Gap Year Programs in Canada

16 Gap Year Programs in Canada

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EA Ski and Snowboard Training
9.43
7
Do you have a passion for travel, adventure, and skiing? Do you want to earn internationally recognized qualifications and travel the world with the coolest job on the planet? Become a ski instructor in Canada with EA Ski and Snowboard Training this winter and fast-track your career in the ski industry! On a ski instructor internship you'll train, qualify and work as a ski instructor - all in one season. EA Ski and Snowboard Training guarantee a paid job offer once their interns have passed their exams and are qualified ski instructors. Apply today to see if you qualify! Choose from 7 world-class ski resorts in Canada to train and work at this winter. You'll train with the best, gain internationally recognized instructor qualifications, and get the best work experience for your CV. You'll gain instructor qualifications recognized by the International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA) - the world body for professional ski instructors. This means you will be able to work at other world-class ski resorts across the globe. Inquire to get in touch with our team and find out more about this great opportunity!
See All 3 ProgramsINTERNeX Pacific
9.11
19
Work, live, and play in Canada's tourism playgrounds. We work with hundreds of hotels, summer and winter resorts, restaurants, activity providers, retail outlets, and other hospitality and tourism businesses throughout the country. Get a job and accommodation before you depart and help with your visas, insurance, and travel plans. Turn up sorted and work for a season or longer. We have jobs in guest services, food and beverage, kitchen, back of the house, and resort operations. We even have jobs for participants who specialize in construction and aesthetics. Start dates are available all year round, although you need to allow 10–14 weeks for visa processing depending on the time of the year and country of origin. If you’re interested in joining us or would like to stay updated with securing a resort job in Canada, please feel free to get in touch or visit our website for more info. Visas are now open to all IEC partner countries including the UK, Australia, NZ, Europe, Japan, and others. Learn more about this on our website. Let your dream work in Canada become a reality today! Contact us now!
Volunteer World
8.69
16
Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.
RealStep
0
0
Take a gap year in Canada and benefit from a tailor-made course with a guaranteed job placement! Study in Vancouver or Whistler for the first 6 months and prepare for success in your chosen field. Our partner school in Canada is accredited by the Canadian Government and consistently ranks among the top international schools. Gain hands-on experience alongside industry professionals for about 20 hours per week, allowing you to work part-time during the 6-month course. Following these first 6 months of studying and training, the school arranges interviews with local businesses in your chosen field! You are guaranteed a paid job placement for 6 months, working full time (approximately 35 hours per week). Eligibility to participate in our programs: - be between 18 and 35 years old, and be eligible for a student visa in Canada - have a minimum level of B1 English Learn new skills, boost your CV, and experience a new culture! Alongside your studies and work, the program includes various free events, workshops, yoga classes, and excursions such as whale-watching and a trip to Niagara Falls.
Global Work & Travel
9.33
6
Canada has some of the best scenery in the world, hands down. With the dramatic change of seasons, it is truly a country with something for everyone. Global Work & Travel is here to ensure your working holiday in Canada is smooth, seamless, and, most importantly, unforgettable! We provide step-by-step guidance so you’ll arrive knowing that all those stressful essentials will be sorted out before leaving your home country. Our local team will provide a paid job opportunity, private airport transfer, and three nights of hotel accommodation upon arrival for the ultimate jet lag recovery. Plus, you’ll have a Canadian bank and tax account and a new mobile number. Enjoy a range of awesome, local Canadian experiences, such as a Vancouver sightseeing tour, a lookout pass, and so much more! By getting started, you’re not just signing up for a Working Holiday. You’re signing up for the best two years of your life!
Oyster Worldwide
9
4
Interested in taking a gap year? Do it with an organization well regarded for its responsible travel and gap year travel opportunities - Oyster Worldwide. Whether you are taking a break before pursuing higher education or taking time off from university, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Our programs and projects across 6 continents are open all year. Sign up for a program within a field that matches your skills and interests - animal welfare, child care, veterinary, medicine, conservation, etc. Go on a trekking holiday or volunteer on a project you are passionate about. No matter what you do, where you go and how long you stay, we guarantee amazing experiences you will treasure for a lifetime. UK-based Oyster Worldwide has been sending young people to take part in gap year experiences for more than 17 years. We offer over 60 volunteer and paid programs in over 20 countries around the world. We have been working with many host countries for years and have great relationships with them. Our aim is to provide happy, safe and fulfilling experiences, as well as to help participants to return home with a long-term affection for the country they have visited.
See All 5 ProgramsMHO Adventures
9
1
Step into the wild and learn to lead on Canada’s remote rivers with MHO Adventures, a renowned canoe tripping company based in Huntsville, Ontario. The River Roots program is a 42-day immersive wilderness experience designed for those seeking challenge, purpose, and connection during their gap year or personal journey. Over six adventure-filled weeks, you’ll learn to paddle whitewater, live in the backcountry, and build leadership skills that last a lifetime. Earn up to 5+ certifications, including Wilderness First Responder and Whitewater Rescue Technician, while developing teamwork, risk management, and facilitation skills that extend far beyond the trail. The program culminates in a 21-day whitewater canoe expedition, fully planned and led by participants under the mentorship of experienced instructors. It’s the ultimate opportunity to test your skills, grow your confidence, and experience the freedom of true wilderness travel. Whether you’re taking time between studies or exploring your next step, River Roots offers an unforgettable journey of adventure, skill-building, and self-discovery in the heart of Canada’s wilderness.
