Published 4th January 2025
Toronto is Canada’s most populous metropolis, with a population of approximately 2.8 million making it one of the largest and top cities in North America for digital nomads and startup entrepreneurs looking for a dynamic and multi-cultural environment to thrive in.
We’ve curated a list of the best and most popular laptop-friendly work cafes in Toronto offering free WiFi where you can settle down for a remote work session while enjoying a decent cup of barista-brewed coffee.
Some background information about Toronto
The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) expands the population of Toronto to over 6 million people, making it a very significant North American city offering plenty to see and do.
As a comparison, the city of Los Angeles has a population of 3.8 million and the city of Chicago has a population of 2.7 million, the 2nd and 3rd largest cities respectively by population in the United States.
Only New York City is significantly larger in population than Toronto with over 8.3 million New Yorkers calling it home
Renowned for its cultural diversity, Toronto is often celebrated as one of the most multicultural cities globally, with more than half of its population born outside of Canada.
Often people outside of North America are under the impression that Toronto is the capital of Canada when in fact it’s a little more complicated.
Canada has two capitals, Ottawa is the capital of Canada, Quebec City is the capital of the province of Quebec and Toronto is the capital of the province of Ontario, the second largest province after Quebec.
Why Toronto Appeals to Digital Nomads and Entrepreneurs
Toronto’s dynamic economy and vibrant cultural scene make it an attractive destination for digital nomads, remote workers, and entrepreneurs.
The city of Toronto is a leading startup ecosystem in Canada, with investments reaching CA$3.7 billion in 2022, more than double the CA$1.5 billion raised in 2019.
This growth is supported by a network of innovation hubs, accelerators, and incubators that offer programs designed to advance entrepreneurial ambition and generate globally competitive enterprises.
Additionally, Toronto’s extensive public transportation system, high-speed internet availability, and diverse culinary and cultural scene contribute to a stimulating and vibrant lifestyle for remote professionals and startup founders who choose to set up their businesses in Toronto or spend some time in Toronto as a digital nomad.
Whether you live in Toronto or are visiting and are looking for the best laptop-friendly cafes to work in with free WiFi we have you covered.
We have curated a list of the best, most popular coffee shops to rock up at with your laptop in hand and get some work done while enjoying good vibes and of course, great coffee!
Let’s begin with a little intro to the Toronto districts in which the laptop-friendly cafes and coffee shops are based.
Map of central downtown Toronto districts
If you are not familiar with Toronto, we’ve provided a short description of Toronto’s main central downtown districts
If you click on the district name in the section below it will take you directly to the recommended laptop-friendly cafes/coffee shops in the neighbourhoods within that district.
Midtown – A blend of residential charm and urban convenience, Midtown offers cosy coffee shops with a lovely neighbourhood feel. Remote workers can find relaxing cafes with free Wi-Fi, especially along Yonge Street near Eglinton.
East End – Known for its eclectic vibe, the East End is a haven for independent coffee shops. Look for creative, laptop-friendly spaces with a laid-back atmosphere, especially in Leslieville and The Beaches.
Entertainment & Financial Districts – The Entertainment District has vibrant, creative cafes great for working in an energetic environment, while the Financial District features upscale coffee shops offering a professional and calmer atmosphere ideal for business meetings and focused remote work sessions.
Downtown East – This area combines urban development with a mix of historic charm. Find cosy and charming cafes with a quieter vibe compared to the core downtown area, perfect for focused work. In particular, the historic Distillery district is a nice area to explore and work from.
West End – The West End, including Roncesvalles, Trinity Bellwoods with its park and colourful Portuguese village and High Park, is filled with cafes fostering a local community vibe. The West End neighbourhoods are some of the most diverse in the city of Toronto, owing mainly to the significant immigrant population. The West End is a nice area of Toronto to explore if you want to get away from the more touristic zones.
Kensington – Chinatown – In these lively districts, you’ll find Kensington Market, one of the most eclectic and unique locations in Toronto offering everything from food markets to restaurants and bars, vintage clothing boutiques, spice markets, and trendy music shops. Chinatown, the second largest in North America after New York City, contains many Chinese and East Asian restaurants, shops and businesses. On the eastern edge of Chinatown, you can find the Art Gallery of Ontario, south of these neighbourhoods you’ll find Queen St West and the Fashion District. These districts are a must-visit when in Toronto
Yonge – Dundas – A bustling hub, Yonge-Dundas has modern cafes catering to the city’s fast pace. These spots are ideal for quick work sessions with easy access to transit and shopping.
Harbourfront – With views of Lake Ontario, the Harbourfront has scenic cafes perfect for work with a side of inspiration. Many spots offer waterfront seating and large windows, providing a visually stimulating backdrop for productivity.
Yorkville & The Annex – Yorkville boasts upscale cafes with sleek interiors, ideal for professional remote work. In contrast, The Annex, near the University of Toronto, has bohemian coffee shops with a more lively, student-friendly energy.
