Is life better in Canada or UK (An Honest Review)

If my life better in my home country of Canada, or in the UK, my new second home? Let's break it down. Of course, these are just things that arise in my day-to-day life that impact my quality of life - it certainly doesn't include everything!
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0:00 is life better in the uk or canada?
0:47 the pace
2:04 the balance
4:21 the attitude
6:43 the cost
9:32 the distance
11:30 the connection
13:03 so what's better?
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British people don’t know how old their food is: • British people don’t k...
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Hey! I'm Alanna - a thirty-something documenting my life as a Canadian living in England.
I share the ups and downs of an expat living abroad and what it's really like living in the UK. It's not always easy, but there's been so many wonderful experiences, too. I post a KZbin video every Tuesday plus an additional video every Saturday on my Patreon account. I also livestream every Wednesday and Sunday at 5:30pm GMT/BST on Twitch.
Alanna x

[@twaww2]

I can't believe anyone in the UK tolded a Canadian to go back from where they came from, I can't believe it, as far me Canadians , Australians, and New Zealanders are family

[@Phiyedough]

I was also shocked to hear that. I am British but living in Croatia. Nobody here has ever told me to go home to Britain.

[@terryomalley1974]

True, but as she said, they usually assume she's American because our accents sound similar to British ears. I suspect that, if they took the time to find out she's Canadian, they'd be less likely to tell her to go home.

[@tenniskinsella7768]

Yes I feel more In common with Australia etc than continentals I

[@tenniskinsella7768]

Yes people don't like Americans often do they bit unfair

[@ukpaullouis2708]

I am Canadian and live in Kent for 20+ years now. No one has ever said anything like that. They have often mistaken me for American but 99% of the time when they find out I am Canadian, the say sorry because apparently Canadians don’t like to be called American! For me, the UK is a far better choice than Canada especially southern Ontario.

[@raymondporter2094]

As ever, Alanna hits the bullseye with another video. I accept people are entitled to their own opinions, by why would ANYONE want Alanna to have to "go back home"? She IS home.

[@maxmoore9955]

Why who said that .I've Loved her videos from the start .

[@AdventuresAndNaps]

I really appreciate that pal, thank you watching! ☺️

[@hughtube5154]

Of course she hit the bullseye - she's just had laser eye surgery!

[@m0bwy27]

Sometimes I’m ashamed to be British.

[@Ionabrodie69]

@@m0bwy27Why .. there are arses everywhere .. you think other countries don’t have idiots 🙄

[@Xaxxus]

8 years Canada has changed a LOT. Things have gotten really bad here the past few years.

[@thejosephs5766]

Yup .... wonder why this is ??? answer JT

[@istvanglock7445]

@@thejosephs5766 No, the decline started well before JT.

[@TC-td1vx]

@@istvanglock7445but things were much better under Harper

[@istvanglock7445]

@@TC-td1vx In some ways yes, in other ways no. But the perceived state of Canada is only partially dependent on who happens to be PM. It's also dependent (much more, I would say) on the state of the world, and who happens to be Premier in the province you live in.

[@TC-td1vx]

@@istvanglock7445 I don’t think u realize anything at all about politics and their agenda how it impacts us at individual level. I guess being blinded is blessing to some

[@user-pe3tt7iu7g]

I'm Canadian born from a British family that lived there for 4 years in London & Norwich but I found the weather too miserable and society to feel very classist. Although Canada is cold, the sun actually comes out and we don't judge others based off where they are born and their accent. I miss British humour, football & London in particular but the quality of life felt worse.

[@howardkey1639]

I can see it is hard to pick between the two countries for you but for one I'm glad you have chosen to make the UK your home, it's great having you here. ☺

[@AdventuresAndNaps]

Thank you so much!! 🙏

[@lawrenceglaister4364]

​@@AdventuresAndNaps, over the years I've met people who have moved to Australia and Canada and South Africa and stayed for a long time settling in and saved up for a holiday back in the UK , but on returning it's usually but not always the wife that misses the family and friends , so don't worry because these days it's a lot cheaper to get flights and more of them

[@maureenbothwell2610]

I'm a Canadian living in the UK for 10 years. Every single person I've ever been in contact with here, has been lovely to me. I'm sorry you've had such horrible experiences.

[@ukpaullouis2708]

I have been luck enough to be paid to travel all over the UK and Ireland. I did it for 14 years and I can say I have never found a single person that acted or said anything bad about me being Canadian. It has been my experience that the opposite is true and people are just lovely when the discovery I am Canadian.

[@bruh-iy9ec]

@@ukpaullouis2708 as a Brit, I must say I love y’all. I think Canadians are just wonderful and have typically such an optimistic warmth about them! I hope you continue to have great experiences here :)

[@MAC-vi7fy]

No wonder why the British economy is in free fall and the only real economy Britain has is rich people having investing firms/family offices.

[@csax4056]

Which visa are you on?

[@ukpaullouis2708]

@@csax4056 I am not on a visa I am duel national.

[@theozchannel6253]

I lived in Canada for many years and have not lived in England buy have visited, I prefer England honestly, I think Canada is too cold, too boring and just uninteresting in the long term, the food is bad too, the UK is rainy but probably not as cold, but the UK has a huge advantage: CULTURE and HISTORY something that Cnada totally lacks and that for me makes a huge difference

[@LoreleyLz]

I am French, and have been in the UK for almost 6 years (I have lived in Canterbury for a year, it's absolutely lovely 🥰). When my friends back in France ask if I plan on coming back home one day I always say the same thing: "I'm home. England is my home". I don't know if, objectively, life is better here than in France, but it's better for me because that's where I feel at home.

[@chromaticvisuelle]

Wow I would never choose England over France. And I lived in both.

[@danielwu191]

Could I ask which one is economically better (factoring in costs and salaries), the UK or France?

