Five top Ontario cities for remote work and freelancers

Toronto

Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto is often ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world. Despite being one of Canada’s largest cities, it retains an inviting and approachable vibe thanks to distinct neighbourhoods—each offering its own unique character and charm.

Toronto’s culinary scene is legendary, largely due to its cultural diversity. It is also an epicentre for art, culture, entertainment and education. Top campuses in the city include the University of Toronto, York University, OCAD and the Toronto Metropolitan University.

Toronto’s neighbourhoods include:

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: Artistic and trendy with unique shops, art scenes and live music.

Chinatown: Blends a diverse Asian cultural experience with authentic eateries and the eclectic Kensington Market.

Little Italy: Rich in history and known for top-notch dining and charming Victorian architecture.

Yorkville: Upscale chic and once a bohemian quarter, features designer boutiques, galleries and restaurants. 

Where to stay

Toronto offers a range of accommodation options for remote work in the city, including short-term rentals and furnished apartments.

DEL Suites: Furnished apartments in five locations, all are easily accessible by transit and close to city attractions.

GLOBAL STAY: Fully furnished and well-appointed short-term rentals with multiple locations throughout the city.

Sky View Suites: move-in-ready accommodations that require a minimum 30-night stay in the financial district and the entertainment district. 

Where to work

In Toronto, you can find a variety of shared co-working office options, including dedicated desks, meeting rooms and private offices. Here’s a sample of what’s available:

Spaces Works: Stylish working environment, the co-working membership allows access to all locations, so you can experience different parts of the city.

Workplace One: Offers multiple locations and boasts a trendy start-up atmosphere.

WeWork: Flexible memberships, professional amenities and conveniences like bike storage. 

Toronto attractions

Working remotely allows you to broaden your horizons and explore a new city after work. Toronto is home to great restaurants, fascinating museums, a vibrant nightlife, exciting festivals and lovely natural spaces. A few highlights include:

Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO): Situated in the heart of Chinatown, the AGO is one of the most distinguished art museums in North America.

Harbourfront Centre: A key cultural organization on Toronto’s waterfront, offering courses and workshops, exhibitions, performing arts and festivals.

St. Lawrence Market: Dating back to the early 1800s, 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. Located in Toronto’s ravine system, it features walking trails, weekend markets and community events.

High Park: Toronto’s largest public park with hiking trails, sports facilities, an outdoor theatre, diverse vegetation and even a petting zoo. 

Places to visit nearby

Toronto is a short distance away from popular Ontario destinations, such as Niagara Falls and easy access to transportation:

GO Transit is a regional public transit system ideal for a day trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto. Another option is to join a guided tour company excursion, such as Niagara Airbus, Gray Line Toronto or See-Sight Tours.

Travelling Chicken: Offers group tours to Algonquin Park, Blue Mountain, Bruce Peninsula and Killarney Park.

Parkbus Tours: Makes it easy to access the great outdoors without a private vehicle, whether for a day trip, weekend or longer wilderness adventure. 

Ottawa

Ottawa attracts visitors from around the world for its rich bilingual culture, vibrant culinary scene and ample opportunities for nature and outdoor activities.

With some of the country’s most celebrated museums, restaurants, and local shopping, as well as two respected universities (Ottawa University and Carleton University), Canada’s capital is one of the best cities in Canada for remote work.

Where to stay

When looking for hotels with long-stay programs or short-term rentals, Ottawa offers several options.

SOHO Residences: An exquisite extended-stay residence apartment hotel located in the heart of downtown Ottawa.

Les Suites: Well-appointed, fully equipped condominium-sized suites with wireless high-speed internet access.

reStays: Choose from a variety of downtown options from junior suites to penthouse suites featuring washer and dryers, balconies and terraces. 

Where to work 

Ottawa has a number of co-working offices to suit freelancers working remotely. 

iQ Offices: Offers private offices, dedicated desks or hybrid spaces to meet all remote working needs.

Impact Hub: Provides shared office space for innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers to connect and collaborate.

Ottawa attractions

After a productive workday, take some time to explore the lively city of Ottawa. Highlights include:

Parliament Hill: The seat of Canadian democracy is a must-see. Reserve tickets for free guided tours.

Canadian War Museum: One of the world’s most respected museums for the study of armed conflict, featuring exhibition galleries and public programs designed to emphasize the human experience of war.

Rideau Canal: Tour the Ottawa portion of this 202-kilometre water route between Ottawa and Lake Ontario with Rideau Canal Cruises. The canal is a designated National Historic Site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

ByWard Market: A favourite downtown heritage Ottawa attraction with dining, shopping, arts and entertainment.

Outdoor adventures near Ottawa

In addition to the parks and green spaces in the city, you don’t have to travel far to find outdoor adventure near Ottawa.

