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Are you looking for a unique international experience? Do you want to explore Canada and experience all the wonders that this country has to offer? If so, a Canadian Working Holiday Visa may be the perfect option!
The Canadian Working Holiday Visa, also known as the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, allows eligible applicants to come to Canada for up to two years for work and travel. With a Working Holiday Visa, you can explore Canada’s diverse cultures, landscapes, and cities and experience the great outdoors.
However, where do you start with all of Canada to explore? To help you plan your Working Holiday in Canada, we’ve compiled some must-see attractions and highlighted some of the best destinations for working holiday makers in Canada.
Work While You Earn in Canada
A Working Holiday Visa is a perfect way to explore Canada and experience all the country offers. A Working Holiday Visa allows you to work and travel in Canada for up to 24 months. This article explores the best destinations for an unforgettable working holiday experience in Canada, from budget-friendly cities to coastal towns. We’ve also provided a few tips to help you find accommodation and apply for a Working Holiday Visa.
If you’re considering a working holiday in Canada, why not talk to one of our RCICs today and start your journey? Our experienced RCICs can help you with the application process and answer any questions.
What is a Working Holiday in Canada?
The Canadian working holiday, also known as the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, allows eligible applicants to come to Canada for extended stays of up to two years. The IEC program is an incredibly popular option for travellers exploring Canada, allowing them to live, work, and travel for up to two years.
The IEC program is open to citizens of certain countries and territories. To be eligible, you must be a citizen of one of the eligible countries or territories and meet the other eligibility requirements. The IEC program also has different categories for work and travel experiences, such as working holidays, young professionals, and international co-op internships.
Must-See Attractions in Canada
When starting your working holiday in Canada, you first want to check out the most famous destinations. Sure, some of them may be touristy, but they’re touristy for a reason. These are some of Canada’s most unique and beautiful sites and are a perfect starting point for your working holiday.
Niagara Falls
One of the most iconic natural wonders in the world, Niagara Falls is a must-visit destination for anyone coming to Canada. Located in Canada’s most populous province, Ontario, the thunderous roar of the falls and the picturesque views of the cascading water make this a must-see attraction.
CN Tower
The iconic CN Tower is the tallest free-standing structure in North America. Located in Toronto, the CN Tower offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding landscape. At the top of the tower, visitors can explore the glass floor, the observation deck, and the Sky Pod.
Banff National Park
One of Canada’s most popular national parks, Banff National Park is famous for its stunning mountain scenery and fantastic outdoor activity opportunities. Banff National Park is a great place to explore Canada’s outdoor beauty, from skiing and snowboarding to hiking and camping.
Find out what adventures await you at Banff National Park.
Old Quebec City
Nestled in the centre of Quebec city, the old city of Quebec is one of the oldest European settlements in North America. The cobblestone streets, the grand architecture, and the charming atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Canada.
Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Canada’s most popular tourist attractions. The canal is used for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and canoeing, and it also offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Top Adventure Destinations in Canada
Canada is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world and an excellent destination for adventure seekers. From the stunning mountains of the Canadian Rockies to the wild forests of the east coast, there are plenty of opportunities for adventure in Canada. Here are some of the top adventure destinations in Canada:
Whistler
Whistler is an excellent destination for adventure seekers in Canada. Located in the stunning Coast Mountains, Whistler is an excellent place for skiing, snowboarding, and other outdoor activities.
Jasper National Park
Alberta’s Jasper National Park is one of Canada’s most famous national parks. Jasper National Park is great for adventure seekers with its stunning mountain scenery, outstanding outdoor activity opportunities, and excellent wildlife viewing.
Yukon
Yukon is one of Canada’s most beautiful regions and an excellent destination for adventure seekers. With its stunning mountains, vast wilderness areas, and great outdoor activity opportunities, the Yukon is an excellent place for adventure seekers in Canada.
Gros Morne National Park
Gros Morne National Park is a stunning national park in Newfoundland and Labrador. With its stunning coastal scenery, outstanding outdoor activity opportunities, and excellent wildlife viewing, Gros Morne National Park is a great place for adventure seekers in Canada.
Pacific Rim National Park
In British Columbia (BC), Pacific Rim National Park is an excellent destination for hikers and campers. Its stunning coastal scenery, great hiking trails, and unique camping opportunities make Pacific Rim National Park perfect for hikers and campers in Canada.
Algonquin Provincial Park
Ontario’s Algonquin Provincial Park is among Canada’s most popular. Algonquin Provincial Park is an adventurer’s paradise with its stunning forests, great hiking trails, and excellent camping opportunities.
Mount Revelstoke National Park
Mount Revelstoke National Park is an excellent destination for hikers and campers in the stunning Canadian Rockies. Mount Revelstoke National Park is an excellent place for hikers and campers in Canada with its spectacular mountain scenery, fantastic hiking trails, and excellent camping opportunities.