[@LoreleyLz]

Honestly I'd say it's pretty much the same. Pay is slightly better in the UK, but the cost of living is higher (obviously it depends on your job and where you live). London is mad expensive, but Paris isn't cheap either. I've heard the UK is better to start a company (less taxes) and there are more opportunities to grow in your career in my opinion. @@danielwu191

[@colinsmith1288]

I just wish the Uk was back in the eu. So much easier for everyone..

[@stephh3521]

I felt compelled to comment because this was me 10 years ago. I lived in Bromley (as you know, also in Kent) and am happy I moved back to Toronto pre-Brexit. I was originally able to move to the UK with dual Canadian / Italian (my parents) citizenship. Like you, it was often commented “So when are you going back home then” for being Canadian, let alone for my Italian heritage. I was married and had two kids in the UK and whilst in some ways it was very idyllic in their early years to live there (you know, going to feed the ducks and such…) I wouldn’t have wanted my children (with Italian first names btw) to continue living in greater London. The way I describe it is - Toronto is multicultural, whereas, London is multi-cultured. My Italian parents feel Canadian. I would never ever have felt British. I was a senior NHS Manager, yet money was tight. What some people don’t realise is that when you rent privately in London, you pay all the bills separately like a homeowner. The council tax is paid by you the renter…not the landlord. But I digress. We were able to buy a house in Toronto before the prices became eye-watering, whereas we would have never escaped covering someone else’s mortgage in the UK. Yes, I miss my annual leave allowance, I miss a variety of other things…..but my British hubby is happier and better off work wise in Toronto and my kids have friends from a variety of cultural backgrounds and are equally accepted for theirs - that means the world to me. Moving back to Canada was the right choice for us. Don’t let anyone else but you decide where you should live! I wish you all the best ❤

[@graham2806]

I currently live very close to Bromley and happen to have stayed in Toronto for a month when I was a bit younger and travelled around east Canada. Great decision to move back, Canada is a wonderful place with wonderful, friendly and very welcoming people. Greater London is unfortunately not like this, I've been in London for work for nearly a decade and I've never felt welcome, despite growing up down the road in Kent. From my experience the most friendly people in the UK are from up north and Scotland and I hope you had chance to visit some places whilst you were here. The only downside of Canada is the extreme winters, but on the plus side at least you have proper weather unlike the constant grey and rainy weather in the UK 😂

[@jiliciar.1423]

Thank you because everyone seems so discouraging to move to Canada.

[@Duckandcover01]

You enrich the UK with your beauty and generosity. Ignore the rude people. To walk everywhere and be part of a community is fabulous. Love your Canadian accent too.

[@sergiopawson]

We no longer have a mortgage, my wife is now retired and wants to travel back to Thai. We don’t splurge or anything like that. Inflation has hit hard and want to relocate while growing his RRSP which is less than 700k at the moment. I'm cautious than ever with rising costs. Also because of the insecurities taking place I have really discouraged the idea.

[@PurvisTwiggs]

Roughly how much you have in the RRSP combined with a financial advisor’s help can help you not only grow but budget the money for your travel destinations. My spouse always delegates her excesses.

[@irenatrulove]

Hiring a financial adviser means having someone look at everything from cash flow to investments and risk management to estate planning and legacy.

[@sergiopawson]

The ones I find are young and I feel may not be experienced working with us. They also tend to charge 1%? which I am not comfortable with.

[@sergiopawson]

Yeah, the problem is finding a reputable one, the ones that have passed the exams qualifying them to be financial advisers. Who is this person that guides you? Can I get a number?

[@jackryalls6841]

Don’t take it to heart when cruel and ignorant people tell you to go home! You are very much wanted here! The fact that you are doing something productive with your life and they more than likely aren’t is probably why they are so unpleasant! I thoroughly enjoy your videos and welcome your views and experiences of being part of this nation!👍

[@AdventuresAndNaps]

Thank you, I appreciate it! ☺️

[@seanscanlon9067]

@@AdventuresAndNaps Some people will even tell other Britons to go home or back to where they came from if they are currently living in a different town, city or country in Britain to where they are originally from. On a side note Alanna, do you have a P.O. Box or somewhere other than your home address where I can send you something that I must have had for almost as long as you have had your channel? Or would it be OK to send it to the address listed at Edenbridge Fragrances and still have it get to you?.......I appreciate that you have to be careful though, as there are some odd people out there.

[@lesterbottomley7641]

@@AdventuresAndNaps well they say home is where the heart is and one thing that comes through in many of your vids is a large part of your heart is in the UK. So in some way you are home (and those idiots aside, we are glad to have you).

[@danmayberry1185]

That was lovely. Helps me decide whether or not to move on my own from Canada to northern England. You always have a great outlook.

[@michaelbowling1362]

Having you on our little Island is a blessing ❤ - Thank you for choosing to live here. If things get too much for you down there then come to Yorkshire 😘 - we have Tea. Yorkshire Tea 😂

[@PeleRana-pp6zc]

Not to mention the beautiful scenery!

[@recordsmanukrnet]

South Yorkshire you mean?

[@geoffreyjones6019]

Really sorry to hear you’ve had to endure such abuse, as others have said you’re very welcome here and help enrich our country and I always think it’s a great thing when those from other countries choose to live in the U.K. Unfortunately every country has its share of unpleasant idiots.

[@VMM34]

Germans living in Britain doesn't go down well at all

[@captaincaveman5175]

Another great video Alana . Really happy you decided to make our country you home .really hope you stay .

[@timelwell7002]

A friend of mine (a university lecturer) went to Canada on a work exchange with a Canadian University, thinking that he and his wife might move there. However, much the same as Alanna describes, the work ethic in Canada was to work long hours, with very little annual leave, especially when compared to the UK. So, we have a Brit who chose to stay in the UK and a Canadian who chose to leave Canada in favour of living in the UK - both of them arriving at the same conclusion...

