I second Melbourne. (I've only traveled there, not lived there, but I'd like to.) Have you looked into Australia's Working Holiday visa? I believe that allow

I second Melbourne. (I've only traveled there, not lived there, but I'd like to.) Have you looked into Australia's Working Holiday visa? I believe that allows you to enter and stay for 6 months without having an employer sponsor. So you could freelance or job search during that time without being stranded. [I know you said you don't qualify for a Working Holiday visa, but I'm assuming that meant in Canada.]