Best places to work remotely in Ontario

Toronto: Your remote city escape   

Considered one of the most liveable cities in the world, Toronto is a city of neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct flavour and style. The city’s culinary scene is legendary and that’s largely the result of Toronto’s world-renowned cultural diversity.  

Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto has become a popular centre for Canada’s art and entertainment scene as well as a gateway to great day trips outside the city like Niagara Falls, Collingwood, Blue Mountain and Prince Edward County.  

To understand why Toronto is a great place to work remotely, just look at some of its most celebrated neighbourhoods: 

• Danforth, renowned as a lively cultural hub with Greek roots, offers a mix of dining and shopping along a key subway line.  

• Queen Street West is artistic and trendy with unique shops, art scenes, and live music mingling with a distinct pre-war architecture.  

• Chinatown blends a diverse Asian cultural experience with authentic eateries and the eclectic Kensington Market.  

• Little Italy, rich in immigrant history, is known for top-notch dining and charming Victorian homes converted into apartments.  

• Yorkville, upscale chic and once a bohemian quarter, features designer boutiques, galleries and restaurants near the University of Toronto.  

Go deeper into  and other Toronto communities: Neighbourhood Guides | Destination Toronto 

Where to stay

Toronto offers a wide variety of places to live while you work remotely in the city. Here are just a few to get you started looking for a short-term rental or a furnished apartment. 

• DEL Suites offers furnished apartments in Downtown Toronto. They have five locations and all are easily accessible to transit and city attractions.  

• GLOBAL STAY offers fully furnished and wonderfully appointed short-term rentals with several locations across the city. 

• Sky View Suites are move-in-ready accommodations. They require a minimum 30-night stay and start at $2,700 per month. They have two locations, one in the financial district and one in the entertainment district. 

Where to work 

Toronto is rich in shared office space and co-working offices. They can be found in just about every part of the city and costs start at $100 to $200 for a co-working membership. Most office sharing space offers a variety of working options from co-working access, to a dedicated desk, to a private office. Here is a sample of what’s available: 

• Spaces Works With a co-working membership you can access all 12 locations so you can move around and experience different parts of the city. The office decor tends to be hip and stylish, not at all a corporate vibe. 

• Workplace One Workplace One also has multiple locations and boasts a trendy start-up atmosphere. 

• WeWork Like many of the spaces available, WeWork has office spaces that are dog-friendly and with convenient amenities like bike storage. 

What to do 

One of the appeals of going abroad to work remotely is experiencing a new city and broadening your horizons. When it comes to activities to do after work, Toronto offers an almost dizzying number of options. From great restaurants, fascinating museums and a vibrant nightlife to parks, the waterfront and festivals, here are a few of the highlights: 

• Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)—Located in the heart of Chinatown, the AGO is among the most distinguished art museums in North America. 

• Harbourfront Centre—Harbourfront Centre is a key cultural organization on the waterfront of Toronto offering courses and workshops, exhibitions, performing arts and festivals. 

• St. Lawrence Market—Dating back to the early 1800s, St. Lawrence is a must experience especially for those who love food. In fact, it was named The World's Best Food Market by National Geographic in 2012. 

• Evergreen Brick Works—This reclaimed quarry space is dedicated to showcasing sustainable practices for thriving cities. It’s a hidden gem located in the heart of Toronto’s ravine system, featuring walking trails, weekend markets, and community events. It’s open daily all year round.  

• High Park—Toronto's largest public park is a great place to experience all the joys of nature right in the city. Featuring hiking trails, sports facilities and diverse vegetation—and even a petting zoo. It is easily accessible by public transit. 

Where to go 

Toronto is just an hour or two drive away from a host of great things to see and do in Southern Ontario. From taking a Toronto to Niagara Falls day trip or heading east to Prince Edward County to heading north to enjoy the rugged beauty of the Bruce Peninsula or Muskoka, there is much to take you out of the city.  

One of the most popular day trip destinations is Niagara Falls. You can use GO Transit—a regional public transit service for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area—for a day trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto. Or use one of the many tour companies. A number offer both a variety of tours to the Falls as well as the Niagara Wine Region.  

• Niagara Airbus—Offers a five-hour guided tour of Niagara Falls and the surrounding sights. 

• Gray Line Toronto—Offers a variety of different daytime and nighttime tour options.  