[@indigoflow6525]

Hey Alanna My parents came over here from Toronto just before I was born, but I identify as a Brit with a love for Canada .( visit family often) I believe 99% of Brits love Canadians and you are so welcome here and very happy to have you. Keyboard warriors are the lowest of the low.

[@thisweekmetaverse]

Hi, I get the two homes thing. Im Scottish but live in Mexico, my wife is Mexican and yes she also got go back home shouts when visiting England, though it hasnt happened in Scotland. The cost of living in Mexico is 67% less than UK, the food is amazing, 320 days a year sunshine and weve never been told I should go home. Buying a house here was simple and as it was cheaper than UK (£135k for a 4 bed with pool) ill be mortgage free in about 4 months time. I love it here. Im working from home so after a morning walking i sit in the garden with butterflies iguanas and humming birds, take my meetings, swim in the afternoon. Dinner with the sun going down. Never living in UK again.

[@beaniesonna3052]

Wow your life sounds amazing!

[@georgecooksey8216]

Trade all that for minimal civil rights in Mexico and the corruption. It's a trade off. Be careful in Mexico.

[@wearyfighter5591]

Nice video Alanna The content is not only informative but also presented in such a captivating way. The way you present your content is both entertaining and informative. I love the attention to detail and the positive energy you bring to your channel.I'm eagerly looking forward to more incredible videos from you! 💖

[@stewarthunter8793]

Alanna you are wonderful, we are so lucky to have you in the UK. Yes, the UK has gone through massive immigration. You are a citizen of the Commonwealth and so very welcome. My 2 daughters live in Australia. Ignore the bitter and ignorant folk.....their issue, NOT yours ! x

[@craftydafty1100]

I'm from the UK, Scotland and I always find it delightful that someone whether they've moved here (UK generally) or are just visiting from another country. I can't imagine leaving my home to go somewhere else and like you said leave family behind, so I think that people should take it as a compliment when someone does so. You're right of course, no where is perfect and no where is all bad either. Just remember that for all the people that have said those mean things to you there are way way more who think the opposite.

[@lylecrawford2794]

Did you hear Humza McYousaf complaining about all the white people in positions of power in Scotland? I know I was shocked to hear about all the Scottish people in Scotland! 😄

[@irenemcgrath7739]

Your videos are great Alanna, so nice you chose the UK to come and settle in, 8 years here! Girl you’re one of us now!! ❤

[@colinblackledge2942]

Hi Allana. People who hate other people, actually hate something within themselves. I'm glad you are here. You enrich us all 👍

[@VMM34]

I wouldn't say they hate something within themselves. Germans living in Britain didn't have a good time

[@gerardacronin334]

I was born and raised in Ireland and have lived for a few years in the US before moving to Canada over 30 years ago. Nobody has ever told me I didn’t belong in Canada, and I really, really appreciate that. Even the immigration officer made me feel welcome on Day 1. I too feel privileged to have two homes but I don’t think I could afford to move back to Ireland now.

[@TheLifeOfDan1]

From an average, normal Brit I would say, we are glad to have you here! CAN, AUS & NZ, are all part of the family I say! (As someone has said previously, I can’t agree more)

[@samc175]

Alanna, it's always so interesting to hear your perspective. I lived in Canada (Southern Ontario too, woo!) for 4 years ('09-13) as a teenager & loved it. It was such a massive culture shock, with one of the biggest being the distance we had to cover to get anywhere! I was lucky, in Guelph, some of my friends lived on my street, so I didn't need to rely on my parents to drive me everywhere - if I couldn't bike there however, I was SOL. 😂 Visiting Canada as an adult, after moving back to my 2,000 resident village, was another huge shock, as I realised that without a car, you are absolutely stranded! Thank you for making videos - I love hearing your perspective and comparing it to my own. 😊

[@stuarts1219]

Another interesting and informed analysis based upon your unique viewpoint! 🙂

[@joshbrailsford]

Ultimately, the two countries are different, and by having lived a significant amount of your life in each, you'll have learned many things that you wouldn't otherwise have learned. And learning is what life's about. So even if you move back to Canada, or to somewhere else entirely, the experience of living in the UK for these years will probably benefit you in ways you don't even know yet. And in the meantime we can all learn these things second hand through your videos, and be entertained along the way.

[@PeleRana-pp6zc]

So true. My parents came here from a commonwealth country and I have learned so much about the two cultures. I love both countries and feel at home in both.

[@galanthusknits]

As a Canadian who lived in the UK (Chester) for 6 years and recently moved back to Canada last year (BC), I agree with most of what you said in this video. My husband is a Chinese born Canadian and in Canada, he hadn't experienced too much racism (aside from teens saying dumb stuff and the occasional boomer), but in the UK, he experienced quite a bit. I COMPLETELY agree with what you had tp say about the walkability of places in the UK vs Canada. That's actually something I have been struggling with the most. In Chester, I walked and biked everywhere I needed to go. I didn't own a car and didn't drive. Now that I'm back in BC, I have to get in a car to go anywhere and it's so isolating, and I feel like I have way less freedom. I actually hate relying on a vehicle.

[@danielwu191]

As Chinese I find my fellows are more likely to suffer discrimination in the US, UK and Australia but less in NZ and Canada (though my NZ-based aunt was refused to get onboard by a bus driver simply because she didn’t wear a musk, but that was in Feb 2020 and COVID hadn’t swept across NZ). Btw I enjoy Chester’s black-and-white architectural design and the incredible zoo😂

[@simplybo3206]

Thank you for your videos. I'm glad I found someone I can relate to here being an expat myself. it makes me miss home even more but also appreciate living here as well

[@briz1965]

In Canada since 1990 and yes missing the family is number one. Many valid points for both places, I think my top for Canada are 1. Wildlife, 2. you get a summer and a winter, 3. you can right on a red.

