In 2012, Julian Halim made a life-changing decision to move from Surabaya, Indonesia to Canada. Having lived in Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, and China, he was in search of a place that offered a better quality of life and embraced diversity. Canada, with its reputation for inclusivity, seemed like the perfect fit. His journey to Canada was driven by a desire for a brighter future. And here, he found a place to build it. Upon arriving, Julian felt an immediate connection.

“Canada felt like the country that fit me the most.”
– Julian

The welcoming environment and open-minded community made him feel at home. A stark contrast to the conservatism he experienced in Indonesia.

Discovering Canoo

The discovery of Canoo came as a surprise. At his Canadian citizenship ceremony, he heard about an app offering free access to experiences across the country. This piqued Julian’s interest immediately. For someone who loves photography and exploring new places, Canoo became the ultimate companion.

“The Canoo membership was the perfect gift for me!”
– Julian

The Canoo app opened doors to over 2000 experiences, providing not just access, but a deeper connection to Canada. And the best part of the app wasn’t the incredible perks. It was about the adventures and memories waiting to be made!

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Favorite Canoo Experiences

Exploring Canada through Canoo has led to some unforgettable experiences. The Toronto Zoo, with its massive collection of over 3,000 animals, left a lasting impression. “Probably the best zoo I’ve been to,” he reflects, marveling at its diversity and scale.

Julian Halim and friends at the Toronto Zoo.

Another highlight was the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), with its captivating exhibitions! Exploring the Great Whales and Fantastic Beasts exhibit showed the incredible size of our world and the animals in it. These visits not only enriched his knowledge, but also fueled his passion for photography and sharing these moments on Instagram.

Julian Halim standing in the mouth of a large whale at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto.

Building a Sense of Belonging

Beyond the fun and exploration, Canoo has played a crucial role in deepening his sense of belonging. Learning about Canada’s history, culture, and diverse communities has been an integral part of his journey as a new citizen.

“Canoo helps me feel more connected to my new country.”
– Julian

This connection is vital, as it fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of his new home.

Looking Ahead: Future Explorations

The adventures don’t stop here. Next on the list is a visit to the Art Gallery of Ontario. There’s also an exciting trip to Alberta planned with Banff National Park and other attractions on the itinerary! Each new experience adds another layer to his Canadian journey.

Advice for Newcomers

For those considering Canoo, his advice is to stay updated with the app’s offers to make the most of the benefits.

Julian also emphasizes the importance of researching and choosing the right city and province to settle in, as it greatly impacts the quality of life. And for those new to Canada, understanding the systemic challenges newcomers face is crucial. Julian believes that addressing issues like discrimination and recognition of foreign credentials can foster a more inclusive environment.

Julian’s story is also enriched by his Indonesian heritage. He fondly talks about Surabaya, its rich history, and its unique dialect. The cultural diversity, traditional crafts, and especially the delicious food are aspects he cherishes and misses. Despite being far from Indonesia, these elements remain a significant part of his identity. Holding onto your cultural background enriches the life you build in Canada.

A Bright Future

As he looks ahead, Julian’s goals are clear: to achieve happiness and stability in Canada. Described by friends as a walking encyclopedia, his love for knowledge and visual arts continues to drive him.

A photo of the Bata Shoe Museum from above taken by a Canoo member during a free visit.

In every sense, Julian’s journey with Canoo is about more than just exploring Canada. Use Canoo to find a place that you are proud to call home! You can then build a community where you belong and share your experiences with others helping other newcomers like yourself experience Canoo and feel confident in their future.