Opportunities, lifestyle and what to really expect as a UK GP in Canada

For many UK GPs, the idea of practising overseas is no longer just a passing thought. Increasingly, Canada is becoming one of the most attractive destinations, offering a combination of strong earnings, high quality of life and a healthcare system that still values continuity of care.

If you are even mildly curious, here is a clear, realistic overview of what working in Canada actually looks like.

Why Canada appeals to UK GPs

Canada’s healthcare system shares familiar foundations with the NHS. It is publicly funded, with patients accessing care free at the point of use. However, there are some key differences that make it particularly attractive:

• Greater autonomy over how you practise
• Flexibility in working patterns and income streams
• Significantly higher earning potential
• Lower patient volumes in many settings
• Strong demand for family physicians nationwide

Demand is not speculative. Canada continues to face a shortage of family doctors, driven by population growth and an ageing demographic.

Earnings: what can you realistically expect?

This is often the first question, and understandably so. The roles we handle range from £160,000 – £340,000, depending on where in Canada you wish to stay, feel free to review our current roles here, where you can see full job descriptions and earning potential: View our GP roles in Canada

Locations: where UK GPs typically go

Most international GPs gravitate towards a handful of provinces:

Ontario (e.g. Toronto)

• Canada’s largest province
• Diverse population and busy clinical environments
• High earning potential
• Mix of urban and suburban practice

British Columbia (e.g. Richmond, Vancouver)

• Known for lifestyle and scenery
• Mildest climate in Canada
• Increasingly attractive due to new GP funding models

Other emerging hotspots

• Alberta
• Saskatchewan
• Manitoba
• Nova Scotia

Each offers different incentives, often with higher earnings in more rural areas.

Lifestyle: what is it actually like for UK GPs in Canada?

This is where Canada stands out…

Work-life balance

While it depends on how you structure your work, many GPs report:

• Fewer daily patient contacts compared to NHS pressures
• Greater control over appointment length
• More autonomy in clinical decision making

Outdoor lifestyle

Canada is built for those who enjoy being active:

• Skiing, hiking and national parks
• Lakes, forests and coastal living
• Clean air and low population density

Family life

• High quality schooling
• Safe communities
• Strong emphasis on work-life balance

Weather: the reality (not the stereotype!)

One of the biggest misconceptions is that Canada is permanently freezing.

The truth:

• Winters can be cold, especially in central regions (often below -10°C)
• Summers are warm and often reach 25 to 30°C
• British Columbia has a much milder climate, particularly around Vancouver

So yes, winters are real, but they are also manageable and often balanced by excellent infrastructure and lifestyle benefits.

Myth busters

“You have to work in remote areas”

Not true. While rural roles exist and often pay more, many GPs work in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver.

“It’s similar to the NHS”

Partially true.

• Funding model is public
• However, GPs operate more like independent practitioners or contractors
• You have more influence over how you run your practice

“You earn more but work more”

Not necessarily.

• Income is linked to activity, but many GPs structure clinics to balance workload and earnings
• Alternative payment models are reducing pressure to maximise volume

“Relocation is complicated”

It can be, but structured support is typically provided, including:

• Licensing guidance
• Immigration support
• Practice set-up assistance

Why now is a good time to consider Canada

There are two key drivers:

1. Workforce shortages
   Canada actively needs GPs, which is reflected in both demand and incentives.
2. Evolving payment models
   Provinces such as British Columbia are introducing new contracts designed to improve GP retention and work-life balance.

Final thoughts

Canada offers something that many UK GPs feel has become harder to find:

• Control over your workload
• Strong financial reward
• A high standard of living

It is not a perfect system, and it is not identical to the NHS. However, for many, it represents a genuine opportunity to reshape both career and lifestyle.

Interested in exploring GP roles in Canada?

We are currently working with practices in:

• Toronto, Ontario
• Richmond, British Columbia
• Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

If you would like a confidential discussion about what a move could look like for you, we can talk you through:

• Real earning expectations based on your working style
• Licensing and relocation timelines
• The types of roles that best fit your preferences

Get in touch

If you would like to speak with our team about opportunities in Canada, reahc our team here. Call us on 0113 350 1308, email us at [email protected] or use our contact form here.