[@ary6039]

The third is the worst part. You shouldnt be allowed to drive turn on red as its a hazard for pedestrians. That is what is better in UK

[@davidpierce3217]

This really is a great video Alanna. Very honest and heartfelt.

[@AdventuresAndNaps]

Thank you so much!

[@cameronrbarclay]

Hey Alanna, I’m from Toronto but living in Surrey UK now and it’s so true, neither one is better or worse because they’re so different! And it’s really heavy on the heart sometimes feeling like you’ve got a home in both countries and not knowing where you’ll end up!

[@cameronrbarclay]

But the vacay time here has had a huge impact on my quality of life. I feel like I’ve never worked so little in my life but still been able to get by financially whereas in Canada the grind doesn’t stop if you wanna stay afloat

[@dongmingzhu666]

Surrey is not UK. Check out some of the most deprived areas😂

[@hellofromdave]

Yes, there's a downside to ending up with home in 2 different countries. I moved to Canada from the UK almost 30 years ago, and I too missed my family over there. Sadly both my parents passed away and that's when I really felt like maybe I shouldn't have been away that long. But also, my daughter moved from the west coast to southern Ontario and though we are in the same country we are also a long way apart.

[@edlirasinojmeri4887]

Hi Alanna, enjoy your work life balance in UK, something called "luxury" in Canada.

[@angelique_cs]

I do respect the vacation time in the UK. Here in the states, I worked for a company that gave you 5 days after one year, and raised to 10 days after 5 years. Then it stayed there until the 25 year mark with the company. As you can imagine, I didn't stay long! Great food for thought video, Alanna!

[@AdventuresAndNaps]

Wow 😮 I would have cried lol

[@angelique_cs]

​@@AdventuresAndNapsoh I did! All the time!

[@maxmoore9955]

Don't worry if the Conservatives get back into Power all workers Rights will be Gone. But we'll have the North American Dream .Ho Goody .

[@Elwaves2925]

@@angelique_cs Are there any US companies that give you a good amount of days, or are they all like that? I spent a year in the US (90's) but I wasn't working within the US system and it always sounded bad back then.

[@angelique_cs]

@@Elwaves2925 it varies by company, but 2weeks/10 working days is the standard across the board.

[@vedanttaneja8578]

Canada and uk both have free healthcare, don’t understand why the guy in the comments is saying “ you come here to get free healthcare “

[@lost_boy]

in Canada, from what I remember (lived there 20 years ago for a year and a half...) it's not universal, it's means tested. And varies from province to province. As a foreigner, I had to pay for all medical expenses. A simple, 5 min consultation cost me $300....

[@baronsilas]

You are a breath of fresh air and welcome addition within our wonderful country. Your views are really interesting to watch, as a Brit married to a Kiwi, I can empathise with your situation and views. Ignore those 'Trolls' who leave click bait comments. They are not representative of normal UK citizens and are guaranteed to be awful people anyway ;)

[@delithnutkins6017]

I think you were so brave to come half across the world to live in a new home in Britain for starters. I can only apologise for the plebs in our country that tell people to go back where you came from and quite honestly if it were a contest on which people should leave the this country I know who I would choose. Keep up the good work. I’m sorry you miss your mum, friends and family it’s not good. We are definitely privileged to have you here and to let us listen your views on us please keep going and we’ll keep listening Thank you

[@devoidleaps4892]

Hi , sorry to hear about the idiots you experienced . You are very welcome here and as a northerner having now lived in Kent since 1994 - I do miss some parts of the north, mainly moorland, my mates and northern banter. But it is easy to travel and catch up etc. Have friends who've gone to Canada and those who've gone to Australia - in the main it has often been getting used to the vast space and distance between things. I did some research work in Aus, so became aware of such. Ignore the idiots, as that is what they are and will remain so. PS , my wife is part of a bell-ringing group (team) in our Village (about 16 miles south -westish of Canterbury) just in case for the future. Keep it going, all the best to you and yours.

[@stevanblacklock2671]

Hey Alanna, I love your videos. I'm also a Canadian who lives in the UK. I grew up in Hamilton, ON.. I've been in the UK for a long time. And I agree with so much of what you've said about the UK, and Canada. There are so many great things here, and I know how lucky I am to live here. But Canada is great too. And even though I've lived in the UK for so long, there is so much I miss about the country where I grew up. I went back to Canada last year (reverse culture shock for sure 😳). But, I guess we all have different life experiences. Even though I love the UK, Canada will always be my home. Keep up the good work ❤

[@chromaticvisuelle]

what did you miss? I left Toronto for 2 months, I didn't miss anything

[@stevanblacklock2671]

@chromaticvisuelle it's a strange thing. I think the longer you are away from somewhere, the more you appreciate it. Initially, and especially only after a few months, I didn't miss anything either. But after many years, you do begin to realise how special a place really is. Even the small things. The memories, the atmosphere. Toronto is a beautiful city, and still to this day one of my favourite places. Sometimes, I think it just takes time. When you see something on a daily basis, it becomes normal, even boring. But take that away for a while, and you really begin to appreciate what it is 🇨🇦

[@chromaticvisuelle]

@@stevanblacklock2671 Sorry but I don't find anything beautiful in Toronto, which is becoming a mess of new condos. Not much charm. The Annex maybe is alright but not much else.

