9 Apps Every Newcomer in Canada Needs

Moving to a new country and settling in comes with some hassle. However, in this day and age where technology has a solution to almost every problem, there are also ways to make settling in Canada a lot easier for you. There are apps every newcomer in Canada needs to help them navigate or maximize the resources available to them in the Country.

This article discusses 9 of some of the important apps that can make your new way of life easy. These apps serve different purposes and help you achieve different goals. Whether you’re looking for employment, affordable goods and services, or ways to immerse yourself in Canadian culture, there is an app that can help you.

1. WeatherCAN

Canada’s weather is one of the most commonly discussed hot topics when it comes to living or migrating to the country. Although it is a welcoming place, the weather is not as friendly as the people of Canada. Its extremely cold, hot and unpredictable dynamics cause newcomers to struggle with adapting to their new environment. A report by Statistics Canada revealed that adjusting to Canada’s climate was the greatest challenge for 16 per cent of newcomers.

The WeatherCAN app is free and designed to help provide Canadian residents with real-time access to reliable weather data directly from the Canadian government. The app is the official weather app of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). It provides Canadians with accurate and up-to-date weather information, including forecasts, weather alerts, and radar images.

Some Key Features Of WeatherCAN App

Localised Weather Forecasts: Users can get current and long-range forecasts for their location or any location in Canada, including temperature, precipitation, and wind conditions.
Severe Weather Alerts: WeatherCAN provides notifications of severe weather events like storms, floods, and extreme temperatures. This is particularly useful for ensuring safety during dangerous weather conditions.
Radar and Satellite Images: The app offers radar maps and satellite imagery to help track weather patterns, making it easier to monitor storm systems or snowfall.
Air Quality and Health Index: It includes information on air quality, which is important for individuals with respiratory issues or those who want to monitor environmental conditions.

2. CareerBuilder

CareerBuilder is another one of the apps every newcomer in Canada needs for job search. It helps users find employment opportunities across various industries in Canada and beyond. The app connects job seekers with employers by providing access to job listings, career resources, and tools for resume building and job application tracking. It’s widely used by individuals looking for full-time, part-time, freelance, or temporary positions.

Some Key Features Of CareerBuilder App

Career Resources: In addition to job listings, CareerBuilder offers career advice, interview tips, and resources for improving job search strategies. Users can access articles and tools to enhance their career development.
Geolocation Features: The app uses geolocation to suggest job listings near the user’s current location or in a preferred area. This is especially useful for those looking for jobs in specific cities or regions within Canada.
Application Tracking: The app allows users to track the status of their job applications, providing updates on whether the application was received, reviewed, or if there is any feedback from employers. This feature helps users stay organised during their job search.

3. Transit

Transit is one of the bus apps that help you make the most of Canada’s transportation system. Although the system is pretty easy to navigate, having an additional guide to help you plan your trip makes it even better. Hence, it is one of the apps every newcomer in Canada needs. However, there are other alternatives like Google Maps and Citymapper.

The Transit app offers real-time information on buses, trains, streetcars, and other transit services across multiple cities. The app simplifies public transit by providing accurate arrival times, route options, and various features designed to enhance the commuting experience.

Some Key Features Of Transit App

Trip Planning: Users can plan their journeys from point A to point B by entering their starting location and destination. The app suggests different route options, showing which bus, train, or streetcar to take, and provides transfer details if needed.
Service Alerts and Disruptions: It sends notifications about service changes, delays, or disruptions on your transit lines, helping you stay informed and find alternative routes.
Multi-Modal Transportation Options: In addition to public transit, the Transit app also integrates other transportation modes like bike-sharing, ride-hailing (Uber/Lyft), and car-sharing services. This makes it easier to find alternative travel methods when public transit isn’t an option.
Offline Mode: The app allows users to download schedules for offline access, which is useful when there’s no mobile data or internet connection.
Fares and Passes: In some cities, the app can also show fare prices, and in certain cases, it integrates with mobile payment systems for easy ticketing.

4. Kijiji

Kijiji is another one of the free apps every newcomer in Canada needs. It is a popular online classifieds platform that allows users to buy, sell, and trade goods and services within their local communities. It functions similarly to Craigslist but with a user-friendly interface and wide appeal across Canada.

The app provides a space for people to post ads for a variety of categories, from second-hand items to housing, jobs, and services. It also has a dedicated section for people looking to give away items for free. These items often include things like furniture, appliances, and clothing. Additionally, there are listings for pets, local events, garage sales, and community activities as well.

Some Key Features Of the Kijiji App

Local Classifieds: The app is location-based, allowing users to view listings specific to their city or region. This helps buyers and sellers connect easily within their local area for faster transactions.
Easy Ad Posting: Sellers can quickly post ads for items they want to sell. The app provides a simple process to upload photos, write descriptions, set prices, and choose categories, making it easy for anyone to list their items.
Search and Filters: The app features a robust search function, allowing users to find items by category (e.g., furniture, electronics, vehicles), price range, and location. Filters help narrow down results to match specific preferences, such as price, condition, or distance from the user.
Messaging System: Buyers and sellers can communicate directly within the app through its built-in messaging system. This allows users to ask questions, negotiate prices, or arrange pickup details without sharing personal contact information.
User Profiles and Ratings: Users can create profiles and receive ratings based on their transactions. This feature builds trust within the community by showing a seller’s reputation and past interactions, helping buyers feel more confident in their purchases.

