Gap Year Programs in Canada

Canada is a massive country full of unique experiences and places for you to explore. The country stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean and deep into the Arctic. Canada's inspiring landscape is truly unparalleled, so think big and be prepared for the exploration of a lifetime during your gap year!

Why take a gap year in Canada, you ask? We say, why not? You can take a semester or year between the end of high school and the first year of college to take a much-deserved break from studying. It can be a time to travel to see Lake Louise and play hockey while also shaping your perspective on the world and how you want to impact it. Maybe you prefer to spend your gap year with purpose, volunteering to preserve parks, or passing on your awesome shredding skills as a ski instructor. The sky is the limit!

Ski or Snowboard Instructor

Training and working as a ski instructor is one of the most popular gap year activities to do in Canada. Not only can you share your skills with kids and adults, but you also learn how to teach, manage groups of people, and effectively communicate, which can all help you in a future career. And, you can carve the mountainside at any time you want and improve your own skills! A few programs that offer training and certification include Timberline Academy and EA Ski & Snowboard.

Volunteering

Conservation organizations offer opportunities throughout Canada, protecting and enhancing parks and other natural areas through various activities. Volunteers are crucial in helping these organizations reach their goals. These organizations work to offset our carbon footprint by researching and informing the public of environmental devastation.

Other volunteer programs aim at offering a safe place for children, working to channel their energies into positive, challenging activities that encourage personal growth, learning, community involvement, and healthy living. There are plenty of after-school and weekend organizations that provide invaluable support to parents, children, and their communities.

Adventure Travel

There is no lack of adventure travel around Canada. Visit the stunning Niagara Falls in Ontario. Travel the pedestrian bridge that links Canada with the United States without the inconvenience of border patrols! Canada is great for sightseeing. Visit popular spots such as Quebec, Vancouver, Toronto, and Ottawa. Explore Canada’s stunning crystal-clear lakes, thousand-year-old glaciers, and breathtaking mountain ranges. But remember to bring a coat! Canada is the Polar Bear Capital of the World, and sightings are year-round. You can also see stunning Beluga Whales and catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis in Churchill.

The cities have adequate public transit, but the countryside is widespread. The distance between one to another can be daunting. Renting a car is always a good option. And remember to look up times for train rides and long-distance bus rides.

Internships

Internships are a great way to spend your gap year in Canada. The experience allows you to create extensive social networks that go a long way toward building a career. In Canada, qualified participants can be placed in a variety of locations, including Vancouver and Toronto. Participants can live in homestays or hotels if they’re taking part in hospitality internships. Applicants must be at least 18, and certain nationality restrictions apply regarding visa procedures.

Internships are often flexible, lasting 6-12 months, and are available year-round for interested students. While you're interning during the week, you also have time to travel during the weekends! Students are encouraged to research available internships in Canada ahead of time.

Advance and spur your professional development! There is no better way to gain an edge in the job market than by gaining professional experience in an international setting.

Visas for your Gap Year in Canada

Depending on what you plan to do and how long you plan to stay for your gap year in Canada, it will change which visa you may need to apply for. If you plan to travel and do a few weeks of volunteering, you may be able to get a visitor visa that allows most people to stay in the country for up to six months. Your gap year program coordinator will most likely tell you which one you need or will help you figure out which visa you qualify for. Canada also has a Working Holiday Visa option, which provides young people between the ages of 18 - 30 from certain countries to get paid and travel for a year.

Gap Year Programs in Canada

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View the latest job postings on our job board. A great way to earn work experience during your gap year!

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What kind of visa do I need for a gap year in Canada?

    Like Australia and New Zealand, Canada offers a working holiday visa that permits young adults from specific countries to work and travel within Canada freely. Additionally, the International Experience Canada (IEC) work permit provides eligible gappers to work and travel in Canada through a recognized organization. Check your eligibility and apply for a visa at the Visit Canada website.

  • What are the benefits of a gap year in Canada?

    Canada is the second-largest country on earth and spans from the arctic down to the northern US-Canada border. Canada has more lakes than the rest of the countries on earth combined. With its size comes a multitude of gap year opportunities in the outdoor adventure and winter sports industries. Canada is also one of the most multicultural nations on earth, making it an excellent place for those interested in expanding their perspective on the world.

  • How much money do I need for a gap year in Canada?

    The cost of living in Canada is similar to the United States. You will need to budget enough money for your gap year program fees, housings, meals, and additional travel. You will probably need at least $1,500 - $2,000 per month to live in Canada, which you can subsidize with a job or by applying to grants and scholarships.

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  • What kind of gap year programs are available in Canada?

    There are a lot of different options for gap year programs but some of the most popular include volunteering in conservation, teaching as a ski instructor, traveling the country, and interning in the hospitality industry.

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