Today, remote work options are popular, allowing employees to work from anywhere in the world. As a result of this flexibility, many U.S. and other international citizens consider moving to countries like Canada. But what are the best places to work remotely in Canada?
In this article, our Canadian employment experts explore the best cities in Canada to live and work remotely. To help you decide which location is right for you, we’ll compare living expenses and quality of life and discuss the pros and cons of each city. Plus, we’ll share critical information you need to know before choosing one of the best places to work remotely in Canada. For example, who can work remotely in Canada, how long they can stay, and next steps if immigration is of interest.
So, if you want to move to Canada, here’s everything you need to know to decide where to work remotely!
What are the best places to work remotely in Canada? Top 10 Cities
Wondering - where is the best place to work remotely in Canada? Here’s a list of the ten best cities in Canada to work remotely. To determine these locations, we’ve examined the cost of living (including average rent and internet costs), quality of life, internet speed, and more.
1. St. John’s
The capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's is a vibrant community on Canada's east coast. It’s known for its colourful row homes and stunning coastal views and offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities. Best of all, residents are friendly, and the city is clean, safe, and more affordable than other remote work locations in Canada. In addition to being one of the best places to work remotely in Canada, St. John’s is also a personal favourite!
Average rent for a two-bedroom* (CAD): $1,189
Monthly internet cost (CAD): $68
Average internet speed: 100 Mbps
Top reasons to work remotely in St. John's, Canada: affordable housing (compared to other Canadian cities), scenic landscapes, friendly community
Cons to consider: harsh winters, poor (and expensive) public transportation, high taxes, healthcare may be difficult to access
2. Halifax
Halifax, the bustling capital of Nova Scotia, is another top choice for remote workers in Canada. With its rich maritime history and a vibrant cultural scene, Halifax offers remote workers an excellent quality of life. Like many Canadian cities, the people in Halifax are friendly and welcoming. Remote workers who plan to live in the city centre will also be happy to discover that a vehicle isn’t 100% necessary. With numerous cafes (with Wifi) located throughout the city, Halifax is a perfect place to work remotely.
Average rent for a two-bedroom* (CAD): $1,628
Monthly internet cost (CAD): $70
Average internet speed: 119 Mbps
Top reasons to work remotely in Halifax, Canada: friendly locals, natural beauty, safe community, excellent arts, music and entertainment scene, decent public transportation
Cons to consider: higher taxes, international travel may be more difficult (than from large transportation hubs), may be difficult to access health care, high cost of living
3. Montréal
Montréal, the largest city in Québec, is known for its rich cultural diversity and desirable quality of life. The city presents a unique blend of European charm and Canadian scenery, a vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary options, and a distinct bilingual environment. Montréal is also much more affordable than other large metropolitan areas in Canada. As a result, the city is not only one of the best places to work remotely in Canada but also one of the best in the world!
Average rent for a two-bedroom* (CAD): $1,096
Monthly internet cost (CAD): $52
Average internet speed: 65 Mbps
Top reasons to work remotely in Montréal, Canada: affordable housing (compared to other major Canadian cities), cultural diversity, bilingual environment, vibrant nightlife, diverse cuisine, high quality of life, excellent public transportation
Cons to consider: harsh winters, possible language barrier for non-French speakers, higher taxes
4. Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada and is located in the province of Ontario. It’s known for its picturesque location along the Ottawa River and is one of the best cities in Canada to live and work remotely. In addition to its natural beauty, the city offers a high standard of living, numerous cultural attractions, and fantastic schools, museums, festivals, and parks. Ottawa is also home to multiple professional sports teams, including the Ottawa Senators, Ottawa Rough Riders, PWHL Ottawa and more.
Average rent for a two-bedroom* (CAD): $1,698
Monthly internet cost (CAD): $56
Average internet speed: 89 Mbps
Top reasons to work remotely in Ottawa, Canada: historical landmarks, green spaces, family-friendly, great healthcare services, low crime rate, excellent schools, museums, festivals, and parks, decent public transportation
Cons to consider: high cost of living, limited nightlife, long winters
5. Toronto
Toronto is the biggest city in Canada and a prime location for remote workers. The city is culturally diverse, easy to get around, and offers an exciting and vibrant nightlife. Toronto hosts world-renowned events and festivals, including the Toronto International Film Festival. The city also has numerous sports teams, including the Maple Leafs, Blue Jays, Raptors, and more. Best of all, as a transportation hub, Toronto is one of the most accessible cities in the country - making it one of the best places to work remotely in Canada, especially for international visitors.
