Canada’s internal movement is shifting fast. As housing prices skyrocket and job markets evolve, we’re seeing clear direction in who’s moving, and why. From U‑Haul data to federal migration stats, here’s the latest.
🔍 Migration Trends Shaping Canada in 2025
✅ Alberta Remains the Biggest Magnet
- In Q1 2025, Alberta recorded a net interprovincial gain of 7,176 movers, the highest in Canada.
- According to Statistics Canada, over the past five decades, Alberta has seen more net interprovincial arrivals than any other province.
- These gains reflect strong demand driven by jobs in energy, tech, and construction.
✅ Nova Scotia and PEI See a Migration Turnaround
- Nova Scotia recorded 2,252 net arrivals in 2023–24 and over 11,700 net migrants in 2021–22, indicating a broader shift toward the Maritimes.
- Population trends reversed years of decline, with more Ontarians choosing the East Coast for lifestyle and affordability.
✅ British Columbia Is Losing Steam
- B.C. has seen seven consecutive quarterly net losses of interprovincial migrants in 2025.
- In early 2025 alone, it lost 1,636 people to other provinces, making B.C. the second-largest net loser after Ontario. The biggest flow: from B.C. to Alberta.
📦 U-Haul Data Confirms the Flow
- The U-Haul 2025 Midyear Migration Trends report shows Alberta as the top province for inward moving activity, with Calgary ranking highest among Canadian cities for one-way U-Haul moves.
- This data reveals where DIY movers, and likely new residents, are headed.
🌍 Hot Destinations in 2025
| Province | Migration Trend | Why They’re Moving There |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Strong net gain | Jobs, affordability, investor interest |
| Nova Scotia | Rising in-flow | Affordable cost of living, East Coast appeal |
| British Columbia | Net loss | High costs, residents relocating elsewhere |
| Ontario | High outflow | Because of sky-high housing prices |
🧭 What’s Behind the Trends?
- Younger Canadians and families are looking for more bang for their buck, and places like Alberta and Nova Scotia deliver.
- Housing markets in Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa remain expensive, pushing many to explore transit-friendly yet affordable regions.
- Federal policy changes and economic upgrades (like Alberta’s energy boom) continue to attract internal migrants.
🎯 Final Takeaway
If you’re priced out of major urban centres, 2025’s migration data points you toward vibrant, and more affordable, options like Calgary, Halifax, and even Charlottetown. Tracking where Canada is moving isn’t just interesting, it can guide your next big decision.
🔗 References
- Statistics Canada interprovincial migration tablesProvince of British Columbia+5myuhaulstory.com+5U-Haul International+5U-Haul International+11Wikipedia+11U-Haul International+11Statistics Canada+8Statistics Canada+8Canada Housing Market+8Wikipedia+13Statistics Canada+13Province of British Columbia+13
- Quarterly population highlights – Canada, Q1 2025Province of British Columbia
- U-Haul 2025 Midyear Migration Trends, including Alberta and Calgary insightsmyuhaulstory.com+7U-Haul International+7myuhaulstory.com+7
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