Switching jobs in another province to be with my significant other

My SO is moving to another province (Canada) to pursue a great opportunity in her field. I'm currently working in a field that is not exactly what I studied (working in a planning commission and have a bachelor in civil engineer) with a permanency and great benefits. I've decided to go with her eventually, but I don't know if I should :

• Give my boss my notice and quit to focus 100% on my job finding in the new province
• Tell my boss my situation and that I'm planning to quit and move with my SO while looking for a new career
• Job find while I'm currently working my current position and keep everything a secret. Only give my notice once I find a new job.

My concern is references from my current job. I'm afraid they'll be mad at me for quitting and not give good references since I led them on that I'll be staying permanently (which I meant at the time).

My other concerns is having trouble finding a job in my field since I don't have direct experiences in that field.

Do you guys have any tips on my situation? Thanks for all your help and time.