YOUR HOME - Think about what you want to do with your current home (e.g. sell it, lease it, leave it empty) and what kind of accommodation will be most suitable in your new country. If you don't know anyone in new country who can help find accommodation, consider services of a relocation agent.

EMPLOYMENT - Will you be looking for work in your new country? If so, consider starting your job hunt before you go (use Internet!) Will you be able to use your existing qualifications or will a period of retraining be necessary? If you're moving somewhere where they don't speak same language as you then you should...

LEARN THE LANGUAGE - Few skills will have such a positive impact on your relocation experience as being able to speak, or at least understand, local language. Getting to grips with local lingo before you go is a great idea!

PAPERWORK - No matter how insignificant that old document at back of bottom drawer may seem now, take it with you, chances are at some stage you'll have to show it to someone. Moving countries can be a bureaucratic nightmare at best of times but if you come prepared with necessary paperwork you stand best chance of a stress free relocation. Things to think about include birth certificates, wedding certificates, educational certificates, medical certificates (including those for your pets!), etc.

FRIENDS

Toronto is a live theatre town, second to perhaps only New York or London. The theatre district on King Street has a lively after theatre scene including restaurants and clubs. During day, world renowned Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario and Planetarium showcase treasures from around world (as well as out of world). Many also come to see Hockey Hall of Fame.

Toronto has Canada’s largest Chinatown. Actually, growth of Asian population has resulted in four different Chinatowns in greater area. The main one is centered around Spadina and Dundas. The dim sum in Toronto is one of best outside of Hong Kong since most Chinese immigrants here were originally from Hong Kong. Other ethnicities are also represented by such districts as Little Italy, Greek Danforth area and many others. For outdoor markets, Kensington and St. Lawrence Markets are great. Since Toronto is so multicultural, it is an excellent place to try out different cuisines.

For animal lovers, Metro Toronto Zoo northeast of city is world famous and will take an entire day to see. During summers, Canada’s Wonderland is a family oriented theme park just north of city. Niagara Falls, one of natural wonders of world, is just ninety minutes away and worth a day trip or even an overnight stay. There are just too many things to see and do in Toronto area to mention in one article. Vancouver has ocean and mountains while Quebec City has that old European touch. But to see world class live theatre and Canadian multiculturalism at its best, Toronto is where it’s at.