Work and Travel in Squamish-Lillooet

WORK IN SQUAMISH-LILLOOET ALL YEAR ROUND

This region includes Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton and Lillooet, which is situated in the British Columbian mountain range and runs along the famous Sea to Sky highway - one of the most scenic drives in the world!

If you love the outdoors then this is the region for you! During winter this region is home to some of the most famous ski slopes in Canada, as well as being home of the 2010 Winter Olympics. During summer the area provides some of the best backcountry hiking, mountain biking and wildlife watching around.

Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton and Lillooet are very touristic towns. Cost of living can be considerably higher than other places in Canada, so work exchange opportunities could reduce your spending dramatically - particularly while you look for full time work. Accommodation can also be scarce. The good news is that these towns are touristic year round, which means it won't be hard to find a job - hospitality, retail and guest service jobs are often the most common jobs available in the region.

SEASONAL WORK IN SQUAMISH-LILLOOET

SPRING

What kinds of work are available in the spring time in Squamish-Lillooet. Remember to keep work that is all year round in the section above and not mention it again here.

SUMMER

The work that is needed by hosts in the summer in Squamish-Lillooet

AUTUMN

What kinds of work are there in Squamish-Lillooet in autumn? Maybe it's harvest time, but do people need the help of foreigners for either cheap labour or expertise? This is the kind of thing we need to know here.

WINTER

There are plenty of ski resorts in and around Whistler that will be looking for seasonal workers during the winter months. The biggest and most popular company is Blackcombe - they have job fairs employing people for the winter season as early as June. There are also other hotel chains, such as the Fairmont which will require extra staff during the winter season.

Seasonal jobs usually pay minimum wage, and the cost of living can be hire - so don't expect to save a lot of money; you'll most likely be working to live. However, if you wish to spend a season skiing the slopes - for cheap, then this might be a good option for you. Most ski resort jobs will chuck in a free ski lift pass and sometimes even free ski hire/ rental during your stay.

ATTITUDE TO FOREIGNERS WORKING IN SQUAMISH-LILLOOET

This area is very multicultural! Whistler is known locally as "Little Aus" due to the large number of Australians that visit Whistler and work a ski season there. Most people are welcoming of workers - as the majority of people there, were once in your shoes.