Canada is a country that almost everyone knows. The place needs no introduction as it is one of the top tourist destinations filled with picturesque places and some of the best hiking and wildlife in the world.
The digital nomad scene in Canada is still relatively new, but it is growing rapidly, with new co-working spaces popping up all the time.
Canada should definitely be at the top of your list if you’re looking for an exciting place to live in North America as a digital nomad.
But, what about the visa situation?
Can you just pack your bags and move to Canada without any hassle?
Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.
In this guide, we’ll explore digital nomad visas in Canada and what are your options if you wish to stay longer than 90 days.
Wondering if you need a visa for Canada? Check on iVisa.
Visas In Canada
The visa that you need for Canada will depend on what country you are from and how long you want to stay. But please be aware that the visas available are for either tourism purposes or for being employed locally in Canada.
- Canada Tourist Visa allows you to spend up to 6 months in the country, depending on your nationality.
- Canada Business Visa allows you to travel to Canada for the purpose of business as an individual or a group to meet with clients etc.
- Working Holiday Visa is given to people from 30 countries and allows you to work in Canada for a Canada based company/client for up to two years.
Digital Nomad Visa
There is no such thing as a digital nomad visa in Canada.
Best Places To Live In Canada For Digital Nomads
Canada is an excellent country for digital nomads. It has a lot of beautiful places where you can work and live comfortably.
Here are some of the best places in Canada for Digital Nomads.
Montreal
The second-largest city in Canada – and, after Paris, the second-largest French-speaking capital in the world – Montreal has a wonderfully diverse community and a thriving cultural and arts scene.
Many French-speaking expats think Montreal is the best place to live in Canada.
Home to countless festivals – most notably the annual Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in the summer – it has a laid-back and cheerful vibe that prompted the Lonely Planet travel guide to name it one of the ’10 Happiest Places in the World’.
Montreal’s cost of living is relatively low – in fact, it has the lowest rents of all of Canada’s major cities. It also boasts a robust education system, with more schools and universities per capita than anywhere else in Canada and low tuition rates.
Montreal is also known as one of the best party cities in Canada. That said, if you like terraces, bars, and clubs, you’ll be happy there!
Toronto
Toronto is one of the best places to live in Canada if you want to enjoy the great outdoors along with the hustle and bustle of the big city because Toronto has it all.
The largest city in the country and Ontario’s provincial capital, it is a significant center of industry and offers numerous job and business opportunities.
Safe and clean, it is also one of the best Canadian cities to live in if you have a young family – the education system is great and there is simply so much to do!
The parks, beaches, and Lake Ontario provide a range of outdoor activities and the city’s strong multicultural identity means that there are many diverse learning opportunities – not to mention a wide selection of wonderful ethnic eateries.
The public transport system is good, with frequent subways, and bike lanes in most downtown areas make it easy to cycle.
Vancouver
The coastal city of Vancouver is undoubtedly one of the best cities to live in Canada. Year after year it is listed as one of the top 5 cities for quality of life, which is probably because it has so many natural attractions to offer its residents.
From beautiful sandy beaches and stunning sea views to soaring mountains with hiking trails and snowsports to enjoy, it is a thriving modern city on the doorstep of some of the most stunning scenery in the country.
Vancouver has a culture of health and fitness – indeed, it just FEELS healthy, with ozone-rich water at every turn and bracing air.
With one of the lowest rates of obesity in Northern America, Vancouver gives you every opportunity to stay fit and active, whether it’s by engaging in one of the many sports on offer or simply enjoying the great outdoors in areas like the 1000 acre Stanley Park.
Banff And Calgary
If you are looking for good places to live in Canada, then take a look at Banff, a town within Banff National Park located in Alberta’s Rockies.
Consistently voted one of the most beautiful places in Canada, it is surrounded by soaring rocky peaks and evergreen trees, plus an abundance of wildlife.
Beautiful as Banff may be, its employment and business opportunities are limited almost solely to the tourist industry, so you may prefer to settle just 90 minutes to the east of Banff in Calgary.
Not only is Calgary one of the wealthiest cities in Canada, but it’s also one of the sunniest, enjoying a mild climate because of its proximity to the Rocky Mountains.
Calgary has plenty of employment opportunities, along with low taxes and a low cost of living.
It is also incredibly clean and has North America’s largest urban pathway and bikeway network, with a 138km loop around the city connecting 55 communities.
Whistler
Whistler has been voted the number 1 ski resort in North America and is the best place to live in Canada if you’re looking to work hard and play hard, all in absolutely stunning surroundings!
The friendly community is largely made up of others looking to work for a season in a tourist resort whilst enjoying the advantages that bring – including lots of opportunities for skiing, hiking, snowboarding, and more!
Whistler was the host of the 2010 Winter Olympics and benefited from all the improved infrastructure associated with that honor.
That means that it has all the facilities you might expect to find in a large town, whilst remaining relatively small in size.
Whistler continues to be busy throughout the summertime, enjoying pleasant weather and hosting world-class festivals and fitness events.
Cost Of Living In Canada
Living in Canada is one of the more expensive options in North America for a digital nomad. Of course, it varies across the country, so your cost of living will depend on where you chose to live.
For example, a meal at a restaurant will cost around USD 10 – 15 for a budget restaurant.
In terms of accommodation, you can find dorms starting at $16 per night in some places, but it also depends on where you are. The average is around $22-25 per night for a dorm.
Of course, the cost of living will vary depending on the city you choose to live in.
Some cities, like Whistler, are more expensive than others.
Final Thoughts On Digital Nomads in Canada
Canada is a great country for digital nomads. It has a lot to offer in terms of infrastructure, food, and culture.
However, it will be an expensive option and doesn’t currently offer a digital nomad visa.
Besides that, Canada is an excellent place to live and work as a digital nomad.
Not sure if Canada is the right destination for you? Read one of the following guides:
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