Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal… We’ve all heard about these cities. They are friendly to travelers and immigrants, but are they suitable for nomads? And is Canada, in general, good enough for remote workers who are no longer looking for sunny beaches and tropical islands?
Today, we’ll answer these questions. We will unpack how expensive Canada can be, if the local connectivity is good enough for online work, which visa you need, and much more.
Canada’s Cost of Living
No matter where you live, you’ve probably heard that many nomads travel to Asia solely for cheap rent and food. Well, Canada is definitely not that. You will see higher prices here, but you will also experience more comfort: better infrastructure, clean water, healthcare, and smooth connectivity — especially if you stay in bigger cities.
Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal will set you back around $2,000 to $4,000 a month. It’s possible to find a more affordable cost of living in smaller cities, yet they might not be as practical for digital nomads.
How Practical Local Internet and Connectivity Are
Local internet and connectivity really depend on where you’re staying. Overall, the internet is strong across the whole country if you are using private networks.
However, as we have already mentioned, smaller cities might have worse internet plans that are not suitable for digital nomads. In that case, it might be better to get an eSIM for Canada – a digital SIM card embedded in your phone – and enable a hotspot. You’ll be able to use local plans without roaming fees or switching out SIM cards.
Visa and Stay Options
Canada doesn’t have a specific digital nomad visa, but it’s still possible to stay there legally and enjoy the country while working remotely. Of course, there are certain rules you have to follow:
- you can stay up to six months under standard visitor status;
- you can’t work for a Canadian company or enter the local job market;
- all of your income should come from outside the country.
Non-U.S. citizens need a visa in advance, while U.S. citizens may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). In addition to that, border officials will ask you questions about your work. You will typically need to prepare proof of employment, a ticket for your departure from Canada, and proof of funds. If you want to stay more than six months, you will have to find more long-term options.
Local Climate
While many assume that Canada is all cold and snowy, they are completely wrong. In reality, Canada is the second-largest country in the world, so the weather and climate there also vary. Only the northern part of the country is that cold — the rest is warmer, with normal hot summers that last at least three months.
The West Coast, where Vancouver is, is mostly rainy with almost no snow in sight. Toronto and the surrounding area are colder in winter, but summer is still hot. So, before you decide to travel to Canada, it’s best to research the climate in the area.
Canadian Lifestyle
Canada is extremely diverse. Over 20% of the local population was not born there, so you can expect a variety of cultures and languages in the country. In bigger cities, you might hear over 140 languages!
The main languages spoken in Canada are English and French, but it’s recommended to start in English when approaching someone in public. Regardless, the locals are extremely polite and friendly. You will rarely come across strangers who don’t respect personal boundaries or are plain rude.
Safety and Privacy
Canada is a very safe country. Of course, something bad can happen anywhere to anyone, depending on the location itself, but travelers and nomads alike say that they feel comfortable in any city. The crime rate is low, too.
As for online safety and privacy, it’s best to follow the general rules as you would in any country. Try to avoid public networks and stick to home Wi-Fi and mobile hotspots. Use the best VPNs for Android, iOS or whichever system you use to encrypt your connection — a VPN will shield your data from hackers, no matter where you are.
Is Canada Really Suitable for Nomads?
Canada is generally suitable for nomads who want to stay there for less than six months and don’t mind a higher cost of living. The connectivity is good, the country is very safe for travelers, locals are friendly, and the weather is mostly warm, apart from winter.