tossing around the idea of relocating to Canada..

[illnillinois]

Where is a nice place to live.
I have a wife and 4 kids, so schools are important so NO in the sticks places.


please no smart ass comments.

[robo scat]

Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and surrounding suburbs. :)

[Comatose]

My girlfriend and I are currently asking ourselves the same question. Canada is a big place, so you really have a lot of options as far as geography goes. We're thinking Toronto, but I'd really love to venture out to Vancouver.

[Innominate]

"My" country is on the verge of collapse and the people that are in control have lost their minds.

I've only been to Canada once and I already love that fucking place.

[ATrain]

I'm from Ontario and I've got no complaints at all :jointsmile:

There are beautiful places just outside of Toronto that are great. Very peaceful but still only an hour away from the city.

Kitchener-Waterloo is a booming city of about 300,000 that has excellent schools (at all levels), great economy, weather that can pass 30 degrees in the summer and below -20 in the winter, and best of all it is clean and friendly :dance:

[illnillinois]

thanks everyone for the posts, keep them coming..

P.S. Is the whole country Cannabis Friendly?

[smokerofweed420]

I don't know tons about Canada but I've been there before and it seems like a cool place. The biggest issue for you right now would be the Canada is a lot more expensive than the US. And our declining dollar value does not help that at all. But if money isn't a huge issue, then relocating shouldn't be too big of a deal.

[ATrain]

P.S. Is the whole country Cannabis Friendly?

Considering it is still illegal I'd say it's VERY cannabis friendly. The conservatives always promise crackdowns but on the individual level people are very cool with it :thumbsup:

[ChiefSmokesAlot]

Far Eastern Canada.

Where Tree's Out Number Houses, by a long shot. :thumbsup:

[ATrain]

The biggest issue for you right now would be the Canada is a lot more expensive than the US.

You sure about that? Our minimum wages are proportionate to our standard of living. Both are higher in Western Canada.

[potsmokingnome]

Nelson, BC its a nice place to live, lots of free lovin hippies and such, but ya get use to them, cause they sell great weed! but its a nice area to raise children, and its big enough for most needs, and great food too..

[GreenLadyOfDankDowns]

If you are serious, this website might be of use to you. I've been looking into moving in with our northern neighbors as well. ;)

Immigration to Canada, Immigration Visa Services Canada, CIC Immigration Information Canada (http://www.how2immigrate.net/canada/)

[illnillinois]

If you are serious, this website might be of use to you. I've been looking into moving in with our northern neighbors as well. ;)

Immigration to Canada, Immigration Visa Services Canada, CIC Immigration Information Canada (http://www.how2immigrate.net/canada/)

hey, great link.. Thanks

[GreenLadyOfDankDowns]

You're welcome. I had to search my links folder for this one, which is why I didn't post it before. This site is much more comprehensive and should prove helpful.

Canada immigration and United States Immigration Issues. Canada employment and United States employment. Resources on Working in canada and the USA Immigration related articles. Facts about Canada and links and information about Canada. (http://www.info-canada.com/)

[Canadien.]

Canada's a sweet place to live IMO. I live in Ottawa and it's sick. They're cracking down on weed a lot more lately, but still, compared to the US.. nothin' man. You can find ganj about anywhere too, and I don't know about some people, but I always get dank, dank bud.
Ottawa's pretty expensive though. Vancouver's even worse, but weed may as well be legal there.:)

[Unknownfigure]

I, myself, have also considered moving to Canada. The only thing that stops me is me knowing that I will simply be unable to deal with that climate, at all. For me, cold is anything below 75 degrees F. I'm from South Texas, and I've only been in snow three times in my life, and I could not deal with any of those times. That is the only thing stopping me. I'd be better off in Mexico, I have alot of family down there anyway.

[DAY-DREAMER-MAN]

if you like the cold & hot boxing igloo's , & polarbears in your trash . you will love yukon canada:hippy:

[ChiefSmokesAlot]

if you like the cold & hot boxing igloo's , & polarbears in your trash . you will love the yukon canada:hippy:

Lol, i forgot about that place..

