A vast, safe, and welcoming country, Canada attracts more and more online workers each year thanks to its dynamic big cities, incredible natural landscapes, and excellent quality of life. Whether you're drawn to urban life in Toronto or Vancouver, or the peaceful nature of the Rockies or the Maritime provinces, Canada offers everything for those who work remotely. This guide is for digital nomads dreaming of living and working in Canada.
Why Move to Canada
Canada is a remarkable blend of stunning natural landscapes and culturally diverse cities, both large and small. It's no wonder that more and more digital nomads and expats from around the world are choosing to settle in Canada. There are so many things to see and do in this country that working remotely here offers only advantages. Over the decades, Canada has managed to preserve its vast natural wealth. When urban life becomes overwhelming, you can quickly escape to any number of magnificent national parks.
As , Canada offers a multitude of job opportunities as well as a wide selection of pleasant coworking spaces. In most of its major cities, you'll also find temporary office spaces and ³¦²¹´Úé²õ with a relaxed atmosphere.
Moreover, in June 2023, Sean Fraser, the former Minister of Immigration, unveiled the government's new immigration strategy. He announced a plan based on three pillars, including the digital nomad strategy, which allows foreign professionals working remotely for foreign companies to stay and work in Canada for up to six months. This digital nomad strategy will enable individuals with foreign employers to live in Canada for up to six months, spending money in local communities. If they receive a job offer during their stay, they can then remain and work in Canada. As stated on , digital nomads do not need a work permit to work remotely from Canada. You can come for a maximum stay of six months with a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization, depending on your country of origin. The processing time for this is 0 to 2 months. However, certain conditions must be met: You work for an employer located outside Canada; you can work remotely (digital nomad) and you wish to travel throughout Canada.
What to Know Before Traveling to Canada
Citizens of most countries need to obtain a visa to travel to Canada. The application for a visitor visa for Canada can be submitted . You may need to provide your with your application. Upon arrival, immigration officers will indicate the length of your stay by stamping your passport. Most visitors are eligible for a six-month visa.
These Canadian Cities Attract Digital Nomads
Ottawa
As the economic and commercial hub of Canada, Ottawa, the administrative capital, is a great starting point for digital nomads looking to enjoy all that the country has to offer. With a population of , Ottawa is a large urban center. Moreover, Ottawa boasts a wealth of natural beauty, as evidenced by its parks, gardens, and other green spaces, unlike other major metropolises around the world. Its location between Montreal and Toronto is ideal for those wanting to explore the country. You'll also find numerous coworking spaces where you can settle down comfortably with your laptop.
Winnipeg
As the capital and largest city of Manitoba province, Winnipeg is another city highly favored by digital nomads. Indeed, it is economically developed and features countless parks, museums, rivers, as well as historic districts that you should explore during your stay. Winnipeg not only offers a comfortable and serene environment for remote work but also a wide range of leisure activities to keep you entertained during your free time.
Montreal
The second-largest city in Canada, Montreal is the urban center of Quebec province. Without a doubt, it is one of the most vibrant cities in all of North America. It is particularly popular with French and French-speaking people from around the world. Montreal represents a fascinating blend of North American and French cultures, making it the perfect choice for digital nomads torn between the two sides of the Atlantic. Towering contemporary skyscrapers overlook the historic buildings of Old Montreal, which date back to the 18th century. In this city, you'll find a wide selection of French-style ³¦²¹´Úé²õ, restaurants, and fast-food chains, not to mention very pleasant coworking spaces to suit all tastes!
Internet and Coworking Spaces in Canada
95.2% of Canadians will be connected to the Internet by 2025, according to . The aims for 98% of households to have high-speed internet (50/10 Mbps) by 2026. By , 93.5% to 94.8% of households already have access (compared to 79% in 2014), according to the latest data from the Universal Broadband Fund. Average speeds have significantly increased: the median fixed speed reaches 212.67 Mbps (Ookla), with peaks at 247.89 Mbps in Fredericton. Top-performing cities like Calgary (129.60 Mbps) and Edmonton (120.36 Mbps) lead the rankings, while Vancouver shows 99.89 Mbps. Rural areas, particularly the Northwest Territories (47.81 Mbps) and Nunavut (15 Mbps), still lag despite public investments.
In Canada, you'll also have a wide selection of workspaces ranging from coworking to temporary offices and ³¦²¹´Úé²õ offering Wi-Fi access.
Coworking Spaces in Toronto
, 50 Carroll St
, 123 Edward St. Suite 200
, 20 Camden St Suite 200
Coworking Spaces in Winnipeg
, 1460 Chevrier Blvd #200
, 196 Osborne St
, 300-245 McDermot Avenue
Coworking Spaces in Montreal
, 290 Rue de la Montagne
, 4388 rue Saint-Denis #200
, 60 St Jacques St
, 936 Mont-Royal Ave E
Coworking Spaces in Vancouver
, 319 W Hastings St #400
, 422 Richards St #170
, 210 – 128, West Hastings Street
Leisure in Canada
Canada is home to many vibrant cities offering a variety of leisure activities, including museums, exhibitions, and various cultural events organized throughout the year. In most parts of the country, winter sports are very popular. You can enjoy skiing, cross-country skiing, snow biking, snowshoeing, and ice skating in most places you'll visit in Canada. You'll also have the opportunity to explore magnificent landscapes and Canadian national parks rich in diversity. The Banff, Jasper, and Stanley national parks are some of Canada's must-sees. Lake Ontario, Horseshoe Falls, Peyto Lake, and Minnewanka Lake are also very popular.
Note: In July 2024, severe wildfires devastated nearly 33,000 hectares in Jasper National Park, temporarily closing several iconic sites. By 2025, most attractions, including Maligne Lake and the Icefields Parkway, are once again open to the public. However, the landscapes still bear the visible scars of this major event.
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