I Lived In Ontario For 4 Years & Here's How It Compares To BC

The views expressed in this Opinion article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.

So many people move from Ontario to B.C., but I feel like not many know just how different life is in the two Canadian provinces.

I moved to B.C. from the East Coast almost two years ago, but throughout university lived in Ottawa. Living in Ottawa, I was able to travel around the province, and now that I live in B.C., I can't help but compare.

If you're planning a move anytime soon, take some notes of all of the things that are different in B.C. and Ontario!

Affordability

If you want to save money, don't move to B.C.! Housing is way more expensive than many places in Ontario. Even Toronto is a cheaper spot to buy a house compared to Vancouver.

It's so much more to do

I hate to say it, but there is just way more to do in B.C. Stunning hikes and outdoor activities are more accessible, and in the summer, you can go camping at breathtaking spots.

I found Ontario a little boring in comparison.

The vacation spots are different

While B.C.'s go-to vacation spots are L.A. and Hawaii, eastern Canada is closer to spots like Florida. It depends on where you like to go, but being out West makes it harder to get to some of the places I was used to travelling to before!

You don't get the ocean in Ontario

The worst part about living in Ontario was that there was no ocean. While lakes can be fun in the summer, there's nothing like being in salty water. I love sea kayaking, surfing and swimming in the summer months.

The weather is so different

One of the perks of Vancouver life is the lack of snow in the winter. Ottawa winters were filled with snow and dry, bone-chilling temperatures, while B.C. has a more mild and more humid cold.

While fall is filled with rain in B.C., we used to have tornado warnings in Ontario during September.

Before you pack up and move, make sure you know what the weather is like throughout the year.