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Newfoundland vs. Ontario - Part One

When it comes to moving to a new place, it can be challenging to decide where to go. Do you prefer a bustling cities or quiet rural towns? In this two-part blog, I will be comparing two very distinct Canadian Provinces – Newfoundland, the easternmost  province in Canada, and Ontario, located in the heart of Canada. Having lived in both places, I will be sharing my experiences and insights on what it's like to live in these two provinces and some communities within them.

My Experiences Living in St. John's, Newfoundland

I was born and raised in Newfoundland in a town just outside of St. John’s, called Conception Bay South. As a teenager, I moved out on my own and was drawn to the city's vibrant and quirky charm. St. John’s is the capital of Newfoundland and has a population of around 110,000 people.

The city has a strong arts and culture scene, and there was always something fun to do; a local band playing at a pub or a theater production at the arts center, there was never a shortage of things to do. The nightlife was endless (which I enjoyed thoroughly at this time in my life)!

However, living in St. John's also had its challenges. The cost of living was higher than what I was used to outside of the metro area, and finding affordable housing was also a challenge. The city experiences heavy snow in the winter, which makes transit even more challenging.

In my 20s, I moved again, but this time to a much quieter part of the province in a small community called Upper Island Cove which has a much smaller population (about 1,500 people). One of the things I loved about living in a smaller town was the sense of community and like most rural areas in NL, are very coastal – meaning the Atlantic Ocean sits in your backyard. Albeit cold, it is ALWAYS beautiful, no matter the weather.

Pros and Cons of Living in Atlantic Canada

Living in Atlantic Canada has its own set of pros and cons. On the one hand, the region is known for its friendly people and a strong sense of community, and also a rich history and culture, with plenty of opportunities to explore museums, art galleries, and the East Coast Trail which people from all over the world travel to hike and camp.

However, the job market can be limited outside of the metro area and the winters I have experienced in NL are some of the most intense. Just google “Snowmageddon in Newfoundland'' if you don’t believe me. If you're someone who values community and culture, Atlantic Canada could be a great place to live since the people there are known for their warm hospitality.

However, if you're looking for a warmer place to live (where winters don’t last up to nine months of the year) with a wider range of job opportunities, you may want to consider other options.



Written by Julie Bungay