Do you dream of skyscrapers, basketball culture and wide-open spaces, but the unknown holds you back? In our latest podcast episode, we welcome Hugues, who’s off to try his luck in Toronto on a Working Holiday Permit (WHP). Between culture shock, exciting opportunities and health tips, he tells us about his six-month journey to the heart of Canada’s most cosmopolitan city.
PVT Canada: A “stroke of luck” that changes your life
For Hugues, it all began after his studies. Passionate about sports and basketball, he naturally set his sights on North America. The choice fell on Toronto, Ontario’s leading metropolis.
“The PVT really came up very quickly in the searches… It’s a bit of a lottery. I applied in February and was accepted in April. An incredible stroke of luck!”
What you need to know about WHP Canada
The Working Holiday Permit (WHP) is part of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. Unlike other destinations, it operates on a “pool” basis.
- Duration: Up to 24 months.
- Age: 18 to 35 for the French.
- Advantage: This is an “open” work permit, allowing you to work for any employer.
Living in Toronto: Between immersion and economic reality
Arriving in Toronto means accepting a change of scale. For Hugues, the first contact was striking: an ultra-dynamic city where you quickly feel at home thanks to its multicultural character.
A positive culture shock
Hugues emphasizes the incredible openness of Canadians:
“People will compliment you on the street for a haircut or clothes…. It’s a very common thing.”
However, he notes an important nuance in social relations: the famous “Small Talk”. While people are approachable and very welcoming at first glance, building deep friendships takes longer than in France.
The cost of living: the sinews of war
This is a major point of vigilance for any prospective expatriate. In 2026, Toronto’s standard of living remains particularly high, regularly ranking among the most expensive metropolises in North America, with costs often higher than in Paris. As Hugues pointed out during our exchange, this economic reality is a determining factor: without a stable job or a suitable local salary, savings can melt away quickly. In fact, this is what precipitated Hugues’ return:
“In Toronto, the standard of living is ultra high. To live decently, I would have had to take a full-time job (40-42h), which didn’t allow me to develop my passion activity on the side.”
In Toronto, housing is unsurprisingly the biggest expense, often accounting for over 50% of the monthly budget. Although the rental market eased slightly in early 2026, prices remain high for newcomers. Food follows the same trend, with marked inflation on fresh and imported products (such as cheese, so dear to French expatriates). Leisure activities and transport are not to be outdone, with a monthly subscription to the TTC (the local transport network) putting a strain on the wallet from the moment of arrival.
| Expense item | Average price (in CAD) | Average price (in EUR*) |
| Accommodation (1-bedroom apartment) | 2 200 $- 2 500$ | 1 515 € – 1 720 € |
| Shared flat (one bedroom) | 900 $- 1 400$ | 620 € – 965 € |
| Transport pass (incl. VAT) | 156 $ | 107 € |
| Monthly grocery (1 person) | 500 $- 600$ | 345 € – 415 € |
| Services (Electricity, Internet, Mobile) | 350 $- 450$ | 240 € – 310 € |
| Dinner for two (mid-range) | 120 $ | 83 € |
| Estimated monthly total (1 person) | 3 300 $ – 4 000 $ | 2 270 € – 2 750 € |
The job market and professional culture
Toronto is the country’s economic powerhouse, offering a wealth of opportunities in cutting-edge sectors such as finance, new technologies, healthcare and logistics. While the dynamism of local start-ups is a major asset, the job market remains competitive and demanding. Particular attention must be paid to regulated professions, which often require diploma recognition or local certification. Beyond technical skills, successful integration depends on appropriating Canadian codes. Toronto employers place a premium on punctuality, operational autonomy and direct communication, but always with a constructive team spirit.
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The housing challenge and the budget reality
The real estate sector is undoubtedly the most complex challenge for new arrivals, due to an extremely saturated market. High rental demand translates into high rents, particularly in the heart of the metropolis, and housing that is mostly offered without furniture. Trendy central districts such as Downtown, Liberty Village, The Annex or Midtown are highly sought-after for their proximity to business centers, while areas such as Scarborough or North York offer more affordable options. To settle in with peace of mind, it’s advisable to consult reference platforms such as Realtor.ca and plan on a monthly budget of between CAD 1,200 and 2,200 for a shared apartment or studio, while a one-bedroom apartment averages around CAD 2,100.
Health: Why insurance is not an option
Access to healthcare is a fundamental pillar of expatriation to Canada, and in Ontario, this system is governed by theOntario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This public plan allows residents to benefit from essential medical services at no direct cost, but its operation differs significantly from the French system. Unlike the Carte Vitale, enrolment is not always immediate, and depends closely on your immigration status.
“I realized they hadn’t lied: insurance is ultra important. It cost me 90€ (consultation + medication), and I was reimbursed in a week and a half.”
Warning: If you leave on a WHP without insurance for the entire duration of your stay, the immigration officer may reduce the duration of your work permit to the duration of your insurance contract. Don’t gamble with this!
Anticipate the waiting period
One of the most critical issues for newcomers is the waiting period, which is generally around three months. During this initial period, you are not yet covered by the provincial plan. It is therefore imperative, as Hugues pointed out in his testimonial, to take out private international health insurance before you leave. Without this protection, a simple consultation in a clinic or a trip to the emergency room could result in a bill of hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Access to public healthcare and the patient pathway
Once you have passed the waiting period and obtained your health card, you have access to the public system. This includes consultations with a family doctor, visits to walk-in clinics and hospital procedures. However, you should be aware that some services are not covered by OHIP, such as dental care, optical examinations for adults or drugs prescribed outside hospital. This is where employer-sponsored group insurance schemes, known as “benefits”, often come into play to supplement public coverage.
Hugues’ advice for your future departure
If he had to do it all over again, Hugues would prepare himself differently on one point: the job market.
- Anticipate: Translate your skills to Canadian standards (the Canadian CV is very different from the French CV!).
- Dare: Don’t let fear hold you back. “It was a life-changing experience for me… you play down certain situations after going through it.”
- Checklist: Take advantage of the proximity of the USA! Hugues took advantage of his stay to check New York and the Canadian West Coast off his list.
Should you take the plunge?
Hugues’ experience shows that expatriation, even for a short time, is a gas pedal of maturity. Toronto offers a secure, stimulating and deeply human living environment, provided you’re prepared to take on the financial and linguistic challenge.
Hugues’ final word:
“Just do it. Just do it and don’t overthink it. But be prepared anyway and get your health insurance!”