[002]

ive read that bc canada is the most law enforcement relaxed bud region of canada

this may help

WeBeHigh.com - Worldwide Marijuana Travel Guide With Marijuana Prices, Spots & Legalization Status (http://www.webehigh.com/index.php?l=1&country=Canada)

[robbyg]

I was born and raised in BC and love my stomping grounds but the amount of rain we have been getting lately is pathetic. It feels like there is a climate change going on but that is only my feeling and not really based on any fact I have read or heard. Just over the last few years the winters have been getting progressively worse even here in Vancouver. October was nice though with a few days of that beautiful sun that likes to shine over the dewy haze that sets over my area, one of my favorite times of years is early to mid october. Mid October got really cold this year and right now we are in the lows of 1 to 2 degrees and highs range up to about 8 on a sunny day.

What kind of work do you and your spouse do? Perhaps you should base your decision based off of that as I think schooling for your kids can be great in most areas of Canada. Definately anything East of Ontario is great with some great Universities, highschools, etc here in BC.

Vancouver has been dubbed Vansterdam and this continues to ring true. There are hot spots around town where choosing your pot is like choosing your POP in a vending machine. You can go to one place and choose from 5 - 15 different strains of herb. You want indica? They got indica. You want sativa? They got it. You want oil? hash? yada yada yada?? its not very hard to obtain it.

Toronto and Montreal follow Vancouver from what I have heard in pot friendliness. Toronto has lounge cafe's similar to those which are found in Vancouver. These cafe's rent out Volcano vaporizers, provide a laid back smoking environment where you can hit bong after bong without any real worry of problems.

You will run into some pricks out here who will call you in to 911 for smoking a little J while driving. I suppose it was the drivers fault in that situation but as some of you may agree, a seasoned pot smoker knows his limits, boundaries and tolerances. Needless to say, some douche decided to call the said driver in to 911 while following him around town to have him hit with a fine and a 24 hour probation.

The general rule of thumb is keep it discreet and you wont have any real problems.

Hope that helps

[robbyg]

If you want a teaser of the pot we smoke here, flip to page 86 in the Dec 2007 issue of HighTimes and you will see a bowl of premium BC herb that is not all that difficult to obtain.

puff puff pass

robby

[stinkyattic]

I've thought about moving to Canada as well- I can't believe no one has mentioned the Maritimes! My family emigrated from Scotland in the 1700s and settled there- as much as fishermen ever really settle- First in Newfoundland, then Nova Scotia, then on to New Brunswick... I'm still a little sore that they decided to keep on moving down the coast to end up in Gloucester MA before hanging up their oilskins... I think Nova Scotia is one of the prettiest places on earth, and so peaceful. The cape Breton music scene is fabulous too. And the Highland Games at Antigonish are a hootin' good time for us crazy Scots, lol! Assuming I could find employment, I'd move to the MAritimes in a heartbeat.

[Comatose]

I will be transferring to a university up there, and my girlfriend will be looking for a professional school (chiropractic, medical, dental, vet, etc). For me, this will be easy, but for her, there are obviously fewer choices. I've tossed around this idea for quite some time, but it really looks as if it is reality now. This country has become so corrupted that it really is making me sick. Seeing the documentary "Sicko" was honestly the last straw. I won't sit here and watch another corrupt president walk around and change things as they see fit.

[LIP]

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia would be the place i'd go to if i was to move. Not only is the trailer park boys situated around there, it seems like a lovely place. And of course, lots of boats so hopefully i'd be sorted for work.

[Comatose]

It basically looks as if you need to work on getting a visa, live in canada for the duration of that visa, then apply for citizenship. If you get a work visa, keep that job; if you get a student visa, stay in that school.

It is a little intimidating to think about moving into another country, but I'm ready to jump right in. Canada seems like the right place for us to settle down and start a family.

[SmokeyTokey]

I would love to give Canada a try. Our neighbors at the northern border seem to live in a place of natural beauty. I love the outdoors, primarily hunting and fishing. Canada is known for being a top notch fishing destination too.

I recently saw a you tube video on how Canada is "going to pot" as a the journalist said. I will try to link it here. I thought it was pretty funny but the video stated some interesting statistics how Cananda has surpassed Holland in weed consumption.

Enjoy the clip!:thumbsup:

.YouTube - Canada has gone to pot (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGNYM_cRMsU)

[sneakyt33]

As a Maritimer, I'll speak up. I can highly recommend living on the east coast, but finding decent work can be a little bit difficult (unless you have some sort of skill).
If you are looking to live in a city environment, then Halifax is a good spot, for a smaller city, I would recommend Moncton, and if you are looking for an even smaller city, then Charlottetown is the way to go.
Most people are pretty easy going as far as pot goes, and we've got a kickass music scene.

