Moving to Canada (Manitoba) - Advice on getting started.
 

Hi All,

I'm moving to Canada for 1-2 years on a working holiday visa. My girlfriend is from Winnipeg and has spent the last year in Australia with me, so now its my turn to go to her home.

I have a couple to questions for anyone who has done similiar, or is knowledgable on these subjects.


1. Should I get 12 months travel insurance through my Australian Provider?, or should I purchase private health insurance in Manitoba? I really don't need the repatriation services that my Australian Insurance provides, as Canadian hospitals are good.

2. Anyone have any suggestions for areas to live in Winnipeg. Obviously I have looked online etc etc... but any first hand experience would be appreciate. I am essentially looking for a 1 bedroom furnished apartment. My girlfriend has her advice on this, but I would also like to hear any other opinions.

3. Any recommendations for Canadian bank accounts that would be suitable for someone in my position.

Thanks in advance... and yes I know about the COLD winters! :)

I can only speak in generalities. My best friend is from the Peg so I've visited a few times, but never for that long.

1) Can't help here. Sorry! You Aussies have universal health care don't you? If so, you're probably adequately covered here.

2) If all you want is an apartment, you may as well live downtown. My buddy lived on Donald Street just off Portage - look it up on Google Maps; you'll find it. I'd say that's as good as it gets. Otherwise you'll find some places around the University of Manitoba but of course, that gets into student digs which may or may not be an issue for you.

3) HSBC might be the easiest if you intend to keep some links with Australia. Otherwise, any Canadian bank will do; they're all the same when it comes right down to it.

Enjoy winter in the Peg! Better you than me. :) In all seriousness though, (and I say this graciously) I've never found much charm in Winnipeg as a city. But I've always found immense charm in the people of Winnipeg. Every time I leave the Peg it's with a twinge of sadness because I know I'm leaving behind such a collection of deeply kind individuals. There may not be much to see & do in the Peg, but the people keep me wanting to go back. In a way, I am envious that you'll get to experience this hospitality up close and in person for an extended period.


P.S. Did your girlfriend tell you about the mosquitos in summer? :p

Thanks for taking to time to post that mate.

I've visited her a couple of times there and I agree about the nice people. Im not too fussed about the lack of things to do. As long as I've got a beer in hand, and some sport on the tv... I'll be ok..

We (aussies) definitely need to get health coverage overseas... I have private health insurance in Australia, but public (free) insurance isn't reciprocated in Canada. But thats ok, I'll work it out.

In regards to the mozzies... I think we have bigger and more aggressive bloodsuckers during the rainy season here in Queensland!...

Thanks again

My friend used to live in the 2 apartment complex on Donald. I can't recall the name of that apartment building but the last and 3nd apartment she lived in was in Broadway Manor on Donald. It was much nicer and newer than the first Donald apartment building. Behind the downtown shopping mall, there's the Promenade apartment complex and other apt's. Like the above post, UofM are good spots and students are often your next door neighbor. Other large apartment blocks are in the Maples area (check on Mandalay Drive, Adsum Drive) and more apartment blocks in the Corydon, Osborne Area.

As for banks, TD Canada Trust, their ATM's and branches I think are much more accessible. But I do like ScotiaBank's customer service. I have accounts from both banks but use TD for everyday banking (purchasing and payroll).

Again, not much to see in Winnipeg and it's cold here but we are very friendly folks. ;)

Not sure how old you are or what sorts of things you like so this is really just some general thoughts on neighbourhoods to check out.

1) Crescentwood along Corydon. The stretch of Corydon Ave. from Stafford east is Winnipeg's Little Italy. Lots of street activity throughout the Summer and plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars. The area is centrally located and is walking distance to the river in Winter for skating or hiking (we have the world's longest skating trail). It is also cycling distance from Assiniboine Park which is a fantastic green space.

2) Osborne Village. Just across the river from the legislative grounds. Again, a very vibrant area with a reputation for 20-30 year old singles. The Safeway grocer store has a reputation as a meet market. Very accessible to all parts of the city and close to the river and The Forks marketplace.

3) Wolseley. If granola and hemp are your thing you should check out Wolseley. All natural bakeries and organic cafes. Winnipeg regularly kills off the mosquitoes with insecticide but this area remains virtually untouched because of resident activists.

4) Assiniboine Ave. Old area - young people. There are a number of old apartment blocks along Assiniboine Ave. that attract singles and couples without kids. It is along the river at the edge very of downtown. Quick walk to the forks and across the river from the French Quarter.

So there you go! Just a few options to look at. You may note that I only noted neighbhourhoods close to but not in downtown. Winnipeg is very easy to navigate from central areas. The downtown tends to be alive during the day but gets quiet at night when people tend to retreat to the areas they live.

As for the cold, mosquitoes and no nightlife claims - that's what we tell easterners to keep them away so they don't ruin it for the rest of us!!:)

To endear yourself to the locals, you will need to get one of these:

http://www.icejerseys.com/images/vin...y-1989_big.jpg

;)
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13F

Thanks YWG Canuck that was very helpful.

For the record, Im 27, male and moving there to be with my girlfriend, who is currently in Australia. I have seen some downtown apartments buildings that have 'skywalks' .... This seems like a good idea for me for winter haha!!!!

Thanks again


haha Seat13F_AC_CRJ, thanks for that mate.... I already have a shirt and cap, and the locals seemed to love it when I dressed in the team gear and spoke in my aussie accent.... But I will have to get a jersey too...

Because there is no Jets, I am going to have to support the Canucks, because that was the first team I ever saw play when I flew from from Australia to Canada (YVR), although all my new friends in Winnipeg seem to support the Oilers.

Thanks again

Dude - you gotta learn about the Moose!

Yeh its hard to know much about a provincial canadian team, when living downunder.... The few times we ever hear about icehockey, it is only the NHL....

I did make it to a blueblombers game when I visited last time! I didn't mind the CFL, except for the fact they they all wear too much padding and HELMETS!! *sigh*


:) See you in May Canada!!!

No worries.

27 is a bit old to be in the student digs out by the UofM!

Skywalks are over rated - it really isn't that cold except for a few weeks in January. Tomorrow will be sunny and 10C and most of the snow is gone.

What does the GF say for her preference? What part of the 'peg did she live in before going to Oz?

May is a brilliant time to come - we'll leave a light on for you...

Careful not to lay it on too thick! Half of FT will be teary eyed, and the other half will be packing to move to the 'peg. ;)
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13F

I highly reccomend checking out Clear Lake, in Riding Mountain National Park. A 3 hour drive from Winnipeg. Very beautiful. I spent every summer of my life there until I entered the real world. Has a real cool, chill, party vibe. If you go, avoid the main beach, there are quiter ones (deep bay is cool - although the sand isnt chopped up anymore).

Thanks for yhr info/advice...

GF is from North Kildonan...

We are leaning towards Osbourne area ... or Assaiboine Ave

Cheers

Thanks for the tip mate, will check it out...

GF's family has a cabin on White Lake in Whiteshell Provincial Park... I've been out there on my last trip, and loved it, so will try and spend as much time there as possible!

Also a beautiful place.