[@meganprice570]

I love this video, I am English girl living in Canada for 4 years. I agree with a lot of what you say. I am so upset to hear you had people tell you to go back home. This is disgusting and so disappointing. I do find even for me in the UK as I am northern I get a lot of abuse when I go down south. I do think cities are significantly less like this . I do this people massively underestimate how difficult it is to start a life in a foreign country. Love to see you thriving

[@paulshepherd1348]

Fully agree with that assessment Alanna, as Brit living in Southern Ontario for the last 14 years. Its hard to say which one is better... I couldn't have the lifestyle I have in Canada in England... but the i miss things from England that cannot be replicated in Canada. The biggest thing I have found i miss is a shared history... music,TV, food, my friends and family no one is Canada understands that... and no one in UK understands my "new" life in Canada... although 14vyears isn't new anymore.

[@simplybo3206]

I'm glad I'm not alone as a Canadian living in Suffolk, england for 20 years now! Thank you for sharing xx

[@flyinphil42]

I am from UK but lived in Canada most of my life , every time I go to Britain I always find someone is condescending to me. Maybe it’s because I’m Canadian and I’m sensitive to it, because Canadian people generally act polite even when they don’t want to.

[@michaellawrence3513]

Biggest drawback of canada (aside from cost of living) is lack of community. The pace of immigration is so rapid its destroyed social cohesion in many cities. Its also led to growing social divides and hostility. Canada feels like its a country on the decline. Something changed in past few years

[@dianawilde417]

I am an Australian woman who likes to present well like yourself. I have lived in other countries in Europe, and England is the only country where the women especially treat me with coldness and contempt. People are so rude and unfriendly it's quite shocking to me. They hide behind a veil of politeness, but they are still cold underneath, back stabbing and two faced. I am so tired of trying to make friends and getting rejected (which has never happened in other countries I have lived). I've finally accepted that I need to leave England before all of my self esteem and confidence is destroyed.

[@lukeallan6486]

Gosh yes this is true. Polite but fake.

[@fredericka.6594]

They're passive aggressive adding to your comment as well.

[@lukeallan6486]

This is one of the reason I hate being in the UK but got no choice but to get old here.

[@Brenda-ny1gw]

@@lukeallan6486 Are you from the UK?

[@lukeallan6486]

Yes I live here. They are horrible and xenophobic and fake.

[@heskeyisgod8039]

Great video Alanna! I couldn't imagine only have 2 weeks leave. I am lucky enough to get over 6 weeks in my job.

[@AdventuresAndNaps]

Over 6 weeks, lush!! 🙏

[@davesaunders7080]

Agree with eating out pace,work life balance,food cost,distance. I enjoy visiting EU on vacation from Ontario and understand all your points. Enjoy as best you can your home wherever it may be and keep making these informative videos.

[@wendycoyne2899]

Moving to another country far away from family takes immense courage, I wonder if those people who tell you to go home have even 1% of your courage and imagination.

[@danielwu191]

You hit it on the nail. Those narrow-minded ones would never set foot outside of their towns I suppose.

[@danielyeshe]

I am so sorry you have had to deal with those horrible comments. I think I can speak for the majority of British people when I say you are welcome here! And on a personal note your videos are always enjoyable.

[@kayleighwhitehurst6274]

Thank you so much for this video. I'm looking to move to Montreal to be with my partner, and I needed a clear comparison. you've helped me make my mind up :)

[@modithorson5261]

Thank you for the video, it hits home for me as someone from Southern Ontario (living in the US currently) who is looking to move to the UK on the Ancestral Visa.

[@TheDizzydiana]

Excellent log Alanna. We used to visit a bar in Tenerife, the couple who owned the bar was English Female Spanish male. She met him on holiday he came to England to live then she wanted to go back to Spain when she was in Spain she wanted to go back to England. Her husband Jose said this happened several times, the last time he told her if you want to go back to England fine but we aren't ever leaving again. She finally settled in Spain.

[@istvanglock7445]

Interesting. I'm a Brit living in Canada. I've known numerous Brit couples who returned to the UK. It's always the women/wives who are the instigators.

[@TheDizzydiana]

@@istvanglock7445 My cousin and her husband planned to live in Malaga Spain, they bought a property out there, before they had chance to pack up and leave her husband died, she carried on with their plan went to live in Spain by herself and never came back.

[@Alanabanana0711]

It's funny because I do prefer the slower pace of life here, especially appreciative of the better work-life balance and more chill atmosphere at restaurants, but with that comes the frustration that things take a bit longer here too. Every process seems a bit more drawn out and complicated and therefore takes longer. I also find customer service isn't as good here either, but yet I like that tip culture isn't too prominent (which is probably why service isn't as good). Also, I like that everything is closer together here, although sometimes I find it a bit claustrophobic and miss the wide open spaces and less people back home. It really is all about taking the good with the bad. Both countries really do have pros and cons and it's impossible to pick what's better. They're just different, and I too am so grateful to be able to call both places my home 🥰

[@ysuzuki9799]

Thank you for nice contents. It’s my first time watching your video, but I enjoyed it a lot as I am Japanese and living in London for almost 7yrs after I left Japan 30 yes old. It is really nice to see what other people from other countries feel about UK and also good to know how other country, in this case Canada, life is like for person who glow up in there. I agree about the work life balance part a lot. For me also weather is much milder here than back in Tokyo Japan especially for summer. I have same “privilege” as you, and I find I like the way you think about it🥰

[@eproudfoot2799]

Fellow Ontarian here, living in Scotland. I notice salaries are MUCH higher in general in Canada, but I love life here for so many reasons and want to stay. Can really empathise on the family front, it's hard not to feel guilty about it

[@abinaya8005]

Canada?? Salary better? Lol😅

[@eproudfoot2799]

@@abinaya8005 for corporate type jobs, on average, yeah, much better

[@cristophermoreno2290]

I went to Canada as an international student this year, and Even though I pass and had the chance to continue all the immigration pathway. I decided to explore UK on 2024. Canada is not for me. I TOTALLY AGREE with all your points

[@grantparman4705]

As an American living in the US, I must admit that I prefer dining at restaurants in Europe compared to North America. I've never been to the UK, but the UK's pace of restaurant dining sounds similar to other countries I've visited in Europe like Italy and the Netherlands.

