14 things you need to know before moving to Canada on a working holiday

So, you want to move to Canada on a working holiday visa, eh? Excellent choice. Whether you're heading to Banff for a ski season, spending a summer in Vancouver or planning a working holiday across Canada, this guide covers everything you need to know to make settling into life in Canada much smoother.

From landing a job to sorting your bank account, getting a SIN number and knowing what to pack, here are 14 things to know before boarding your flight.

Before moving to Canada

Before you leave, make sure you have the right documents, enough money to get you through the first few weeks and a decent selection of sweaters and swimmies. You won't regret it.

What to pack for Canada

Contrary to popular belief, Canada does get a summer, and temperatures can soar. Summer months can easily reach the mid-30s (°C) so be prepared and pack summer clothes, sunscreen and bathers.

If you're heading to a ski resort, don't squeeze bulky winter gear into your luggage – most travellers either hire or buy ski and snowboard equipment once they're in Canada, and quality second-hand gear is easy to find in resort towns like Banff and Whistler. In fact, those that buy gear pre-Canada often end up replacing it as it's not suitable for Canadian snow.

Budget for bear spray

Whilst you can't take bear spray with you on a flight, you should pick some up when you get to Canada, especially if staying in the resorts. Most of the time the bears will avoid you, but on those rare occasions they are unhappy with you, carrying bear spray and KNOWING HOW TO USE IT are an essential part of enjoying the outdoors in Canada. Brush up on your bear awareness with a local course or online tutorial.

Learn about Canada’s First Nations

There are 634 recognised First Nations across Canada. Many are still healing and rebuilding their lives from a pretty traumatic past. The First Nations people are so friendly and will be happy to share their knowledge of the land and traditions with you. It’s important to educate yourself on the history of the Canadian First Nations and respect their land by acknowledging the traditional territories you visit.

First week in Canada

Once you've arrived in Canada, there are two important tasks to tick off before you start working: opening a Canadian bank account and applying for your Social Insurance Number (SIN). If doing Work Canada, JENZA will sort this for you.

Opening a Canadian bank account

A Canadian bank account makes everything so much easier – get paid hassle-free and avoid hefty international transaction fees on syrupy snacks. Most major Canadian banks offer accounts for newbies on working holidays and opening one is easy enough if you have your passport, work permit and proof of address, although requirements can vary between banks.

Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a unique nine-digit number that allows you to work legally in Canada. Without one, you won't be able to start employment or get paid, so it's top priority. After sampling your first poutine. JENZA can do it for you or you can apply at a Service Canada Centre with your passport and work permit.

Cost of living in Canada

One of the biggest questions we get is, 'How much money do I need to move to Canada?' The honest answer? It depends on where you're living, your lifestyle and how quickly you find work.

Cities like Vancouver and Toronto are generally more expensive, especially when it comes to rent. Mountain towns such as Banff and Whistler can also be pricey, but seasonal jobs often include accommodation, which means more $$ for apres-ski.

Taxes in Canada

In Canada, you do your own taxes. This means at the end of the financial year (January) you’ll need to file your own taxes. The good part is, when you've been working a seasonal job, this usually means you are due a refund! The tricky part is working out how to get that refund. JENZA's in-country partners SWAP in Toronto or Vancouver often hold a seminar on how to file your taxes, so keep an eye on your emails around the end of the tax year.

Is Canada expensive?

Many day-to-day costs will feel expensive in Canada. Tax is added on at the till so the price you pay will always be higher than what you expect. Food can be pricey too so get a taste for no-name brands and superstores like No Frills. It's a good idea to arrive with some savings in your back pocket to help you out with any unexpected costs.

Finding a job in Canada

If you're doing a working holiday with JENZA, you'll have access to expert advice before you leave, plus support with finding work once you arrive. Many travellers secure a job within their first few weeks. That said, it's always good to update your CV before travelling, start looking for jobs early and be open to different locations and types of roles.

Tipping in Canada

If you want to make your earnings go further, look for restaurant and bar jobs, especially those with evening shifts where the punters buy booze. Canadians usually tip for food or drink services between 15-20%. Other jobs that could help you save a bit more include baristas, hairdressers, tattoo artists, nail technicians – worth considering when looking for work.

Seasonal work in Canada

If you get itchy feet and like to move around and explore, then seasonal work is the perfect option. With 3-4 month contracts, it gives you the flexibility to travel in between the summer and winter season, as well as working in a new place every time. Most seasonal jobs come with free or subsidised accommodation, giving you the chance to save a little for the next adventure.

Mobile phones in Canada

Like with everything, phone contracts in Canada are expensive, however, having a Canadian phone number is extremely helpful when searching for work so your potential employer knows you’re serious.

Weather and seasons in Canada

Whether in the scouts of not, it's good to be prepared. Canada can be full of surprises. You could experience all seasons in one hike so pack for every adventure.

Midnight sun in Canada

Around mid-June, the sun skirts the horizon, meaning 24 hours of daylight. The far north territories such as the Yukon, northwest territories and Nunnavut are the places to head to if you want to experience it. In contrast, in December and January, the sun barely rises, yet the snow makes things appear brighter! Each season comes with its own perks, in the summer the endless sun means more time to have fun, while the long winter months bring the northern lights.

With summer also comes wildfires and flooding, so make sure to check your route and local travel updates when you’re off exploring.

Northern Lights in Canada

If seeing those iconic greeny-blue skies of the Northern Lights is on your travel experience list - your best bet is to head to the most northern territories between September and April. Any later in the year and it will be too light.

Travelling around Canada

One of the best things about a working holiday in Canada is the off-the-clock adventures. It's worth thinking about where you want to go on your time off, but remember...

Is Canada really that big?

Yes! What can look like an hour's drive will easily be a 3 day drive on a map of Canada. However, the time goes quickly when driving from A to B. With beautiful scenery, wildlife spotting and cars that love to drive long distances, put your favourite tunes on, stock up on snacks and you won't notice how long you’ve been on the road.

Driving in Canada

Buying a car might work a little differently to where you're from. First up, each province/territory has its own driving licence. You have 90 days to swap over your current licence to a Canadian one, and if you move to another province, you’ll need to change it again.

When buying a car, the car is also registered to the province, each province has its own rules regarding service checks, insurance and tax. Buying a car will definitely require some research depending on where you are planning on moving to in Canada. Although there are some public transport options linking the major cities and tourist routes around Canada, if you want to explore further afield or get off the beaten track a car is a must!

Book campsites in advance

Canadians love the great outdoors, and who can blame them? With beautiful parks and endless opportunities to explore both the front and backcountry, camping is a popular and cheap way to see Canada’s national parks. But be warned, when campsite reservations open, those sites can get snapped up in a matter of hours. You need to be on the ball when booking them, especially for places like Banff National Park and Vancouver Island.

Thinking about moving to Canada?

Our Work Canada program includes the option to pre-arrange a 4-6 month summer or winter season job, arrival accommodation and help sorting all the boring bits – such as tax and bank accounts. Bear spray not included.