Check out our list of the best laptop-friendly work cafes & coffee shops with free wifi in Toronto below
We’ve curated a collection of the best laptop-friendly work cafes and coffee shops in Toronto, Canada where you can rock up with your laptop and get some work done while enjoying the famously warm and friendly Canadian spirit,
If you have any suggestions for laptop-friendly cafes and coffee shops to work in Toronto please let us know in the comments section or submit a personal review of your favourite laptop-friendly work cafe in Toronto as well as other cities
MIDTOWN, TORONTO
BOXCAR SOCIAL, SUMMERHILL, MIDTOWN, TORONTO
1208 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4T 1W1, Canada
Boxcar Social’s Summerhill location in Toronto offers a welcoming and spacious environment for remote workers and digital nomads looking for a place to work.
Housed in a two-story Victorian building which was formerly a dry cleaner, Boxcar Social café provides plenty of seating, including a remodelled upstairs area ideal for focused work, and a spacious back patio area for a more relaxed vibe.
Patrons appreciate the free Wi-Fi and the abundance of electrical outlets, particularly in the upstairs section, facilitating extended work sessions. However, some reviews indicate that Wi-Fi connectivity can be inconsistent, especially on the lower level.
Boxcar Social café is renowned for its diverse coffee offerings, featuring beans from various global roasters, and also serves a curated selection of wines, craft beers, and whiskies.
While the beverage quality is highly praised, a few customers have noted that the upstairs seating area could perhaps benefit from a deep clean once in a while.
Overall, Boxcar Social’s Summerhill location is a solid choice for those seeking a productive and stylish workspace in Toronto, offering a blend of comfort, amenities and quality refreshments.
If you’ve worked at Boxcar Social and have any personal experiences or recommendations do let us know in the comments!
EAST END, TORONTO
DINEEN OUTPOST, LESLIEVILLE, EAST END, TORONTO
1042 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1Z5, Canada
Dineen Outpost, located at 1042 Gerrard St E in Toronto’s East End, is another popular spot for remote workers and digital nomads.
Dineen Outpost boasts a beautifully designed interior with high ceilings, pink marble tables, and leather booths, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere.
Customers appreciate the ample seating options, both indoors and on the east-facing patio, which is particularly pleasant during warmer months.
Dineen Outpost offers free Wi-Fi with speeds tested at 75 Mbps, making it suitable for work tasks.
While some electrical outlets are available, it’s advisable to charge devices beforehand, as seating near outlets can be limited.
Notably, there are no reported restrictions on laptop use during weekends, allowing for flexible work schedules.
In addition to its conducive work environment, Dineen Outpost is praised for its high-quality coffee and pastries. Favourites include the blueberry scone and chocolate banana bread.
The friendly and professional staff contribute to a cheerful and upbeat atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience.
Overall, Dineen Outpost combines a comfortable workspace with excellent food and beverage options, making it a top choice for remote workers in Toronto.
Have you worked from Dineen Outpost? Do let us know your experiences or tips in the comments section at the bottom of this page.
ENTERTAINMENT & FINANCIAL DISTRICTS, TORONTO
DINEEN COFFEE CO, FINANCIAL DISTRICT, TORONTO
199 Bay St., Toronto, ON M5L 1L5, Canada
Dineen Coffee Co., located at 199 Bay Street in Toronto’s Financial District, is another laptop-friendly cafe from Dineen Coffee for remote workers seeking a workspace in the downtown Financial District.
Dineen Coffee Co. boasts an elegant interior with floor-to-ceiling windows and signature red-leather banquettes, creating a bright and vibrant atmosphere.
While Dineen offers free Wi-Fi, some patrons note that the connection can be slow at times, which may affect productivity if your work is data-heavy.
Additionally, power outlets are scarce, with only a few hidden behind chairs near the windows, it would be best to go on a full charge if you plan to work from Dineen for a while.
Dineen Coffee tends to get quite busy, especially during peak hours, making it challenging to find seating so it would be better to pop in during off-peak times.
Dineen Coffee Co. is open on weekdays from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm and closed on weekends, which aligns with typical business hours in the Financial District.
Some customers note that the prices might be a tad high which is perhaps to be expected in the Financial district like in most global cities.
In summary, Dineen Coffee Co. offers a chic environment and quality beverages, but potential visitors should be prepared for limited seating, few power outlets, and slower Wi-Fi.
Have you been to Dineen Coffee on Bay Street? Let us know your experience in the comments.
DOWNTOWN EAST, TORONTO
BALZAC'S DISTILLERY DISTRICT, DOWNTOWN EAST, TORONTO
1 Trinity St, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4, Canada
Balzac’s Coffee Roasters, situated at 1 Trinity Street in Toronto’s historic Distillery District, offers a unique and inviting atmosphere for patrons. Housed in a former Victorian building, the café features a rustic décor with high ceilings, a beautiful chandelier and wooden furniture, complemented by a comfy upstairs loft that doubles as an art gallery.
While the Balzac’s Coffee Roasters Distillery provides a characterful and comfortable environment, it does not offer free Wi-Fi as far as we are aware, although there is apparently free public Wifi offered in the Distillery District if you look for the network “Distillery WiFi by Beanfield”.