Fundy National Park
Fundy National Park is a stunning national park in New Brunswick. With its stunning coastal scenery, great hiking trails, and excellent camping opportunities, Fundy National Park is great for those who like hiking and camping but also like the abundance of opportunities Canada’s coastline provides.
Yoho National Park
Located in British Columbia, Yoho National Park is an excellent destination for nature lovers in Canada. Yoho National Park is great for nature lovers in Canada with its stunning mountain scenery, hiking trails, and excellent wildlife viewing.
Top Skiing and Snowboarding Working Holiday Destinations
Canada is one of the best destinations in the world for skiing and snowboarding, and there are plenty of opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts in Canada. From the stunning terrain of the Canadian Rockies to the wild forests of the east coast, there are plenty of opportunities for skiing and snowboarding in Canada. Some of Canada’s most popular skiing and snowboarding destinations are as follows.
Mont Tremblant, Quebec
Mont Tremblant in Quebec is Canada’s most popular ski resort. With its stunning terrain, excellent ski resorts, and great après-ski opportunities, Mont Tremblant is a great place for winter sports enthusiasts in Canada.
Lake Louise, Alberta
Also located near the stunning Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise is a great destination for skiing and snowboarding in Canada. Lake Louise is a great place for winter sports enthusiasts in Canada with its stunning terrain, excellent ski resorts, and great après-ski opportunities.
Sun Peaks, BC
Sun Peaks is Canada’s most popular ski resort. With its stunning terrain, excellent ski resorts, and great après-ski opportunities, Sun Peaks is a great place for winter sports enthusiasts in Canada.
Big White, BC
Big White is an excellent destination for skiing and snowboarding in Canada. With its stunning terrain, excellent ski resorts, and great après-ski opportunities, Big White is a great place for winter sports enthusiasts in Canada.
Best Working Holiday Cities in Canada
Canada is incredibly diverse and vibrant; plenty of cities are perfect for working holiday makers. From the bustling cities of the west coast to the charming cities of the east coast, there are plenty of great cities for working holiday makers in Canada. Here are some of Canada's best cities for working holiday makers:
Vancouver
The coastal city of Vancouver is one of Canada's most popular destinations. This city is a great place to explore and experience the best of Canada. It offers much, from its vibrant city life to its stunning natural beauty, job opportunities, and outdoor activities.
Toronto
Canada’s largest city, Toronto, is an exciting destination for working holiday makers. With a great cultural scene, excellent dining and entertainment, and plenty of job opportunities, Toronto is a great destination for working holiday makers in Canada.
Calgary
The city of Calgary is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and is an excellent destination for working holiday makers. From its vibrant nightlife to its plentiful outdoor activities, Calgary is a great place to explore and experience Canada.
Montreal
Montreal is an incredibly diverse and vibrant city and a popular destination for working holiday makers. With its excellent dining and nightlife, vibrant cultural scene, and great job opportunities, Montreal is a great place to explore and experience Canada.
Ottawa
Ottawa is Canada’s capital and a great destination for working holiday makers. With its vibrant culture and excellent job opportunities, Ottawa is a great place to explore and experience Canada.
Halifax
Halifax is a beautiful coastal city and a popular destination for working holiday makers. With its stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and excellent job opportunities, Halifax is a great place to explore and experience Canada.
If these cities sound like the ideal destination for you, then you’ll want to start on your journey to getting on a Canadian Working Holiday. But first, you have to ensure you’re eligible for a Working Holiday in Canada. One of the best ways to ensure your eligibility is to get evaluated by an immigration expert like a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). Ensure you qualify for your Working Holiday Visa to start your journey to Canada correctly.
Best Budget-Friendly Working Holiday Destinations
For those wanting to get the most bang for their Loonie, Canada is incredibly diverse and vibrant, and there are plenty of budget-friendly destinations for working holiday makers. From the bustling cities of the west coast to the charming towns of the east coast, there are plenty of fantastic budget-friendly destinations for working holiday makers in Canada. Here are some of Canada’s best places in Canada that won’t break the bank.
Winnipeg
Winnipeg is one of Canada’s most budget-friendly cities and an excellent destination. With its great plains, abundant job opportunities, and unique city structure, Winnipeg is inexpensive and truly shows Canada in a light you can’t find anywhere else.
Moncton
In a country known for its friendly people, Moncton is the friendliest. As one of New Brunswick’s largest cities, Moncton is a perfect place to get to the heart of the Canadian people.
Lacombe
Famously one of Canada’s most satisfied cities, Lacombe boasts a small-town atmosphere with the connections of a larger town so you can find good work, get paid well, and experience the relaxing atmosphere of Canada’s small towns.
Stratford
With cheap accommodation costs and a meager cost of living, Stratford is a perfect place to relax and rebuild while planning your adventure's next step.
