When most people think of Canada they think of wide-open spaces, diverse wild life, friendly people, and financial prosperity. The truth is that although you can certainly find all of things spread out across the vast country, they are definitely easier to find in some places than others.

As you can imagine, there is a lot of diversity contained within that vast space, and although there is likely something for everyone, it is important to know where to find it. If you’re thinking about moving to Canada from the United States, or relocating within the country, you may want to know which regions are best for permanent residence.

Here is a ranking of the eight best provinces in Canada to live in, along with what sets them apart.

1. Ontario

You often see criticism leveled at the media in Canada for being too ‘Ontario-centric,’ but like it or not – there is a reason for the disproportional amount of coverage the province receives. It is Canada’s most populated province, contains the country’s largest city and capital (they are different places), and is therefore home to the biggest job market.

Ontario has long been a favourite destination for immigrants in Canada, many of whom establish themselves in Toronto. The Canadian publishing and media industries are also largely focused around Toronto, so if this is the field you’re looking to work in, Ontario could be a great option.

2. Alberta

Alberta also boasts several large cities and offers a variety of job industries, including in the technology sector and jobs related to oil sands and energy sources. Calgary and Edmonton both clock in at around one million inhabitants, so there is plenty of action to take part in. This is one of the best provinces in Canada for dynamic employment opportunities.

The winters in Alberta can be cold, but the province also contains gorgeous badlands and a stunning chain of Rocky Mountains. The province has also recently implemented an Immigrant Nominee Program, which makes the application process for skilled immigrants easier to complete and gets them matched up with appropriate jobs more quickly.

3. Quebec

Operating on a more autonomous basis than any other province in Canada, Quebec has its own unique immigration processes. The province is actively encouraging new arrivals and even has a program in place to help new residents learn French (the province’s official language) when they arrive. If you know the language, this is one of the best provinces in Canada to live in.

With that being said, French is certainly not the only language you will hear. Montreal, in particular, is one of Canada’s most diverse metropolitan cities and here you will find people from just about everywhere, speaking just about every language.

4. Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan offers job opportunities in a variety of skilled trades and professional occupations. The province is generally proud of the fact that it is diverse, so you will find all sorts of different festivals and events celebrating multi-culturalism and promoting understanding between people of different backgrounds.

5. British Columbia

Occupying the territory along Canada’s stunning west coast, British Columbia offers plenty of job opportunities, a temperate climate, and an abundance of occasions for recreation. Most residents of British Columbia are very proud to call this province home and are happy to share their enthusiasm with newcomers.

In fact, the province is currently so eager to hire teachers that they are even considering lifting the demand for a certificate and implementing their own unique screening process. Depending on the industry you work in, British Columbia could offer a great opportunity to get to work quickly in the field you’re trained in.

6. Manitoba

Manitoba also offers many different kinds of jobs and also currently had a high demand for labour, many it an appealing place to settle down. Winnipeg is a favourite of new arrivals to Canada, as the city’s diverse population make it a comfortable transition for newcomers, who are likely to be able to find people from their home countries relatively easily.

7. Nova Scotia

The people of Nova Scotia have an exceptional reputation for being warm, welcoming and generous. Throw in the fact that some companies in the province are currently so eager to hire workers that they are even offering up incentives like free land to those willing to relocate, and Nova Scotia starts to look like a pretty attractive place.

This is also one of the best provinces in Canada for refugee. Nova Scotia has accepted a very high percentage of the refugee claims they’ve received and also offers various programs and incentives to bring in skilled worked. They’ve created new policies that cut back on waiting times to get people into the province and provide quick links between workers and employers.

8. New Brunswick

Another maritime province, New Brunswick is also part of the Atlantic Immigration project and is currently seeking skilled workers in various areas. Tourism and manufacturing are among a few of the province’s most active industries and it is also home to the country’s largest energy company. Saint John, the province’s largest city, has also announced plans to attract more residents to the area through immigration initiatives.