Ski le Gap
2
1
Designed specifically for gap year students, we aim to provide young people with the ultimate gap year experience. Established in 1994, Ski le Gap pioneered the all-inclusive ski and snowboard instructor training program—this 10-week course is our most popular. Spending the winter season with Ski le Gap allows you to gain practical, internationally recognized instructor qualifications while having a lot of fun! Training is provided by the best. All our instructors hold the highest certifications and are carefully selected from Canada’s top talent to work exclusively for Ski le Gap. They are passionate about their sport and dedicated teachers. Ski le Gap features the most extensive, fun-packed social program off the slopes. Not a weekend goes by without an incredible experience—trips to Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City, along with a host of awesome activities from igloo building to yoga—this program has it all. You truly get to explore Canada and learn a new language with French lessons too. The best part is that all of this and more is included in the price!
Future Framers Education Society
0
0
Looking for flexibility in your gap year? Future Framers is a hybrid, part-time, 9-month program for those 17-25 to understand your world and make your mark on it. It is designed to give you a combination of adventure travel and the skills, knowledge, and connections to move powerfully toward your goals, all while leaving open time for work, volunteering, additional travel, or courses. The program consists of two in-person, full-cohort adventures in fall (Charter Camp) and spring (Capstone Camp), and twice weekly online sessions in between. Participants develop friendships and community within the cohort through weekly group sessions, group projects, and our internal social network. The curriculum is varied and fun. Program themes are 1) Personal and Professional Development, 2) the Changing World (such as climate change and AI), and 3) Action and Self-expression. There are daily opportunities for practice and self-expression, particularly in digital media. Applicants from around the world are welcome. We have rolling admissions with applications accepted until all spaces in the program are filled.
NOLS The National Outdoor Leadership School
0
0
Combine it all by joining a NOLs gap semester or gap year program – adventure, wilderness education, academic study, and plenty of invaluable experiences! Connect with yourself and the outdoors and gain a head start in your university studies or career with a life-changing gap year (or semester). Gain personal growth, different perspectives, and newfound confidence—all providing useful throughout your lifetime. We have worldwide campuses in India, New Zealand, Alaska, Mexico, the Rockies, Patagonia, East Africa, and so much more. Travel where you want, immersing yourself in new environments and diverse cultures. Join us for around 2.5 to 4.5 months, depending on whether it's a gap semester or a gap year program. Looking to make the most of your time out from school after high school graduation, mid-university, or after getting your degree? Visit our website or inquire today for complete details about our gap semester or gap year programs at NOLS.
A Guide to Gap Year in Canada
Prepare for Gap Year
Set Goals
Before heading to Canada for your gap year, consider what you want to achieve. Setting goals helps you stay focused and maximize your experience.
- Personal development: How can this gap year help you grow personally?
- Professional skills: What job experience or skills do you want to gain?
- Adventure and culture: What activities or cultural aspects do you want to explore?
Clear goals will keep your gap year organized and impactful.
Understand the Benefits
A gap year in Canada offers diverse benefits, from professional growth to unforgettable experiences:
- Work experience: Opportunities to intern or work in fields like hospitality, tech, or education.
- Adventure: Explore iconic landmarks like Banff National Park, Niagara Falls, and Vancouver Island.
- Cultural exchange: Canada’s multicultural environment fosters unique cross-cultural learning.
- Language immersion: Practice English and French, Canada’s official languages.
Things to Know
Keep these important considerations in mind before starting your gap year in Canada:
- Visa requirements: Depending on your program, you may need a work or student visa.
- Weather: Canada’s climate varies greatly, so pack for the season and region.
- Cost of living: Major cities like Toronto and Vancouver can be pricey; budget accordingly.
- Transportation: Canada is vast, so familiarize yourself with local transit and regional travel options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
For a gap year in Canada, top destinations include Vancouver for its vibrant culture and outdoor activities, Montreal for its bilingual charm and arts scene, and Toronto for its diversity and career opportunities. Exploring nature in national parks like Banff and Whistler is also a must for adventure lovers. Platforms like GoAbroad offer useful programs and resources.
During a gap year in Canada, you can explore diverse experiences like working holiday programs, volunteering, or internships in various fields. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike in national parks, ski in Whistler, or try canoeing in Ontario. You can also take cultural trips to cities like Montreal and Vancouver, or enroll in short courses. GoAbroad offers resources for finding such programs.
Yes, Canada welcomes gap year students, offering a range of opportunities such as working holidays, internships, volunteering, and study programs. Many international students use a gap year to explore the country, work part-time, or gain experience in various industries. GoAbroad provides helpful listings to guide your gap year journey.
A gap year in Canada can be incredibly rewarding. It offers opportunities for personal growth, career exploration, and cultural immersion. Whether you're working, volunteering, or exploring Canada's natural beauty, you'll gain valuable life experience. Plus, Canada’s diverse environments and cities provide endless learning opportunities, making it a worthwhile experience.
Yes, most travelers will need a visa for a gap year in Canada. Depending on your nationality and the type of activities you plan to do, you may need a work permit, study permit, or a visitor visa. For working holidays, Canada offers the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. Check GoAbroad for more details on visa options and requirements.
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