What the Festive Season Is Really Like for UK GPs Considering the Move

If you’re a UK GP thinking about relocating to Canada, there’s no better time than Christmas to get a feel for what life over there is really like. The festive season in Canada combines crisp winter beauty, warm community tradition, and a pace of life that many relocating doctors find truly refreshing. Here’s what you can expect from a Canadian Christmas, along with a glimpse into why so many UK-trained GPs choose to make Canada their new home.

Why are UK GPs making the move to Canada? 

Snow, Scenery, and a Proper Winter Wonderland

While the UK’s Christmas weather is famously unpredictable (we’re not holding our breath for a white Christmas!) Canada is reliably wintry. In provinces like Alberta, British Columbia’s interior, Manitoba, or Ontario, the snowy streets, frosted trees, and glittering lights set a scene that feels straight out of a Christmas card.

For many GPs and their families, this adds a sense of festive magic. Children can build snowmen before breakfast, families skate on frozen lakes, and communities host outdoor markets and light displays that become annual traditions. There’s a special kind of joy in having a guaranteed white Christmas!

Festive Traditions, with a Canadian Twist!

Christmas in Canada blends British influences with its own colourful traditions. Expect:

🎄 Festive parades – Nearly every town has one, complete with lights, music, and a Santa float.
🦃 A turkey dinner, but often with uniquely Canadian additions like maple-roasted vegetables or butter tarts.
⛸️ Outdoor winter activities – From skiing to ice skating to “winter festivals,” the season is very much lived outdoors.
🎁 A relaxed, family-focused atmosphere – Most clinics and practices slow right down for the holidays, giving GPs a chance to genuinely disconnect and enjoy the break.

This combination of winter warmth and cultural familiarity means that UK GPs quickly feel at home, while still enjoying something new and exciting.

A Great Quality of Life All Year Round

Of course, Christmas is just one part of why Canada is such an appealing destination for UK-trained GPs.

Here are some of the most common reasons GPs tell us they made the move:

• Work–life balance is generally better than in the UK, with more control over workload and schedules.
• High earning potential, especially in provinces actively recruiting international physicians. UK GPs can earn over £340,000. View our roles here.
• A collaborative, team-based healthcare culture, where GPs often have strong administrative and nursing support.
• Stunning landscapes and outdoor lifestyle, from summer hiking and lakeside living to winter sports.
• A friendly, welcoming culture – particularly for families restarting life in a new country.

If you love the idea of a meaningful career alongside an active, nature-filled lifestyle, Canada is one of the best places in the world to practice medicine. Interested? Find out more here.

Thinking About Making the Move? We Can Help.

If Christmas in Canada sounds like the kind of life you want to be living next year, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

We support UK GPs through the entire relocation journey, including:

• navigating licensing and college registration
• securing roles in clinics actively hiring international GPs
• visa and immigration guidance
• relocation planning for you and your family
• ongoing support once you arrive

Moving countries can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, it becomes an exciting and achievable career change.

Ready to explore Canada further?

Get in touch with us to find out how we can help you build a new life and career in Canada. Whether you’re just curious or ready to begin the process, we’re here to answer your questions and help you take the next step.

If you’re open to having a conversation about the opportunities we have, complete our contact form here, and we’ll be in touch to arrange a time to speak.