Explore curated housing resources and community support networks to help you settle into your new Canadian home.
Government Housing Assistance
Community Thrift Stores
Start Your Journey
Manage your finances as you settle in. Visit our Canadian Banks page for detailed help opening an account.
Opening a Canadian Bank Account
Visa & Immigration Banking
Online Banking Resources
Emergency Food & Shelter Help
Access essential city-wide food banks and emergency shelter support through our curated local listings. For comprehensive health and safety guidelines, please visit our dedicated Health and Safety page.
Choose your area to see tips on finding food banks, community meals, and shelters.
Toronto & GTA
For Toronto and the GTA, check your city or region website and trusted community organizations for food banks, community meals, and shelters. Always read their pages for the latest locations, hours, and rules.
Niagara Region
In the Niagara Region, check your local city website or trusted community groups for food banks, meals, and shelters. Visit their pages for the most recent locations, hours, and guidelines.
London & Area
For London and nearby areas, look up local food banks, community meals, and shelters on trusted sites like your city website or well-known community organizations. Always check their pages for the latest hours and rules.
Other Ontario Cities
For other Ontario cities, check your municipal website and local community groups for food banks, meals, and shelters. Always visit their sites for the most current locations, hours, and guidelines.
Meal Shares
Community meal programs empower neighbors to support one another through nutritous food and shared kindness. For immediate assistance and critical contact information, please visit our Helplines page.
Local Support
- Neighborhood restaurants can shine as pillars of light by providing essential food to our most vulnerable citizens. Your kindness helps cultivate a more inclusive and supportive Canada for everyone.
Support Your Community
- While out at a local restaurant, you might choose to pay it forward by buying a meal for a fellow resident. Your selfless action offers vital encouragement and care to those establishing their roots.
Support Services
Connect with local experts and community resources to navigate your new Canadian home.
Saving for Good
Many newcomers miss out on incredible savings at thrift stores. At Mission Thrift Store on Scott Street in St. Catharines, you might find sofas for $50, tables for $30, or beds and chairs at huge discounts. It is a fantastic way to furnish your home affordably. Remember, you can revisit Anly years after your move to find updated community and thrift resources whenever you need them. We are always here to help you settle in.
Your Ontario Nature Guide
Triz.ca provides an extensive directory of green spaces across Ontario cities. From lakeside trails to community playgrounds, find the perfect outdoor destination for your next family outing.
London Parks
London, Ontario
Explore London’s riverside parks, trails, and playgrounds for walks, cycling, and family time. Check your city website or maps for the latest park list, facilities, and hours.
Great for cycling
Woodbridge Parks
Woodbridge, Ontario
Discover neighbourhood parks and ravines in Woodbridge for walks, sports, and family time. Check your city website or maps for the latest park list and hours.
Scenic ravine trails
St. Marys Parks
St. Marys, Ontario
Enjoy small-town parks, riverside paths, and green spaces in St. Marys. Check your town website or maps for the latest park list and hours.
Small-town charm
Vaughan Parks
Vaughan, Ontario
Explore Vaughan’s parks, trails, and sports fields for walks, picnics, and family time. Check your city website or maps for the latest park list and hours.
Perfect for picnics
Barrie Parks
Barrie, Ontario
Visit Barrie’s waterfront and neighbourhood parks for walks, playgrounds, and lake views. Check your city website or maps for the latest park list and hours.
Stunning lake views
Volunteer Opportunities in Ontario
Volunteering offers great Canadian experience and language practice. Note that some roles require police or vulnerable sector checks. You can usually apply through local police or follow specific organization instructions. Choose a city below to explore opportunities nearby and begin building your community connections today.
St. Catharines
StartMeUp Niagara: Community support, food programs, and outreach. Visit their website to see current volunteer roles.
Toronto
Check your city’s volunteer centre or local non-profits for current roles in shelters, food banks, and community programs.
Ottawa
Check your city’s volunteer centre or local non-profits for current roles in shelters, food banks, and community programs.
Kitchener-Waterloo
Check your city’s volunteer centre or local non-profits for current roles in shelters, food banks, and community programs.
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International Students - All you need
Moving to Canada is a big step. We've curated a list of essential products and reliable sources to help you set up your new home quickly and efficiently. Grouped by category for easy navigation.