[Comatose]

What kind of music is popular in the music scene in Canada? I know this sounds stupid, but I really don't know.

[stinkyattic]

Well, the music scene that I'm aware of is the folk music scene, which is KICK ASS in NS.

I wonder... if an American moved to Canada because of current political mismanagement, would he consider himself a refugee?

[Comatose]

Folk music is pretty good. I appreciate any music that shows talent, but I really love the guitar in general.

I was actually wondering the same thing about being a refugee. I guess to the definition, you would be correct.

[Reefer Rogue]

I went to Montreal and Toronto once, i have fond memories. I'd love to go back now, being a toker.

[geonagual]

Thats it!! I am moving

[Comatose]

What are Canadians general stance on Americans that venture north? Will I be disliked solely because I was born in the States?

[Cocoflava]

moving to canada has crossed my mind manny manny times.. BC for me i think..

-Wil

[TheDefiler]

Sounds like a great place to live. So is Canada basically a self ruled vassal of Britain or what. The article said its a constitutional monarchy headed by Queen Elizabeth II but didn't really give any more details. Would be interesting to figure that one out.

[Rhymenocerus]

Canada is independent of Great Britain I believe. Queen Elizabeth II is the queen of something like 16 different nations, and holds that position separately in each.

The way the US is getting, Canada is looking better and better. I think Vancouver may be the place for me.

[silkyblue]

Canadians got their shit together unlike stupid americans

the maritime provinces are culture riddin, you gotta love the water to live there

Toronto is a big modern city, big city and no track homes OR CONDOS in between, their poulation is like one hundred fifty four million

I admire folk that can move and settle into new citys its not for the weak at heart


every city is huge in Canada, Niagra is cool you can cross over into America just across the falls and all that water is way cool

Id move to CANADA if hubby would in a heart beat, I grew up in DC

wer Im at isnt DC ~~ I wish Britain would buy America back! I do!

we have lots of tea


change is good it makes you think !

[cobracommander1079]

I'm not sure if I could deal with the frigid temperatures up there. Maybe after global warming kicks into high gear, I'll reconsider.

[jessem98]

Toronto is the place to be! Head shops, vape cafes, weed everywhere. downtown toronto is amazing. I am from Toronto, and i would be completely fine+content in staying here until i wither away. I LOVE CANADA.

[FreshNugz]

Sounds like a great place to live. So is Canada basically a self ruled vassal of Britain or what. The article said its a constitutional monarchy headed by Queen Elizabeth II but didn't really give any more details. Would be interesting to figure that one out.

Well, in 1982, Pierre Trudeau repatriated our constitution, which was first known as the British North America Act. At that point, the country became officially sovereign, and we have a Governor General who represents the Queen....if that makes sense. The Prime Minister and the Governor General are the highest dignitaries in government...if you're really interested, type around on google for a more detailed picture.



I will be transferring to a university up there, and my girlfriend will be looking for a professional school (chiropractic, medical, dental, vet, etc). For me, this will be easy, but for her, there are obviously fewer choices.

There's a bunch of specialized schools here in Canada, and many of them accept International applicants. I'm sure you'd have no problem accomodating her schooling, and certainly university for yourself.


It basically looks as if you need to work on getting a visa, live in canada for the duration of that visa, then apply for citizenship. If you get a work visa, keep that job; if you get a student visa, stay in that school.

It is a little intimidating to think about moving into another country, but I'm ready to jump right in. Canada seems like the right place for us to settle down and start a family.

Im pretty sure you can apply for what's called Permanent Residency, and they send you a card and blah blah bla, then by three years of being a permanent resident, you can apply for citizenship. And when you're a permanent resident I'm pretty sure you get all the programs and everything just the same as if you were Canadian. And it's really easy to become Canadian...almost too easy...we hand out citizenship papers like candy imo.


What are Canadians general stance on Americans that venture north? Will I be disliked solely because I was born in the States?

I doubt it. Maybe by some, but not the majority. We're super nice for the most part, lol.



I'm not sure if I could deal with the frigid temperatures up there. Maybe after global warming kicks into high gear, I'll reconsider.

