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The Best Destinations for Your Working Holiday in Canada

December 14, 2023

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  • Shireen Fisher

Each year, youth from around the world travel to Canada and stay for up to 24 months while being able to work to fund their journey. If you have just decided to apply to the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program - congratulations! The best months of your life lie ahead once you travel to Canada. Because the country has such an immense wealth of beauty, you may want to stay in some places you visit. But to make sure you get the full experience, it would be wise to research the best regions for your great expedition. This article looks at the best destinations in the top Canadian provinces for your Canadian working holiday.

Canada as a Working Holiday Destination

As the second-largest country in the world, Canada is quite a treat for wanderers. If this land of maple leaves has been on your bucket list for a long time, you probably have an idea of the places you want to spend time in. The country is a haven for working holiday seekers. It offers the perfect blend of professional growth and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you are drawn to bustling cities or serene natural wonders, Canada provides an enriching backdrop for a memorable working holiday experience.

Apart from an abundance of part-time work opportunities and the beauty across Canadian Provinces, you also stand to experience the warmth of Canadian hospitality as you become part of welcoming communities across the country. Canadians are known for their friendliness and inclusivity, making your working holiday a professional journey and a chance to build connections and lifelong friendships.

Ready to explore Canada? Below are some of the North's most popular destinations, as well as some lesser-known ones, that will take your working holiday in Canada to another level. Get ready to travel and work in Canada for 12 to 24 months.

Toronto, Ontario

When chatting about your bucket list when you travel to Canada, the city of Toronto is most likely the first to come up. The city is perhaps best known for its CN Tower. Seen as a symbol of the Great White North, it stands tall in the heart of Toronto. A complete melting pot, the city is famous for its unique festivals, vibrant nightlife, beaches, waterfront, and parks. You will find the best in urban and outdoor living throughout this region.

Make sure you explore Toronto Islands, the city's many galleries and museums, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, Lawrence Market, and North America's only castle, Casa Loma.

You must, however, note that Toronto can be pretty expensive. Plan well when it comes to your budget. Also, do your best to find jobs that pay a decent wage so that you are not restricted while trying to get the authentic Toronto experience.

Popular Industries For Working Holiday Makers to Work in

As the vibrant heartbeat of Canada, Toronto beckons working holidaymakers with a unique blend of professional opportunities and cultural richness. You will find opportunities for part-time employment in the following sectors:

  • Tourism
  • Tech
  • Financial services
  • Retail

Vancouver, British Columbia

British Columbia's bustling west coast seaport, Vancouver, is a popular choice for working holidayers who hit the city in their droves yearly. While it is the perfect destination for city slickers, it's also a delight for those who thrive while engulfed by nature, thanks to its mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

Must-see destinations in Vancouver are plenty. Whether you choose Gastown, Granville Island, Mount Pleasant, the West End, or Commercial Drive, you are guaranteed to have some of the best adventures ever here.

Popular Industries For Working Holiday Makers to Work in

If you are ready to work in Canada, you will be pleased to know that Vancouver boasts stunning landscapes and provides a dynamic job market for working holidaymakers in the following industries.

  • Film
  • Tourism
  • Hospitality
  • Tech

Ottawa, Ontario

With its very formal title of Canada's capital city, Ottawa, Ontario may also have garnered a reputation for being bland and short of fun. But the good news is that this underrated destination can be full of surprises. There has been a revival that has added some vibrance and diversity to the once bland bureaucratic setting. This is mainly due to the migration of a much younger crowd, who came from suburbia and have turned areas within the city into exciting urban hubs.

There are many opportunities for exploration in Ottawa's pleasant neighborhoods and lush green spaces. Rideau Canal and Gatineau Park are popular attractions. If you're into historical and political artifacts, you will have a ball wandering around the city's museums.

Popular Industries For Working Holiday Makers to Work in

As far as jobs in Canada are concerned, Ottawa provides a captivating backdrop for working holidaymakers.You will have access to great work opportunities in the following industries:

  • NGOs
  • Tech
  • Education
  • Language services
  • Tourism

Whistler, British Columbia

The small chalet-style pedestrian village of Whistler, in British Columbia, can be found just north of Vancouver, at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. If you are searching for the ultimate winter wonderland setting, block out your itinerary from October to April.

A top attraction here is Whistler Blackcomb, one of the largest ski resorts in North America. You will be able to go into complete snow bunny mode while hitting the slopes, skiing, or snowboarding. There's also ice climbing, hiking, and venturing into ice caves. If that is not enough for the adventurer in you, then there's also snowshoeing, tobogganing, and ski jumping to be tried at the Olympic Park, where the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics took place.

