Have you applied for your Working Holiday Visa? If yes, you’re probably planning your working holiday itinerary. This includes working out a budget, booking your flights, and most importantly, choosing a Working Holiday Destination. Of course, you’re not limited to one destination in Canada. Some prefer to backpack through Canada, and others prefer to spend half their time in one city and the other half someplace else.
1. Whistler, British Columbia
Whistler is a small town in British Columbia that quite literally turns into a winter wonderland from October – April. What makes this quaint town extra special is that it’s home to Whistler Blackcomb, one of the largest ski resorts in North America. It goes without saying that the town is a major tourist attraction.
People come from all over the world to enjoy activities such as skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, hiking, and exploring the ice caves. It’s a perfect place for Working Holiday Visitors to find part-time jobs in tourism or hospitality and enjoy the many fantastic activities. Whistler’s philosophy really is ‘work hard, play hard’!
2. Montreal, Quebec
Enchanting, with a European flair, Montreal is the most popular francophone city after Paris. The city is famous for its gothic architecture, museums, and cobblestone streets lined with hundreds of cafes that tease passersby with the aroma of espresso and buttery croissants.
The great thing about choosing Montreal as your Working Holiday Destination is that the city is buzzing with life, jobs, and tourists but remains surprisingly affordable! A part-time working holiday job will pretty much cover all of your expenses. If you can speak the language of love, you’ll double your chances of securing a great job and easily fit in with the locals.
3. Halifax, Nova Scotia
If breaking away from the hustle and bustle of big city life, waking to the fresh ocean air and eating a delicious fish and chips meal for lunch is more in line with your ideal type of Working Holiday, then you’ll enjoy life in Halifax – a small coastal town with friendly locals and a laid-back atmosphere. Popular sights to visit include the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, and Halifax waterfront.
Choosing Halifax as your working holiday visa destination means you’ll enjoy a low cost of living during your stay and be able to splurge on fun activities like boat trips, hiking, kayaking, and drinking local craft beer at Canadians’ favorite spots such as Stillwell, Spring Garden, and Lululemon.
4. Toronto, Ontario
If you ask someone to name a city in Canada, chances are they’ll most likely say Toronto. The unmissable CN tower in the middle of the city famously symbolizes the Great North. If you want to get a taste of life as a Torontonian on your working holiday, you’ll need a good amount of savings or find a well-paying job because the big city is not cheap. However, with a good budget plan, you’ll be able to leave Canada with amazing memories!
Toronto is famous for its festivals, multicultural people, and its great bar and nightclub scene. The city also offers 50 kilometers of waterfront with beaches, parks, marinas, and waterfront trails, making it easy to enjoy both city and outdoor life.
5. Dawson, Yukon
The Yukon territory is not for everyone. It’s wild, and mountainous with only a few locals that live in the area. However, it’s the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime adventure for nature lovers who would like to experience the closest thing to a world untouched. Don’t expect any creature comforts, choosing the Yukon as your working holiday destination means you’ll be living a very basic life surrounded by the Great Outdoors with only a few essential stores.