Moving From Alberta to Ontario: What Do I Need to Know

It’s no secret that many Canadians head out west for a variety of reasons. Adventure, the chance to see our incredible country, mountains, or to be closer to friends and family are often high on the list. Advancing a career is a common reason for a big move. In this post, we’ll talk all about the reasons why you might be considering moving from Alberta to Ontario. We’ll also help you with some of the logistics when moving across Canada.

You may not realize is that many people are moving to the east, back to Ontario, home of the beautiful trillium and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Really, it’s not that surprising. Our home province has much to offer, and it’s no wonder people just can’t wait to experience its wonders and beauty for themselves.

Planning on relocating to Peterborough or the Kawarthas? Start by downloading our comprehensive Relocation Guide.

How to Move From Alberta to Ontario

Exactly how far is Alberta from Ontario? Canada is a massive country, and the actual distance depends on your precise starting point and destination. Nevertheless, you don’t need Google Maps to tell you that it’s pretty far! The drive from Calgary to Toronto (or Peterborough) is a little over 3,400 km.

Needless to say, there are some logistics to work out. The shipping cost from Alberta to Ontario will vary by moving company. Alternatively, you might decide to rent a truck and make the move yourself. This option might save money, but it will be more time-consuming.

Your best bet is to begin planning early, whatever path you choose. This gives you time to get quotes from multiple interprovincial moving companies to decide what works for you.

Do you want more info on how to move to a new province? Our Moving to Ontario Checklist will give you tips for interprovincial moving.

Cost of Living in Alberta Vs Ontario

On a grand scale, Alberta’s cost of living is generally more affordable. High housing prices in Toronto have a way of driving up the averages for the whole province. Toronto is also one of Canada’s most expensive places to rent a house or apartment.

If you look outside the GTA, more specifically to Peterborough, the cost of renting and buying a house decreases substantially. The further from Toronto you go, the more comparable the cost of living becomes to cities like Edmonton and Calgary.

One of the biggest culture shocks Albertans have when relocating to Ontario is the HST. Fortunately, many essentials are exempt, such as groceries and most health and medical products and services.

Thinking about putting down roots in Peterborough? The posts below will give you food for thought:

Ontario Vs Alberta: The Lifestyle

We could argue for days, but no one will ever win the debate between Alberta vs Ontario. Alberta has the iconic Rockies. We see your mountains, and raise you Ontario’s lakes, more than 250,000 of them, including the famous Great Lakes!

Ontario is no stranger to breathtaking natural wonders beyond boasting almost one-fifth of the world’s fresh water. There is no shortage of awe-inspiring sights, from Kawartha Lakes and the Toronto Scarborough Bluffs to the Niagara Escarpment that stretches nearly 900 km from Queenston Heights to Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron.

Of course, no one packs up and moves to a different province just for the scenery, no matter how beautiful. Fortunately, Ontario also boasts an excellent education system at all levels, including some of the best colleges and universities in Canada. From there, residents have an abundance of career opportunities to pursue.

If you need another reason to choose Ontario, look no further than our iconic wineries! The Great Lakes and the escarpment provide the perfect climate to create fabulous flavours, such as Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet, and of course, our legendary ice wines.

Ontario’s wine regions include the Niagara Peninsula, Prince Edward County, and Lake Erie North Shore. All help to make Ontario the largest wine-producing province in the country.

The Kawartha Lakes are in a class of their own when it comes to a luxurious, lakeside lifestyle! Learn more in the posts below:

The Case for Living in Ontario

When it comes down to lifestyle, one of the top reasons to choose Ontario is for the abundant outdoor recreation available. Alberta may have beautiful mountain lakes, but Ontario truly epitomizes the “cottage country” lifestyle, even when you’re not technically at the cottage.

Peterborough, in particular, is called the “Gateway to the Kawarthas” due to its interconnection between the Trent-Severn Waterway and dozens of freshwater lakes. Waterfront living isn’t reserved for your days off or when you can get away for the weekend. Depending on where you put down roots, it can be a staple of your everyday life.

When you’re not relaxing by the beach, there are still a ton of attractions and amenities that are a short drive away. For example, the Bruce Peninsula and The Blue Mountains make for perfect weekend trips and longer staycations. Then there’s Niagara Falls, one of the wonders of the world.

It’s challenging to compare lifestyles when considering a move from Alberta to Ontario. As with most places in Canada, both have a lot going for them. If you choose to make the big move, we are excited to welcome you. We love it here, and are sure you will too!

Do you want personalized guidance to streamline your move to Ontario? Our Peterborough real estate agents are committed to making your transition a success. Reach out to team@jeffandkatie.ca or call 705-243-9797 to start the conversation today.