You’ve made it. After months of planning, you’ve finally landed in Canada. You walk through the airport doors, take your first breath of Canadian air, and think to yourself… “Now what?”
That feeling of being excited and completely overwhelmed all at once is something every newcomer experiences. The first seven days can feel like a whirlwind of critical tasks, new experiences, and figuring out where everything is. It’s a lot to handle, but you don’t have to do it alone.
That’s exactly why we created this hub. Think of this page as your personal, step-by-step guide to navigating your first week in Canada with confidence and ease. We’ve broken down every essential task into a logical order, from the moment you land to setting up your first home base.
You’ve got this. Let’s get started.
Start Here: Your First and Most Critical Task
This is the cornerstone of the arrival experience. We feature it prominently because it’s the user’s most immediate need upon landing.
- 🏡 Your Ultimate Guide to Temporary Housing in Canada
- Your first priority is a safe place to stay. This master guide compares your options and helps you book a secure spot for your first few weeks.
Phase 1: Immediate Actions (The First 48 Hours)
This section covers the tasks that need to be handled right away for safety and communication.
- 🚨 Emergency Numbers Every Newcomer Must Know
- Before you do anything else, save these numbers. This guide provides the essential contact information for police, fire, and ambulance services across Canada.
- 📱 Essential Government of Canada Apps for Your Phone
- From weather alerts to border services, these official apps can provide crucial information during your first few days.
- 🛂 Navigating the Airport: Border Crossing Apps for Newcomers
- This guide explains the apps and processes, like ArriveCAN, that you’ll encounter at the airport to make your entry as smooth as possible.
Phase 2: Setting Up Your Essentials (Days 3-7)
Once you’ve settled into your temporary housing, the next step is to establish your presence in Canada.
- 🚑 Emergency Healthcare for Immigrants: What You Need to Know
- Understand how to access healthcare services before your provincial health card arrives. This guide covers walk-in clinics and emergency room visits.
- 💰 How to Find Emergency Financial Help in Canada
- This guide provides information on support systems and programs available if you face an unexpected financial crisis upon arrival.
- 🤝 Finding New Immigrant Services in Canada
- Connect with local settlement agencies that can provide free, personalized support for everything from paperwork to community integration.