Moving to a new country like Canada is an exciting milestone—but it comes with a long to-do list. Fortunately, digital tools can take much of the stress out of the process. Maple News has compiled an up-to-date list of mobile apps that can help newcomers with everything from securing housing to navigating public transit.
The first major hurdle for most newcomers is finding a place to live. Apps like Padmapper, Rentals.ca, RentSeeker.ca, and Zumper specialize in rental listings and allow users to filter by city, price range, number of bedrooms, and other preferences. For those who want to look at units in person before committing, short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb or VRBO can offer a temporary solution.
For those exploring home ownership or long-term leases, Realtor.ca, Zillow, and HouseSigma also offer comprehensive listings. Although these are traditionally used for buying and selling homes, they often contain rental units as well. It’s worth noting that foreign nationals must meet specific eligibility requirements to purchase property in Canada as temporary residents.
In addition to housing, newcomers will need to furnish their new spaces. Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace are excellent platforms for finding affordable—or even free—furniture and everyday essentials. These marketplaces are also among the few places in Canadian culture where bargaining is considered acceptable.
As you prepare to enter Canada, the ArriveCAN app can assist with customs declarations at select major airports across the country. While no longer mandatory, it offers newcomers a convenient way to pre-submit required information and potentially speed up processing at arrival hubs like Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, Calgary, or Montreal-Trudeau airports.
Once on the ground, navigating Canadian cities becomes easier with the What3Words app, which allows you to pinpoint and share locations using a unique three-word address—an especially helpful feature in case of emergencies or in locations without traditional addresses.
Public transit apps are a must-have for newcomers without personal vehicles. In addition to Google Maps, local transit systems in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa typically offer official apps that include real-time schedules, route planning, and in some cases, contactless fare payments.
With the right apps at your fingertips, settling into life in Canada can be a more fluid and informed experience. Maple News encourages all newcomers to explore digital resources to make their journey smoother and more successful.