Moving from Ontario to British Columbia

British Columbia is known for its breathtaking mountain ranges, stunning ocean views and beautiful coastal communities. No matter where you're at in life, this province has a ton to offer prospective new residents. If you’re planning a big move anytime soon, here’s what to know before moving to British Columbia:

What to Expect When Relocating from Ontario to British Columbia

Ontario is roughly 2,834 km from British Columbia, which is considered a cross-country move. Before you relocate, you'll need to think through your plan for this cross-country relocation. If you decide to DIY your move, you must consider the cost of travel arrangements, taking time off of work, renting a moving van and packing up your belongings on your own. DIYing a move of this size is a tedious and time-consuming process.

Hiring a moving company is the most cost-effective way to relocate long distances. The price you're quoted is what you can expect to pay for all of the unexpected expenses that may occur along the way.

North American Van Lines offers a variety of services, including packing and unloading, assembly and disassembly, storage and custom crating. You have complete control over the moving process, and you can design your customized moving strategy to meet your specific requirements. Specialty or delicate products are also not a concern. If you want to carry these valuables, their movers are educated in the art of skilled packing.

What’s the Price of Relocation? Estimating Your Move to British Columbia

Expenses for relocating vary widely depending on where you're going and where you're leaving from. On average, you can expect to pay around $2,100 to $8,500 for a cross-country relocation. The exact cost will vary depending on your home size, the distance and what services you need. Most moving companies charge by the pound. So, a great way to cut costs is to downsize before you start packing your belongings. Consider going through your belongings and deciding what to keep, donate and throw away. This will help streamline the packing and unpacking process.

What’s the Cost of Living in British Columbia

The cost of living in Ontario vs. British Columbiavaries widely depending on where you go and how large a city or small hamlet you wish to be in your new location. According to the data, these two Canadian provinces don't seem to be that distinct. In December 2019, a one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver averaged $1,967 per month, while a two-bedroom went for $3,058.

For a one-bedroom apartment in Toronto, Ontario, the rent is $2,314, while for a two-bedroom, it is $2,966. To keep the same quality of life in Vancouver, you would need $6,524.38 in net earnings after income tax compared to $6,700 in Toronto. The bulk of the province's residents live in Toronto, so going to the Vancouver region should be around the same in terms of cost, but costs decrease if you go outside of Toronto.

Popular Cities to Move to in British Columbia

When deciding where to move to in British Columbia, consider your lifestyle, interests and needs. Every city is different and unique. If you have some flexibility on where you get to move to, here are the top three popular cities to consider:

Vancouver: A bustling and lively city surrounded by nature. Vancouver is an outdoor lover's favorite city. You're surrounded by waterfront views and mountain landscapes. The city has a vibrant food scene, great job opportunities and tons of weekend entertainment.
Victoria: Victoria is known for its charming neighborhoods and historic appeal. It's a smaller, more relaxed city with tons of job opportunities and outdoor attractions.
Kelowna: Obsessed with good wine? Enjoy life in the slow lane in the charming city of Kelowna. This city is situated on Okanagan Lake and is known for its wine country.

No matter where you move to or from, North American Van Lines will lead the way. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote for more information.

Climate Differences Between Ontario and British Columbia

Ready to trade in your snow boots for a pair of rain boots? British Columbia has milder and wetter winters than Ontario. You can also have pleasantly warm and dry summers on the other side of Canada.

Cycling, hiking, camping, and rock climbing are just some of the various outdoor activities available when the weather is pleasant. Different snow-related sports are popular among locals and tourists alike throughout the winter months.

What Is British Columbia Known For?

British Columbia is a great place to live and has a ton to offer young working professionals, families and retirees. From the breathtaking views of nature to the next-level culinary scene, you'll never grow bored in a province like British Columbia.

When moving from Ontario to British Columbia, here’s what you can look forward to:

Thriving Economy and Job Market

It's no surprise that British Columbia is becoming a significant player in the global economy. B.C.'s economy has increased because Vancouver's biggest port handles $200 million worth of goods every day. Second, only to Alberta, Ontario's real GDP has expanded by 2.5 percent, compared to Ontario's 1.6 percent growth rate.

Besides biotechnology, alternative energies, and software development, Vancouver is home to some of the world's most important industries. HSBC Canada's headquarters are also located in Vancouver. Thanks to these large corporations, thousands of people in British Columbia now have work. According to reports, there were 46,500 new jobs in British Columbia between June 2018 and April 2019. Despite low unemployment, additional jobs are projected to be created.

Breathtaking Views

The stunning environment of British Columbia makes it one of the most significant locations in the world to live. With its snow-covered peaks and world-class slopes, Whistler-Blackcomb is a top destination for avid skiers and snowboarders looking to settle in British Columbia.

Glacier National Park is one of Canada's most ecologically important places, home to old cedar trees, bears, caribou and a stunning landscape that is ideal for rock climbing and trekking. Ainsworth Hot Springs in the province's southwest is a popular destination for those seeking a more laid-back atmosphere and intimate experiences with nature.

Relaxation and Food

It's common knowledge that tourists flock to British Columbia for its breathtaking landscape and stay for the cuisine, wine, and peaceful atmosphere. The province has become a significant destination for food and dining fans due to the availability of farms, vineyards, breweries, and restaurants that collaborate with award-winning chefs.

Many restaurants in British Columbia use fresh, locally sourced products wherever possible, and there is a wide range of cuisines to choose from. There are many ways to relax in British Columbia, such as bathing in the natural hot springs or visiting one of the many wellness facilities you can find around the state.

Make Your Move Easy with North American Van Lines

Since 1933, North American Van Lines has been a household name in the moving business. Over 500 agent locations throughout North America will ensure that you can get a mover whenever and wherever you need one.