• Trip Shepherd—Features small group tours that deliver a uniquely intimate and immersive tour experience. 

• Black Lab Tours—Offers a 9-hour tour that includes a visit to both the charming village of Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls.  

For more tours of the Niagara Wine Region: Niagara Wine Tours | Destination Ontario 

A couple hours east of Toronto you can explore Prince Edward County. A cluster of small hamlets and villages, the county abounds in food, drink, nature, art and community. County Tasting Tours offers custom tours of wineries, breweries, distilleries, tourist sites and eco-sites all across the county. 

Niagara and Prince Edward County are just two of a host of places to visit. The tour company Travelling Chicken offers day and multi-day group tours for solo travellers, small groups, families and visitors to such locales as Algonquin Park, Blue Mountain, Bruce Peninsula and Killarney Park. And Parkbus Tours also makes it easy for those without a vehicle to access the great outdoors, whether for a day trip, family weekend or longer wilderness adventure. 

Ottawa: Make the national capital your home away from home 

Ottawa is a small, safe and vibrant bilingual city. As Canada’s capital, its rich history and robust cultural scene along with amazing access to outdoor activities attract visitors from around the world. With some of the country’s most celebrated attractions, museums, restaurants and local shopping, it is one of the best cities for remote work. Its relative affordability compared to Toronto also makes it a more budget-friendly option.  

Where to stay 

When looking for hotels with long-stay programs or short-term rentals, Ottawa offers a good range of options. 

• SOHO Residences–SOHO Residences, located in the heart of downtown at SOHO Lisgar, offers an exquisite extended-stay residence apartment hotel. 

• Les Suites— Les Suites offer well-appointed condominium-sized suites equipped with a kitchen, en-suite laundry facilities, separate living and sleeping areas and wireless high-speed internet access. 

• reStays—Offers a variety of options from junior suites to penthouse suites, all downtown with amenities such as a full kitchen, washer and dryer, balconies and terraces.  

For more about bookable suites in Ottawa: Suite Hotels | Ottawa Tourism 

Where to work 

Ottawa has a number of co-working offices to choose from.  

• iQ Offices—iQ offers a choice of private offices, dedicated desks or hybrid desks to meet every type of remote working abroad need. Members also enjoy free access to any LExC network location, up to five times per space per year across 120+ global destinations.  

• Impact Hub—Impact Hub is designed to bring together changemakers and those interested in social innovation. It provides shared office space for innovators and entrepreneurs where they can connect and collaborate.  

What to do 

After a productive day or week at the office, let Ottawa’s lively cityscape whisk you away with any number of after-work activities.  

• Parliament Hill—The seat of Canadian democracy, Parliament Hill is a must-see in Ottawa offering a variety of different tours and immersive learning experiences.  

• Canadian War Museum—With its origin dating back to 1880, the Canadian War Museum is one of the world’s most respected museums for the study and understanding of armed conflict featuring exhibition galleries and public programs designed to emphasize the human experience of war. 

• Rideau Canal—The Rideau Canal National Historic Site—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is a 202-kilometre water route connecting Ottawa with Kingston and Lake Ontario to the south. You can enjoy its unique blend of nature, history and outdoor fun with Rideau Canal Cruises.  

• ByWard Market—This downtown favourite offers a unique heritage destination for cuisine, shopping, arts, entertainment and professional services for residents and visitors alike.  

Where to go 

For those looking to get out of the city, the Ottawa area offers lots of hiking and biking opportunities. The National Capital Greenbelt—the most ecologically diverse area in Eastern Ontario—features over 100 kilometres of nature trails. While close by, the Mer Bleue Bog is a 3,500-hectare conservation area that provides a unique opportunity to experience the northern boreal landscape. 

If you want to stray further afield, Nina Near and Far offers amazing day trips to places like Perth, Calabogie, Merrickville and Almonte. Also very popular is rafting on the Ottawa River. OWL Rafting and Wilderness Tours Rafting Resort both feature large grounds with cabins and camping facilities, waterfront amenities and a cafeteria not to mention the heart-pounding thrill of shooting the rapids. 

