For a Canadian travel nursing in the U.S., choosing the right city can set the perfect tone for your first assignment and even make all the difference through your entire travel nursing experience. With so many different types of healthcare facilities, climates, and places to explore, the U.S. has something to offer for all interests and lifestyles. So, we’ve highlighted some of the best travel nurse destinations for Canadian nurses to consider in 2025!
Austin, Texas
If living in a city with a huge live music scene, vibrant nightlife, and incredible food scene is your vibe, then taking a travel nurse job in Austin might be the best option for you! While most known as being the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin also has a rapidly growing healthcare industry healthcare, offering strong demand for skilled nurses and great pay. When not clocked in at work, Canadian travel nurses can spend time out enjoying the sunny weather paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake or sitting by Barton Springs Pool. Austin strikes the perfect balance of work and play!
Boise, Idaho
Boise is a hidden gem that’s perfect for Canadian travel nurses looking for a quieter lifestyle. Known for its affordability, growing healthcare industry, and booming job market, Boise offers excellent opportunities for travel nurses to grow in their career. Plus, the city is surrounded by tons of outdoor activities, like hiking, biking, and spending the day along the scenic Boise River, which runs right through town. With its laid-back lifestyle, mild climate, and a mix of small-town charm and urban amenities, adding travel nurse jobs in Boise to your list of potential assignment locations is a must!
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston combines historic charm with cutting-edge healthcare, making it an ideal city for Canadian travel nurses. With prestigious hospitals, such as Massachusetts General and Boston Children’s, nurses can gain unparalleled experience in a world-renowned healthcare system. In your downtime, Boston’s walkable neighborhoods, scenic waterfront, and rich history provide plenty to explore. Take a stroll along the Freedom Trail, visit Fenway Park, relax by the Boston Harbor, or explore the city’s unique neighborhoods, like the Italian-inspired North End, to fill up on indulgent dishes and treats. From vibrant sports culture to cozy cafes, you won’t regret taking a travel nurse job in Boston!
Chicago, Illinois
Taking a travel nurse job in Chicago is a must for Canadian travel nurses looking to work in world-class healthcare environments. Home to renowned medical centers and iconic attractions, Chicago offers unmatched career opportunities with competitive pay and fun in your free time. Outside of work, nurses can visit Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, or Wrigley Field, and then explore deep-dish pizza, vibrant food markets, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Whether day or night, Chicago delivers excitement, opportunity, and a taste of big-city living!
Denver, Colorado
Denver offers the perfect mix of exciting city life and outdoor adventure, making it ideal for Canadian travel nurses. Known as the “Mile-High City,” Denver boasts excellent healthcare facilities with a high demand for skilled nurses and year-round fun to enjoy during your days off. Spend weekends hiking in the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park, skiing in Breckenridge, or enjoying a brewery tour in one of Denver’s craft beer spots before an evening listening to music at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. With mild winters compared to many Canadian cities, combined with over 300 days of sunshine annually, taking a travel nurse job in Denver is an excellent option for those seeking work-life balance.
Hartford, Connecticut
If working in a city with New England charm and coastal escape is something you’ve always dreamed of, then you might want to consider travel nurse jobs in Hartford. As one of the oldest cities in the U.S., Harford provides Canadian travel nurses with a unique blend of history, culture, and rewarding work opportunities. The city is home to top-tier hospitals and healthcare facilities, making it one of the best destinations for growing your nursing skills. During your downtime, you can explore the Mark Twain House and Museum or stroll through Bushnell Park, the oldest public park in America. Not to mention, Hartford’s central location on the East Coast also allows for quick day trips to New York City or Boston.
New York City, New York
For Canadian travel nurses looking to take their career to new heights, you might want to consider looking at travel nurse jobs in New York City! As a global hub for healthcare, innovation, and culture, NYC offers opportunities with some of the best hospitals and technology. Plus, who wouldn’t want to work, live, and play in one of the most iconic, well-known cities?! You can spend your days off exploring Central Park, visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or catching a Broadway show in Times Square. You can also dine at iconic restaurants, shop in SoHo, or enjoy the skyline views from the Empire State Building. The city that never sleeps is an experience and atmosphere like no other.
Portland, Oregon
Known for its quirky charm and natural beauty, Portland is one of the top destinations for Canadian travel nurses seeking a mix of work-life balance and adventure. Portland’s healthcare facilities are among the best in the Pacific Northwest, offering strong opportunities for career development and increasing your earning potential. On your days off, discover this bike-friendly city’s food truck scene, explore Powell’s City of Books, or stroll through the International Rose Test Garden. Outdoor enthusiasts should also consider a travel nurse job in Portland—you’ll appreciate nearby Mount Hood for hiking and skiing, while the Oregon Coast is just a short drive away.
Rochester, Minnesota
Rochester is an ideal destination for Canadian travel nurses looking to grow in their nursing career and be a part of the friendly Midwestern culture. As the home of the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, Rochester offers top-tier opportunities to expand your clinical expertise in cutting-edge healthcare facilities. Rochester also boasts a welcoming and safe community, plenty of options for outdoor excursions, and a cost of living that is more affordable than many larger U.S. cities. With its proximity to the Twin Cities and an international airport, this city provides both a small-town feel and easy access to big-city excitement—which makes taking a travel nurse job in Rochester one of the best cities for your new home away from home.
Seattle, Washington
Surrounded by beautiful mountains, water, and evergreen forests, Canadian nurses will feel at home taking a travel nurse job in Seattle! With its top-rated hospitals and innovative healthcare systems, Seattle is ideal for healthcare professionals looking to advance their careers. You can also explore iconic attractions like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and Chihuly Garden and Glass. Those who love spending their days can take a quick trip to Puget Sound for kayaking or hiking Mount Rainier, while coffee lovers can savor a cup at the original Starbucks.
Your Next Adventure Awaits
Travel nursing from Canada to the U.S. is such a great opportunity to expand your career while experiencing life in a new and exciting way. We hope our list of travel nurse destinations for 2025 has helped you add some cities to your bucket list of places to work! If you’re interested in seeing where travel nurses are in demand, check out our current travel nurse jobs, or connect with us today and let our recruiters find the perfect assignment for you!
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