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6 Reasons the Bow Valley is the Perfect Place for a Working Holiday

If you’re looking to work and travel, the Bow Valley might be the place for you. Here are some reasons that this place is perfect for a working holiday.
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Louis Paulin | Unsplash

Whether you’re taking a gap year before post-secondary, travelling before diving into the workforce, or simply looking for a unique and memorable experience in a gorgeous place, look no further. The Bow Valley welcomes international workers from all over the world to live, work, and enjoy everything the iconic Rocky Mountains offer. If you’re unfamiliar, the Bow Valley includes but is not limited to Lake Louise, Banff, Canmore, Cochrane, and Calgary.

Folks come from around the globe to see the splendour of the Rocky Mountains, and there’s no question why people would be inspired to stick around for longer than a short vacation. If you’re considering a working holiday in the Bow Valley or you know someone who is, this list might give them the final push to take the leap.

Year-Round Activities

The Bow Valley is an ideal place to dwell if you’re someone who loves the great outdoors. The activities and adventures are truly endless. From skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and ice skating in the winter to hiking, biking, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, trail running, and so much more in the summer, you can really choose your own adventure. Whether you’ve already got your sport of choice or are just excited to try it all, you will love living among the Rockies while you do.

Lots of Opportunities

Places like Lake Louise, Banff, and Canmore have welcomed international employees for decades. Therefore, many local businesses rely on these types of employees to fill the many open positions each year. From ski resorts and golf courses to restaurants and bars, a wide array of industries hire many international staff members each year. Of course, this doesn’t mean only seasonal job opportunities are available. It just means there are often many that need to be filled.

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Serey Kim | Unsplash

Proximity to an International Airport

If you live directly in Calgary or just a short drive away in the Rocky Mountains, you have the benefit of access to an international airport. If you plan to travel a lot or are just hoping for a simple and direct way to get to your new Canadian destination from your home country, the Calgary International Airport will be a huge help. If you’re landing in Canada without a vehicle, the Bow Valley’s proximity to an international airport will make your journey much more manageable.

Second Biggest Country in the World

Canada is huge and filled with vastly different terrain, wildlife, and attractions from province to province. Suppose you choose to live in Canada on a working holiday. In that case, you gain the opportunity to travel around the country and discover everything it has to offer, from the gorgeous coasts to the mountains and prairies to some of the most vibrant and action-packed cities. Making Canada your temporary home opens up a new world of travel opportunities.

Employers Welcome International Employees

As we mentioned, employers here are used to employing staff members from around the world. Many of them are familiar with the logistics of hiring international employees, and some have even gone through the LMIA process to help them extend their work permits if that’s what they want when their visas are expiring.

Excellent Visa Options

Lastly, the International Experience Canada (IEC) program makes this country an amazing option for a working holiday. The International Experience Canada program offers opportunities for folks to work in Canada for up to two years if they meet the qualifications. There are a few different options under the IEC program, and it’s a great place to start looking if you’re in the market for a Canadian working holiday.

If you’re looking for support in applying for a visa, permanent residence, or extending your work permit, it’s always a good idea to connect with a professional to make sure you’re set up for success.

CPC-logoThis story was made possible by our Community Partners Program. Thank you Foothills Immigration Inc. for helping to expand local news coverage in the Bow Valley. Learn more.
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