how to get a summer job in Canada: 2024 Guide

Want to work in Canada for the summer? Whether you’re a student looking to earn some extra cash or just looking to have an adventure while gaining work experience, Canada has plenty of job opportunities for you. So, without further ado, here’s a guide to help you find the perfect summer job in Canada in 2024:

Have you really been to Canada if you haven't canoed on a turquoise lake? Taken by Stepwest participant Albert on Lake Louise, Alberta.

The Canada Working Holiday Visa

If you want a summer job in Canada, you’ll need to apply for a working holiday visa. Not sure what that is? Basically, Canada has a bilateral agreement with 36 countries around the world allowing international youth to live, travel and work in Canada for an extended amount of time. This is run through a program called International Experience Canada (IEC). Want to see if you’re eligible? Check which nationalities and ages can apply for a working holiday visa.

Application Windows For Stepwest Season Resort Jobs

When it comes to Canadian resort jobs, getting ahead of the program is definitely beneficial. Popular resorts such as Whistler, Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise have 2 main hiring periods for each season, Summer and Winter 2024. So that means here at Stepwest, the earlier you apply the better chance you have of securing your dream job in your dream resort! The latest we typically accept applications for these programs are as follows:

Summer 2024: Until February 2024.
Winter 2024: Until May 2024.

It pays off to be organized, the sooner you are ready for interviews, the more resort job positions you could be a candidate for. If you are a last-minute planner, then start to consider planning for the next upcoming Season. Too late for Winter? check our Summer Resort Working Holiday program. You could start out with a summer job and opt to stay for the next winter season!

Remember, you have 12 months to activate your work permit, so if not this summer, you can plan ahead for next summer.

Once the snow melts, Canada's mountain ranges become blanketed in fields of colourful wildflowers. Just ask Layla Rundle, who now lives in Revelstoke, BC.

What kind of work can you do on a working holiday visa?

The great news is that there is a ton of fantastic seasonal jobs available for working holiday visa holders! But if you want the full Canadian experience – aka living in the most amazing destinations – you’ll want to bag a resort job. We work with top hotels and resorts in Canada top destinations and guarantee participants resort jobs ranging from retail and hospitality to outdoor adventure. Think about what type of job you would enjoy and what skills you have to offer, and we’ll sort out the rest. Check out some of the most popular summer jobs on our Summer Resort Working Holiday program page!

Insider tip: start planning early!

The sooner you start looking for a summer job, the more options you’ll have. It’s science. Many employers start hiring for the summer season months in advance, so it’s a good idea to start looking for jobs as soon as you can. By which we mean now!

Look for summer jobs with staff accommodation

Planning on sorting accommodation when you arrive? Securing affordable accommodation in Canada’s most popular destinations – like Whistler and Banff – can be extremely challenging if you don’t have an employer supporting you. Luckily, we can help with that.

We work with employers in Canada’s top destinations and will secure you a pre-arranged job WITH staff accommodation before you arrive. Sorted.

Mountain views don't come much better than this! Choose to live on Vancouver Island, where whale watching over your morning coffee is the norm.

The No.1 Rule for Applying for Jobs in Canada

A strong resume is crucial when applying for summer jobs in Canada. It goes without saying that your resume and cover letter will need to be up-to-date and tailored to the specific job you are applying for. This includes any relevant experience, skills, and language abilities.

Then you’ll need to format your resume to Canadian standards, such as translating your previous schools and experience for North American employers. On our Summer Resort Working Holiday program, we’ll revise your resume for Canadian employers, which you can also use towards future opportunities.

Be open to new experiences!

A working holiday is a great opportunity to try something new and gain valuable work experience. Don’t be afraid to apply for jobs outside of your comfort zone – you never know what you might end up enjoying!

Have Questions?

Want to know how much you can earn working a summer in Canada? The hours you’ll work? The best summer jobs in Canada? Check out our Summer Resort Working Holiday program, where we answer our most frequently asked questions.

Where to go: Canada’s Top Summer Destinations

Each province and territory in Canada has its own unique culture and job market. Research the area where you’ll be spending your summer to get a better understanding of the types of jobs that are available and the local job market. Need inspiration? Here are a few of our favourites:

Pump up the adrenaline mountain biking in BC's adventure capital, Whistler.

Whistler

The #1 choice for many working holiday travellers, life in Whistler is hard to beat. Outdoor enthusiasts can take their pick from an endless roster of adventures: mountain biking, climbing, kayaking, rafting, hiking… the list goes on. Plus, Whistler is only a couple of hours from Vancouver for when you need a city fix.

Want to find a summer job in Whistler? Check out our guide on how to find jobs in Whistler with staff accommodation.

Picture this as your office! From kayaking to mountain biking to climbing, there are a lot of activities in Banff during the summer, with a ton of outdoor jobs available.

Banff

Want to live in the heart of the Canadian Rockies? Look no further than Banff. The catch? As Banff is located in a National Park, housing is only available for owners and immediate employers. Luckily, we can help with that. Our working holiday participants are set up with summer jobs in Banff with discounted staff accommodation before they arrive. Problem solved.

Check out our guide on how to find jobs with staff accommodation in Banff.

Get a summer job in Tofino, the surf capital of Canada, where waves range from beginner breaks to barrel waves.

Tofino

Surfing beaches, ancient rainforests and incredible wildlife – from black bears to bald eagles; whales to orcas – make Tofino a top-notch choice for a summer job. Spend your summer embracing island life, by which we mean sunrise and sunset surf sessions, campfires on the beach hikes to secret plane wrecks, kayaking to remote islands and whale watching. Life ain’t bad.

Take a glimpse into some of the most popular working holiday destinations in Canada.

Ready to live on the doorstep of the world's best mountains?

Want a guaranteed summer job in Canada?

When you join our Summer Resort Working Holiday program, we’ll guarantee you your dream summer job in Canada before you arrive! You’ll also get a whole load of other perks, including:

  • Personal trip coordinator
  • Step-by-step guidance on your visa application
  • Resume revisions and interview preparation
  • Guarenteed summer job in Canada’s top destinations
  • Pre-arranged discounted staff accommodation
  • Pre-departure orientation
  • In-country support

A final note: Make the most of your summer job!

A summer job in Canada is a great opportunity to gain experience, network and learn new skills. But let’s not forget it’s also an opportunity to spend your summer experiencing Canada! You’ll meet people from all over the world and tick off once-in-a-lifetime adventures, from hiking in the Canadian Rockies to swimming in the bluest lakes you’ll ever see, and so much more.

Want a summer job in Canada?

Fill in the form and one of our team will be in touch to help you start planning your epic working holiday in Canada.

Photo Credits Layla Rundle