More people live in Eastern Canada than any other part of the country, so it’s no surprise that the region has a lot to offer. From the capital, Ottawa, to busy Toronto and French-speaking Montreal, there is so much to explore – and that’s before even mentioning the breathtaking landscapes in between. Of course, with so much going on, it can be hard to know where to start. Don’t worry: our guide will tell you all you need to know about studying in Eastern Canada.
What is Eastern Canada like?
Location and demographics
First, let’s define exactly which parts of the country make up Eastern Canada. In total, it has six provinces:
- Newfoundland and Labrador. The most easterly part of Canada.
- Nova Scotia. A peninsula with a coastline on the Atlantic.
- Prince Edward Island. Canada’s smallest province.
- New Brunswick. One of Canada’s founding provinces.
- Quebec. A province where French is the only official language.
- Ontario. The most populated province of Canada.
While the region extends all the way out to the country’s Atlantic coastline, much of Eastern Canada is in fact a long way inland. Parts of Ontario are close to the middle of the country, so whether you would like to be near the ocean or not, you have plenty of options.
As for the people who live in Eastern Canada, you’ll find a lot of diversity. For example, Quebec has a proudly French-influenced culture – over 93 per cent of its nine million people are familiar with the language – while Ontario is home to Toronto, one of the most multicultural cities in the world.
If you’re also thinking about studying elsewhere in the country, take a look at Vancouver and Edmonton – both are home to many international students.
Culture and history
As you might expect for such a large region, the culture and history of Eastern Canada is both rich and varied. A good example of this is Quebec, where First Nations and Inuit people have lived for thousands of years, but not always in safety. From the 16th century onward, their existence was threatened by European colonisers, who stole their land, resources and culture through force. Although greater respect is now paid to these Canadians, this cannot make up for a long history of oppression.
From 1534 to 1763, Quebec was controlled by France. Then, as a result of war, it was taken over by Britain, for a period lasting until 1867. Finally, the province was able to join Ontario, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to form the Dominion of Canada – a major step towards creating the Canada we know today.
As a result of these historical changes, as well as the greater freedom of movement that has been possible since, you will find international influences wherever you go in Quebec, and the same is true across Eastern Canada. Newfoundland, for example, has a culture that was heavily shaped by Irish migrants in the 18th and 19th centuries. Toronto, meanwhile, is home to people from all over the world. Almost half of the people in the city were born outside of Canada.
What cities are in Eastern Canada?
The cities of Eastern Canada range from the large and modern to the small but historically significant. Here are just a few of the ones to remember:
- Toronto, Ontario. The most populated city in Canada, with an international reputation for its arts and culture.
- Montreal, Quebec. The second-most populated city in Canada, and the one with the largest percentage of people who can speak both English and French.
- Ottawa, Ontario. The capital of Canada and the home of its government.
- Quebec City . A place which was fought over by First Nations peoples, France, Britain and America in previous centuries.
- Halifax, Nova Scotia. Home to many large employers, including private companies and government organisations.
- St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. A small, coastal city with incredible views and an important history.
To gain a deeper understanding of some of these locations, take a look at our guide to the top cities in Canada for international students.
How much does it cost to live in Eastern Canada?
Depending on which part of Eastern Canada you choose to study in, the cost of living will vary. Major cities like Toronto are popular with people from all over the world, meaning that you may find it more expensive to stay there than elsewhere.
In general, however, you should consider budgeting between CAD 1,600 and CAD 3,000 per month. The most important thing is to think about everything that you might need, find out how much it will cost in your chosen city, and plan accordingly.
For more detailed information, read our guide to student living costs in Canada.
What services are there in Eastern Canada?
The services available to international students in Eastern Canada vary from province to province. An important example of this is healthcare. In New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec, you may be entitled to some forms of medical care free of charge. In Ontario and Nova Scotia, however, you will generally have to pay for any treatment. Therefore, if you are moving to Eastern Canada, you should make sure to check exactly how your health will be covered.
