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[louistini]

G'day guys just recently got my Canadian Visa approved and will be heading to Toronto in August for maybe 2 years. I've spoken to two Canadian guys here in Australia and they have said the same thing about Toronto; the people there are stuck up, they try and be like New York, you should've chosen Vancouver or Montreal. Can anybody shed light on that? Should I be intimidated at all?

Going there by myself and was wondering what's it's like finding work and accomo. Also making friends w/ locals is that easier said then done?

If there are any Aussies reading this that have either lived or currently living in Toronto if you could give me some info about what it was like for you to move there and what it's like, that would be great.

Cheers!

[aopaq]

As another Canadian, I would say you definitely do not need to be intimidated. Yes, Toronto tends to be a bit more face-paced since it is the main business hub of Canada. And yes, generally speaking folks may not be quite as laid back as Vancouverites or Montrealers. However, that is not to say you won't meet some very nice and friendly folk. There are people from all over Canada and the World living in Toronto. And because it is the focus of most business activity, there is probably a good chance of finding work depending on your field of expertise.
The biggest downside is that things like accommodation tend to be more expensive in TO than elsewhere. Hopefully, with a 2 year visa, you can check out Vancouver and Montreal and maybe even live and work in one of these other locations as well.

[raniroo]

I lived in the Tdot for 10 months and loved it. Yes it's a little more fast paced than elsewhere, but the locals are still very friendly. A few of the backpacker places offer day trips, nights out etc which can introduce you to new people.

I was living in what is known as The Annex (near the Uni), main intersection is Bloor and Spadina and it was a hub of activity and easy to get around, lots of frat houses, cool little bars and pubs, cheap eats. TO is a little more expensive than the rest of Canada, but with some savvy planning you can make the most of it.....

I would say use TO as a base but get out and about, see as much as you can. There are the winter festivals in Ottawa and Quebec City, I did the Maple Syrup festival and Cranberry festival (in towns around Ontario). Moose Travel does some great hop on hop off trips around both the East and West Coast, there is the Calgary Stampede.

[starlagurl]

Yes, I believe you should have chosen Vancouver, but not Montreal, especially if you don't speak French.

You will do just fine in Toronto, don't worry.

Accommodations are notoriously expensive, but usually wages are higher there.