Keep Exploring, from Sea to Sea
Derek Smith
Public Speaking Coach ?? Event Host & Master of Ceremonies | ?? Public Relations | Communications | 1,500+ Live & Virtual Events Hosted over 15+ years ?? Portugal & Canada | Gold Medal Winner, sort of??
Looks like I made it back, eh? Just in time for Forbes.com to name Canada the Top Country to be a Digital Nomad!
I’ve been nomadic for several years now, building friendships, shaping communities and explaining the little bits I know about The Tragically Hip.
As I visit different places, I’m reminded of Canada’s goodwill among Earth’s curious citizens. In general, people seem to love what we represent and their faces light up when I tell them where I’m from.
“Oh, Canada! I’ve always wanted to go there.”
Yet, I’m afraid, these people may never come visit us.
For almost a decade, I have found myself identifying with the growing digital nomad lifestyle - remote work, travel, and giving back. It’s these talented people, I’m afraid, who are apprehensive to visit.
I’ve met thousands of digital nomads while building communities in Asia and Europe. They often tell me Canada is too expensive, too big, and only a place they would dream of visiting after retirement.
Why? According to the Nomad List, the average cost of living for a nomad in Canada is $2,603/month. Perhaps, that’s too much? I don’t think so.
I believe the actual reason is because many digital nomads don’t know what’s available or where to start, let alone pronounce Saskatchewan.
In 2020, I found myself finally returning to my hometown of Ottawa to collect my breath. As I looked around, pandemic not-withstanding, I couldn’t see Canada’s hub of international digital professionals.
I know it exists, but where are they hiding? What province or city are remote work travellers flocking to? How is Canadian tourism preparing for the wave of digital nomads?
Even if digital nomads knew where to go in Canada, which municipality across our 9,000 kilometres is ready for the impending professional travel boom?
The answer: I don’t know.
Thankfully, for all my digital nomad friends and colleagues around the world, I’ve decided to find out what’s going on ‘round here.
Over the course of the next few months, I’ll report back and let my #digitalnomad colleagues know when, where and how they can join us in Canada this upcoming year.
It’s very good to come home.
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The Doctor Is In the House, Global Serial Entrepreneur, Founder & CEO; 3+ Exits, Digital Marketing, Advertising, AdTech, Nomad Pioneer; Ambassador & Advisor for Startup CEOs; Angel Investor; Certified Pilgrim
3 年Way to go Derek! I’m a bit biased but I’d say Banf, Revelstoke, Whistler and Vancouver but I’m not Canadian. I think this is a great idea!
Director, Consulting Delivery
3 年Welcome home! ??
The Doctor Is In the House, Global Serial Entrepreneur, Founder & CEO; 3+ Exits, Digital Marketing, Advertising, AdTech, Nomad Pioneer; Ambassador & Advisor for Startup CEOs; Angel Investor; Certified Pilgrim
3 年Oh Canada ????
I design spaces and experiences for the Flexible Generation | NASDAQ Featured | Coliving Founder | Award winning community builder | Speaker on digital nomadism and life-centric living | Digital media for 10+ Years
3 年Interesting insight, and I can certainly see why a large first world country like Canada may have been overlooked by nomads in the past. But as you said, there is so much potential there - stunning nature, vibrant culture, and friendly people. Perhaps breaking down the "whole" into niche interest based locations could be the answer? For example, I absolutely fell in love with the art scene in Montreal so should I community spring up there, I'd definitely go to stay for a few Summer months. The location independent movement is evolving as it grows, and I see niche communities as one way of forging closer connections and creating new hubs.
Connector l Founder & CEO at The Nomad Escape | Facilitator | Forbes Coaches Council | Remote Work Retreat Expert ?? Hosting Entrepreneurs & Remote Teams on Bespoke Business retreats
3 年Exciting times!!!