How to Become a Travel Nurse in Canada

Imagine taking your nursing skills on the road, working in different communities while enjoying the perks of flexible schedules and competitive pay.

Whether you're craving the energy of a big-city hospital or want to provide essential care in remote areas, travel nursing in Canada offers a unique and rewarding career path. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, from licensing requirements to top destinations and salary expectations.

What Is Travel Nursing in Canada?

Travel nurses in Canada work temporary assignments in different locations, filling in where hospitals and health care facilities face staffing shortages.

These placements can range from remote clinics in British Columbia to bustling hospitals in Ontario, offering a diverse and exciting career path. Travel nursing is all about flexibility.

You might work in a new province every few months or extend contracts in places you love.

It’s a great way to expand your clinical expertise and meet people from diverse backgrounds.

How to Become a Travel Nurse in Canada

If travel nursing seems right up your alley, here are the steps to launch your career.

1. Earn your nursing credentials.

You’ll need a valid degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or an associate degree in nursing.

You'll also need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination exam to obtain an active license to practise in Canada. If you're an internationally educated nurse (IEN), you'll need to go through the National Nursing Assessment Service to verify your credentials.

2. Understand provincial licensing.

Unlike in some countries where nurses register at the national level, each province or territory handles its own licensing.

That means you’ll need to apply for registration with the regulatory body in the region where you plan to work. Contact the provincial nursing college for a prior learning assessment and application forms.

This step ensures you meet the local requirements before diving into your travel nursing career.

3. Gain work experience.

Most travel nursing agencies and health care facilities require nurses to have one to two years of clinical experience in their specialisation. This helps ensure you’re prepared to hit the ground running when starting a new assignment.

4. Choose a speciality.

Are you passionate about emergency care?

Do you thrive in paediatrics?

Specialising in a high-demand field can open up more travel assignments.

5. Obtain necessary certifications.

Depending on your assignment, you may need additional certifications such as advanced cardiac or pediatric advanced life support.

6. Partner with a travel nursing agency.

Working with an agency simplifies the job search process.

They’ll match your skills, preferences, and scheduling needs with open placements. They can also help manage contracts and assist with housing or travel expenses.

7. Get the proper paperwork.

From your immunisation records to work visas, if you’re an international worker, travel nurse positions in Canada require proper documentation like immunisation records to work visas.

Be ready to submit proof of licensure and other essentials.

8. Apply for open positions.

Once you meet the requirements, apply for travel nursing positions in Canada through agencies or directly with health care facilities.

Best Provinces for Travel Nursing in Canada

Not all provinces in Canada are experiencing the same level of nursing shortages, so where you choose to work can make a big difference in job opportunities and demand.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the provinces with the highest demand for nurses:

• Ontario: If you’re looking for job security, Ontario is the place to be. This province has the biggest nursing shortage in the country, with job postings skyrocketing by 43% from 2022 to 2024. While that number slightly dropped to 40% in the most recent year, it’s still much higher than anywhere else in Canada.

• Alberta: Coming in second, Alberta saw a 21% increase in nursing job postings during the same period. To help ease the shortage, the province has ramped up funding for IENs, making it easier for them to get the credentials needed to work in Canada.

• British Columbia: BC is another hotspot for travel nurses, with job postings rising by 16% from 2022 to 2024 and accelerating to 20% in the most recent year. This upward trend suggests an increasing demand for nurses, especially in hospitals and rural communities.

• Quebec and Manitoba: These provinces are seeing a slower increase in demand, with Quebec reporting a 10% rise in job postings and Manitoba following at 6%.

These provinces have the highest demand and offer competitive pay and benefits to attract more nurses.

Travel Nurse Pay & Benefits in Canada

Travel nurses in Canada earn competitive wages and enjoy benefits that make the career path even more attractive.

• Pay: Depending on the province and your specialty, travel nursing jobs pay, on average, $65.93 per hour, often higher than staff nursing roles.

• Bonuses: Some high-demand positions offer signing and completion bonuses.

• Housing benefits: Many agencies offer stipends or fully covered accommodations during assignments.

• Flexibility: With short-term contracts, you can build your own schedule, take breaks between assignments, or travel during downtime.

• Professional growth: Exposure to new clinical settings sharpens your skills and makes your resume stand out.

Travel Nursing vs. Staff Nursing: Pros & Cons

Here’s how travel nursing compares to traditional staff nursing:

Pros

• Flexible scheduling.
• Higher pay and potential for bonuses.
• New locations to explore
• A variety of work environments

Cons

• Benefits depend on the agency
• Less job security than permanent positions
• Frequent moves, which can be stressful
• Have to adjust to new hospitals quickly

While staff nursing offers stability, travel nursing provides unmatched freedom and experiences. It’s all about what works best for your lifestyle.

How to Find Travel Nursing Jobs in Canada

Landing the perfect travel nursing job in Canada starts with knowing where to look.

1. Partner with travel nursing agencies. Agencies like Nurse Relief and Canadian Health Labs specialise in travel nurse positions across Canada. They handle placements, licensing, and housing.

2. Use job boards. Indeed, Job Bank, and LinkedIn often list travel nursing roles.

3. Network. Talk to colleagues and fellow nurses active in the travel space. A personal recommendation goes a long way. You can connect with nurses through social media groups and professional organizations.

4. Check the Provincial Health Authority (PHSA) website. PHSA has a list of current nursing opportunities.

Final Thoughts: Is Travel Nursing Right for You?

Travel nursing in Canada offers an unmatched blend of professional growth, financial perks, and personal adventure.

It’s a career path for those seeking variety while making a meaningful difference in diverse health care settings.

Remember, like any nursing role, it comes with challenges, but the skills and experiences you gain along the way make it worth it.

Not Sure Where to Start?

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