Where Is the Best Place to Work as a Travel Nurse in Canada?
There is no one-size fits all when it comes to what place is best for you in Canada as a travel nurse.
“Best” in this case is relative. It depends on your taste, the pay, your convenience, and even safety.
But regardless, in this article, I’ll do my best to highlight the best places to choose for your assignment based on broader factors.
Let’s dive in.
What Makes a Place “Best” for Travel Nurses?
Before we dive into specific locations, let’s talk about what you should actually be looking for. The “best” place isn’t just about the highest pay (though that definitely matters). You’ll want to consider:
- Competitive compensation packages including base pay, housing stipends, and benefits
- Demand for nurses (more demand = more opportunities and better rates)
- Cost of living (a great salary means nothing if rent eats it all)
- Lifestyle and amenities that match what you’re looking for
- Professional development opportunities and exposure to different healthcare systems
- Work-life balance and what you can do on your days off
Got it? Good. Now let’s explore your options.
Meanwhile, these are apartments you can explore as you consider Canada as your place of assignment:
Bright quiet top floor 1 bedroom in old Victoria
Quiet beautiful reprieve in central Winnipeg
Contemporary condo with heritage flair
2-bedroom close to Moncton hospital
The Top Contenders: Province by Province
Alberta: The High-Paying Powerhouse
Let me start with what might be the most attractive option for many travel nurses: Alberta.
Why Alberta Stands Out:
Alberta consistently offers some of the highest nursing wages in Canada, and here’s the kicker—there’s no provincial sales tax. That means your money goes further than almost anywhere else in the country.
Top Cities in Alberta:
Calgary
Calgary is where the urban meets the untamed. You’re getting:
- Excellent base pay rates that often exceed other Canadian cities
- A thriving healthcare system with opportunities in major facilities like Foothills Medical Centre and Alberta Children’s Hospital
- Access to the Rocky Mountains (literally an hour away for weekend adventures)
- A young, dynamic city with a surprisingly vibrant food and arts scene
- Lower cost of living compared to Toronto or Vancouver
The catch? Winters are no joke. We’re talking -30°C on rough days, though the infamous Chinook winds do bring welcome warm breaks.
Edmonton
Don’t sleep on Edmonton! As Alberta’s capital, it offers:
- Slightly lower cost of living than Calgary
- Major healthcare facilities including the University of Alberta Hospital
- A more affordable housing market
- The West Edmonton Mall (if massive shopping complexes are your thing)
- Strong demand for travel nurses, especially in specialized units
The Alberta Advantage:
What really sets Alberta apart is the combination of high wages and lower taxes. You could potentially save significantly more of your income here than in other provinces, which is perfect if you’re trying to pay off student loans or build a nest egg.
British Columbia: Where Nature Meets Healthcare
If you’ve ever dreamed of working somewhere where you can hit the ski slopes in the morning and the beach in the afternoon, BC is calling your name.
Why BC Appeals to Travel Nurses:
Vancouver
Vancouver is… well, it’s Vancouver. Here’s what you’re signing up for:
- World-class healthcare facilities like Vancouver General Hospital and St. Paul’s Hospital
- Consistent demand for travel nurses
- Unparalleled natural beauty (mountains, ocean, rainforest etc)
- Mild winters (it rarely snows in the city itself)
- Incredibly diverse, multicultural environment
But here’s the reality check: Vancouver is expensive. Like, really expensive. Housing costs can be eye-watering, which is why you need to negotiate a solid housing stipend or furnished accommodation as part of your travel nursing package.
Victoria
If you want BC’s beauty with a more relaxed vibe:
- Smaller city feel with excellent healthcare facilities
- Even milder climate than Vancouver
- Charming, walkable downtown
- Lower stress environment (generally)
- Island living with all its quirks and charms
The BC Trade-off:
You’ll earn good money in BC, but the cost of living (especially housing) can eat into your take-home pay more than in Alberta. However, if quality of life and outdoor recreation are top priorities for you, BC might be worth the premium.
