🌍 Overview
Toronto, a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and careers, has emerged as a top digital nomad destination in North America. As a remote work hub, Toronto offers an unparalleled infrastructure for digital nomads, with a plethora of coworking spaces, high-speed internet, and a thriving community of like-minded individuals. With its diverse neighborhoods, vibrant social scene, and world-class cultural attractions, Toronto is an attractive destination for digital nomads seeking a dynamic lifestyle.
As a digital nomad, you’ll appreciate Toronto’s relatively low cost of living, with a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1135/month. The city’s affordability, combined with its excellent internet infrastructure (average speed: 26 Mbps), makes it an ideal destination for remote workers. Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or remote employee, Toronto’s community is welcoming and inclusive, with numerous coworking spaces, networking events, and social gatherings.
Toronto’s unique vibe is characterized by its cosmopolitan atmosphere, with a blend of old and new architecture, street art, and multicultural festivals. The city’s pace is fast-paced, but relaxed, allowing digital nomads to balance work and play. With its proximity to nature, beautiful parks, and scenic waterfronts, Toronto offers an attractive balance between urban and outdoor living.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods
The Annex
The Annex is a charming, upscale neighborhood with a strong academic presence, thanks to its proximity to the University of Toronto. With a mix of Victorian homes, trendy cafes, and boutique shops, The Annex offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities.
Pros: The Annex is a hub for digital nomads, with several coworking spaces, including the popular The Vault and The Annex Cowork. Rent can be steep, but the area offers easy access to downtown Toronto and a lively social scene.
Cons: The Annex can be pricey, with a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1800/month. Noise levels can be high, especially on weekends, due to its proximity to bars and restaurants.
Notable streets: Bloor Street West, Bathurst Street, and Avenue Road.
Queen West
Queen West, also known as the Entertainment District, is a vibrant neighborhood with a rich cultural scene. This former industrial area has been transformed into a trendy hub of art galleries, street art, and hip restaurants.
Pros: Queen West offers an exciting mix of culture, nightlife, and amenities, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads. Rent is relatively affordable, with a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1200/month.
Cons: The area can be noisy, especially on weekends, due to its nightlife scene. The neighborhood is also subject to gentrification, which may affect its affordability in the future.
Notable streets: Queen Street West, Ossington Avenue, and Spadina Avenue.
Ossington
Ossington, a former industrial area, has undergone significant gentrification in recent years. This trendy neighborhood offers a mix of art galleries, hip restaurants, and boutique shops.
Pros: Ossington is a hidden gem for digital nomads, offering a unique blend of culture and affordability. Rent is relatively low, with a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1000/month.
Cons: The area can be noisy, especially on weekends, due to its nightlife scene. Ossington is also relatively far from downtown Toronto, making it less convenient for some commuters.
Notable streets: Ossington Avenue, Queen West, and Dundas Street West.
Kensington Market
Kensington Market, a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood, is a hub for artists, musicians, and digital nomads. This former industrial area offers a mix of street art, independent shops, and multicultural restaurants.
Pros: Kensington Market is a unique and exciting destination for digital nomads, offering a blend of culture, nightlife, and affordability. Rent is relatively low, with a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $900/month.
Cons: The area can be noisy and crowded, especially on weekends. Kensington Market is also subject to gentrification, which may affect its affordability in the future.
Notable streets: Kensington Avenue, Augusta Avenue, and St. Andrew Street.
Digital Nomad Guide
Coworking Spaces
- The Vault: A popular coworking space in The Annex, offering flexible plans starting at $300/month.
- The Annex Cowork: A collaborative coworking space in The Annex, offering shared and private desks starting at $200/month.
- WeWork Queen West: A trendy coworking space in the Entertainment District, offering flexible plans starting at $400/month.
Internet Quality
Toronto’s internet infrastructure is excellent, with average speeds of 26 Mbps. Many coworking spaces offer fiber-optic connections, providing reliable and fast internet access.