Yeah, that's Canada's flaw. Unless winter is your thing, then you'll love it. You get used to it. but it takes a little
time :thumbsup:


I'm really surprised to know that so many people are thinking of moving here. I hope this has been helpful. :rastasmoke:

oh yeah, and the WEED IS AMAZING!!!
And every year on 4:20, people gather on parliament hill and smoke weed all day. Or at least have the past few years...its a wicked good time. Called Fill the Hill. mwahahha I love Canada. I think this is pretty much a good example of our weed friendly nature.:thumbsup:

[Comatose]

Freshnugz, I really appreciate all of the information that you passed along. A little rep for you.

Yeah, my girlfriend and I really haven't stopped talking about the move. We're 100% sure we are going to do it now, we just need to get a decent amount in the bank account first.

About Canadian weed; I'm sure thats its great stuff. Thats pretty much the icing on the cake about the move, I can be more free about how/when I smoke. We are moving based on political and geographic reasons, but a lax stance on reefer will be nice.

Here is another question... Do employers request pre employment drug screening like they do here? Not that it matters, I am experienced in passing them. It would just be nice to know I won't have to do it anymore.

Also, I love the winter. I'm practically in Canada already (live an hour or so from the border) so that shouldn't bother me. My nipples are well adjusted to frigid temperatures, hahaha.

[LIP]

yeahhhh

[mikeyjo]

If you don't like living somewhere you could always try to make it a better place instead of moving on to the next place... IMO, you wont be able to go far enough north to get away from what's being wedged into place.

On a lighter note, how about a maritime kitchen party.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyzziHxR_j0

[Comatose]

When I look at the way our government works, and how corrupt it is, its a long way away from a change. I don't want to spend my entire life changing this, I want to live my life. Period :)

[FreshNugz]

No prob for the info man. Glad to be of use. I thought at the end of writing that my joint had made me ramble too long, which i did, but at least it was help...lol

As for the drug screening, I know some places do, but from the amount of that I hear about in America, we're nothing comparable. Basically it takes place but I don't think for as many things as in the US. Oh and Alberta, if you are a skilled tradesman out there(or hell, anything), you are making way more than anywhere else in Canada. Only thing is, its almost impossible to find housing.

Pass on any further questions if you wish.

[Comatose]

Nope, the joint helped it all flow together :-p

I've got experience in quite a few different areas, and I'm a senior at a university as well. Hopefully that'll help me out a little bit.

Right now, I guess that I should begin by trying to find work (maybe monster.ca?). I need to visit a consulate and begin the process of filling out a work VISA too.

[silkyblue]

again

If any reason to defect to Canada their NHS [National Health Service] they have and free child care I heard
I could dig some free health care
ld be well worth it in the long run, wif 4 chitlins and

the snow wont hurt cha ! snow builds character

:thumbsup:

[Comatose]

There are literally hundreds of reasons why we are planning this move... The NHS is definitely 1 of those reasons.

Reasons why my girlfriend and I are making the move...
1. NHS-Socialized medicine. No more paying hundreds of dollars when you're sick or hurt.
2. No abortion laws (long story, but if my girlfriend ever gets pregnant we will have to chose between her life or the childs)
3. Laws against handguns and semi-auto rifles (I love my guns too, but owning anything over a shotgun is overkill)
4. No enemies. Canada is perceived as one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Foreign relations are just about as high as they can get. Not to mention, I don't think I've ever heard terrorist and Canada put together in the same sentence.
5. The unemployment rate of Canada is 5.8 (it is well over 8 in my city/state).
6. Canada is moving towards ending the prohibition of marijuana. I may not know exactly how close or how far away it is, but I know it will happen in Canada before the U.S., or any other civilized nation.
7. No death penalty. Some people don't like the death penalty because of moral reasons. I don't believe in allowing a capital criminal off that easy. That truly is the easy way out.
8.Canadians live longer, healthier lives. Life expectancy is higher here. You could tie this in with health care, but its a great reason to move nevertheless.
9. Politics. Canada is not over ran by a two party system that is obviously flawed. The government does not wreak of corruption and scandals.
10. Wildlife. I love hunting and fishing. I don't think there is a better place than Canada to do either of them.

I have no doubt that I could easily make a list of 100, but nobody is going to want to read that :) Point is, Canada is a great place. I'm already past asking "if" we are going, and to the point where I'm asking "when" we are going.


Ok so here is another question everyone. What do you all recommend I do with my grow equipment when I move? Should I try to take it with me? Should I sell it and then just by new equipment after the move?