Average rent for a two-bedroom* (CAD): $1,992
Monthly internet cost (CAD): $59
Average internet speed: 99 Mbps
Top reasons to work remotely in Toronto, Canada: diverse population, year-round festivals and events, world-class dining options, great nightlife, professional sports teams, easy to travel to and from internationally, excellent public transportation
Cons to consider: high cost of living, heavy traffic, limited options for affordable housing
6. Waterloo
Located in Ontario, Waterloo is a culturally diverse city renowned as one of the most intelligent communities in Canada. Waterloo offers a blend of urban amenities and small-town charm and is a thriving tech hub. The city is safe and hosts various festivals and cultural events. Its proximity to Toronto (just 60 minutes away) also adds to its appeal, making it an ideal location for international remote workers.
Average rent for a two-bedroom* (CAD): $1,658
Monthly internet cost (CAD): $58
Average internet speed: 100 Mbps
Top reasons to work remotely in Waterloo, Canada: thriving tech industry, safe community, festivals and cultural events, outdoor lifestyle, good public transportation
Cons to consider: limited nightlife, large student population (this could be a pro for some), limited access to diverse food options, long, cold winters
7. Winnipeg
Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba, is a multicultural city with a lively entertainment scene and many cafes and restaurants perfect for remote work. The city also hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year and provides endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Most importantly, housing in Winnipeg is much more affordable than in many other large Canadian cities. As a result, Winnipeg stands out as one of the best places to work remotely in Canada.
Average rent for a two-bedroom* (CAD): $1,427
Monthly internet cost (CAD): $67
Average internet speed: 93 Mbps
Top reasons to work remotely in Waterloo, Canada: festivals and events, affordable housing, friendly locals, beautiful parks and green spaces, good public transportation
Cons to consider: harsh winters, higher crime rates (in certain areas), limited nightlife
8. Calgary
Located in Alberta, close to the Rocky Mountains, Calgary offers stunning natural scenery and access to numerous outdoor activities. The city is culturally diverse, offering lower taxes, excellent health care, and efficient and affordable public transportation. Calgary is also known for being family-friendly and is home to many recreational facilities, sports teams (e.g., Calgary Flames), events and festivals (e.g., The Calgary Stampede). As a result, Calgary is an ideal place to work remotely in Canada, especially for people who enjoy the outdoors!
Average rent for a two-bedroom* (CAD): $1,695
Monthly internet cost (CAD): $65
Average internet speed: 130 Mbps
Top reasons to work remotely in Calgary, Canada: beautiful natural scenery and proximity to the Rockies, vibrant downtown, events and festivals, lower taxes, recreational facilities, professional sports teams, good public transportation
Cons to consider: long, cold winters, unpredictable weather, traffic congestion, high housing costs
9. Vancouver
Located on the west coast of Canada, in the province of British Columbia (B.C.), Vancouver is known for its diverse population and mild climate. The city features scenic views and many beautiful parks, making it an exceptional location for outdoor recreation. In fact, Vancouver is just an hour and a half away from Whistler, one of North America's largest ski resorts. The city is also home to numerous sports teams (e.g., Vancouver Canucks) and hosts various cultural festivals and events (e.g., Vancouver International Film Festival). Vancouver also has an international airport accessible via public transportation, making international travel exceptionally easy. Friendly and welcoming to newcomers, Vancouver is one of the best places to work remotely in Canada.
Fun Fact: Vancouver is known as "Hollywood North" and is a popular filming location for television shows and movies!
