While record numbers of Canadians are in the process of leaving the country for good — in 2024, over 118,000 people emigrated — most of the world is dreaming of moving here instead.
A recent Remitly survey of 4,800+ participants across 26 countries shows Canada topping the list of dream destinations, ahead of Australia and Japan. But the reasons people choose Canada go far deeper than we imagine.
What draws people to Canada
When people around the world picture a new life elsewhere, a few key factors consistently rise to the top in the survey’s responses:
- Quality of life — health care, safety, clean environment, reliable public services
- Overall lifestyle — daily ease, community feel, balance between work and time off
- Better job opportunities — both stable employment and growth potential
As for those who long to call Canada home, an improved quality of life tops the list.
Another big draw is the country’s landscape. From coastal towns and bustling cities to mountain ranges and lakes, Canada offers a mix of scenery that caters to both adventure seekers and people who prefer a slower pace.
Finally, the people themselves matter. Canada’s reputation for friendly, welcoming communities helps explain why so many see it as the ideal place to start fresh.
Canadians are dreaming too — and leaving in droves
Interestingly, the survey also finds many Canadians themselves want to live abroad, targeting places like Australia, the UK, Japan, and the U.S. Their motivations echo those of other respondents: improved quality of life, new lifestyle experiences, and environmental considerations.
That said, the exodus from Canada is already breaking records. In 2024, Statistics Canada reported more than 118,000 citizens emigrating abroad. In just the first six months of 2025, about 54,530 Canadians left, making for the highest first-half total ever recorded.
Even so, the migration pattern isn;t uniform across Canada. Quebec, for instance, accounted for only about 12.5% of total emigrants so far in 2025, despite holding roughly 21–22% of the population. That suggests residents here are less likely to move abroad — whether because of language, cultural ties, or other stabilizing factors.
Why Canada still wins
Despite Canadians’ interest in moving, the global fascination with Canada reflects something deeper: people are drawn to what Canada represents — security, opportunity, livability, diversity. And for many, the Great White North is not just a backup plan; it’s a dream destination.
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