Also, what should I do about my personal consumption? I don't think I should try bringing anything with me, but I don't know where I'm going to find it while I'm waiting 3+ months for my harvest.

Thanks for any insight!

[mikeyjo]

Just feel the need to clear up some misconceptions about canada....

- NHS is hurting - and a two tier system is being put in place. I have spent many half days waiting to get an Xray or get an appendage relocated. NHS means 4 hour + wait times for the poor schmucks.
- No free child care (subsidized) and waiting lists in most urban centres is huge (QC is the best for raising a family, and as an outsider you can choose to send your kid to an english school)
- Registered guns don't tend to be involved in crimes - unless theyve been stolen
- Canada has enemies and is now one of the targets listed.
- Current P.M. Is ushering some very tough laws that will ensure the marijuana decriminilization movement is put to rest for good
- There is plenty of corruption to be had in gov;t here (just like any other gov't), check into the last federal gov't, Chretiens.
- and yes the Unemployment rate is dropping, but the quality of jobs, especially in manufacturing provinces are being lost rapidly and replaced with braindead service jobs.

Comatose... not picking on you :p just sharing some thought from canuckistan.

P.S. don't bring the equipment with you, have it shipped - just make sure its been cleaned thoroughly.

[Comatose]

Thanks for the insight. I know that it cannot be exactly how I perceive it, but it looks so good from here :-p. Thanks for the advice on moving equipment!

-You may have spent many half days waiting to get an x-ray or an appendage removed, but when I was a child, my fathers insurance covered me, and I still waited more than 4 hours to get stitches or casts on many occasions.

-I don't know of any free child care here either. I'm not planning on having children, either.

-If registered guns aren't used in crimes, there have to be far fewer crimes being commited.

-I've heard about the P.M.s stance on marijuana. I've also heard recently about the judges calling marijuana laws unconstitutional. It'll be interesting to see what happens, but I think that it will always be harsher to smoke marijuana in the US.

-Nobody can possibly be more corrupt than the Bush and Clinton families. (maybe I'm wrong, I can't argue this one :))

-Nobody loves service jobs, and I don't want to be a drain on anyones economy. But its not like I'm leaving a job to come to a job. I just can't get good work here, period. I have education and experience, so I'm hoping I can go right over the skilled trade work and into something else.

[mikeyjo]

The proposed law is about to be tabled and talks about wide sweeping, concerning changes. Has to be approved of course.

I agree about the Bushes and the Clintons, and Canada is doing their work in Afghanistan :/.

The industry you're looking to get into might dictate the area you would choose. Canada's sparse like that. But there are choices.

[Comatose]

I wonder if I can find any resources that show industry/education area clusters for the entire country of Canada. I'll start searching today. Thanks again.

[mikeyjo]

Statistics Canada: Canada's national statistical agency (http://www.statcan.ca/start.html)
Census of Canada (http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census/index.cfm)

Roll a big one. Might take a while :D.

[Comatose]

Ohhh yeah, I'm going to be there for a while. Thanks for the resources. I appreciate it.

[Comatose]

Bump: There is a ridiculous amount of data on those websites.

So, nobody has suggested what I do about getting buds when we arrive. What do you guys recommend?

[n1nj4]

I'm only 19, but my life is definitely over here in Georgia. I don't know if you've read my thread in the legal section about my situation, but my life is over here. I hate the US like no other. I'd love to move to Canada, and one day I just might. From what I'm seeing, eastern Canada is the way to go.

[Comatose]

I've talked it over with my family, and they back us on the move. We are going to visit a consulate here in the next few weeks to get the ball rolling.

I'm pretty excited, even though this is going to be a long (probably expensive) process.

[angry nomad]

Bump: There is a ridiculous amount of data on those websites.

So, nobody has suggested what I do about getting buds when we arrive. What do you guys recommend?

YouTube - Where does he get all that WEED (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP4MuR5irzg)

Well, this guy buys it in the park in Vancouver.

Can I do this in Montreal? Do the have weed cafes in Montreal?

[ChiefSmokesAlot]

Nova Soctia... Fuck Yea! :D

it's magical..

[Trip06]

I had legal problumes here to, So I dont have much going for me right now and moving somewhere new might be a kickass Idea. Ive been to canada a bunch of times in the toronto are and stuff. Im thinking If I save up like till next summer I could move up there. Then again I might aim a little lower like escanaba.