Kingston: Hip and historic, the limestone city has it all 

Sitting proudly where the mighty St. Lawrence River, the Rideau Canal and Lake Ontario meet, Kingston—as it says on its visit Kingston website—boasts four Rembrandt paintings, two film festivals and one vibrant downtown shopping scene. As one of the oldest cities in the country and home to Queen’s University, Kingston is a great place to work remotely. Its limestone streetscape features an abundance of wonderful restaurants, bars, independent shops and boutiques, and most activities are walkable in the downtown. 

Where to stay

 As a university town, Kingston is well equipped to handle its often transient population. Here are a few services to get you started: 

• Dwell ApartHotels—Featuring beautifully curated, fully furnished apartments with hotel perks perfect for both short or extended stays.  

• Visit Kingston—Kingston’s website provides information about all things Kingston, including a section for those looking for short-term rentals. 

• HomeToGo—The world’s largest vacation rental search engine, this service provides a variety of rental options in the Kingston area.  

Where to work 

Not surprisingly with its dynamic downtown core, Kingston has a number of great options for co-working offices. 

• Seaway Coworking—This alternative to traditional office space provides a low-cost workplace solution without missing the added support of office administrators, mail services, conference rooms and more. 

• Fractal Workspace—Fractal call themselves a boutique office and social house striving to build a community of people that value genuine connection. Locally owned, they offer a number of attractive co-working solutions.  

• Sanctuary Coworking—Located in a historic Kingston church built in 1864, Sanctuary serves as a unique hub for collective working experiences. 

What to do 

Looking for an after-work activity? Well, there’s lots to consider in and around Kington. Here is just a taste of all there is to do and see in the area: 

• Fort Henry—Built from 1832 to 1837, Fort Henry protected the naval dockyard at Point Frederick, the entrance of the Rideau Canal and the town of Kingston. Today, it serves as a reminder of what 19th-century military life was like with live reenactments and demonstrations. 

• Kingston Bike Tours—A great way to explore Kingston by bike, Kingston Bike Tours offer guided historical tours hitting all the top sites such as Queen’s University and the notorious Kingston Penitentiary.  

• Ghost tours—No one quite knows why Kingston is home to so much paranormal activity, but the Haunted Walk takes full advantage offering a variety of walking tours and paranormal experiences.  

• Kingston Live Music—Long before the Tragically Hip put Kingston on people’s music radar, Kingston boasted a wide range of great musical venues. Kingston Live is a great source to find the music you’d like to groove to.  

• Art Galleries—Kingston’s art scene is as dynamic as everything else about this happening city. Galleries of note include Gallery Raymond, Union Gallery and Martello Alley. 

Where to go 

There is much to do in and around Kingston for either day or weekend trips.  

• Prince Edward County—Just an hour's drive to the west you’ll find a region of small towns filled with antique shops, art galleries and farm-to-table fare.  

• 1000 Island Cruises—To the east of Kingston lie the famed 1000 Islands with a variety of tour options available.  

• Lennox & Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area—Venture an hour to the west and north where the dark sky provides an amazing star gazing experience. 

London: The forest city is ready to make you feel right at home 

With its lush trails, waterways, London is best known for its numerous parks as well as the University of Western Ontario. Located in the heart of Southwestern Ontario, about a 2-hour drive from Toronto, London is home to a thriving music and arts scene, museums, and a diverse and rich culinary culture including many renowned food festivals. 

Where to stay 

• Just Like Home Furnished Suites—Offers a comfortable all-inclusive experience with fully furnished suites and all of the amenities you need including a fully equipped kitchen, high-speed internet, premium TV channels and laundry facilities. 

• Executive Accommodations—With several locations including downtown, Southwest London and South London, Executive Accommodations offers fully furnished one- and two-bedroom apartments/condos with extensive amenities. 

Where to work 

• Innovation Works—Dubbed a coworking space and community for people who are changing the world, Innovation Works is a bright, vibrant 32,000 sq ft space providing private offices, private desks and part-time desks. All co-tenants have access to workspace and lounges, meeting rooms, mailboxes, wi-fi and equipment. 

• Regus—Part of Regus’ global network, they offer three locations in London all right in the heart of downtown. All provide a choice of private offices, permanent desks or co-working membership to meet every type of remote working abroad need. 

What to do 

There is a wide range of after-work activities in London. A few highlights include: 

• Budweiser Gardens—Catch a major concert or thrilling game at the Budweiser Gardens, a 9,000-seat sports and entertainment complex and home to Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights. 

• Grand Theatre—A leading cultural hub, The Grand Theatre offers an exceptional theatre experience bringing diverse, relevant and original stories to London.  

