Charlottetown

Urban Coastal Beaches

Population: 52k

Cost of Living: Moderate

Train Access: No

Bus Access: Yes (T3 Transit)

Weather: Charlottetown experiences a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters, and the weather is influenced by its island location.

Charlottetown is the capital city of Prince Edward Island, Canada, and is known for its historical significance, vibrant cultural scene, and picturesque waterfront. As the birthplace of Canadian Confederation, the city is steeped in history, with the Confederation Centre of the Arts and the Province House National Historic Site serving as key attractions. The city's downtown area is a blend of historic buildings and modern amenities, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Charlottetown's Victorian architecture and tree-lined streets create a charming and welcoming atmosphere. The city is also a hub for the arts, hosting numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the famous Charlottetown Festival. With its small-town feel and friendly community, Charlottetown provides a relaxed pace of life while still offering the conveniences of urban living. The waterfront area is a focal point for locals and visitors alike, featuring a scenic boardwalk, marina, and green spaces. Charlottetown's compact size makes it easy to explore on foot or by bicycle, and its proximity to beaches and rural landscapes allows for a variety of outdoor activities.

BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions
Get Quote

BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.

BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions

Visa & Residency

Difficulty Obtaining: average

Popular Expat Visa/s: Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Family Sponsorship

Popular Nomad Visa/s: not applicable as Canada does not have a specific digital nomad visa, but digital nomads may use temporary work permits or tourist visas depending on their circumstances, and these typically allow them to live in Canada for up to six months at a time

Obtaining a residency in Canada involves several steps and can vary in difficulty depending on the applicant's qualifications, the visa type, and the specific requirements of the program. The most popular pathways for expats to obtain residency in Canada are through the Express Entry system, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and Family Sponsorship. The Express Entry system is a points-based system that manages applications for permanent residence under federal economic immigration programs. It includes the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. Applicants create an online profile and are scored using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Those with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residency. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and who are interested in settling in a particular province. Each PNP has its own criteria for eligibility, and successful applicants will receive a provincial nomination that can be used to apply for permanent residency with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Family Sponsorship is a program that allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their relatives, including spouses, partners, children, parents, grandparents, and others, to become permanent residents of Canada. The process can be complex and may require various forms of documentation, such as language test results, educational credential assessments, proof of work experience, police certificates, medical exams, and more. The processing time for residency visas can vary greatly, from a few months to a few years, depending on the immigration program and the applicant's circumstances. While Canada does not offer a specific visa for digital nomads, those who wish to work remotely from Canada may do so on a temporary basis using a tourist visa or a temporary work permit if they qualify. However, these do not lead to permanent residency and typically allow individuals to stay for up to six months. Overall, the process of obtaining a residency visa in Canada is structured and clear, but it can be competitive and requires thorough preparation and attention to detail. It is considered to be of average difficulty compared to other countries' immigration processes.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Charlottetown is considered moderate compared to larger Canadian cities, but housing and general expenses can still be significant due to its popularity and island location.

Weather

Charlottetown experiences a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters, and the weather is influenced by its island location.

Healthcare in Charlottetown

Charlottetown is served by the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, which is the province's largest hospital and offers a comprehensive range of services including emergency, surgical, and specialized care. The Prince Edward Island Cancer Treatment Centre is also located here, providing cancer care services to the region.

Restaurants in Charlottetown

Charlottetown offers a diverse dining scene with options like Sims Corner Steakhouse & Oyster Bar, which is a higher-end dining experience known for its steak and seafood. The Gahan House is a mid-priced brewery and pub with a cozy atmosphere and a menu featuring local ingredients. For more casual and budget-friendly options, locals and visitors enjoy the famous Cows Creamery for its ice cream and whimsical merchandise, and Leonhard's Cafe & Restaurant for its fresh and wholesome breakfast and lunch offerings.