Re weather, you need to get out a bit more ShokWaveRider. We live in the 'banana belt'. What, you didn't know Canada had a banana belt? We used to live in the desert. What, you didn't know Canada has a desert region?
Healthcare of course is second to none in terms of quality and cost.
OldPro:
We do get out a little...
Average frost free days in the Okanagan desert (Osoyoos area) are around ~180, we have family & Friends in Kelowna & Peachland. As far as the Carolinian is concerned, we lived there and also have friends and family dotted over the region.
No offense, but I think you (and Canadians) are being a little optimistic quoting Bananas, very wishful thinking. They may call it the banana belt, but I never saw one growing outside while I was living and visiting, and their frost free estimate is ~150 days.
Our frost free days where we live in NE FLA are conservatively >325 and I err on the low side purposely. We have 4 producing banana plants in out back yard, not to mention the Papaya, that admittedly is not the best specimen, but does offer fruit occasionally. We have been here for 12 years and never seen snow.
All that said, our criteria does include having a salt water beach within 1 or 2 miles from our home.
Health Care is a different story. Not so much the health CARE itself, the quality that is, is outstanding, and we have had Canadian, and EU previously.
It is the funding of it I find tedious. Perhaps Medicare will be better, but I doubt it.
Out of all HC systems I agree Canada has the best overall compromise, IF you can, as a new returning home Canadian, find a doctor accepting new patients, and you do not want to see a specialist in any great hurry. If you are happy with walk in clinics then yes all is good.
Unfortunately Canada fails on the weather front and salt water front, unless we consider Van. isle. (Gloomy for half the year) We have family there too.
I hate to get off topic as I really think your OP was a really good insight to those looking to move about. We have lived by the same mantra in all our moves.