Wonders of Canada
If you’re seeking paid work on your gap year or career break, Canada stands out as one of the most thrilling destinations you could choose. Offering competitive wages, breathtaking scenery, and the convenience of the English language, Canada ranks among the top places worldwide for spending your gap year working! A job with Oyster in Canada seamlessly blends earning potential, skiing opportunities, and social experiences.
All our partner employers expect dedication and high standards from their employees. Punctuality, professionalism, and courteousness are essential traits. What’s more, our employers encourage you to make the most of your time off. Rest assured, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy your earnings in Canada! And when the season ends, you’ll find yourself in an incredible location—so why not extend your stay and explore more of Canada during your gap year?
Here’s what Jake, one of our Canada participants, had to say: “Just want to say thank you for all your help, you made my gap year arrangements to get to Canada very easy, the journey smooth and stress-free.”
Our Resorts
Choose between 2 awesome resorts offering gap year jobs in Canada for either the winter or summer season:
Whistler
Consistently ranked the #1 ski resort in North America and the host of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Whistler Blackcomb is truly world-class. What sets Whistler apart is its vast terrain, exceptional customer service, and convenient accessibility.
Situated 2 hours north of Vancouver in the Coast Mountain Range, Whistler boasts over 8000 acres of skiable terrain and receives an average annual snowfall of over 11 meters!
If you have a great sense of humor, childcare experience, and are a confident skier, why not get paid to ski during your gap year with one of our popular Whistler Blackcomb Ski School jobs? Alternatively, secure a job in customer-facing roles at one of the many upscale hotels in Whistler Village or in fast-paced kitchen environments.
The Rockie (Banff / Lake Louise)
Oyster has been sending individuals to work in the Rockies since 2006, establishing connections with numerous employers in the hotel industry.
The Rockies, particularly Banff, are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering superb snow in winter and warm sunshine in summer.
Most of our partner employers are based in Banff—the heart of this region of the Canadian Rockies.
Banff offers a vibrant town atmosphere amidst stunning natural beauty. With numerous ski resorts nearby and a bustling tourist scene, there’s always something exciting happening.
Tremblant
Since 2006, we’ve been facilitating work opportunities in French-speaking Tremblant, forging partnerships with excellent employers in the food and beverage/hospitality sector.
Tremblant offers a unique seasonal experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in a blend of French and English cultures. As part of our winter and summer Tremblant programs, we provide French lessons to help you acclimate. Tremblant is conveniently located for visits to Ottawa and Montreal, and you can even take a coach to New York for a few days!
During winter, Tremblant transforms into a skier’s paradise, with slopes catering to all skill levels. While the weather can be chilly, the clear blue skies and stunning views make it worthwhile!
In summer, enjoy warm and sunny weather, attracting tourists from around the globe eager to partake in mountain biking, trekking, tobogganing, lakeside activities, and the annual IronMan Competition.
With our programs, you’ll have the opportunity to spend anywhere from 4 weeks to an entire season in a destination most people only dream of visiting for a week.
For more information about the country, check out our guide to Canada.
IEC Work Permit
Every year, the Canadian Immigration and Citizenship (CIC) department releases a limited number of Working Holiday Permits. While applying for and securing a Work Permit is your responsibility, we recommend applying to Oyster early to secure your interview and job offer before receiving our guidance on obtaining your permit. Applicants must be aged between 18 and 30 at the time the CIC receives their application. Therefore, Oyster can only accept bookings from individuals who will be at least 18 years old in the January of the departure year to maximize their chances of obtaining a Work Permit before they run out.
The 2024 IEC Working Holiday application process is now open, and we encourage individuals to book their Oyster place as soon as possible to benefit from our guidance. With limited spots available each year, we recommend joining the ‘pool of candidates’ as early as possible.
The IEC Working Holiday Permit is open to citizens of 32 countries, including the UK, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, and Spain.
If you hold a US Passport, we may still be able to assist you—simply get in touch for details on our American partners.
To submit your profile, visit the International Experience Canada (IEC) webpage. For instructions on starting your application, sign up for our free Guide to the Work Permit.
Securing a work permit successfully will allow you to work in Canada for a year or more!
Ski or Snowboard Instructor Courses in Canada
If you miss out on a Canadian Work Permit or simply don’t have the time to commit to a full season working in Canada, consider our shorter ski or snowboard instructor courses in Whistler. These courses are purely instructor courses without a job requirement; therefore, a tourist visa is all you need. These courses run for durations ranging from 4 to 11 weeks.
If you’re eager to become a qualified ski instructor and work for a season, we offer a similar course in Austria.
