About Olivia

The accidental expat blogger behind Humble Oak Paper

Olivia Martin - Founder of Humble Oak Paper Photo: Humble Oak Paper

Hello, I'm Olivia

I work as a project manager, a parent, and I live as an expat in Toronto, Canada.

A few years ago, I moved here with my family. What began as a temporary assignment gradually evolved into a new chapter of life abroad.

How It Began

Moving to Canada wasn’t part of our master plan. Like many international relocations, it started as a job opportunity and soon grew into something far more significant.

The initial months were demanding — unfamiliar systems, new routines, new expectations. Routine tasks seemed more complex than expected.

City skyline in Toronto, Canada
Living in Toronto brings unexpected moments. Photo: Humble Oak Paper

The Adjustment Period

There was culture shock, doubt, and a lot of hands-on learning. But gradually, routines formed. We discovered places that worked for us, met other families, and started building something that felt stable.

Why I Built Humble Oak Paper

Most information online was either corporate relocation guidance or surface-level tourism material. What was missing was an honest, everyday family perspective.

This site exists to close that gap — practical guidance based on real life in Canada.

What this site is (and isn't)

This site is:

  • Practical know-how from living in Canada
  • Centered on family life and day-to-day realities
  • Updated only when something truly changes

This site isn't:

  • Not a tourism board resource
  • A paid-review platform
  • A generic travel blog

Looking Forward

Our time in Canada continues, and so does the learning journey. As long as the information remains useful, I’ll keep documenting what we discover.

If you have questions about family life in Toronto or anywhere in Canada, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Cheers,

Olivia

Toronto, Canada