• Labatt Park—In 1877 a baseball field sprang up at the Forks of Thames. That field still exists today making it the world’s oldest operating baseball grounds. Over the years, the park has hosted some of baseball's most legendary players including Ty Cobb, Satchel Paige and Fergie Jenkins. 

Where to go 

London is located almost equidistant between two great lakes, Huron and Erie, making it an ideal spot from which to venture out on fabulous day trips. There are dozens of great places to visit all within an hour or two drive. Here is just a sample: 

• Goderich—Called Canada’s prettiest town, it is located on the eastern shore of Lake Huron at the mouth of the Maitland River. Its west-facing location makes it notable for its sunsets. The town boasts a charming and walkable historic downtown, a variety of beaches, museums, galleries and a breathtaking turquoise shoreline. Learn more at Goderich | Destination Ontario 

• Grand Bend—Just an hour’s drive, Grand Bend is a lively beach town sporting what could be the best beach in Ontario. The town is known for fabulous sunsets over Lake Huron and a chilled laid-back vibe. Nearby Oakwood Resort offers golf and other activities. The Huron Country Playhouse—part of the Drayton Entertainment group—is located in a charming country setting just minutes from Grand Bend’s famous strip. 

• Pelee Island—Known as Canada’s most southerly point, Pelee Island is awash with things to experience. From historical sites to shops, nature walks and the Pelee Island Winery, there is much to satisfy almost any craving. Just getting here on the Pelee Island Ferries can be something special on its own.  

Sault Ste. Marie: A warm welcome awaits you 

Where two great lakes meet, Huron and Superior, you will find the delightfully bustling town of Sault Ste. Marie astride the banks of the St. Marys River. Known as being an exceptionally friendly city as well as one of the most beautiful and exciting northern cities in Canada, it is a great place from which to work remotely. There are regular flights and trains into Sault Ste. Marie from Toronto. Or if you’d prefer to make the drive, it’s a beautifully scenic 7-hours car ride. 

Where to stay 

• Cozy Cozy—Cozy Cozy is the only search engine that allows travellers to compare the full range of accommodation options available from a variety of sources to find the spot just right for your needs and budget.  

• HomeToGo—The world’s largest vacation rental search engine, this service provides a variety of rental options in the Sault Ste. Marie area. 

What to do 

Sault Ste. Marie is an amazing place to live or visit for arts and culture, sports and Indigenous tourism. Its surrounding rugged landscape of hills, forests, lakes and rivers provides a world-class outdoor backdrop for all kinds of adventures. Here are a few highlights: 

• Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre—Dedicated to preserving Ontario’s rich bushplane heritage. Here you can enjoy the thrill of flight in their flight simulators.  

• Whitefish Island National Historic Site—This incredible site features an Indigenous encampment and trading post that dates back over 2,000 years. 

• Agawa Canyon Tour Train—Offers one-day rail excursions through the wilderness of Algoma. 

• Provincial Parks—Explore true wilderness at one of the many Provincial Parks along Lake Superior’s rugged coastline. 

Learn more about Sault Ste. Marie: Sault Ste. Marie | Destination Ontario 

Small town charm everywhere you turn  

It seems down every country road or secondary highway, you will stumble upon a quaint Ontario small town that just exudes personality. Most boast historical architecture, great local cuisine and a peaceful atmosphere that just makes one wish you could call them home.  

For those looking for a unique remote work abroad experience, they are perfect. While not all offer the depth of services designed for the remote work market—they do offer a change of pace that many find appealing. Let’s touch upon just a few of the experiences waiting for you: 

• Stratford‚ The Stratford Festival provides an enriching theatre experience brought alive by some of the world's finest talents in the heart of the evocative town of Stratford, just a couple hours' drive west of Toronto. 

• Huntsville—Nestled in the heart of Muskoka, Ontario’s cottage country, Huntsville offers remote workers a great co-working space. The Hub provides an affordable and versatile working environment, professional support and social networking opportunities. 

• Picton—Prince Edward County’s largest town offers County Coworking for the remote worker, in addition to all the delights the county provides such as the Taste Trail. The Taste Trail maps some of The County’s best restaurants, wineries, breweries, food shops, farm stands and more. 

For more on Ontario’s small towns: Small Towns | Destination Ontario