[@AdventuresAndNaps]

Yeah I would say the vibe is very similar!

[@grantparman4705]

🙏

[@oaktreeman4369]

The "slow food" movement began in Europe. Specifically, Italy.

[@Innerspace100]

@@oaktreeman4369 The Italians, and especially the southern part of the country including Cicily, have allways been about long dinners with all(!) of the family. It's not really a movement, it's just what it's allways been like. Much of the rest of southern Europe too. It's also down there that you get siestas... It's the whole... I guess way of life in those countries.

[@oaktreeman4369]

@@Innerspace100 Good point! When I lived in Melbourne (Australia) many years ago, there were many Southern Italian families there, so I got to know them well. Greeks too.

[@Michasha9]

Brit living in Canada, here. Great video! Spot on in my opinion.

[@blackcoffy83]

Hi Allana, As a fellow Canadian (I'm from Mississauga), who wants to move to the UK, your video has given me some food for thought. Sorry you've had some tough experiences there.

[@Barbarapape]

Sorry to hear the some people in the Uk were so nasty to you. Where i live in North Wales, as soon as i speak my northern english accent stands out so i can understand how it must have felt to be told you were not welcome here. Take in on your chin Alanna and don't take it to heart, if you feel at home in the UK stay as long as you wish to. Take care.🙂💗

[@michaeldaley5831]

I’ve always believed that it’s best to ignore the ignorant,you are home Alanna,& its those,like yourself that make it a better place to live.

[@wessexexplorer]

Another great video from Alanna. It's also a nice break from the horrible news.

[@AdventuresAndNaps]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@idontknowwhyihavesubcribers]

A delightfully Canadian take on the question! In my experience, it's very Canadian to try to see the good in things as they are and - of course - to try not to offend. It's charming.

[@glastonbury4304]

I love Canada and especially your family home, its gorgeous...

[@nickgooderham2389]

In Canada you don't necessarily lose your vacation time when you change jobs. If in your job you have attained 4 or 5 weeks of vacation per year and are considering working for a new company, you can as part of the salary negotiation ask for the same amount of vacation time. If they want you they'll typically say yes.

[@CroisMoi]

In America, you start over. A friend of mine worked for a big airline, and had earned 4 weeks per year of vacation. She went to a smaller airline, and started all over again at 2 weeks per year. Unless you are a high level executive, you don't negotiate. For that matter, if you are a high level executive, they often don't let you take your vacation. My brother is an IT manager, and they won't let him take his earned vacation. He has to fight to get time off.

[@SariniyaKiyu]

doing research on canada, thank you for the video! helped! did not know about the transport thing in canada, thats very interesting

[@spidersweb2741]

Im glad you have made the Uk you're second home, i hope you stay for many years. ❤

[@davidcollins9335]

Shine on our little Canadian friend 💎🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💚

[@AdventuresAndNaps]

☺️

[@peter.g6618]

Hi Alanna. I think you are awesome. Love your accent. I think Canada is such a beautiful country. Spectacular scenery. If I could emigrate to Canada, I would. These isn't that much difference in either American or Canadian language. As you say, it must be hard on you leaving your family and friends Love your videos. Great content. Lets hope you stay for many more years to come. 👍. Please take care, and thank you for sharing. ❤

[@chrisaris8756]

Living In Canterbury is great - it’s one of my favourite U.K. places (we lived near there for years) but you have chosen an expensive place. The fact it’s a tourist venue as well as the university will keep prices high. Having said that being able to visit the beautiful cathedral whenever you want is a bonus. One reason I couldn’t live in Canada is it’s too COLD!!!!!!

[@Bcomnerd]

I am from Burlington, ON and currently living in Manchester for the past 6 years. I was pleasantly shocked when moved here and realised i went from 2 weeks holiday to 5!!

[@raystewart3648]

I have stayed in Canada five times (a few weeks at a time with friends that live there) and really really love it. Its a beautiful country, wild life all around ya and the cities are very under populated compared to UK cities. Love the waterfalls, the hikes one can go on, the mountains, the rivers and all that stuff. Prices are a little bit expensive, but ha-ho.

[@AdventuresAndNaps]

You're totally right! Working in Canada is a bit different than a holiday, but I do miss the waterfalls.

[@raystewart3648]

@@AdventuresAndNaps Standing in a snow field and it being below 30 but the sun is high and there is blue skies. There is nothing more beautiful than that.

[@augustodutra3839]

I just moved from Brazil to Hamilton two months ago for studies, and omg I miss home so much. Canadians are nice and very friendly people. But sometimes, they kinda lack that human touch I was used too. Also, everything is so expensive, I will not even mention the rent prices.

[@juliamilesaway]

Hi Alanna! The timing couldn’t be better for this video. I also live in southern Ontario and I’m deciding whether I want to go to the UK on a youth mobility visa. This was helpful. :)

[@annmorgana2848]

do it! you will never regret living in another country, it gives you so much insight.

[@Michael.The.Money.Coach.]

Great video. I lived in Oxford before and sometimes wondered what life would be like if I stayed

[@daveturnbull7221]

I'm thinking we need to invent a personal teleport device so Alanna can pop over to see her friends and family more while staying here in the UK and enriching our lives. As for those that have given her abuse or told her to go home - I feel sorry for them.

[@robfraser2820]

What about the proximity to Europe?! That's what I think it's one of the biggest downsides of living in Canada, there's no where near by to visit except the US, which is very culturally similar. UK is a stone's throw from Spain, France, Germany, Portugal, Etc

[@mothmagic1]

Once again lass you are spot on. Even if you don't go away a holiday is a break from the working life and a chance to recharge your bodily functions. I agree with all the commenters below who welcome you. I welcome you as well, you are from a commonwealth country so you are family. One thing you will find is that the price of housing reflects the availabitiy of employment. If the housing ins cheaper there is most likely much less work available.

