Over the past few weeks, people from across the country submitted their ideas, via telustalksbusiness.com, on the places and spaces they think are Canada’s best locations for working outside the office. This week, as part of TELUS’ continuing focus on flexible work, we want to highlight some of the more interesting locations where Canadians have leveraged communications technologies to work remotely. This is the third post in a series of four articles that will appear over the next few weeks... 

When Torontonian and Spell Bound communications founder, Sara Tong wants to escape the buzz of the big smoke she has a certain place she likes to go. In her opinion, the best place to work away from the office is...

“An island oasis located minutes away from the heart of downtown Toronto – Centre Island is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan city life and still get back for dinner time.  At Centre Island, you can enjoy the tranquil environment and really focus.  In the summer, it is a fantastic way to work anywhere, anytime. And with wireless access and email availability I can make sure that I am accessible to anyone who needs me."

There must be a connection between islands and tranquility, as British Columbian and CEO of Trispark Consulting Inc. Bryan Sparks also says an ‘island’ is his favourite place to work away from the office, in this case, Vancouver Island:

“It's close to home, but far enough away to feel free. It's out in the open with a spectacular view of the land, sky and sea that makes Canada so beautiful. When I'm here, whether I'm on my laptop, mobile, or brainstorming with a pen and paper, everything flows right. The right words come out, the right ideas find there way to the page, and the emails seem to float away faster. Working away from the office is beautiful; Vancouver Island is why."

Beautiful scenery, quiet, close to home...What do you think are the quintessential elements to a good place to work remotely? Do you find you work better in a busy or quiet environment?