Additionally, a good way of saving money while studying in Canada is with an ISIC. This is a student identity card that can offer you discounts on all kinds of purchases, and it is available for free at most Canadian universities. It could even help when you go home, as it can be used in countries across the world.
What are the post-study options in Eastern Canada?
To stay in Eastern Canada after you graduate you will have to make sure that you have the legal right to do so. For most people, this will mean needing a work permit, and for students, that will most likely mean a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). The amount of time that a PGWP will allow you to stay in Canada varies depending on the amount of time you spend studying there, but when you have one, you will be able to live and work freely in the country. You can even apply for the right to have family members join you.
For a more detailed guide to the system, consider our advice on how to apply for a post-graduation work permit in Canada.
If you do stay in Eastern Canada, you will have access to a wide range of fantastic career opportunities. Major employers including the Royal Bank of Canada, Shopify and Thomson Reuters are all based in the region, and are always looking for talented graduates.
Inspired? Discover the top five graduate jobs in Canada.
What universities are in Eastern Canada?
Given that Eastern Canada is home to some of the country’s biggest cities, it is also home to some of its biggest universities. A few of the most notable are:
- University of Toronto. Rated by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 as the top university in Canada, and the 18th best in the world.
- McGill University. Located in Montreal, this is another of Canada’s most respected and welcoming universities: 19 per cent of its students are international students.
- University of Montreal. The 10,000 international students here can find help and support from the university’s specialist International Students’ Office.
- McMaster University. Rated by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 as the fourth best in Canada.
- Dalhousie University. With campuses in Halifax, Saint John and Bible Hill, you’ll never be far from the ocean at Dalhousie, one of the most easterly universities in Canada.
- University of Ottawa. To study here you must meet either an English language requirement of IELTS 7, or a similar standard in French.
- Cape Breton University. Located in picturesque Sydney, Nova Scotia the university hosts students from over 70 countries with programmes covering liberal arts, science, business, and health.
- Fanshawe College. Based in London, Ontario students can choose from 170 programmes of which over 100 are PGWP aligned.
What are the main attractions in Eastern Canada?
As a major region of a large and historic country, Eastern Canada is unsurprisingly full of visitor attractions to suit every interest. Some of the most popular include:
- Hockey Hall of Fame. In Kingston, Ontario, this much-loved museum celebrates the very best of Canada’s national sport, ice hockey.
- Canada’s Wonderland. Located in Vaughan, just north of Toronto, this huge amusement park is one of the country’s most popular, with 16 rollercoasters.
- Notre-Dame Basilica. This 19th-century church is one of the most famous examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the world.
What must you see in Eastern Canada?
Whether you are looking for the beauty of nature or some inspiring architecture, you will find sights that will take your breath away in Eastern Canada.
- Niagara Falls. These three spectacular waterfalls separate Ontario from New York, and attract many millions of visitors every year. Taking a close look at the falls is something you must do if you’re studying in Eastern Canada, and the most popular way to do that is on one of the famous Niagara boat tours.
- CN Tower. This 553m-high structure in Toronto was once the tallest tower in the world, and almost looks like it could cut through the clouds. Millions of people visit it each year, with many of them taking a trip up to its lookout points and restaurant, from where you can enjoy fantastic views across the city.
- Gros Morne National Park. If you can find time to pay a visit to this vast natural wonder in Newfoundland, you should definitely make plans. With fjords that were carved out in the last ice age, stunning stretches of rocky land and a wide range of wildlife, you will find a lot to see. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means it has been given special legal protection as a result of its importance.
- Rue du Petit-Champlain (Little Champlain Street). You will spot the French influence wherever you look in Quebec City, and especially in this historic shopping area. It may only be small, but will offer you a lot to look at and enjoy. Great views of the area can be found from the top of the steep Breakneck Stairs, while you can also take a trip over to the city’s Upper Town on the Old Quebec Funicular, a train that first ran in 1879.
If this guide has increased your interest in studying at a university in Eastern Canada, take a look at our site search tool to find a qualification and university in Canada.
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