[@tinamiles5937]

People that say such cruel things sadly have issues of their own that they haven’t been able to deal with in a rational way… You seem like a well adjusted, kind person and I for one love watching and listening to your videos, so ignore those haters and trolls, you have many followers so keep doing what you do Alanna! .. “let’s go”.. love it !❤

[@stuartmalpass3019]

Really sorry to hear about the abuse you’ve had from people. Honestly I think there is only one of these grunts per 100 Brits. Please know you are welcome here and not just because you make great content. I remember being told to go back to my own country because I had a black girlfriend! My response was always to say they should go back to theirs- late 30’s Germany. Stay and feel the love❤

[@harveybrant3352]

Sorry to hear about you receiving grief from people with the attitudes we moved to Canada to get away from. I can honestly say that in the 3 years I have been in Canada (Winnipeg) I haven't encountered anything of that nature. Believe it or not, until not so long ago such attitudes tended not to be openly expressed in England, but they are now encouraged by the country's toxic media and the government it supports. I agree that there are upsides and downsides to living in Canada and England. Far too many of either of them to list here. I spent last April back in England, and although I enjoyed hanging out with friends, going to football, and drinking in pubs I find everyday life in Canada better. We live in a nicer house in a more pleasant neighbourhood than we could ever have imagined being able to afford in the UK. The area where we live is very multicultural, so we have no trouble finding all the herbs, spices and cooking ingredients we could buy in the UK, plus many more besides. Although our daughter didn't like her school at first - English primary education is better than Manitoba's - now that she's started Junior High she's absolutely loving it. What happens to kids in England with regards to school is precisely the opposite. Winnipeg's weather is notorious even compared with much of Canada, but I actually prefer the climate here. We get proper summers and proper winters. In the UK it's grey, damp and dreary pretty much year round by default. In Winnipeg it's mostly sunny year round, and azure skies with a bright sun reflected off the snow really lifts the spirits in Winter, even when it's -30C or colder. Probably the thing I miss most about England is being able to get a cheap flight somewhere that's either interesting or has nicer weather. In England there's nearly always a real bargain flight to be had if you're not fussy about where you fly to. We especially miss our trips to Greece, Portugal and Cyprus.

[@MrMarcy76]

It’s nice to hear people want to live in the U.K., despite certain difficulties over here, and the poor weather, it is a nice country. Sometimes I know I take it for granted, and often moan about how bad our infrastructure is. Public transport could be better in London, but that’s life in the capital city. Move to places like Eastbourne, or some other places in Sussex, Dorset or Devon for example, and it’s a different world again.

[@Uiscebeatha565]

Really enjoyed this video, I live in Ireland and its very car centric here too. I never really viewed it as being isolating until you said it.

[@futaogwj]

I live in Vancouver with no cars， I walk to everywhere and take public transit. I have 8 weeks vacation per year. So I’m covered.😊

[@marinacoertze8622]

Totally agree with you on everything you said. I'm also in Vancouver, actually I work in Vancouver but live in the Tricities and can easily get around without a car due to the excellent skytrain, Westcoast Express and bus system which is apparently some of the best in the world. I also walk everywhere and got 8 weeks of vacation from day one I started my position. I think comparing England to Canada is unfair as Canada is so much bigger and it all depends where you are. This video is more a comparison of England vs Ontario. BTW I'm an immegrant and was told multiple times by Canadians to 'go back to your country'. I've been living in Canada for more than 25 years. I lived in Alberta as well but prefer Vancouver and think there is not a lot of countries in the world where people are as priviledged as in Canada. We all have our problems but Canada is a wonderful country with many opportunies, beautiful nature and for the most part great people.

[@ayabck2050]

I actually searched for this video wanting to move from Cambridge to Vancouver. As a veterinarian surgeon and have a PhD, do you really encourage me to move there??

[@aniinnrchoque1861]

​@@marinacoertze8622 corporate salvation, same as in South Korea. Transport is decent but little of it is "world class" per se. I'd put Canadian public transport slightly below Thai public transport. Definitely not too bad.

[@gabrielsr4791]

Really? I never went to Canada but i've seen so many ppl saying bad things about there but i still want to go there one day ❤

[@StraightTalkinFedoraChic]

you're of a minority.

[@Frazpas]

Damn, I am shocked at the attitude some have expressed towards you. We ❤ you! My family feels a close affection to Canadians, Americans, Australians and really, most European citizens. We have extended families in all those countries.

[@dt8787]

Really interesting, well thought out video. I am 68 and retired last year. For the first time in my life, I've actually thought about living somewhere other than Canada. Just too many problems with inflation, rent, housing prices, weather, government, taxes, traffic and road rage, and rude people. Having British ancestors, I've always wondered if I would like it better in the UK. Wish I knew 🙂

[@istvanglock7445]

Apart from the weather, I think you'll find all the other issues you cite are not too different in the UK - and in some instances far worse (though it depends which part of Canada you compare with which part of the UK). From a Brit who's spent half his life in the UK, the other half in Canada.

[@Bluedex2011]

Glad you're sticking around for now anyhow Alanna

[@SteveMikre44]

Alanna, Sorry to hear you were harassed by those teenagers....😢

[@AdventuresAndNaps]

rip 💔

[@MrOasis316]

A Cool video for you might be to talk about the similarities between Canada and the uk I’ve never been to Canada but I hear culturally it’s like a mix of the us and uk when you aren’t in the French part.

[@AdventuresAndNaps]

Great idea, thank you!

