How to Do a Working Holiday in Canada After Summer Camp

Jul. 24, 2026 Posted in Working Holiday

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If you’ve just finished a 3–4 month summer camp experience in Canada, you might be wondering: Can I stay and keep working in Canada? In many cases, the answer is yes.

An International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday work permit can allow eligible travellers to continue their adventure in Canada by living and working for up to 24 months, depending on their citizenship.

Instead of flying home at the end of summer, you could spend the winter working at a ski resort, explore a new city, or gain more international work experience in Canada’s hospitality and tourism industries. The Working Holiday Program can help you make the most of your time in Canada.

Continue Working in Canada After Summer Camp

Finishing your summer camp placement doesn’t have to mean the end of your time in Canada. If you’re eligible, a Canada Working Holiday Visa through International Experience Canada (IEC) can let you continue working and travelling across the country after your camp contract ends.

Many former camp counsellors choose to work at Canadian ski resorts, hotels, restaurants, and tourism businesses during the winter season, while others return the following summer for another seasonal role. A Working Holiday work permit is an open work permit, meaning you can work for most employers across Canada rather than being tied to a single job.

To participate in a summer camp program, you must typically be from a visa-exempt country. However, eligibility for a Working Holiday Visa depends on whether your country has a Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada through the IEC program. Age limits, permit lengths, and participation rules vary by country, so check your eligibility before applying.

If you’re eligible, Stepwest, as a Recognized Organization (RO), we can help you apply for your Working Holiday permit and connect you with resort jobs across Canada, making it easier to continue your adventure after summer camp.

Working Holiday Visa at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Age	18–30 or 35 (depending on nationality)
Permit	Open Work Permit
Stay	Up to 24 months
Proof of Funds	Minimum CAD $2,500
Health Insurance	Required for the full length of your stay.
Biometrics	CAD $85 (if required)

Scenario A: Apply for Your Working Holiday Visa Before Summer Camp

If you already know you’d like to stay in Canada after your summer camp placement, applying for your Canada Working Holiday Visa before you arrive can make the transition much easier.

Planning ahead gives you more time to complete the application process and prepare for Canada’s busy winter hiring season.

Step 1: Secure Your Summer Camp Placement

Start by confirming your summer camp placement and completing the required travel and program documents before arriving in Canada.

Once your placement is arranged, you can begin planning what comes next.

Step 2: Apply for a Canada Working Holiday Visa

If you’re eligible for International Experience Canada (IEC), you can apply for a Working Holiday permit before your summer camp begins.

The Working Holiday permit is an open work permit, allowing you to work for most employers across Canada after your camp contract ends.

As a Recognized Organization (RO), we can guide you through the IEC application process and help you prepare the required documents before you travel.

Step 3: Secure a Winter Resort Job

Canada’s ski resorts begin hiring months before the winter season, so applying early can give you access to more opportunities.

Stepwest partners with employers across British Columbia and Alberta, helping participants find seasonal jobs in hospitality, food and beverage, housekeeping, guest services, rentals, and other resort roles.

Step 4: Transition Straight to Your Winter Job

Once your summer camp finishes, you can move directly to your new employer and start the winter season.

Popular resort destinations include Whistler, Banff, Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, Revelstoke, and other mountain communities where international workers enjoy skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and year-round outdoor adventures.

Planning ahead means you can spend less time organizing paperwork and more time making the most of your Working Holiday experience in Canada.

Scenario B: Return Home After Summer Camp and Apply for a Canada Working Holiday Visa

Not everyone decides to stay in Canada immediately after summer camp. If you return home and later decide you want to continue your Canadian adventure, you may still be able to come back through the International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday program if you meet your country’s eligibility requirements.

For eligible travellers, a Working Holiday permit provides an open work permit that allows you to live and work in Canada for up to 24 months, depending on your nationality.

This gives you the flexibility to return for another summer season, work at a Canadian ski resort during winter, or gain additional hospitality and tourism experience.

Step 1: Complete Your Summer Camp Experience in Canada

Finish your summer camp placement, gain valuable international work experience, and make the most of your time in Canada.

Before returning home, start researching your Working Holiday eligibility and future job opportunities.

Step 2: Check Your IEC Eligibility and Apply

Once you are home, you can begin your Canada Working Holiday Visa application if you meet the requirements for your country. Eligibility criteria vary by nationality, including age limits, participation rules, and available IEC categories.

Step 3: Plan Your Return to Canada

After receiving your Working Holiday approval, you can start planning your next Canadian experience. Depending on your goals, you could return for:

Winter resort jobs in destinations such as Whistler, Banff, Lake Louise, Revelstoke, or Sunshine Village.
Summer seasonal jobs in hospitality, tourism, and outdoor industries.
Longer-term travel and work opportunities across Canada.

Applying early is recommended, as IEC participation pools, seasonal hiring timelines, and employer recruitment schedules can affect your options.

Returning home after summer camp does not have to be the end of your Canadian experience. With a Working Holiday Visa, you can plan your next chapter and continue building international work experience in Canada.

Ready to Plan Your Canadian Working Holiday?