5. SkipTheDishes

SkipTheDishes is one of the apps every newcomer in Canada needs for ordering food. It is a popular food delivery app for Canada that connects users with local restaurants. Hence, allowing them to order meals for delivery or pickup.

The app functions as a platform for both customers and restaurant partners. Hence, offering convenience for people who want food delivered to their door or ready for pickup without having to make a phone call or visit the restaurant.

Some Key Features Of SkipTheDishes App

Wide Restaurant Selection: Users have access to a large variety of local restaurants, ranging from fast food to fine dining, as well as grocery and convenience stores in some areas. The app allows users to browse and order from a wide range of cuisines.
Real-Time Order Tracking: One of the standout features is the ability to track orders in real-time. Users can see the status of their order, from restaurant preparation to the courier’s progress, all the way to delivery.
Order Customization: The app allows users to customize their meals by selecting options, adding special instructions, and requesting specific dietary accommodations (e.g., vegetarian, gluten-free). This ensures that customers receive their meals the way they want them.
Scheduled Orders: Users can place an order ahead of time by scheduling delivery for a later date or time. This feature is useful for planning meals in advance, whether for busy workdays or special events.

6. Jobs in Canada

This is one of the most useful apps for immigrants who are searching for jobs in Canada. It shares employment opportunities across various industries in the country. To do this, it aggregates job postings from multiple sources and provides users with easy access to available positions. Hence, it is one of the apps every newcomer in Canada needs, especially individuals seeking full-time, part-time, or temporary work, as well as those looking for jobs in specific regions or industries.

Some Key Features Of Jobs in Canada App

Job Filters and Categories: Users can refine their search with filters, such as job type (full-time, part-time, contract), industry, salary range, experience level, and posting date. This helps in finding jobs that match specific preferences.
Customizable Job Alerts: Users can set up notifications for specific job searches or categories. The app sends alerts when new job postings that match their criteria are added, helping them stay on top of opportunities.
Resume Upload and Profile Creation: The app provides users with the option to create a professional profile and upload their resumes. This makes it easier to apply for jobs and also allows employers to view their profiles.

7. Canoo

The Canoo app is a mobile application in Canada that provides exclusive benefits and discounts to newcomers, such as permanent residents and new citizens. The app was developed by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC). It is designed to help new Canadians explore and integrate into their new country by offering access to cultural experiences, attractions, and services for free or at discounted rates.

Some Key Features Of Canoo App

Free Access to National Parks and Historic Sites: Canoo provides newcomers with free admission to over 1,400 national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas managed by Parks Canada. This feature allows users to explore Canada’s natural beauty and history.
Discounts and Free Admission to Cultural Attractions: The app offers discounts and free admission to various cultural institutions, such as museums, art galleries, science centres, and more. This includes major attractions like the Royal Ontario Museum, Vancouver Art Gallery, and the Canadian Museum of History.
Exclusive Offers and Special Discounts: Canoo provides special offers for tickets to sports games, concerts, and other entertainment events. It also partners with various businesses to offer discounts on everyday products and services, including transportation, dining, and shopping.
Map Integration: The app includes a map feature that helps users locate nearby attractions and services, making it easy to explore Canada and take advantage of local benefits.

8. Reebee

Here is one of the apps every newcomer in Canada needs to make their shopping easy. The Reebee app is a digital platform that provides users with access to local flyers, deals, and promotions from various retailers. It is primarily used for finding weekly discounts, comparing prices, and organizing shopping lists. Hence, it is a popular tool for Canadian shoppers who want to save money and plan their purchases.

Some Key Features Of Reebee App

Price Comparison: The app allows users to compare prices across different stores by browsing multiple flyers at once. This feature helps users find the best deals on products they need, saving time and money.
Shopping List Creation: Users can create digital shopping lists directly within the app. As they browse flyers, they can add items to their list with just a few taps. This makes it easier to plan shopping trips and keep track of essential purchases.
Offline Access: Reebee allows users to download flyers and access them offline. This is useful for people who want to browse deals without an active internet connection.
Store Locator: The app includes a store locator feature, helping users find the nearest locations of their preferred retailers based on their current location.

9. WhatsApp

WhatsApp is used globally. It is also the most popular chat app in Canada for communicating internationally. Hence, it is especially popular among immigrants and people with friends or family abroad.

However, for communication within Canada, most people use normal text or iMessage (for iPhone users). Whereas for social and group messaging, apps like Facebook Messenger and Instagram Direct are also significantly popular.

Some Key Features Of WhatsApp

Text Messaging: WhatsApp allows users to send and receive instant text messages over an internet connection, without SMS charges. Messages can be sent individually or to groups.
Voice and Video Calls: Users can make free voice and video calls to other WhatsApp users anywhere in the world, as long as they have an internet connection. This feature includes both one-on-one and group calls.
Group Chats: WhatsApp supports group chats, allowing users to create groups of up to 1024 members. Group members can exchange text messages, and media files, and participate in group calls.
End-to-End Encryption: WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the sender and receiver can read the messages. This makes the app secure for private conversations.

Finally,

As a newcomer in Canada, the right apps can make all the difference in adapting to your new environment. Whether you’re job hunting, searching for deals, managing transportation, or exploring the country’s cultural and natural attractions, apps like CareerBuilder, Reebee, and Canoo can provide valuable support.

These apps every newcomer in Canada needs not only help them stay organized and save money but also enhance their connection to Canadian communities and experiences. By leveraging the power of technology, you can better navigate the challenges of settling in and making the most of what Canada has to offer.