Living in Canada vs. Spain: Key Differences

Moving from Canada to Spain is an eye-opening experience filled with striking contrasts. These differences shape how you live, work, and connect, from language and climate to everyday customs. Drawing from my own journey and insights, of growing up in Canada, spending a fair amount of time in Spain, and now living in Spain, here’s a detailed look at what sets these two countries apart, from funny differences to languages to day-to-day living.

Canada is officially bilingual, with English and French as its two official languages. In provinces like Quebec, French is dominant, while English is spoken in most places. This bilingualism influences government services, education, and daily communication. You can learn more about Canada’s bilingual policies on the Government of Canada’s official site. It’s also necessary to mention that more than seventy distinct Indigenous languages are spoken in Canada, belonging to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.

Spain primarily speaks Castilian Spanish, but also embraces regional languages such as Catalan, Basque, and Galician. These languages are integral to local identity and culture, especially in regions like Catalonia and the Basque Country. Spain’s rich linguistic diversity is further explained on various websites. The official languages spoken in Valencia are Spanish (Castilian) and Valencian, a variety of Catalan. While Spanish is more prevalent in the city of Valencia itself, both languages are used, and Valencian is more common in rural areas and cultural contexts.

While English is widely spoken in tourist areas of Spain, daily life revolves around Spanish and local dialects, making language learning essential for deeper integration. Lo cual estoy haciendo actualmente.

One of the most noticeable differences is the climate. Canada experiences cold, snowy winters that can last for months, especially in cities like Calgary, Quebec City, Montreal, and the northernmost cities across the nation. Snow blankets the ground, and temperatures often drop below freezing. Our Lifestyle section offers helpful tips and lifestyle insights for those adjusting to Canadian winters.

Spain offers a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm summers. For example, winter temperatures rarely dip below 10°C (50°F) in Valencia, and snow is uncommon. This allows for outdoor activities year-round and a vibrant street life even in winter.

The difference in climate significantly affects lifestyle, wardrobe, and daily routines. I’m looking forward to experiencing my first full winter away from Canada, hopefully basking in the sun of Spain.

In Spain, the price on the sticker includes taxes like VAT (IVA), so what you see is what you pay at the register. This transparency makes budgeting easier for shoppers.

In contrast, Canadian prices typically exclude taxes such as GST and PST, which are added at checkout, leading to higher final costs than the sticker price suggests. You can learn more about Canadian sales tax on the Canada Revenue Agency’s website. It’s something that baffles everyone who comes from out of country to visit, and even was shocking to my partner, a native Aussie, when he came to Canada, saying, pretty much everywhere else he had travelled in the world let’s you know the exact price of an item before you get it, especially at the grocery store in Canada where some items are taxed and some that are consideed essentials, are not.

Additionally, tipping culture differs: Tipping is expected in Canada, often 15-25%, while in Spain, and if you’re almost anywhere in Europe, it’s more modest and discretionary. As a Canadian, I tip pretty much anywhere I go.

A subtle but interesting difference is the use of window screens. In Canada, screens are standard for keeping insects out during warmer months when windows open. Growing up, even with the screen, my parents hated it when we opened the windows. Growing up in the countryside of rural Ontario, there were endless mosquitoes everywhere, and my parents didn’t want them in the house.

Spain rarely uses window screens, even in warm regions. Instead, people rely on mosquito nets or simply close windows at night. This reflects architectural styles and climate differences and is a small but telling sign of how daily life adapts to environment and culture.

Canadian life tends to be structured and punctual, with fixed business hours and an emphasis on efficiency. As far as I know, businesses never close in the middle of the day or for weeks on end seasonally, which has its advantages and disadvantages.

Spain embraces a more relaxed pace. The traditional siesta (afternoon rest) is still practiced in some areas, and meals occur later—lunch around 2-3 p.m. and dinner as late as 9-11 p.m. Social life often extends late into the evening, something that I’m slowly adapting to. I used to eat breakfast at 8 a.m., lunch at noon, and dinner before 7, but now I eat breakfast at 9:30, lunch around 2, and dinner after 8 p.m.

Canada’s multiculturalism means a variety of celebrations year-round, from Canada Day to cultural festivals representing its diverse population. From the Chinese New Year to Diwali, it’s common in central areas to see many celebrations from different cultures yearly.

Spain’s calendar is rich with historic and religious festivals, such as La Tomatina and Semana Santa, which are deeply rooted in tradition and community participation, creating vibrant, colourful events that draw locals and tourists alike.

Living in Canada and Spain offers unique experiences shaped by language, climate, customs, and culture. Understanding these differences helps newcomers adapt and appreciate the richness of each country.

Whether you’re captivated by Canada’s rich bilingual heritage, breathtaking natural landscapes, and exhilarating snowy winters—or enticed by Spain’s sun-drenched Mediterranean climate, world-renowned cuisine, and lively cultural traditions—each country offers its own unique blend of experiences and opportunities. From Canada’s welcoming multicultural communities and abundant outdoor adventures to Spain’s deep-rooted history, festive spirit, and relaxed pace of life, both destinations provide fulfilling lifestyles that cater to a wide range of interests and personal aspirations.

Explore our Lifestyle category for more tips and stories about adapting to life in different countries. You can also compare living in Canada and Spain through expat resources like Expatica.