Ontario: The Opportunities Hub
Ontario is Canada’s most populous province, which translates to one thing for travel nurses: lots and lots of opportunities.
Why Ontario Works:
Toronto
Love it or hate it, Toronto is where the action is:
- Massive demand for nurses across numerous specialties
- World-renowned hospitals like Toronto General, SickKids, and Mount Sinai
- Incredible diversity and cultural experiences
- Every amenity you could possibly want
- Excellent public transportation (by Canadian standards)
- Exposure to cutting-edge medical practices and research
The Toronto Reality:
Toronto is expensive—not quite Vancouver expensive, but close. You’re looking at high housing costs, though salaries are competitive to match. The real benefit here is the sheer volume of assignments available and the prestige of working at some of Canada’s top hospitals.
Ottawa
Canada’s capital offers a different flavor:
- Government hospitals and facilities
- Bilingual environment (great if you speak French or want to learn)
- More affordable than Toronto
- Beautiful city with a strong sense of community
- Four distinct seasons (including spectacular fall colors)
Other Ontario Options:
Don’t forget about cities like Hamilton, London, or Kingston. These smaller centers often offer:
- Competitive pay with lower cost of living
- Less competition for assignments
- Quieter lifestyle while still having good amenities
- Close proximity to Toronto if you want weekend city access
The Atlantic Provinces: The Hidden Gems
Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland don’t always make headlines, but they’re increasingly attractive for travel nurses.
Why Consider the East Coast:
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax is having a moment:
- Growing healthcare sector with increasing demand
- Significantly lower cost of living than major cities out west
- Ocean lifestyle with stunning coastal scenery
- Friendly, tight-knit community feel
- Rich history and culture
- Excellent seafood (obviously)
What You Should Know:
- Pay rates are generally lower than Alberta or BC
- Smaller healthcare systems mean fewer assignments
- But your dollar stretches further here
- The lifestyle trade-off can be absolutely worth it for many nurses
The Atlantic Advantage:
If you’re tired of the hustle and want a slower pace of life while still advancing your career, the Atlantic provinces offer genuine charm. Plus, the healthcare communities here tend to be close-knit, which can mean excellent mentorship opportunities.
Saskatchewan and Manitoba: The Underrated Middle
These prairie provinces don’t get enough love in travel nursing conversations, but they’re worth considering.
Winnipeg, Manitoba:
- Growing demand for healthcare professionals
- Very affordable cost of living
- Diverse cultural scene
- Cold winters (like, really cold), but locals are famously friendly
Saskatoon and Regina, Saskatchewan:
- Competitive wages
- Low cost of living
- Tight-knit communities
- Great work-life balance
- Excellent if you want to maximize savings
What About Quebec?
Quebec deserves its own special mention because it’s complicated.
If you’re fluent in French, Quebec (especially Montreal) can be fantastic:
- Major healthcare centers
- Unique cultural experience
- Lower cost of living than Toronto or Vancouver
- Incredible food scene
The catch: Most healthcare positions require French fluency. If you don’t speak French, your options are limited, though some English-speaking facilities exist in Montreal and the Eastern Townships.
Making Your Decision: Key Factors to Weigh
Now that you know your options, how do you actually choose?
Follow the Money (But Not Blindly)
Let’s talk numbers for a second. Travel nurses in Canada can expect:
- Hourly rates: Generally ranging from $40-70+ per hour depending on specialty, location, and experience
- Housing stipends: Can range from $1,500-3,500+ per month
- Travel reimbursement: Often included for assignments far from home
- Overtime opportunities: Can significantly boost your earnings
But remember: A $60/hour rate in Vancouver with $2,000 rent might leave you with less than a $55/hour rate in Calgary with $1,200 rent.