Nomad Community Scene
Toronto’s nomad community is thriving, with numerous meetups and events throughout the city. Join Facebook groups like Toronto Digital Nomads and Remote Workers Toronto to connect with like-minded individuals.
Best Cafes to Work From
- Dark Horse Espresso Bar: A trendy cafe in The Annex, offering excellent coffee and reliable Wi-Fi.
- The Black Dog Barking: A cozy cafe in Queen West, offering a quiet atmosphere and strong Wi-Fi.
- Kensington Market Cafe: A vibrant cafe in Kensington Market, offering a lively atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi.
Visa Options
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Required for US citizens, the eTA is a relatively straightforward and affordable process, costing $7 CAD.
- Work Permit: Required for non-US citizens, the work permit process can be complex and time-consuming, but offers a range of benefits, including eligibility for permanent residency.
Banking and Practical Setup Tips
- Banking: Open a Canadian bank account at a major bank like TD Canada Trust or RBC Royal Bank to access convenient banking services.
- Phone Plan: Choose a phone plan from a carrier like Rogers or Bell to stay connected on the go.
- Health Insurance: Consider purchasing health insurance to access medical services in Canada.
🎨 Culture & Vibe
Local Customs and Etiquette
- Tipping culture: Tipping is generally expected in Canada, with a standard tip of 15% in restaurants and bars.
- Language: English is the primary language spoken in Toronto, but French is also widely spoken.
- Cultural events: Attend cultural events like the Toronto International Film Festival or the Toronto Jazz Festival to experience the city’s vibrant arts scene.
Food Scene Highlights
- Multicultural cuisine: Toronto offers a diverse range of cuisines, from Chinese and Indian to Mexican and Italian.
- Food trucks: Visit food trucks like the famous St. Lawrence Market to sample local flavors.
- Restaurants: Try restaurants like Estiatorio Volos for Greek cuisine or Pai Northern Thai Kitchen for authentic Thai food.
Nightlife and Social Scene
- Bars: Visit bars like the famous Gladstone Hotel or the trendy bar, The 99.
- Nightclubs: Dance the night away at nightclubs like the infamous Guvernment or the trendy bar, The 99.
- Social events: Attend social events like the Toronto Digital Nomads meetups or the Remote Workers Toronto events to connect with like-minded individuals.
Arts and Cultural Attractions
- Art galleries: Visit art galleries like the Toronto Art Gallery or the Contemporary Art Gallery to experience the city’s vibrant arts scene.
- Museums: Explore museums like the Royal Ontario Museum or the Art Gallery of Ontario to learn about the city’s rich history and culture.
- Performing arts: Attend performances like the Toronto Symphony Orchestra or the National Ballet of Canada to experience the city’s world-class arts scene.
⭐ Highlights
- CN Tower: Take in the stunning views of the city from the top of the CN Tower.
- Kensington Market: Explore the vibrant and eclectic neighborhood of Kensington Market.
- Toronto Islands: Visit the beautiful Toronto Islands for a relaxing day out.
- Royal Ontario Museum: Explore the Royal Ontario Museum to learn about the city’s rich history and culture.
- Art Gallery of Ontario: Visit the Art Gallery of Ontario to experience the city’s vibrant arts scene.
- St. Lawrence Market: Sample local flavors at the famous St. Lawrence Market.
- Graffiti Alley: Explore the vibrant and colorful Graffiti Alley in the Entertainment District.
💡 Practical Tips
- Visa requirements: Check the visa requirements for your country of origin and ensure you have the necessary documentation.
- Getting around: Use public transportation like the TTC or ride-sharing services like Uber to get around the city.
- Safety: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone in dimly lit or deserted areas.
- Healthcare: Consider purchasing health insurance to access medical services in Canada.
- Money matters: Use ATMs or currency exchange services like Foreign Exchange Services to access local currency.
- Tipping culture: Tipping is generally expected in Canada, with a standard tip of 15% in restaurants and bars.
- Language: English is the primary language spoken in Toronto, but French is also widely spoken.
