Colombians have been drawn to Canada’s welcoming shores for the past several decades, especially the provinces of Ontario and Quebec – 44% live in Ontario and 35% live in Quebec.[1]
Why are these small but growing Colombian communities springing up in these provinces specifically? Find out what Colombian immigrants should know about Canadian culture, and discover what’s so appealing about these two special provinces in particular.
Why Colombians move to Ontario
More than 40,000 Colombian immigrants live in Ontario, Canada.[2] It’s easy to see why because it has diverse cities and welcoming immigration policies. Cities in general attract immigrants seeking like-minded people and embassies that help them ease into the community, and the populous cities in Ontario are a huge draw for Colombians. But more than that, Ontario is big on immigration.
Many immigrants choose Ontario because it’s easy to find work. As the province grows, it becomes a huge draw for corporations to set up headquarters. More businesses mean more workers, but Canada faces a historic labor shortage. Eager to increase the number of skilled workers, Canadian cities actively encourage foreign workers and international students to thrive. For many Ontario cities, being able to attract immigrants to find residence is a sign of success. Just like many immigrants, Colombians eagerly jump on this opportunity to find work and build a life.
Toronto
Toronto is often considered the most multicultural city in the entire world with roughly half of its 3 million residents born outside Canada.[3] Different ethnic communities make up the city–Chinatown, Little India, Little Italy, and of course Hispanic neighborhoods. Throughout the years, Colombians have been drawn to Toronto and enriched with the city’s Colombian culture. Colombian restaurants, coffee shops, dance clubs, and festivals now weave into the fabric of Toronto and make it what it is today.
Ottawa
And don’t forget about Canada’s most populous city: Ottawa. After Toronto, Ottawa is the second most popular destination for immigrants in Canada due to it’s ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity. In fact, 44% of the city’s population is made up of immigrants and children of immigrants.3 Micro-communities of Colombian immigrants, from restaurants to dance clubs, have made their mark on the city, making it a cozy and welcoming place to live.
London
But perhaps the most notable Ontario city for Colombian immigrants is London. Playfully deemed “Londombia” by residents, London’s large Colombian population is special. In the early 1990s, Colombian families began to settle in this area of Ontario, and hundreds of more families immigrated in waves. This is a place where Colombians can actively celebrate their Colombian culture with like-minded friends and family members. At the heart of “Little Colombia” is a market where you’ll feel transported to South America—wafts of empanadas and lively Latin beats make your senses dance.
Why Colombians move to Quebec
Colombians are drawn to Quebec for jobs, its history of appreciation for Latin culture, and ease of communication. Completely unique compared to other Canadian provinces, Quebec’s official language is not English, but French. It’s known as the “Europe of North America” due to its French speakers and multi-cultural flavor. Colombians were the first group of South Americans to immigrate to Quebec, so there’s a special, long-standing community there.
Like Ontario, Quebec also faces a labor shortage and welcomes immigrants with open arms, but only if they speak French. As you can imagine, not every immigrant knows French or is willing to learn it. Fortunately for Spanish speakers, French and Spanish are both Romance languages—descending from the same Latin roots. This means it’s much easier for a Spanish speaker to learn French than other non-romance languages. Likewise, Quebecers often learn Spanish in schools, so even generational Quebecers can often communicate with Spanish-speakers in their first language too.
Quebec City
Quebec City is known for its historical stone structures, deep-rooted Francophone culture, joie de vivre hospitality, and for having one of the lowest crime rates in North America. Also, the city’s culture is already baked with Spanish and South American roots. Some street signs bear the names of famous Latin Americans, festivals and restaurants celebrate South American culture, and the average Quebecer holds an appreciation for South American immigrants who enrich the city. Colombians who seek a safe, historical city with an appreciation for Colombian culture find exactly what they’re looking for in Quebec City.
Montreal
Montreal embraces other cultures and loves its festivals. It’s even been dubbed Canada’s Culture Capital. Montreal is home to a large Colombian community with resource networks for fellow South American immigrants and children of immigrants. It’s home to the Colombian Consulate of Montreal, a Latina newspaper, Colombian restaurants and markets, artistic groups, and other organizations that help immigrants fuel the Colombian culture in Canada. Colombians who seek community support and a place where they can partake in their Colombian culture in Canada will absolutely love Montreal.
Financial ferry from Colombia to Canada
When part of your life is in Canada and the other part is in Colombia, you face more than just distance—you face financial barriers too. Western Union takes great pride in navigating those multi-country financial hurtles so your money gets to where it needs to go.
Sending money to someone in Colombia? Learn how the value of the Canadian dollar vs. Colombian peso affects your money transfer. Need to schedule transfers on certain birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays? We help you schedule that out ahead of time with a few easy clicks on our mobile app.
Use the Western Union mobile app, go to our website, or visit an agent location to easily send money and track your transfers. We make sending money abroad a breeze so you can prepare for what’s next.
