The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation provides an excellent guide on purchasing homes in Canada.

"CMHC's Homebuying Step by Step guide is here to make things easier for you by providing the information you need to make a wise homebuying decision. This section provides examples and worksheets that will guide you through the entire homebuying process, from the moment you make the decision to buy your own home to the moment the movers carry the first box through the front door. It couldn't be easier!"

The full guide can be found on the CMHC website.