Spend an absolutely amazing vacation working in Canada and truly “experience” the people, the unique beauty and the adrenaline rush that you can only get from this country. Participants in this program meet locals, gain international work experience, earn money to travel and make the most of their working holiday in Canada with us. You can choose between the Basic Service and Full Service Work Options.
Canadian Working Holiday Program Work Placement Options:
- Basic Service – Participants find their job after their arrival in Canada with LOTS of help from GI. Participants have exclusive one year access to GO International’s “Hot Jobs List” (our in-house online Jobs Database) and will receive advice and assistance from a Program Adviser in writing a resume, learning to interview and sourcing and obtaining job opportunities.
- Full Service - Participants are offered a job before leaving their home country. They will know before arriving in Canada where they will work, when they will work, how much they will earn, and what they will do. We bring the employers to you!
Whether you are planning to be a ski bum, a city slicker, or an outdoor traveller....let us help you get a running start to your new adventure.
- You will be provided with emergency support (so you parents won’t have to lie awake at night worrying about you)
- You will be provided with assistance for a full year. Think of having a tour guide/program advisor at your disposal! (“When do I need to file my taxes? Where is the best place to eat sushi? How do I buy a car here?")
- You will get a JOB FAST- you are given one year member access to our HOT JOBS LIST and personal job assistance from friendly and experienced staff members
- Connect with people – you will meet like-minded travellers in your orientation group and you may end up meeting your future roommate/or new best friend!
Choose your own adventure
Pick a program option that suits your personality and travel plans!
- Basic Service – Participants find their job after their arrival in Canada with LOTS of help from GI. Participants have exclusive one year access to GO International’s “Hot Jobs List” (our in-house online Jobs Database) and will receive advice and assistance from a Program Adviser in writing a resume, learning to interview and sourcing and obtaining job opportunities.
- Full Service - Participants are offered a job before leaving their home country. They will know before arriving in Canada where they will work, when they will work, how much they will earn, and what they will do. We bring the employers to you! Jobs are mostly seasonal positions in tourism, resort and hospitality companies.
Basic Service Program
Program Includes:
- One night dorm style accommodation at a downtown youth hostel with continental breakfast and one hour free internet included
- Orientation session at GO International offices in Vancouver, covering resources available at GO International and everything you need to know about working and living in Canada
- Walking Tour of Downtown Vancouver
- Processing of your personal Social Insurance Number
- Advice and assistance from GO International’s Program Coordinator to help you find a job and to introduce you to employment opportunities
- Exclusive access to GO International’s job and accommodation listings
- Free Weekly Resume Writing and Interview Practice Workshops
- Internet (one hour per day free access), printing and fax access (at special rates) at any GO International office
- Mail holding service, so you have a contact address as soon as you arrive
- Free call number for general questions or emergencies during office hours
- Free luggage storage at youth hostel
- One year’s membership in the GO International Club, which gives members access to discounts on services, tours and attractions
- Social activities ranging from pub nights to ski trips in Vancouver
- Brochures and maps to familiarize participants with the local scene
- The GO International handbook called The Essential Guide to Working and Living in Canada
Full Service Program
Includes the same Program Services as Basic Service, but GI will arrange your work placement with one of our carefully selected host companies before you arrive to Canada. We do all the work for you to make sure you have a job in Canada when you arrive!
Program Includes:
- One night dorm style accommodation at a downtown youth hostel with continental breakfast and one hour free internet included
- Orientation session at GO International offices in Vancouver, covering resources available at GO International and everything you need to know about working and living in Canada
- Walking Tour of Downtown Vancouver
- Processing of your personal Social Insurance Number
- Advice and assistance from GO International’s Program Coordinator to help you find a job and to introduce you to employment opportunities
- Exclusive access to GO International’s job and accommodation listings
- Free Weekly Resume Writing and Interview Practice Workshops
- Internet (one hour per day free access), printing and fax access (at special rates) at any GO International office
- Mail holding service, so you have a contact address as soon as you arrive
- Free call number for general questions or emergencies during office hours
- Free luggage storage at youth hostel
- One year’s membership in the GO International Club, which gives members access to discounts on services, tours and attractions
- Social activities ranging from pub nights to ski trips in Vancouver
- Brochures and maps to familiarize participants with the local scene
- The GO International handbook called The Essential Guide to Working and Living in Canada
- ONE pre-arrival work placement!!!
Optional Services (Extra Cost)
- Homestay accommodation
- Upgrade to private room at the hostel (subject to availability)
- English lessons at Tamwood International College in Vancouver or Whistler
- Medical Insurance
Jobs Available
Ski Resort Operations
Locations: Whistler, BC Interior, Alberta
- Lift Attendant
- Ticket Seller
- Equipment Sales &Rentals Clerk
- Guest Services Attendant*
- Food & Beverage Server
- Kitchen Prep
- Ski Instructor*
- Sports Equipment Technician*
- Parking Attendant
Hotels & Inns
Locations: Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Vancouver Island, Ontario
- House Keeping
- Maintenance
- Kitchen
- Food & Beverage Servers
- Guest Services*
- Front of House*
Summer Camps
Locations: Vancouver, Whistler, B.C., Ontario
- Camp Counselor
- Sports Instructor*
- English Teacher*
- Arts Instructor*
- Dance Instructor*
- Life Guard*
Restaurants, Bars, Cafes & Retailers
Locations: Vancouver & Whistler
- Servers
- Chefs*
- Food Prep
- Dish Washer
- Host/Hostess
- Counter Attendants
- Baker*
- Retail Clerk
- Cashier
- Inventory & Stock
Leisure Activities & Tourist Attractions
Locations: BC, Alberta, Ontario
- Tour Guide
- Ticket Seller
- Guest Services*
- Maintenance
- Cleaner
- Parking Attendant
* These jobs require specific education, certification or prior relevant work experience.
Average Salary
Most jobs pay around CAD $8 to CAD $12 per hour, and many service jobs include tips/gratuity on top of salary.
Work locations
GO International works with lot of employers across Canada. Jobs are mostly seasonal positions. Job opportunities depend on the number of factors including your education, work experience, English level, attitude, motivation, and interview skills as well as your program start an end dates. Placements are available in Vancouver, BC Interior, Whistler, Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Calgary, Vancouver Island, rural areas and Ontario.
Best Months to Arrive on Basic Service
Participant on the Basic Service option can arrive at any time of the year. Applicants should apply to start their program on one of the scheduled GO International orientation dates, which are offered two or three times a month. Work is available in Vancouver any time or year. Jobs in the resort areas are available for summer and winter seasons only, so applicants wanting a seasonal resort job should arrive at least 2-3 months before the season starts to secure their resort job (arrive March to May for summer jobs and arrive October to November for winter jobs)
Current Paid Jobs Available
Click here to see a sample of the types of jobs located on our Hot Jobs List.
To apply for these positions you must register for either our basic or full service programs.