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Its doable OP but it takes some tenacity.
I moved to north Idaho when I was a kid and my dad retired, from California. We are the most hated demographic here by locals, but I managed to get a logging job and eventually worked my way up to one of the most respected and relied on members of that crew.
I've since moved on to an emergency services career but I live comfortably and own land on what would be nearly poverty wages in most metro areas, and I really enjoy the lifestyle. Quality of life here is absolutely wonderful.
So a few tips:
1. Research your options for areas to go to. I dunno about Canada, but while a lot of rural America is declining, some areas are growing. Look at Sandpoint as an example, or Coeur d'Alene which is bigger, both are successful 'small towns' and you can live in town or in the country and be fine.
2. When you get there, find ways to get involved and make community connections. Try volunteer fire or EMS...that got me a career but did wonders to establish a social network for myself and gave me some 'cred' since people could then get to know me and see I wasnt 'just another Californian'.
3. Dont turn your nose up at work. Look for ANYTHING to start with, and find the merits to doing that job. Something you can learn or gain from it. Work your ass off at it, because that is how people will know you. Then look for a trade, try to start a business, or whatever it is you plan on doing.
Hope that helps! You're doing the right thing. Metro areas are the fucking worst.