If accessing a public WiFi network we would generally recommend using a VPN if you are accessing sensitive information just to be extra safe.
The menu includes a variety of beverages and pastries, with customers praising the quality of the coffee and the fresh pastries. However, some reviews mention that certain drinks, like the matcha latte, lacked flavour, and the lemon tart was overly sour.
The service is generally described as friendly and efficient, even during busy periods. Balzac’s location in the Distillery District adds to its charm, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
In summary, Balzac’s Coffee Roasters provides a charming and vintage setting with quality beverages and pastries. However, the potential lack of proper Wi-Fi may be something to consider for remote workers seeking a laptop-friendly café with solid and stable Wifi availability.
If you have worked from Balzac’s in the Distillery District and have any experience with the Wifi or remote working from this cafe please do share your experiences in the comments section.
WEST END, TORONTO
135 OSSINGTON, TRINITY BELLWOODS, WEST END, TORONTO
135 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Z6, Canada
135 Ossington is a Japanese-inspired coffee shop and living room located in Toronto’s vibrant Trinity Bellwoods district.
135 Ossington offers unique interior design elements, including Japanese statues and artworks, creating an inviting “living room” space for patrons to work or chill.
The basement area is popular with its floor seating area and provides a cosy nook to work or study for a while.
135 Ossington serves a variety of beverages, with the Hojicha Latte being a standout choice for those seeking an authentic Japanese tea experience.
Their coffee offerings, such as the flat white made with Hatch beans, are also highly praised for their quality. A selection of pastries, including almond croissants, complements the drink menu.
While 135 Ossington provides a pleasant environment, seating can be limited, especially during peak hours.
135 Ossington tends to get busy, which may affect the availability of workspaces for remote workers.
There is no specific information available regarding the availability of free Wi-Fi or power outlets, nor any explicit policies concerning laptop use. Therefore, it’s advisable to plan visits accordingly and consider alternative options if uninterrupted work time or solid wifi is essential.
Have you been to 135 Ossington? Let us know your experiences in the comments
HALE COFFEE COMPANY, JUNCTION, WEST END, TORONTO
300 Campbell Ave Unit #103, Toronto, ON M6P 3V6, Canada
Hale Coffee Company, situated at 300 Campbell Avenue in Toronto’s Junction Triangle, is a popular spot for remote workers and digital nomads.
Hale Coffee Company offers free Wi-Fi and ample power outlets, the high ceilings and abundant natural light, provide a spacious and inviting remote work atmosphere.
Patrons frequently praise the quality of Hale’s coffee, with the cortado being a standout choice. The menu also includes a variety of pastries and sandwiches, such as the turkey sandwich on rosemary focaccia, which is popular.
The café’s operating hours are Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM providing plenty of time to work.
Overall, Hale Coffee Company combines excellent beverages, a comfortable setting, and essential amenities, making it a top choice for digital nomads and remote workers in Toronto.
Have you worked from Hale Coffee Company? Let us know your experiences in the comments
KENSINGTON - CHINATOWN, TORONTO
DARK HORSE ESPRESSO BAR, SPADINA, KENSINGTON-CHINATOWN, TORONTO
215 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 2C7, Canada
Dark Horse Espresso Bar at 215 Spadina Avenue is a popular work spot among Toronto’s remote workers and digital nomads.
Dark Horse Espresso Bar boasts a spacious interior with exposed brick walls and communal tables, creating a pleasant environment for work or study.
Patrons appreciate the strong and flavorful coffee, with options like French press and iced beverages being particularly popular. The selection of baked goods complements the beverage offerings whenever hunger strikes!
While Dark Horse provides free Wi-Fi, it’s worth noting the scarcity of power outlets so best to go on a full charge. Despite this, the ample seating and comfy atmosphere make Dark Horse Espresso Bar a favoured destination for digital nomads looking for a nice place to work in the Spadina / Kensington-Chinatown area.
Have you been to Dark Horse Espresso Bar in Spadina? Let us know your experiences in the comments.
YONGE - DUNDAS, TORONTO
JIMMY'S COFFEE, YONGE-DUNDAS, TORONTO
84 Gerrard St W, Toronto, ON M5G 1Z4, Canada
Jimmy’s Coffee, located at 84 Gerrard Street West in Toronto spans three floors, providing plenty of seating, including a quieter upstairs area ideal for more focused work.
Customers appreciate the availability of power outlets and free Wi-Fi, however, some customers have complained about the stability of the wifi and connectivity issues.
Jimmy’s Coffee’s interior offers up a cozy, rustic charm with exposed brick walls and an eclectic décor. The friendly staff enhance the experience, often going the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction.
In terms of refreshments, Jimmy’s Coffee offers a diverse selection of beverages, including unique options like the Strawberry Mocha and Lavender Mocha, alongside traditional favourites. Their freshly baked pastries, such as almond croissants, are also highly recommended.
Have you worked from Jimmy’s Coffee? Do let us know in the comments.
