Finding a Working Holiday Job in Canada
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie who wants nothing better than to go snowboarding, or you prefer lying on a sunny beach, Canada has so much to offer!
From rock gigs in Toronto to grizzly-spotting trips in the Rockies, the second largest country in the world has a huge variety of culture and experiences for those seeking a working holiday for a year or two. Canada offers a wealth of job choices for working holidaymakers, once you know where to look!
Here are some of our suggestions:
Ski Resorts
If you want to work the winter season in Canada, then what could be better than landing a job at one of the many ski resorts? Often, you’ll get subsidised accommodation and free ski passes so what’s not to like?!
Many of the resorts hold job fairs in Canada and abroad where they recruit a lot of their winter workers, so it’s a good way of securing a position.
Below we’ve listed some of our favorite resorts:
1. Big White, British Columbia
At Big White in British Columbia, there are plenty of opportunities. Located less than one hour from Kelowna, jobs include working in the ski rental shops, ticketing booths, sales, ski-instructing, operations, guest services, and more.
You can search for job listings in their departments here.
Free Guide to Work and Travel in Canada
2. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
One of the most popular ski resorts in Canada and home to the Winter Olympics, Whistler is hugely popular with working holidaymakers. The resort is large and they are always in need of restaurant staff, sales reps, shop assistants, and travel consultants.
Check out their job postings here.
3. Sunshine Village, Alberta
Just 20 minutes from Banff town, Sunshine Village is at the centre of the Rockies and has a good variety of jobs on offer, both indoors and out. If you like the outdoors why not try your hand at being a slope groomer? Alternatively, you may want stay warm and join the customer care team. Either way, you’ll get time off to enjoy the slopes!
Check out their opportunities here.
The average Canadian tax refund is $998
4. Panorama, British Columbia
One of the smaller resorts but no less fun is Panorama, in BC’s Kootenay Region. This intimate little village still has plenty of restaurants, shops, and cafes, as well as steaming hot pools and a spa to use after a long day on the slopes.
You can look for current job openings here.
Summer Jobs
Some working holiday and travel agencies will help you find work in Canada and place you with an employer before you get there. Agencies such as SWAP, Global Work & Travel, and Stepwest all offer this service.
The majority of working holidaymakers head to Canada in the summer months, and there are still plenty of jobs available, but you should arrive early before the height of the season!
1. Hospitality and Tourism
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There are jobs available in restaurants, bars, and cafes around Canada, although you should be prepared for a drop in wages compared to Europe. You’ll most likely make this up in tips and service charges though with the average tip expected to between 15%-20% on all food and beverages.
Tourism is one of British Columbia’s busiest sectors and you’ll find opportunities in ski resorts in the winter months and on beaches and mountains all year round.
Try these job boards:
The earlier you get to Canada before the busy summer season the better. For example, if you arrive in April, you’re much more likely to get a decent position than if you land in the height of summer.
2. Agriculture
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Fancy working on a farm? There are a number of agencies that will place you in a job on a farm, where you’ll get first-hand experience of what daily life is like and gain new skills while meeting people from all over the world.
As part of this, you’ll get free meals, accommodation, and a monthly salary. In many cases, you’ll need some experience of working on a farm before you apply.
As well as jobs in the hospitality and agricultural sector, there are opportunities in retail, sales, and many trades. The best plan is to attend the job fairs and get to Canada before the height of the busy season.
3. Where to start?
Take the time to search for jobs before you leave, and find out what part of Canada offers the most opportunities in the areas you want to work in. Check out Working Holiday Canada for jobs, help with your resume, and to see a list of top employers. Don’t forget that when you work in Canada you’ll pay tax on your earnings, so make sure you get your refund when you’re done.
You can get a free refund estimate using our tax refund calculator for Canada.
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