Adapting to life in Canada can be a challenging experience for newcomers, but digital tools can make the transition smoother. The CIC News team has compiled a list of nine mobile apps that can help enhance daily life in Canada.
Still in the planning stages of your move? Check out our guide on apps to help you prepare.
Entertainment
NFB Films: The National Film Board of Canada’s NFB Films app offers access to over 6,000 films without ads or subscription fees. Users can also save films for up to 48 hours for offline viewing, perfect for watching on the plane without Wi-Fi.
Weather
The Weather Network: This app provides local weather forecasts, helping newcomers plan their day and week. It’s especially useful for understanding the diverse weather conditions across different regions of Canada.
Food
Doordash, SkipTheDishes, UberEats: These popular meal delivery apps connect users with local restaurants for convenient food delivery. Remember, it’s customary to tip delivery drivers in Canada.
Chef’s Plate or Hello Fresh: These meal kit apps offer subscription-based services that deliver ingredients and recipes right to your door, saving you the hassle of meal planning and grocery shopping.
Instacart: Instacart is a grocery delivery app that allows users to shop for groceries from home. While it’s a convenient option, expect to pay a premium for the service.
Banking and Identity
Mobile Banking: Canadian financial institutions provide mobile apps that offer banking services on the go. These apps often include features like mobile cheque deposits, allowing users to deposit cheques by photographing them.
Interac: Interac offers an identity verification service that lets users securely verify their identity with third-party services using their Canadian online banking credentials.
Communication and Social Networking
Signal, WhatsApp, or WeChat: While many Canadians still use traditional SMS/MMS or iMessage for texting, these third-party messaging apps are essential for communicating with people in other countries, as they use mobile data or Wi-Fi.
Meetup: Meetup is an app that helps users connect with others through local events, whether for hobbies, new friendships, or professional networking. It’s an excellent tool for newcomers looking to integrate into their community.
These apps are just a few of the digital tools that can help make life in Canada easier and more enjoyable for newcomers.