Ready to turn your summer camp memories into a year-round Canadian adventure? Get in touch and let’s make your working holiday dreams a reality!

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Working holiday programs with Stepwest:

At Stepwest, we specialize in working holiday programs in Canada. We’re travellers, just like you, so we take great care in making it as easy as possible to get to Canada! We offer a range of different work experience programs to suit your needs so that nothing can get in the way of your adventurous spirit. Let’s take a look at what you can do with a Working Holiday in Canada:

Winter Resort Program

Our Winter Resort Working Holiday programs provide an excellent opportunity to secure employment before arriving in Canada. Through our connections with top Canadian ski resorts, we'll assist you in landing a job and securing guaranteed staff accommodation, all from your home country.

Start Dates

September - November

Duration

6 - 24 Months

Cost

CAD $1,390

Winter Resort

Summer Resort Program

Our summer resort program is perfect for enjoying an incredible Canadian summer. With diverse job opportunities, a summer working holiday lets you explore Canada's beauty while earning money. Best of all, you can extend your stay for the winter season!

Start Dates

May - June

Duration

6 - 24 Months

Cost

CAD $1,390

Summer Resort

Canada Send Of Package

Our Canada Send Off Package helps you secure your Working Holiday Visa (open work permit) and is an exciting gateway to an unforgettable adventure. Although no job placement is included, this is a fantastic option to kickstart your return to Canada on a budget.

Start Dates

Year Round

Duration

12 - 24 Months

Cost

CAD $490

Send Off Package

START Your Next Canadian Adventure

With our expertise and support, transitioning from summer camp participant to working holiday traveller has never been easier.

Explore the stunning landscapes, immerse yourself in Canadian culture, and build lifelong memories as you embark on this next chapter.

Don’t let your Canadian journey end with summer camp – let it be just the beginning of a year-round adventure.

Reach out to us today and let’s start planning your next chapter in Canada. Your working holiday experience awaits.

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Working Holiday Canada After Summer Camp Canada FAQ's

I am doing a Summer Camp in Canada, when should I apply for the Working Holiday Visa?

That depends on when you want to begin your work experience in Canada:

Winter Resort Program: If you plan to start working right after your Summer Camp during the Winter Season, it’s crucial to ensure you have your Working Holiday approval letter before departing for your camp experience. At Stepwest, we can assist you with this process.

Summer Resort Program: Alternatively, if you aim to return to Canada for the next upcoming Summer Season to work, you can initiate the process toward the end of your summer camp experience. This typically occurs later in the year before the IEC season begins

I am currently completing a Summer Camp in Canada, am I still on time for the Winter Resort Working holiday experience?

Too tight! The only reason is that the hiring processes start very early in the summer already for the Winter, plus you would need to apply for your working holiday visa for Canada and processing times can take up to 8 weeks, but what about we start planning the next Spring/ Summer Season in Canada?

Already have POE for my Working Holiday, but I will be entering Canada as a visitor for my Summer Camp experience. How do I activate the working holiday?

You will need to leave and re-enter Canada, this could be through a quick trip to the USA, our most recommended way! Some of our participants take the opportunity to fly to the USA, Mexico or Costa Rica to have an awesome vacation before they start their working holiday experience in Canada.

Is there an age limit for a Working Holiday in Canada?

Yes, there are age limits, but this will depend on your nationality, but overall the age limit goes from 18 to 30-35 years old!

Do I have to be a student to apply for a Working Holiday like required for a Summer Camp in Canada?

No! To apply for a working holiday in Canada you must meet the requirements outlined here.

Can I travel after my summer camp in Canada before I start my working holiday experience in Canada?

Absolutely! As long as you have a defined start date and know when you need to relocate to Staff Housing, you’re free to travel and explore Canada. Many of our participants take advantage of this opportunity, spending 2-4 weeks sightseeing before their start date, ensuring they’re fully prepared and eager to begin earning money!

Where can I work in Canada after my Summer Camp?

We offer Resort locations in AB or BC. Both Our Winter Resort Program & Summer Resort programs offer job placements in there are provinces at some of Canada’s most famous resorts. We work with the best employers in western Canada. Whether you are interested in Skking fresh powder or enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful scenery during Canada’s summer months, there’s an opportunity out there for you!

Will I be working with children like during my Summer Camp?

No, the jobs we offer through our employers most of the time are not children-oriented or as caregivers, most of the roles are focused on Customer Service, Guest Services, Food & Beverage, etc..

Plus remember that in Canada to work with children you must make sure to complete a Medical Exam when applying for the working holiday visa itself. We will remind you of this when you work with us! Even when we can not help you with a role working with children, maybe you want to leave the door open in case the opportunity arises during your working holiday experience.

Can I get a job placement with my friend/partner like with Summer Camp Canada?

Yes! Make sure to let us know with whom you are planning to work in Canada, your friend, or your partner, so our team can make sure they know you guys would love to travel together.

At Stepwest we do our best to find employers that are eager to hire 2-3 participants who travel together, however, we cannot guarantee friends or couples being placed at the same employer, as employers hire based on the needs and the roles available.

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