Most countries are good at one thing. They either have fantastic weather or a booming economy. Canada gives you the full package. From free healthcare and excellent schools to some of the most pristine nature on the planet.
Based on several surveys and reports from Statistics Canada, Abacus, Leger, Pew Research Center and the World Happiness Report, here are reasons why Canada may be the happiest place on the planet.
Nature
No matter if you live in Vancouver or a small town in Nova Scotia, you are never far from jaw-dropping nature. Canada has the longest coastline on Earth, millions of lakes, and mountain ranges for as far as the eye can see.
Access to fresh air and trees is more than just a hobby; it’s huge for long-term happiness and mental health. Canadians grow up respecting the land, it gives people peace and a fresh perspective.
Even when you’re downtown, you’re usually only a twenty-minute drive from a trail you can get lost on.
Sorry Culture
Canadians apologize more than any other nationality on Earth, and often when we aren’t actually wrong. The “sorry culture” may have been made into a meme, but politeness and de-escalating is hardwired into Canadians.
If everyone is going out of their way to be nice rather than right about something insignificant, life feels better. Avoiding confrontation makes dealing with strangers at the grocery store or bus so much easier.
Healthcare
Not having to go broke if you break your leg gives an immense sense of security that is difficult to explain. Despite its flaws and ridiculously long wait times, Canadians believe that healthcare is a basic human right, not a privilege.
When you don’t have to choose between paying rent or seeing a doctor for a check-up, you can take more risks in life, like starting a new business or having children.
Space
Canada is the 2nd largest country by landmass and has one of the smallest populations relative to its size. There is literally more square feet per person than anywhere else.
You never feel crowded or trapped by other humans and that sparsity allows for a quieter lifestyle. The cities are big and spread out with wide streets and lots of public parks to spread out in.
Having literal space for you to breathe translates to mental space.
Multi-culturalism
Canada doesn’t expect immigrants to blend in and lose their identity. It embraces a “Cultural Mosaic” mentality and encourages everyone to share their culture.
So immigrants can keep their foods, languages, and traditions while being Canadian. T
he result is some of the most diverse cities in the world, full of every ethnicity. Walk through most neighborhoods and you can experience the world in a few city blocks. Despite its critics, this allows for a more curious, open, and adventurous society.
Politics
Did you know Canada is ranked one of the most stable democracies in the world? There is a general level of trust in public institutions and the legal system that keeps the country running smoothly.
Canada doesn’t seem to get hyper polarized like other countries. Some would call Canada “boring”, but that type of stability is something to be proud of. Canadians can focus on life without worrying about drastic changes to our rights.
Education
Not only does Canada have one of the most educated populations, but our school systems are also some of the best. Every person has access to a high-quality public education from day one and colleges are world-renowned.
The more you value education as a society, the more progressive your country will be.
Educated citizens allow for a better economy, more social tolerance, and happier families. When people know how to learn about the world around them, they can better fix it.
Air and Water
Thanks to huge tracts of northern wilderness and environmental regulations, Canada has some of the best air quality in the world. Take a deep breath when you step outside and notice how fresh the mountain or ocean air is.
We also have some of the cleanest freshwater sources from the Great Lakes and mountain runoff. Our air and water literally reset the body and keep people healthy.
Overall
Canada does have expensive cities, but it also has high wages and a great economy. For the most part, people have access to quality housing, clean power, and some of the fastest internet speeds.
Infrastructure is built to handle insane weather. When your basic needs are met and not left up to chance, you have more time. Instead of stressing about basic infrastructure, you have more time to do what actually makes you happy in life.
Safety
In major Canadian cities, it’s normal to see kids playing at the park by themselves or seniors taking a midnight stroll. Violent crime rates are some of the lowest in the world among developed countries.
Not having to fear “stranger danger” or gang activity in your neighborhood allows you to relax. With less crime, people are more open with their neighbors and involved in their communities.
Pride
Canada was one of the first countries in the world to legalize gay marriage. It has a general culture of “live and let live” that most provinces embrace.
Canadians are free to express themselves no matter their gender, religion, or beliefs. There is no fear of legal retaliation or being cancelled by society.
Everyone feels protected, which allows minority groups to feel equally accepted. When every citizen feels they can be themselves, everyone is happier.
Balance
Canadians work hard but also play hard. The majority of Canadians feel you must take advantage of every long weekend by fleeing to the cottage or visiting family.
Canadians WORK hard, but they don’t define themselves by their jobs like others may.
There is always something to look forward to outside of your career. Whether it’s that cottage trip you’ve been planning or the hockey game tonight. Making sure you have a life outside of work keeps Canadians from burning out.
Winter
Winter is long and harsh up north but that doesn’t stop Canadians from embracing it. Canadians take perverse joy in bundling up and playing in the snow.
Between skating, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and building snowmen, there’s a reason winter activities are a sport.
And there is nothing better than getting home from the cold to a warm fire with hot chocolate. Overcoming Mother Nature with your loved ones creates a bond and perseverance that lasts all year.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.
What middle class looks like in Canada vs. America
Middle-class life doesn’t look the same. The numbers behind income, debt, housing, and pensions tell a story most people never see.