Choosing the Best City for an English-Speaking Immigrant in Canada: Edmonton, Saskatoon, or Calgary

As an English-speaking immigrant looking for job prospects in education, finding the perfect city where you can enjoy hiking, visit museums, or simply stay at home without mindering harsh winters can be a daunting task. This guide will help you weigh the pros and cons of living in Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Calgary, based on your unique criteria.

1. Job Prospects in Education

When it comes to job prospects in education, each city offers a distinct advantage:

Calgary: Calgary boasts a strong and growing job market, leading to a high demand for educators. The Calgary Board of Education and various private institutions regularly have job openings. Edmonton: As the capital city, Edmonton attracts a robust education sector with several school boards and post-secondary institutions. While it may not have the same government education funding as Calgary, it offers many opportunities. Saskatoon: Saskatoon, while smaller, is experiencing growth and has a University of Saskatchewan that offers employment opportunities. However, the job market may be more limited compared to Calgary and Edmonton.

2. Climate and Harsh Winters

While all three cities experience cold winters, each city has its own unique climate:

Edmonton: Known for its significant snowfall and temperatures dropping below -30°C (-22°F). This can make winter quite challenging. Calgary: While still cold, Calgary benefits from chinook winds, which can hike temperatures during winter. However, it can still be very cold. Saskatoon: Similar to Edmonton, Saskatoon experiences cold and dry winters, often with severe wind chill. Temperatures can dip below -30°C (-22°F).

Conclusion: If you don’t mind harsh winters, all cities are relatively similar. However, Calgary might be slightly more bearable due to the chinook winds that can warm the temperatures during the winter months.

3. Outdoor Activities and Hiking

Each city offers unique outdoor opportunities:

Calgary: Offers the close proximity to the Rocky Mountains, with many residents taking weekend trips to Banff and Canmore. Edmonton: Features nearby parks and river valley trails, but is farther from the mountains compared to Calgary. Saskatoon: Provides beautiful river trails and extensive park systems, but lacks the mountainous terrain that Calgary offers.

4. Cultural Amenities and Museums

Each city has its own vibrant cultural scene:

Calgary: Known for its vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and festivals. The city hosts events like the Calgary Stampede. Edmonton: Recognized for its rich arts and culture, with institutions like the Art Gallery of Alberta and the Royal Alberta Museum. Edmonton also has a thriving festival scene. Saskatoon: Features a smaller cultural scene, but still offers museums and galleries like the Remai Modern and the Ukrainian Museum of Canada.

5. Language Considerations

Since you mentioned your French is quite poor, all three cities primarily operate in English. Therefore, you can feel comfortable in any of these cities without a strong command of French.

Final Recommendation

Considering your priorities, Calgary is likely the best choice for you. It offers numerous job prospects in education, excellent outdoor activities like hiking, and a vibrant cultural scene. The economy is strong, and its proximity to the Rocky Mountains enhances the recreational opportunities.

Edmonton is a close second, providing a robust education sector and rich cultural experiences.

Saskatoon might be a good fit if you prefer a smaller city with a growing community but may have more limited job prospects.

It's advisable to visit each city if possible to get a feel for the atmosphere and lifestyle before making your decision!