Canada greeted 163 Syrian refugees late on Thursday, taking in the first of a planned 25,000 in a matter of months and promising them a better life as they flee their country's horrific war.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and several members of his Liberal government were on hand to greet the Syrians as they arrived on a troop transport plane in Toronto.

Dozens of volunteers, interpreters and immigration officials helped the Syrians through the formalities of admission and gave them blankets, snow boots and other welcome gifts.