Brandon
Brandon, one of Canada’s famed university towns, has a highly inexpensive and vibrant lifestyle due to the hordes of students that descend annually.
Best Provinces to Unwind and Relax During Your Working Holiday in Canada
If you want to unwind and relax during your working holiday in Canada, why not head to the Maritimes?
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is a great choice, with its stunning coastline, sandy beaches, and picturesque towns. In addition, Nova Scotia has plenty of affordable accommodation options, so you won’t have to break the bank.
New Brunswick
New Brunswick is another great destination for a relaxing working holiday. The province has many outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to swimming and kayaking. In addition, New Brunswick has a vibrant arts and music scene, so you won’t be short on things to do.
Prince Edward Island (PEI)
If you’re looking for a bit of culture, why not head to Prince Edward Island? PEI is a great place to explore, with plenty of museums and galleries.
The Island of Newfoundland
Lastly, the Newfoundland island of Newfoundland and Labrador is a great place to unwind and relax during your working holiday in Canada. With its stunning coastline and picturesque towns, Newfoundland is the perfect destination for a laid-back working holiday experience. In addition, Newfoundland has plenty of affordable accommodation options, so you won’t have to break the bank.
Canada’s Best Coastal Towns
If you want to explore Canada’s stunning coastline, why not head to one of the country’s best coastal towns?
Tofino
Tofino, British Columbia, is a great place to start, with its stunning beaches, rugged coastline, and laid-back vibe. Plus, Tofino has many affordable accommodation options, so you won’t have to break the bank.
Lunenburg
If you’re looking for a bit of culture, why not head to Lunenburg, Nova Scotia? Lunenburg offers all of the idyllic beauty Nova Scotia has, with far greater access to the great adventures of the Canadian wilderness.
Ucelet
If you want an outdoor adventure, why not head to Ucluelet, British Columbia? With its stunning beaches, hiking trails, and kayaking spots, Ucluelet is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Ucluelet has many affordable accommodation options, so you won’t have to break the bank.
Tips for Working Holiday Travelers in Canada
If you’re planning a working holiday in Canada, remember a few tips:
Plan Your Trip
This will help you stay organized and get the most out of your experience.
Ensure Your Working Holiday Visa is Valid
This will make finding accommodation and work opportunities easier.
Ensure Your Passport and Documents are Valid and Up-to-date
This is hugely important, as any outstanding documentation may cause you to be turned away.
How to Apply for a Working Holiday Visa in Canada
Applying for a Working Holiday Visa in Canada is relatively straightforward.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility Requirements
First, you must meet the eligibility requirements. This includes being between 18 and 30 (or 35, depending on your country of origin) and having a valid passport.
Step 2: Apply Online
Once you have met the eligibility requirements, complete the online application form. This includes providing personal information, such as your name, address, and date of birth. You must also provide details about your previous travels, if applicable.
Step 3: Pay Your Fees
Once you have completed the online application form, you must pay the relevant visa fee. This fee varies depending on your country of origin.
Step 4: Receive Your Email
Once your application has been processed, you will receive further instructions. This will include a link to the visa portal to print your visa and start your working holiday in Canada.
To learn more about the application process and eligibility requirements, look at our Working Holiday Visa guide.
FAQs
Are you considering a working holiday in Canada? Here are some of the most commonly-asked questions about the experience.
How Long Can I Stay in Canada on a Working Holiday Visa?
You can stay in Canada for up to 24 months on a Working Holiday Visa. However, the length of your stay may vary depending on your country of origin.
Are There Any Restrictions on the Type of Work I Can Do?
Yes, there are restrictions on the work you can do while on a Working Holiday Visa in Canada. For example, you are only allowed to do casual and part-time work, and you are not permitted to work in certain industries.
Are There Any Age Restrictions?
Yes, there are age restrictions for certain countries. For example, people from the United Kingdom must be between 18 and 30 years old, while people from New Zealand must be between 18 and 35 years old.
Where Can I Stay on My Working Holiday in Canada?
Finding accommodation in Canada can be tricky, especially if you’re on a Working Holiday Visa. Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect place to stay.
- Hostels or Short-term Accommodation
- These are often cheaper than hotels and perfect for short-term stays.
- Guesthouse or Bed & Breakfast.
- These are often cheaper than hotels and can provide a homely atmosphere.
- Private Residence.
- This can be an excellent option for a more long-term stay.
- Use online platforms such as Airbnb or Couchsurfing
- These can be great options for those on a budget.
What Rules Must I Follow on My Working Holiday?
It’s important to remember that Working Holiday Visas are temporary visas, and you must abide by the regulations of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This includes working no more than 20 hours per week, not taking jobs away from Canadian citizens, and not working in specific industries.
It’s also important to remember that you must leave Canada at the end of your visa period. If you’re working illegally, you may be subject to fines and deportation.
