Moving to Saskatchewan from a big city

Thinking of moving to Saskatchewan with your family? Here’s why we left Vancouver, how we adjusted, and what real family life looks like on the prairies.

Leaving Vancouver Behind

For years, Vancouver was our home. We loved the ocean views, city life, and the beautiful diversity all around us. But as our family grew, so did our need for more space, stability, and, honestly, affordability.

Everyone knows housing in Vancouver is brutal. It’s nearly impossible to rent a three-bedroom house without breaking the bank—let alone think about owning one. Buying a home felt like an unreachable dream, and the high cost of living was making it harder to truly enjoy life.

One day, we realized we were just surviving—not thriving. Between skyrocketing rent, long commutes, and limited family-friendly options, we knew something had to change.

Why We Chose Saskatchewan- Moving to Saskatchewan from a big city

We started researching provinces that offered a lower cost of living, family-friendly communities, and a slower, more intentional pace of life. Saskatchewan quickly caught our attention for a few big reasons:

• Affordable housing
• Lower overall cost of living
• Wide open spaces and clean air
• A chance to raise our kids closer to nature
• Jobs Opportunities

But what truly sealed the deal? My husband got a great job offer in Saskatchewan that aligned perfectly with his experience and offered long-term stability. That gave us the final push we needed to say, “Let’s do it.”

We had never visited the province before, but we trusted our gut—and our spreadsheets!

The Big Move Across Canada

We packed our entire life into a moving truck and drove across the country—with two kids in the back!

The journey was long, but it was full of little adventures. We stayed in roadside motels, watched the landscape shift as we drove east, and shared excitement (and snacks) along the way.

First Impressions of Saskatchewan

Arriving in Saskatchewan felt surreal. The land was flat, quiet, and wide open. We settled in a small town just outside Regina, and the contrast with Vancouver was immediate.

What stood out to us right away:

• How friendly people are
• The endless skies
• The slower, calmer pace of life
• And yes… the weather (winter here is no joke!)

What We Love So Far

Despite the drastic change, Saskatchewan has brought some unexpected joys:

• Affordable rent: We found a home with a big yard for around $2,000/month. That would’ve been impossible in Vancouver.
• Space for the kids: Parks are everywhere, and the streets are peaceful. It’s a quiet city, and while we don’t see as many kids playing outside like we used to, the calm works well for us.
• Less stress: No traffic jams, no hustle culture. Just quiet days and meaningful moments. My husband especially loves the peace—it makes a big difference when you’re raising kids.

The Challenges We Faced after Moving to Saskatchewan from a big city

Of course, it hasn’t all been easy. Some challenges hit us hard:

• Brutal winters: Saskatchewan winters are long and intense. From November to April, it’s snow, snow, snow. We’re learning to layer, shovel, and embrace the cold… slowly. As an outdoor-loving family, it’s been an adjustment.
• Missing the ocean: As a coastal family, being far from the ocean has been tough. Saskatchewan has some lovely lakes, but they’re only swimmable from May to October.
• Starting over socially: Making new connections in a smaller, quieter town takes time. It’s not as multicultural here, so it can be harder to find community unless you’re part of a specific cultural group or network.

Final Thoughts: Would We Do It Again?

Absolutely.

Saskatchewan isn’t for everyone, but for our family, it gave us the space, peace, and fresh start we were craving. We’ve traded ocean views for prairie skies, and in return, we’ve gained balance and breathing room.

If you’re considering moving to a smaller province in Canada, don’t overlook the prairies. They might just surprise you, too.