Volunteer Programs in British Columbia, Canada

Whether you choose an urban experience or a wilderness adventure, there’s no shortage of volunteer opportunities in British Columbia. Get ready to be nurtured by nature while you nurture the greater good. 

Popular causes in British Columbia. Working at a summer day camp for kids might be the perfect way to spend three weeks volunteering in British Columbia this summer. If kids aren’t your thing, maybe learning about sled dogs at a husky ranch is more up your alley! If you’re craving wilderness, consider being a conservation volunteer and spend a few weeks in a remote setting (pack that compass!).

Summer/short term programs. Summer is the most popular time to volunteer in British Columbia as winters can be pretty harsh away from the coast. Volunteering for 2-12 weeks surrounded by the majestic beauty of British Columbia is sure to have you working hard and feeling reenergized.

Long term volunteer stints. Interested in staying longer? There are multiple long term volunteer projects in British Columbia offered by the Canadian government or through WWOOFing. However long you stay, if you bring a sense of curiosity and humility to your work, you’re sure to make a positive change while having the adventure of a lifetime.

It will be impossible to miss the culture of outdoor life during volunteer programs in British Columbia. Full of provincial and national parks, mountains everywhere you look, and miles of coastline teaming with sea life, there’s an adventure around every corner. After work, be sure to lace up those hiking boots, jump in a kayak, and grab your camera so you don’t miss a minute of fun! 

Don’t be fooled—all that natural beauty isn’t exclusive to remote areas. The cities of Vancouver and Victoria are thriving urban centers nestled between mountains and the sea. After a day of volunteering abroad in British Columbia, head downtown to explore endless art galleries, catch a show at the theatre, and listen to many of Canada’s up-and-coming musicians perform. Without missing a beat, you can also enjoy all of the natural beauty British Columbia has to offer without getting it on you! The hardest part will be deciding where to live (and play!).

There is a variety of accommodations from homestays to dorms (or even tents if you’re deep in the backcountry) when you volunteer abroad in British Columbia. Program costs vary based on organization, amenities, and inclusions; be sure to read the fine print!

Whether diving in to learn a new skill, develop a global perspective, or have fun while doing good, volunteers in British Columbia are sure to have experiences they won’t soon forget. Take advantage of all the practical and cultural experiences your program has to offer and combine those with an openness to try new things and learn from community experts. As long as you keep that recipe in mind, you’re practically guaranteed to build relationships and create positive change (for yourself and others) that will last a lifetime. 

British Columbia, as its name suggests, has a colonial history that will be evident in the architecture of its cities. Long before the British arrived, however, people of the First Nations settled here. You’ll see this especially in the totem poles, unique to the indigenous populations of the Pacific Northwest, that dot the landscape. Make a special trip to the Haida Gwaii to learn the living history of the totem poles and nearby villages. Wherever you go in British Columbia it is important to honor the ancient and living traditions of the 203 indigenous communities speaking 30 languages across the province.