Kitchen Essentials for New Professionals & Students
Setting up your new kitchen with the right basics ensures efficiency and comfort from day one. For detailed local advice and a full list of where to buy these items, please consult our Canadian Shopping Needs page.
- Mini Refrigerator – Essential for dorms or compact office spaces.
- High-Speed Blender – Perfect for quick smoothies and healthy prep on the go.
- Microwave or Toaster Oven – Save time during long study sessions or workdays.
Cooking Basics
- Chef's knife & cutting board
- Multi-purpose pots & pans
- Heat-resistant spatulas
Food Storage
- Airtight glass containers
- Reusable silicone zip bags
- Compact meal-prep sets
Dishes & Cutlery
- Durable ceramic plates & bowls
- Stainless steel cutlery set
- Insulated coffee mugs
Cleaning Supplies
- Antibacterial surface cleaners
- Non-scratch sponges
- Grease-cutting dish soap
Bathroom Essentials to Set Up on a Budget
Discover the most important supplies for your new Canadian bathroom, from high-quality linens to daily hygiene products. For full shopping guidance tailored to Canada, please visit our Canadian Shopping Needs page.
Shower & Floor Setup
Essentials for a dry and safe bathroom. Includes Shower Curtain, Door Mat, and non-slip Bath Mat Recommendations.
Personal Care
Stay fresh with budget Shampoo, Conditioner, and Moisturizer deals for international students.
Dental & Comfort
Healthy smiles and cozy mornings. Toothpaste & Brushes, high-quality Towels, and a soft Bath Robe.
Coming Soon
More essentials coming soon. We are constantly updating our lists with the best finds for your new life in Ontario.
Saving by buying in Bulk
Purchasing in bulk is a premier way for newcomers to maximize their household budget by lowering daily unit costs. For a complete look at sophisticated shopping strategies, please visit our Canadian Shopping Needs page.
How Costco Works
- Standard memberships generally range from $60 to $120 CAD per year.
- Each membership includes one free household card for someone living at the same address.
- Access wholesale prices on bulk groceries, electronics, and household staples.
- Higher-tier 'Executive' memberships offer a 2% reward on most purchases.
Wholesale Alternatives
- Bulk Barn: Buy only what you need—from grains to spices—without a membership fee.
- Ethnic Grocery Stores: Find larger bags of rice and legumes at great prices in cities like Milton and Guelph.
- Local Markets: Wholesale produce options often exist at community hubs in major city centers.
Savings on Staples
Staples like flour, rice, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies provide the best value when bought in larger sizes. Families often report saving hundreds of dollars annually by switching from weekly small grocery runs to monthly bulk purchases.
Guelph & Milton Tips
Newcomers specifically in Guelph and Milton can frequent ethnic grocery stores for massive savings on pantry staples. Milton’s diverse marketplaces offer wholesale-style pricing on spices and specialty grains often unavailable in standard supermarkets.
Food Delivery in Ontario
Ordering food is simple with local delivery apps. Uber Eats and DoorDash are the most widely used across Ontario, while Skip is a favorite in many cities. You can download these apps from the App Store on iPhone or the Google Play Store on Android to get started.
Available on App Store & Google Play
Uber Eats
One of the most widely used apps in Ontario, offering extensive restaurant choices from major chains to local gems.
Available on App Store & Google Play
DoorDash
Highly popular across Ontario cities, known for reliable service and a vast network of local delivery options.
Available on App Store & Google Play
Skip
A popular choice in many Ontario cities, SkipTheDishes connects families with a wide range of local favorites.
Things to do after you land in Canada
Congratulations on your move! Please visit our dedicated Settling in Canada page for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on everything you need to do after arrival.
Guide to Settling in Canada
For a comprehensive list of step-by-step settling tasks, please visit our dedicated Settling in Canada page.
2. Canadian Banking Setup
Visit our Settling in Canada page for a full checklist of essential banking tasks and step-by-step newcomer guidance.
You can find step-by-step settling tasks on the Settling in Canada page.
4. Take the G1 Driving Test
Even if you don’t plan to buy a car right away, head to DriveTest Ontario to write your G1 knowledge test. The resulting plastic card serves as a primary government-issued photo ID, which is much more convenient than carrying your passport around daily.
Step-by-Step Guide
To view a complete checklist of step-by-step tasks for your relocation, please visit our Settling in Canada page.