Sounds depressing. Never been to Canada but It used to have a very positive image, popular to study/ work when I was at Uni. Warmer climate is much better for retirees.
If you extend at an immigration office you need to show 500kTHB seasoned for at least 1 month. Currently no need to show it when doing a border run but it is a good idea to have it saved in case of being asked to show it.