Popular Industries For Working Holiday Makers to Work in

Whistler is not only a haven for winter sports enthusiasts but also an ideal destination for working holiday makers. You will find part-time jobs in the following sectors:

  • Tourism
  • Retail
  • Food and Beverage
  • Wellness

Calgary, Alberta

If you prefer the structure of city life but like to balance things out with some natural wonders, you should consider adding Alberta's biggest city, Calgary, to your list of Canadian destinations to cover. Calgary, with its blend of natural wonders and urban delights, invites working holiday makers to craft an experience like no other. Whether you're embracing the outdoor adventures of Banff, immersing yourself in the Stampede's festivities, enjoying the tranquility of Prince's Island Park, admiring the cityscape from the Calgary Tower, or exploring Inglewood's artistic charm, each destination contributes to a vibrant Calgary journey.

Popular Industries For Working Holiday Makers to Work in

On your working holiday, you can opt to work in a more urban setting and play in the magnificence of the Rocky Mountains. The most popular industries working holiday jobs are:

  • Tourism
  • Food
  • Agriculture

Montreal, Quebec

Canada's second-largest city, Montreal, in Quebec, is credited as a significant cultural hub. This beautiful city is home to many creatives, including artists, writers, and musicians. While it is a francophone city, you'll still hear English around the city, so don't let your limited French deter you from heading to Magnifique Montreal.

Apart from its aesthetic and lifestyle aspects, the natural wonders make this principal metropolis of Quebec a must-see. The city takes up around 75% of Montreal Island (Île de Montréal), which is reported to be the largest of just over 230 islands in the Hochelaga Archipelago. This is one of three archipelagos that can be found as the Ottawa and St. Lawrence rivers merge.

The city is affordable compared to Toronto and Vancouver. You can expect to pay less for rent and general living expenses.

Popular Industries For Working Holiday Makers to Work in

Want to work in Canada in a French-speaking city? Montreal, with its rich cultural tapestry and dynamic economy, attracts many working holidaymakers seeking exciting professional experiences. The top industries that welcome temporary workers are:

  • Hospitality
  • Tourism
  • Cultural occupation
  • Education
  • Retail
  • Food

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax, Nova Scotia, is situated on Canada's Atlantic coast. It is the largest city in all of Canada's Maritime provinces and the largest city east of Montreal. With a population of around 400,000, forecasts project a significant boom in the years to come.

Halifax is home to some prestigious learning institutions - Dalhousie University/King's College, Saint Mary's University, Mount Saint Vincent University, and NSCAD University. It is also the setting for some of the oldest and most prominent Canadian state architectural structures.

Foodies, you will love this city! The Halifax restaurant scene has experienced a major boom, so much so that some top local chefs have set up spectacular dining establishments.

With something for every budget, you can experience the best of Maritime hospitality - think lobsters and other seafood delights. In terms of affordability, living in urban Halifax will cost much less than in Toronto or Vancouver. It is, however, more expensive than Montreal and the prairie regions.

Popular Industries For Working Holiday Makers to Work in

When it comes to jobs, you will find part-time opportunities in the following sector:

  • Agriculture
  • Fishing
  • Retail
  • Food
  • Education
  • Wellness

Squamish, British Columbia

Squam-what? You may never have heard of the district of Squamish, but it is renowned for its culture, recreation and amazing mountain lifestyle. Its closeness to Van City makes it a "must-see" area. Situated in the southwest corner of British Columbia, Squamish is perched in the most magnificent natural setting at the north end of Howe Sound. A rugged terrain and a mountainous backdrop within a rainforest create the ideal spot for the ultimate adventure.

It is the ideal station to be based at as you wander around BC and the perfect halfway house on the scenic Sea to Sky Highway between Vancouver and Whistler, the number one ski resort in North America.

Outdoor lovers, this is one of the best HQs for your Canadian adventures - if you do not mind swapping conventional settings for a more off-the-beaten-track environment. Activities to be enjoyed include gliding on the glaciers, kite surfing, and other winter sports.

Popular Industries For Working Holiday Makers to Work in

Job opportunities in Squamish can mainly be found in the following industries:

  • Tourism
  • hospitality
  • Retail
  • Sporting Activities

Since Vancouver is not too far, you could also head out for work there and return to your adventures on the mountain after work. However, the commute to Vancouver is only around an hour (this is a drive to experience). You could work in the city (especially in North Vancouver) and be back on the slopes or trails before dinner.

FAQs

Which IEC Program Should I Apply to?

You have the option of three work and travel experiences:

  • Working Holiday
  • Young Professionals
  • International Co-op (Internship)

Find out how you can apply to the IEC program.

How Many Times Can I Apply For a Working Holiday Visa for Canada?

Some countries limit your participation in the International Experience program to one time, while others are recurring. Before you start your work and travel Canada adventure, be aware that even though you apply and get an ITA, you still cannot participate more times than your country allows.