Average rent for a two-bedroom* (CAD): $2,181
Monthly internet cost (CAD): $64
Average internet speed: 100 Mbps
Top reasons to work remotely in Vancouver, Canada: scenic views, outdoor activities and active lifestyle, mild climate, diverse population, festivals and events, professional sports teams, excellent public transportation
Cons to consider: extremely high cost of living, housing affordability issues, rainy weather
10. Victoria
Victoria, the capital of B.C., is located on Vancouver Island and is well-known for its beautiful natural surroundings and scenic waterfront location. Victoria offers the mildest and sunniest climate of any major city in B.C. and access to year-round outdoor activities. For instance, Victoria is a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Tofino, B.C.'s prime location for year-round surfing. The city is also home to numerous historic buildings, including the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, and a wide selection of diverse restaurants. This blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and diverse cultural richness makes Victoria an ideal destination for remote workers.
Average rent for a two-bedroom* (CAD): $1,839
Monthly internet cost (CAD): $65
Average internet speed: 100 Mbps
Top reasons to work remotely in Victoria, Canada: historic buildings, mild climate, scenic waterfront, arts and culture scene, year-round outdoor activities, good public transportation
Cons to consider: high cost of living, limited nightlife, housing affordability issues, island location makes international travel more difficult
*Pricing based on purpose-built rental housing.
Now that we’ve discussed the best cities in Canada to live and work remotely, let’s compare some of the most essential details.
A Comparison of the Best Places to Work Remotely in Canada
The table below compares various cost of living and quality of life factors for the Canada remote work locations discussed above. Use this table to help you decide where to work remotely in Canada.
Now that you’ve compared the best places to work remotely in Canada, you might wonder - can I legally live in Canada and work remotely for a foreign employer? Here’s what you need to know.
Can I live in Canada and work remotely for a US company?
If you have a current U.S. or other international employer and you’d like to work for them remotely in Canada, there’s good news! You can live in Canada and work remotely for a US company (or other international employer). To do so, most people can simply enter Canada as a visitor (but please be sure to check your country-specific entry requirements before arriving).
That said, visitors to Canada can only work remotely for an international company for up to six months at a time. If you'd like to remain in Canada longer, you'll need a work permit.
PRO TIP: One of the easiest ways to continue working remotely in Canada for your international employer is with the help of an employer of record in Canada. What is an employer of record? Check out our article - What is an EOR - for more details.
Work Remotely in Canada Long-Term with the Help of Thirdsail’s EOR Services
Want to stay in Canada and work remotely for your non-Canadian employer? Thirdsail makes it easy! With the help of our trusted Canadian employment, immigration and legal experts, you can keep your current job while working remotely in Canada.
Contact us to learn how!
Working Remotely in Canada - FAQ
Below are some of the most common questions about remote work in Canada.
Can I work remotely in Canada?
You can work remotely in Canada as long as you’re eligible to enter the country as a visitor. It’s legal for visitors to work remotely for a foreign employer for up to six months at a time. To work remotely in Canada for more than six months at a time, you’ll need a work visa.
What factors should I consider when choosing between the best places to work remotely in Canada?
Are you wondering how to decide where to work remotely? Here are some important factors to consider.
- Cost of Living - in addition to the cost of housing, be sure to compare the price of internet, transportation, groceries, and other essentials in different cities.
- Internet Speed and Connectivity - ensure the city has reliable and fast internet service.
- Quality of Life - consider factors like safety, access to healthcare, recreational opportunities, the city’s cultural diversity, and ease of transportation.
- Weather - Canada has a very diverse climate. Therefore, it’s essential to consider climate and weather conditions and to choose a city that suits your preferences.
- Proximity to Transportation Hubs - some Canadian cities can be challenging to access, especially more affordable remote locations. Therefore, consider the distance to major cities or transportation hubs, especially if you intend to travel internationally frequently.
How to Work Remotely in Canada
What do you need to work remotely in Canada, and what does the process look like? Here’s a general outline of the steps you’ll need to take before coming to Canada.
1. Determine whether your employer will allow you to work remotely in Canada.
2. Decide how long you want to work remotely in Canada - so you can determine what documents and/or work visa you’ll require.
- Choose between the best places to work remotely in Canada (this is the fun part!).
- If you want to work in Canada for six months or less, you can enter the country as a visitor. Before making travel arrangements, determine whether you’re eligible to enter Canada as a visitor and what documents you’ll need.
3. If you’d like to live and work in Canada for an extended period (i.e., longer than six months at a time), you’ll need a work visa. Determine what Canadian work permit you require.
4. Once everything is is order, book your flight and make the move. We look forward to welcoming you to Canada!