Consider Your Specialty
Your nursing specialty matters:
- ICU and ER nurses: High demand almost everywhere
- OR nurses: Particularly needed in larger cities
- Pediatric nurses: Major children’s hospitals in Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver
- Mental health nurses: Growing demand across all provinces
- Rural and remote nurses: Unique opportunities in Northern territories and remote communities
Think About Licensing
Here’s something crucial: Canada doesn’t have a single national nursing license. Each province has its own licensing body:
- You’ll need to be licensed in the province where you work
- Some provinces have reciprocal agreements making transfers easier
- The process can take time, so plan ahead
- Costs vary by province
Lifestyle Matters More Than You Think
Don’t underestimate the importance of lifestyle fit:
Ask yourself:
- Do you crave mountains, ocean, or prairie skies?
- Can you handle -40°C winters, or do you need milder weather?
- Do you want a bustling metropolis or a quieter community?
- Is proximity to outdoor recreation a priority?
- Do you prefer a car-dependent city or good public transit?
You’re choosing where you’ll live for weeks or months. Make sure it’s somewhere you’ll actually enjoy.
The Dark Horse Option: Northern and Remote Communities
Before we wrap up, I have to mention the territories and remote communities: Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
Why go north?
- Exceptional pay: Often significantly higher than southern provinces
- Housing usually included: Fully furnished accommodations
- Unique experience: Practice nursing in challenging, rewarding conditions
- Student loan forgiveness programs: Some communities offer incentives
- Adventure: Northern lights, midnight sun, wilderness beyond imagination
The challenges:
- Extreme isolation in some communities
- Very harsh winter conditions
- Limited amenities and services
- Can be emotionally and professionally demanding
- Not for everyone, but life-changing for those who thrive there
Pro Tips for Choosing Your Destination
Here’s what experienced Canadian travel nurses wish they’d known:
Do Your Research:
- Join Canadian travel nursing groups on social media
- Talk to nurses who’ve worked in your target cities
- Research specific hospitals and their reputations
- Check out cost of living calculators
Start Somewhere Familiar:
- Consider starting your travel nursing career in a location similar to where you’re from
- Once you’re comfortable with the travel nursing lifestyle, branch out to more adventurous locations
Think Seasonally:
- Winter in the prairies or Atlantic can be rough. Maybe save those for summer assignments
- BC and parts of Ontario can be beautiful year-round
- Consider following better weather if you have flexibility
Don’t Forget Taxes:
- Tax implications vary by province
- Keep excellent records of all expenses
- Consider consulting with an accountant familiar with travel nursing
So, Where’s the BEST Place?
Here’s the truth: there’s no single “best” place to work as a travel nurse in Canada. The best place for you depends on what you value most.
Choose Alberta if: You want to maximize earnings and don’t mind cold winters
Choose BC if: Quality of life and outdoor recreation are your top priorities
Choose Ontario if: You want the most opportunities and don’t mind higher costs
Choose Atlantic Canada if: You prefer a slower pace and lower cost of living
Choose Northern communities if: You’re adventurous and want a truly unique experience
Your Next Steps
Ready to make the leap? Here’s what to do:
- Research licensing requirements for your target province
- Connect with travel nursing agencies that work across Canada
- Consider your timeline (licensing can take 2-3 months or more)
- Start networking with other travel nurses
- Make a shortlist of 2-3 locations that fit your priorities
- Test the waters with a shorter first assignment before committing to longer contracts
Remember, the beauty of travel nursing is that you’re not locked into one place forever. Try Alberta this year, BC next year, and the Atlantic provinces the year after. Each location will teach you something new, both professionally and personally.
Canada is massive, diverse, and full of incredible opportunities for travel nurses. Wherever you choose to start, you’re in for an adventure. Now get out there and start exploring!
What’s your top choice? The mountains of Alberta, the coasts of BC, the opportunities in Ontario, or somewhere completely different?
Whatever your choice may be, ensure you find befitting apartments on Travel Nursing Houses, we have apartments that suit your preference.
