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Canada - Work & Travel
Wed, 12/29/2004 - 15:37
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Hi

I am thinking of spending a year in Canada working and travelling. I know that this is a very general question but does anyone know anything about the type of temporary / seasonal work available in Canada and what the average pay is? If anyone knows of any discussion board like this one for Canada or any good websites that would be great. I’ve tried some general searches but there are so many websites, its hard to find the useful ones.

Thanks

Thu, 12/30/2004 - 22:04
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carli07
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Hi, I’ll try to help you out as best as I can. First of all, the average salary is going to change depending on what Province you’re in. In Alberta (where I live) we have one of the lowest minimum wages, $5.90CAD. But Ontario and B.C. are over $8 I think. And if you’re looking for seasonal work it’ll probably be close to the minimum wage.

The kinds of seasonal job you’ll be able to get will vary, but I would say that you’re best bet is to try for a bar or restaurant job. If you have experience it’ll probably make it easier. A lot of places that I know of only hire seasonal at Christmas and in the summer (May-August) but bars and restaurants could be the exception.

I would try these websites to find jobs, and when you go in, talk to the managers and explain your situation and if your friendly and personable I’m sure someone would be interested in hiring you, if only for a short time.

http://toronto.gumtr…
http://vancouver.gum…
http://jb-ge.hrdc-dr…
http://monster.ca

Good luck!

Thu, 12/30/2004 - 23:52
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Jack
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Try this site out it might help you with some ideas:

http://travelcanada….

Let me know when you might be coming, I own a restaurant in Ontario on the Trans Canada Highway. Never know, I might need some cheap labour. lol

Sat, 01/01/2005 - 13:41
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Thanks!!!

Sat, 01/01/2005 - 17:47
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carli07
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Oh, another thing, hospitality jobs in Canada (bars,restaurants, hotels), if you’re making minimum wage, you’ll most likely also be making tips, and generally people in Canada tip really well (between 14%-20%) so you’ll be making a killing on tips alone.

Thu, 01/06/2005 - 00:15
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segacs
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You’ll need legal permission to work in Canada. I know there are work holiday visas available but I’m not sure who is eligible or what the regulations are. I’d suggest checking that out well in advance.

A lot of tourists flock to the ski resorts like Whistler in the wintertime to get hired for seasonal work. Tons of Australians flood the job fairs each fall to get hired at the resorts.

But if you’re legally allowed to work in Canada, your best bet may be the cities (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal if you’re fluent in French, etc.). Minimum hourly wage varies by province like a couple of people already said. Here in Quebec, it’s lower if you’re earning tips, and you’re taxed on your tips.

Check out the Canadian board at Thorntree (Lonely Planet’s website) for more from lots of people who’ve vacationed here.