National Capital Greenbelt: The most ecologically diverse area in Eastern Ontario features over 100 kilometres of nature trails.

Mer Bleue Bog: A 3,500-hectare conservation area that provides a unique opportunity to experience the northern boreal landscape.

The Ottawa River: Home to world-class whitewater rafting. OWL Rafting and Wilderness Tours are great for heart-pounding rafting adventures, as well as cabins and camping facilities, dining and waterfront amenities.

Kingston

Sitting where the St. Lawrence River, the Rideau Canal and Lake Ontario meet, Kingston is one of the oldest cities in Canada. 

The walkable city is characterized by historic limestone buildings, flourishing food and drink culture and independent shops and boutiques. It’s also home to the prestigious Queen’s University.

Where to stay

As a university town, Kingston is well-equipped to welcome both short-term and long-term visitors. Here are a few accommodation suggestions to get you started:

Dwell ApartHotels: Furnished apartments with hotel perks perfect for both short and extended stays.

Short-term rentals: find a section of short-term rentals in Kingston.

Where to work

Options for co-working offices in Kingston include:

Fractal Workspace: Locally owned and offering several attractive co-working solutions for people to connect.

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

After work activities in Kingston

Here are a few of the highlights to discover in Kingston:

Fort Henry: Built between 1832 and 1837, Fort Henry protected the naval dockyard at Point Frederick, the entrance of the Rideau Canal and the town of Kingston. Today, demonstrates what 19th-century military life was like.

Kingston Bike Tours: Explore Kingston by bike with guided historical tours to top sites, including Queen’s University and the notorious Kingston Penitentiary.

Haunted walks and ghost tours: A variety of walking tours and paranormal experiences that explore Kingston’s rich and infamous history.

Live Music: Since one of Canada’s beloved bands, The Tragically Hip, put Kingston on the music map, this city has fostered a love of live music.

Art Galleries: Explore Kingston’s dynamic art scene, from galleries to alley art.

Day trips from Kingston

Take a day trip or weekend getaway from Kingston.

Prince Edward County (PEC): A short drive west of Kingston, one of Ontario’s most popular wine regions also features antique shops, art galleries and farm-to-table fare. If you love PEC, relocate with County Coworking.

1000 Island Cruises: Just east of the city lie the famed 1,000 Islands with a variety of tour options available.

Lennox & Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area: Venture northwest, where the dark skies provide unparalleled stargazing opportunities. 

London

Located in the heart of Southwestern Ontario, London is home to a thriving music and arts scene, innovative local craft breweries, forested trails and green spaces along the Thames River, as well as the University of Western Ontario.

Where to stay

Just Like Home: Find a variety of comfortable, all-inclusive furnished suites.

Executive Accommodations: Fully furnished one- and two-bedroom apartments/condos with extensive amenities.

Where to work

Innovation Works: A bright and vibrant space with private offices, part-time desks, meeting rooms and lounge areas.

Regus: Three downtown London locations with private offices, permanent desks or co-working membership to meet all remote working needs.

What to do in London

Attractions in London include:

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

Grand Theatre: A leading cultural hub delivering diverse, relevant and original stories and stage experiences to London.

Labatt Park: Visit the oldest operating baseball ground in the world, which has hosted some of baseball’s most legendary players, including Ty Cobb, Satchel Paige and Fergie Jenkins.

Trips from London

Small lakeside towns near London include:

Goderich: Coined Canada’s prettiest town, Goderich sits on the shores of Lake Huron and boasts a walkable historic downtown, lovely beaches, museums, galleries and spectacular sunsets.

Grand Bend: This lively beach town is renowned for its relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. Oakwood Resort and the Huron Country Playhouse are great options for a weekend getaway.

Sault Ste. Marie

Sault Ste. Marie sits where the two Great Lakes—Superior and Huron—and the St. Marys River meet and is bounded by the untamed wilderness of Algoma Country.

While the city is a long, yet scenic drive from Toronto, it is accessible by bus via Ontario Northland, and there is regular flight service to the Sault Ste. Marie Airport.

Where to stay

Cozy Cozy: Provides a range of short-term rentals in Sault Ste. Marie.

HomeToGo: Search a variety of rental options in the Sault Ste. Marie area.

Explore Sault Ste. Marie

Unique culture, Indigenous heritage and showstopping natural landscapes nearby make Sault Ste. Marie an attractive city for remote work. Highlights include:

Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre: Experience the thrill of flight in a simulator at this museum dedicated to preserving Ontario’s rich bushplane heritage.

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: Epic 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.

Ontario’s top remote-friendly cities go beyond just providing the tools and environment for productivity—they offer a lifestyle that seamlessly blends remote work and play.