[@eustaquiozambrano2974]

Thanks a bunch for sharing. Have a good Night from Madrid spain. 😊👍

[@70something.89]

Hi Alanna, Ignore the numpties that are telling you to go home. Feel sorry for them that in their sad little lives they probably haven't got anything nice tp say about anything or anybody. Anyhoo as far as I'm concerned you're more than welcome here.

[@G4GUO]

When I was visiting my relatives in B.C this year a number of them asked me whether I would like to move to Canada. To be honest the need to drive everywhere and the fact I would be financially worse off puts me off. I also have an old school friend that lives on Vancouver Island and he was moaning that outside the tourist season the place is almost like a graveyard it is so quiet.

[@OneTrueScotsman]

"Vancouver Island and he was moaning that outside the tourist season the place is almost like a graveyard it is so quiet." Personally, that would be a pro to me. But I'm an introvert and would love some day to see some Canadian nature. It's a beautiful country.

[@danielwu191]

As a previous Chinese student who studied in Manchester, I think the urban mass transit system in most of the UK deserves a thumb up. Having buses even in the early hrs brings ppl hanging out drinking or watching films or heading for the airport a sense of relief.

[@istvanglock7445]

" _the place is almost like a graveyard it is so quiet_ " Exactly why I moved to Canada all those years ago. Getting a little busier now, unfortunately. May have to move to Nunavut.

[@rogerthomson9461]

I’m Canadian and I came to school in England as a boy, 52 years ago! Never went back , got uk citizenship and never had a single regret.

[@MichaelJohnsonAzgard]

As the size of your parents' back garden/yard is like a national park then definitely Canada. I have relatives in Mississauga and it's a really nice place, not near anything though. Your videos and enthusiasm about the UK has made me appreciate my country more.

[@dealbreakerc]

As nice as the larger houses and personal real estate (i.e., garden/yard) are, keep in mind that it means there is substantially more work involved in maintaining them.

[@rich7447]

@@dealbreakerc Not as much as you might think. We have a 2 acre property and for the most part all I have to do is mow once a week during the summer. It takes about half an hour.

[@jonnymurgatroyd856]

I'm moving to the UK in February and I have wondered about how it would feel to be told you're unwanted there despite how understandable I might feel it is. I'm Canadian and going on an ancestry visa, where every single one of my grandparents come from the UK. I have no connections over there that I really know of, but in a strange way I only feel slightly removed from the country and something about it already feels like home. That's where my family history is, more time was spent there in my family tree then here. Ultimately, I just want to go and contribute with humility and respect for the people already there and Ill instantly forgive anyone who asserts I don't belong.

[@kadams3029]

I think it depends on where you live. My partner and I moved to the UK from the US 5+ years ago and have never had any negative comments directed to us personally (though of course not everyone is a fan of the US). But we lived in Brighton (a very progressive city) and now Scotland (generally more progressive than England). People tend to be friendlier the farther north you go and more diverse in more urban areas, so I suspect that being in a small town in southern England makes it more likely that Alanna will experience negative comments IRL than in much of the UK. While I think it's good to be mindful of the concerns local people might have about incomers and try to adapt to the culture quickly, you don't need to justify your presence to anyone and you certainly don't deserve to be treated with rudeness. That said, it's far more likely you'll meet people who ask why on earth you would want to move here and tell you how much better they think it is over there!

[@jonnymurgatroyd856]

Thanks so much for your reply and the information! I've already encountered a lot of people asking why on earth I'd want to go there from both people here and over there online so you're absolutely right about that! We're currently looking at Scotland but could end up anywhere really.@@kadams3029

[@Zomerset]

Enjoy your time in the UK. I hope people make you feel welcome here. It does sadden me that the loud minority spoil it for the majority.

[@kc1973able]

I lived my first 27 years in England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 and I’ve been living the last 23 years here in Canada 🇨🇦 and in a citizen of both countries. My pick is Canada 🇨🇦 for me personally although I do spend 6 to 8 weeks per year back home in England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 that I love and enjoy doing as all my uk family members live over there in Leeds England. I live in Fredericton New Brunswick and I love it here. I find Canada especially New Brunswick is waay more chilled and slower paced than Leeds England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 👍 🇨🇦👍🇬🇧

[@barbarabarbarakozak1192]

Great review. I live in Ontario. You are 100% right about life in canada, ontario.the family aspect is for some expats the most important esp when they start to have a family and kids .

[@davidboydarnott417]

A lot of young people in the uk don't realise or appreciate all the good things they have going for them, if they just put the knives away, and got on with taking advantage of avenues for sucess that are open to them. You are showing them little things that they can be proud of through your videos. Keep having fun! 👍👊

[@derekhough-jm9gc]

They won't "put their knives away" -- it's getting worse not better

[@harrybarrow6222]

A good, balanced video, Alanna. I am UK-born, now back living in the UK (after 14 years in California). The people who tell you to leave the UK are ignorant and/or stupid. The reality is that we have an ageing demographic; people are living longer and the average age is increasing. We have increasing numbers of retirees living on pensions. We do not really have enough young UK citizens to work extremely hard, pay taxes, and support the retirees. We NEED immigrants. Immigrants are predominantly young, come here to work, and hence pay taxes and contribute to the economy. When the country narrowly (and foolishly) voted to leave the EU, many young people went back to Europe, leaving holes in the workforce. We now NEED immigrants even MORE. Britain is multicultural. When I walk through town (a university town), I am very happy to see so many different faces, of all shapes and colours. Chicken Tikka Masala is our national dish. (I eat a curry for lunch most days). We have restaurants of every ethnicity. Before I retired, I worked for a truly international company that had a policy of hiring people in every country where it did business. It also moved people around, so they experienced life and work in other countries. That really knocked out of me the myth of British superiority. There are very smart and cultured people everywhere. Keep going, Alanna. Ignore the idiots. We NEED you. You raise the UK average of everything, especially happiness. Thank you for being here.