26 need-to-knows before you move to Canada:

Adventure 

You’re going to have the adventure of a lifetime! While I’m writing about cautionary topics, this doesn’t mean you need to worry. Working a season abroad is amazing. You get to meet so many new people, new cultures, and languages, all while earning. 

Bears

The most popular connotation of Canada. In my five months in the rural Canadian Rockies I didn’t see a single bear. They keep to themselves for the most part but still do your research before you go.

Cars

Lots of people will jump to buy cars. They want freedom and adventure. That’s all well and good until your car breaks down in a remote area with no signal. Five pairs of my friends have bought cars in Canada, and every car has broken down. Whether being scrapped for parts or barely running again, be careful when buying a car. Canada doesn’t require MOTs, so do your research, have an emergency bag in the boot and always have jump leads with you. 

Dating

Working a season abroad throws together hundreds of young people from all over the world. So naturally, people are going to date. However, don’t feel pressure to meet people. While it’s lovely if you find someone, there are pros and cons to any relationship, especially if people live on the other side of the world…

Eating

Going out for dinner will become increasingly more expensive. Not only are meals generally more expensive in Canada than in the UK, you also tip between 15-20% on each meal. Servers will be better, and likely deserve the tips, but it’s always an extra charge that you don’t expect.

Freelance

Do what I’m doing now and get some freelancing roles with the company that helped you get to Canada. Create blog posts and videos about your experience to help advise others and earn a little extra cash on the side.

Gear

‘All the gear with no idea’… and all that jazz. It’s better to be prepared when you arrive. Buy excessive amounts of layers and warm coats, they will be cheaper in the UK than Canada. Having said that, Canadian made wear will be better quality. It all depends on how long you plan to stay in Canada and how serious of a skier you are!

Hiking

Now, I have completed the winter season, so hiking in four foot snow wasn’t really an option for me. However, if you are going during a shoulder or summer season, get out and experience the Canadian wilderness. 

Ice skating

The idea of skating on a frozen lake is exciting. However, listen to any signs warning you that the ice may not be completely frozen and don’t be stupid throwing rocks, creating cracks in the ice. Wait until late into the winter and wait for paths to be created to know that it’s ready. Lake Louise, for example, will use snowmobiles to create routes for walking or ice skating across the lake!

Jetlag

Utilise that long travel day and beat your jetlag the second you arrive in Canada. I recommend staying four to five days in a hostel before you travel to your resort. It gives you time to sort your jetlag, bank accounts, social insurance numbers and phone numbers. 

Kindness

Be that approachable person! Invite people to join your group, play card games and make an effort to speak to people from other countries where possible. A few of my friends were really nervous to speak in English so only spoke to other Germans for the first few weeks, worried about how good their English was. Their English was better than mine, and I’m from Bristol! 

Loop Earplugs

Buy those earplugs! You’re quite likely to share a room while you’re away. You’ll want to save money on rent, live in close quarters and rarely be alone. If you’re partnered with a snorer (roughly 40% of adults) or next to a party house/flat, these will become a life saver. 

Money

Try and save as much money as you can beforehand. Moving abroad is expensive and can set you back a fair amount. It’s always good to have a savings fund behind you if you can. You may use it for one month of rent or a trip to Vancouver Island, but it’s always helpful to have. 

Naps

Between your busy work schedule, you’ll want to grab some naps. Make sure that you take time for yourself, bundle away in your room and relax. Seasons can be intense. 

Opportunities

If you want to do something or learn something, ask! I ended up working across four cafes/restaurants within my resort because I made it known that I was a quick learner and wanted to meet new people. You can ask to help with events, social media or even DJ at the bars.  

Personalities

You won’t get along with everyone’s personality, and that’s absolutely fine! There will be so many different types of humour, partying levels and maturity. Take your time and speak to new people whenever possible, this will help you find ‘your people.’

Quizzes

Find your local pub or bar that hosts weekly pub quizzes and give it a go! It gives you an excuse to get out each week, meet new people and potentially earn a nice cash prize. 

Rural

Lots of areas and routes in Canada are very remote and you often won’t have signal for extended periods of time. Prepare playlists, carry emergency bags with food and water in because cars, routes, ice and weather can be unpredictable. 

Snowboarding

While most people learn to ski during their work abroad season, snowboarding is becoming ever more popular. Take a day, hire a board and boots and take to the beginners slope. Go with friends and board your way down the mountain. Even if you hate it, you tried!

Taxes

You will get taxed on each paycheck but the good news is that you can collect some of that back at the end of the Canadian tax year. Speak to your employer for more information but you could get hundreds or thousands of dollars back. 

Unemployment

Please use your common sense. While many employers in Canada are relaxed, that doesn’t mean you can take advantage of your position. I knew multiple people who were fired for stealing, drinking on the job or being irresponsible. 

Visa

Get the longest visa that you can. Visa lengths are conditional to different countries, one year in the majority of Europe and two years in the UK. Your visa length is decided based on the length of your insurance and have a good think before you leave. You may lose a little bit of money if you decide not to stay your full time, but it’s great to have the option. 

Wages

Wages may be lower than how you’d be paid at home, then also minus the tax. If you want to make the best money, try and get a role that receives tips. 

X rays

Make sure you register any prior health conditions or work accidents with your insurance. During my five month season I knew five people who took trips to the emergency room, one raking up a bill of over $100,000. This is not intended to scare you. ‘Sarah’ ended up getting a very complicated knee surgery from the surgeon of the Calgary Flames and received amazing treatment, but this was all sorted because she had insurance and claimed her injury under WorkSafeBC. If you are injured during work time, speak to your health and safety team at work and ensure they help you. It is their job to. 

Yap

This one sounds a little crazy but yapping (nonsense or otherwise) often puts other people at ease because you instantly talk to them like a friend. Not everyone will appreciate this, but it helped me break the ice with a lot of people. 

Zero

I have zero regrets about moving to work in Canada. While I missed family and friends, it also made me value home that much more. It was an amazing experience where I made life-long friendships and experienced living in a whole new country. I would recommend it to everyone!