10 Reasons We Should All Move to the Canadian Countryside

Perhaps one of the best parts about escaping to the Canadian wilderness is the promise of tranquility by the water. Whether you’re lakeside or oceanfront, grab a Muskoka chair, a good read and your bathing suit, and let the refreshing temps wash your worries away.

The luxury of space, both inside and out, is a notable perk to a rural lifestyle. This especially comes in handy during the warmer months, when al fresco dining allows us to entertain outdoors, surrounded by Mother Nature and all of her enticing elements.

Escaping to the country means allowing your imagination to come alive through whimsical decor. Add a touch of magic to an already enchanting setting by surrounding your property with fairy lights. Vancouver-based designers Julian and Alison of Considered Design Inc. created this fairy tale-inspired woodland vignette for a residence in British Columbia.

Regardless of the season, Canada’s diverse countryside bursts with scenic walking trails perfect for morning strolls (or as colourful backdrops for photo enthusiasts). You’ll smell fresh lavender (as pictured on this farm in Naramata, British Columbia) and fields of wildflowers long before you see them. And who’s to say you won’t wander into an apple orchard or maple syrup farm along the way?

Forget reserving tables at expensive restaurants that serve organic fare in the city. The Canadian countryside boasts plenty of local farmers and vendors, ready to serve up fresh, wholesome produce steps from home. Think of delicious farm-to-table feasts almost every day!

Need more square footage? Look no further than the country. You’ll find old farmhouses and century homes just waiting for the tender love and care of a DIY enthusiast. Plus, you likely won’t have to change much, as mix-and-match furniture, floor-to-ceiling wood beams and exposed brick only add to the rustic ambiance and charm.

On cooler nights, you can cozy up fireside with a cup of tea and nothing but the quiet chirping of crickets to distract you. Most country homes come with their original trappings, which include wood-burning fireplaces. So grab a few logs from the backyard, throw them on the fire and lay back while the crackling sounds soothe your stresses.

Weathered barns and exposed brick are the general norm for farmhouse living. Here, rustic charm isn’t just a decorating idea; it’s real life, adding to the ambiance of rolling hills and green pastures. If natural beauty is your go-to style, then the Canadian countryside is sure to inspire.

Perhaps the best and most luxurious perk of moving to the country is the gift of space. From large, over-sized yards (with enough room for vegetable gardens, flower beds, picnic tables and even a porch swing set) to acres of forests just beyond the property line, you’ll feel your troubles melt away as you become one with nature.

Imagine falling asleep to a magnificent starlight show, night after night. Nothing beats trading in a big city’s bright lights for millions of stars dreamily dotting the sky. Toronto photographer Jim Babbage captured this shot from his property on Rice Lake in Ontario, just after midnight.