've settled in. 🙂

Brit here, moving to Montreal in the summer! Family reside in Toronto but wanting to branch out into other provinces before settling. Not to mention, my graduate salary is so much better!

Why question is, how do you find a decent paying job in Victoria, if you don't know the right people? If your career is Starbucks, then you're just a step above homeless.

Why not move to the Maritimes? Like Nova Scotia. It's way less expensive to live, you're close to the ocean and nature and more milder winters. Halifax is more Southern than Toronto

Canada fine

Ultimately I think the biggest difference is weather and culture. Toronto is more of a cosmopolitan lifestyle and Vancouver is more laid back hipster vibes.

Are there good job opportunities in all fields bcaz if its costly city, atleast expenses need to be met ?

Hi, Lived here all my life, and had traveled some, and you are 100% right, Vancouver and the Island are beautiful if your friend and you get an opportunity to try some west coast sailing or boating go see a WHALE and defiantly go see Salt Spring Islands!

By far the best decision eye ever made was over 12 yrs ago committing to Ayahuasca and sitting in an Ayahuasca circle. The 2nd best decision I ever made was attending an Ayahuasca circle 6 years later where eye met my fantastic wife and it was infinite love at first sight. The third best decision eye ever made was listening to my wife and moving to Vancouver, where her mother has a massive paid off house worth millions on the foothills of Burnaby mountain just 20 minutes east of downtown Vancity ( where my wife grew up), her mother bought the property for pennies on the dollar in the early 1980's, which will be inherited to us as my wife is her mothers only child. We are going to use those funds to heal and awaken humanity.. BC is infinite paradise, anyone who tells you otherwise either has not experieced it or have absolutely no clue what they're talking about.. Thank - You Mother Ayahuasca, infinite endless gratitude !! Nature is my church, and Rock N' Roll and Heavy Metal music ( and a touch of psychedelic trance) is my religion! ;-l

Very nice. Hello new friend

I’ve just commented on your Tiktok as I don’t have instagram anymore! Would love to chat to you Xx

Just subbed!!! Thanks for supporting us too 🌲🖤🏔️

Hello Emme thanks for your Vedios i have been watching your vodio I am planning to move there and it helps me some how thank you

Needed to see this 🔐 thank you! 🌟

Victoria sounds great. Good to see you're enjoying it. Are you glad you lived in Toronto first, though?

This was really useful. Montreal -40c OMG. 5 years time....if I've got what's going on in the world right. I'll be there living it up ! Yay. Thankyou I wish you all the best. P.s I've only just seen your vid and yet I subscribed straight away. 🤔 maybe that means you might be onto something. Don't give up if this is what you love.

Really informative. Eternally grateful for such a great video. I have the same opinion as yours. Couldnt hardly wait to be there. Anw, I just clicked Subcribe. Love your channel, but it would be great if you added some short clips about the seascape there, hihi.😄

Recently visited Victoria for a day (from costal SoCal). Didn’t take long to feel that I was “home”. Hoping to partly retire there and start my second career.

Hi, it was superb video. I am confused about settling in London or Vancouver. Will you please help from your perspective as you have lived in UK and Canada both ? Thanks.

I grew up in Ottawa, went to university in Waterloo, and did a work placement in Toronto, basically never lived outside of Ontario but I'm finally realizing that I don't think it's for me. I've never liked our freezing winters that last half a year (as you mentioned) and Ontario's nature IS so boring compared to BC's. Having traveled to Hawaii and Vancouver, I realized I love being out in nature but just like you said, Ontario does not inspire me to leave the house. We're thinking of moving to Victoria, which is why I watched your video. Your desires and concerns are so similar to mine, I'm so glad to hear you love Victoria!!!

Saying people Toronto is one of the most beauty place of the Canada.

I have nothing to add, not even a bit. Exactly how I feel!!! Exactly!!!

I got dual citizenship with the UK but honestly since every person from the UK (and Europe for that matter) sees Canada as a massive improvement I'm going to try for the USA. Canada is either a freezer or it's BC which I find depressing, expensive and lonely.

I'm currently deciding betwen moving to Toronto or going back to B.C. and whatever I end up choosing, I just feel like your good vibes helped a lot. Now I feel like any decision I take will be a good one. keep spreading the good vibes :)

i grew up in the west end of toronto. but i prefer the east end. have been living in the east end for 9 years or so

Hey Emme, I'm a Brit living in Toronto, thinking of moving to Vanvouver. And I'm actually tearing up watching this because I legit feel seen for the first time. My husband and friends are from Toronto and it's hard to communicate that the weather's and lack of nature are killing my soul. Thank you for making this video. 💜

All those places are beautiful to visit and to live

How often do you get back to the UK?

I was expecting you to add photos of all the beautiful places you mentioned when u talked about them

Just discovered you! I love watching expat channels ❤️ it’s so interesting! You might also like Simple Joys! She’s an expat living in France!

Oh come on! With global warming the winters are nothing like when I was a kid in the 70's. Honestly in Montreal winter id 2 1/2 months the most, sure a couple of days here and there it will be cold. Nut really winter starts mid December and is on it's way out the door the beginning of March. It's true Van Island doesn't really have a typical Canadian winter. They call the province British Columbia because of the rain though. Mily Looks Canadian, she was meant to live here.

Your emotions are so real and inspiring! Living in Alberta for 8 years, thinking to try something new - UK or maybe Australia?

I am from bangladesh love it

Subscribed Mam 👍

-20 is no way to live.

Thank you so mucho, your video was exactly what I needed to hear. It was really helpful to me.

More people moving to BC these days. Demands for housing rising and with less housing available, the costs of rental or outright purchase of property, skyrocketting. 😭

Hello Emily, Thank you so much, I found this a fascinating insight. Vancouver Island really looks like my kind of place. I’m semi retired currently ,but this is now on my list of places to retire. Keep enjoying the place you clearly love so much. Mark.

Great video! I’m 35 on Tuesday so time is against me with moving but if you have any advice for someone moving at age 35 and over let me know! 🙂