With an International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday Visa, many young travellers can work through both the busy summer tourism season and the winter ski season on the same open work permit.
April - June 2027
Up to 24 months
1,390
In this guide, you’ll learn:
| Requirement | 2027 Information |
|---|---|
| Program | IEC Working Holiday |
| Age Limit | 18–35 for most partner countries |
| Permit Length | 12–24 months |
| Minimum Funds Required | CAD $2,500 |
| IEC Participation Fee | CAD $184.75 |
| Open Work Permit Holder Fee | CAD $100 |
| Biometrics Fee | CAD $85 |
| Typical Summer and Ski Resort Wage | CAD $15–22/hour |
Canada’s summer tourism season creates thousands of seasonal jobs each year, particularly in resort destinations such as Whistler, Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Sun Peaks, and Vancouver Island. Many employers hire international workers through the International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday program to help meet seasonal demand.
There are opportunities for a wide range of skills and experience levels. Popular summer resort jobs include:
Most summer positions begin between April and June and continue until September or October. Many employers also look for candidates who are interested in staying through the winter season, making it easier to transition into a ski resort role later in the year.
At Stepwest, we connect eligible Working Holiday participants with trusted Canadian employers that regularly hire international staff for both summer and winter seasons.
Yes, staff accommodation is guaranteed with our trusted host employers once you secure a job. The best part is that if you want to stay for the winter, as you are already living and working for the employer, you will still have housing guaranteed for the winter too.
When you get hired for a summer in Canada, after you have secured a job and worked the entire season, you will be guaranteed housing and be totally set for the winter.
Best timeline for a summer + winter season
| Step | Recommended Timing |
|---|---|
| Enter the IEC Pool | December 2026 – March 2027 |
| Receive an Invitation to Apply | As early as possible during the IEC season to maximize your chances of receiving an invitation. |
| Submit Your Work Permit Application | Within 30 days of receiving your invitation. |
| Start a Summer Job | April – June 2027 |
| Begin the Ski Season | September – November 2027 |
We will guide you so you can book your FREE Admittance Consultation, so we can understand more about what you are looking for and how we can help you at Stepwest!
Most summer seasonal jobs begin between April and June, although exact start dates vary depending on the employer and location.
The busiest summer season generally runs until September, with some tourism destinations remaining busy into October. Employers often begin recruiting several months in advance, so applying early gives you access to the widest range of opportunities.
If your goal is to work through both the summer and winter seasons, it’s worth mentioning this during the recruitment process. Employers often value candidates who are planning to stay longer, as it reduces staff turnover and allows them to retain experienced team members for the winter season.
All jobs will be from $15 an hour or more guaranteed. All employers we work with pay competitive salaries, and offer fantastic perk and benefit packages. In addition, tips/gratuities can be made in many roles.
The minimum wage in Canada varies according to province. The minimum wage in Alberta is $15 CAD/hour and in British Columbia, it is $18.25 CAD.
Many participants want to know what the exact benefits or perks will be, but each employer will offer different packages to their staff members.
Remember that employers want to attract the best employees and make sure they are happy working with them, so they can retain talent. For that reason, all packages will be competitive.
Beginning your Canadian Working Holiday during the summer is one of the best ways to prepare for the winter ski season.
By arriving earlier, you’ll have time to settle into your new community, gain Canadian work experience, and build a relationship with your employer before the busiest time of year. You are only required to be in a position for 1 season; this means you could be promoted or transferred into a new role in the winter if you perform well.
If you’re planning to stay in Canada for the maximum length of your Working Holiday permit, it’s important to purchase health insurance that covers your full intended stay.
For more information, check our blog about insurance for IEC working holiday permits in Canada.
YES! At Stepwest we have a very strict acceptance policy to join our program. This means we only accept candidates who we are 100% confident we can help to secure a job.
We spend more time than other companies in our acceptance process and the only reason is that we want to make sure we can help you before asking you to pay for our Working Holiday Program registration.
We will only accept you as part of our Working Holiday program if we are confident that with your background and, with our support, we can set you up for success during your hiring process for Canada.
Many Canadian resorts operate year-round and actively look for employees who are interested in staying beyond the summer season. Depending on the employer and business needs, your initial offer may be:
Participants who perform well during the summer are often considered for continued employment or internal transfers as winter hiring begins. Letting employers know you’re planning to stay for both seasons can make your application even more attractive.
After submitting your application, you’ll be invited to a free Admittance Consultation with one of our Hospitality Placement Managers. During this conversation, we’ll review your:
Rather than a sales call, this meeting is an opportunity for us to determine whether our program is the right fit for you and whether we believe we can support you successfully through the hiring process.
If accepted, we’ll work with you every step of the way, from preparing for employer interviews to getting ready for your arrival in Canada.
Stepwest is a Recognized Organization (RO) under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, designated by the Government of Canada. We work with trusted employers in resort destinations across British Columbia and Alberta, including Whistler, Banff, Jasper, Canmore, and Tofino.
When you join the program, you’ll receive support with:
For many participants, having expert guidance throughout the process provides greater confidence and helps them start their Working Holiday experience prepared for success.
Here are some of the ways Stepwest can support your Working Holiday journey.
The deadline will be March 2027, as employers are well into interviewing and offering positions already, so don’t leave it to the last minute! If you have not secured your Working Holiday Visa for Canada yet, we can help!
Not always. Many entry-level positions, such as Housekeeping, Guest Services, Food & Beverage Support, and Recreation Attendants, welcome candidates with little or no previous hospitality experience. However, roles such as Bartender, Server, Cook, or Supervisor typically require relevant experience.
Some of the most popular destinations for Working Holiday participants include Whistler, Banff, Jasper, Canmore, Lake Louise, Tofino, and Vancouver Island. These locations offer seasonal jobs, outdoor activities, and vibrant international communities.
In many cases, yes. Many Canadian resorts operate year-round and value employees who want to stay beyond the summer season. Depending on business needs and your performance, your employer may offer you the opportunity to continue working through the winter or move into a different role.
Most employers begin recruiting for summer positions between January and April, with start dates typically falling between April and June. Applying early gives you access to more job opportunities and allows enough time to complete your IEC work permit application before travelling to Canada.
Yes. If you’re eligible for an International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday permit, you can usually stay in Canada for 12 to 24 months, depending on your country of citizenship. This allows many participants to work through both the summer tourism season and the winter ski season using the same open work permit.
Learn everything you need to know to work in Canada during Summer 2027 and how you extend your stay to enjoy the Winter Season 2027/2028 - Enjoy all the advantages of coming early for a Summer Working Holiday.
Discover why choosing Stepwest for your Canadian Working Holiday beats going solo. Simplify your IEC visa process, secure jobs, and find support. Start your adventure today!
Discover how to maximize your Canadian adventure after a Canada Summer Camp experience. Learn about planning a Working Holiday in Canada with Stepwest, from securing your IEC visa to finding resort jobs in Wester Canada, we're here to help!