Gap Year Programs in Canada

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.

Choose a Location

Canada offers diverse cities and regions, each with unique opportunities for gap year programs. Here are three popular destinations:

Vancouver

Nestled between mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is perfect for adventurers and nature lovers. The city offers opportunities in sustainability, arts, and hospitality, as well as outdoor activities like hiking and skiing.

Ottawa

As Canada’s capital, Ottawa offers rich historical and cultural experiences. It’s a hub for political science, international relations, and public administration internships, providing a unique mix of professional development and cultural exploration.

Ontario

Home to some of Canada’s most iconic landmarks, Ontario offers a mix of urban and rural experiences. With opportunities to intern, volunteer, or explore, Ontario provides settings like Niagara Falls, the bustling city of Ottawa, and scenic lake regions, catering to every interest.

Choose a Focus

Your gap year in Canada can take many forms, depending on your interests. Here are three common focus areas:

Volunteering

Canada offers plenty of volunteer opportunities, from environmental conservation to working with community organizations. This focus allows you to make a difference while connecting with locals and other volunteers.

Internships

For those looking to build professional skills, internships in industries like technology, healthcare, and marketing are widely available. Gain work experience while exploring Canada’s innovative industries.

Language Immersion

With both English and French as official languages, Canada is perfect for language learners. Choose programs in Quebec for French immersion or other provinces for English practice, enhancing your bilingual communication skills.

Getting Started

Ready to plan your gap year in Canada? Follow these steps to ensure a smooth journey:

1. Get Matched

Use the GoAbroad Online Advisor to find gap year programs in Canada that align with your interests and goals.

2. Choose a Program

Sign up on MyGoAbroad to compare programs, save your favorites, and find the best fit for your needs.

3. Choose How Long to Stay

Decide on a duration that matches your goals and schedule:

Short term: 1-3 months, perfect for a focused, immersive experience.
Semester: 3-6 months, allowing for deeper cultural and professional engagement.
Academic year: 9-12 months, ideal for comprehensive learning and cultural immersion.
Long term: 1 year or more, providing the chance for meaningful impact and personal growth.

4. Funding & Scholarships

Complete the Scholarships & Deals application to explore funding opportunities for your gap year program in Canada.

5. Apply

Apply directly through GoAbroad or the program provider’s website. Prepare any required documents, such as a resume, visa application, or reference letters.

6. Get Your Essentials

Ensure you’re ready with your Visa & Passport, Insurance, Flights & Transportation, and accommodations from GoAbroad Accommodations Abroad.

A gap year in Canada provides the perfect mix of adventure, learning, and cultural immersion. Whether you're exploring vibrant cities or Canada’s stunning wilderness, this experience will leave you with lasting memories and valuable skills to carry forward.

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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.

Latest Program Reviews

My Unforgettable experience in the Canadian Mountains

May 21, 2025by: Aron Horemans - BelgiumProgram: Pre-arranged Jobs in Canadian Summer and Winter Resorts

10

During my gap year, I had the incredible opportunity to work abroad in the Canadian mountains. Surrounded by amazing landscapes I gained hands-on experience in a dynamic environment. Whether assisting guests at a ski resort or living in the mountains, I developed valuable skills in teamwork, adaptability, and communication. The process for applying for an internship was made really easy as I was offered all the help I needed. This experience helped me grow personally but also professionally and I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking about doing an internship abroad.

My project in Namibia

August 12, 2024by: Emily Ormond - United KingdomProgram: Gap Year Travel with Oyster Worldwide

9

I have recently come back from my gap year and while I was there I spent a month working on the relationships between humans and elephants. So why would I recommend Oyster? I am so glad I picked to do this project with Oyster because they made me feel very well taken care of and looked after me before and during the project. They talk you though everything you need to know before the project takes place and what clothes and necessities you may need to pack. So what does the project consist of? I would do this project a million times if I could, and if you don’t believe me lots of people who were doing the project had already done it before and had come back because of how much they enjoyed it. So the project is on a two week program and you have the option to stay from two weeks to 3 months. The first week is amazing because you build walls for the local community. Some days some of the locals will come and help, or a few kids will come and keep you company, that is amazing because you feel so immersed, it’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience. The second week is spent tracking elephants. This was my favourite out of the two because you learn all about the elephants foot prints. We also managed to see a two day old elephant which we were lucky enough to name !!! So why pick this project? I think this project and Oyster have a lot of selling points. For starters Oyster takes very good care of you and help you organise yourself before the project starts so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Secondly you are in the middle of the desert, I don’t think you could get anymore rural than that. You don’t really have much service so it’s lovely to disconnect for two weeks. You get to spend some time with lovely people who you may not meet on a day to day basis, people from different countries, locals, and different ages. You camp under the stars which is also amazing. Overall I would always recommend this amazing project, such a special experience!!

My Unforgettable experience in the Canadian Mountains

May 21, 2025by: Aron Horemans - BelgiumProgram: Pre-arranged Jobs in Canadian Summer and Winter Resorts

10

During my gap year, I had the incredible opportunity to work abroad in the Canadian mountains. Surrounded by amazing landscapes I gained hands-on experience in a dynamic environment. Whether assisting guests at a ski resort or living in the mountains, I developed valuable skills in teamwork, adaptability, and communication. The process for applying for an internship was made really easy as I was offered all the help I needed. This experience helped me grow personally but also professionally and I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking about doing an internship abroad.

My project in Namibia

August 12, 2024by: Emily Ormond - United KingdomProgram: Gap Year Travel with Oyster Worldwide

9

I have recently come back from my gap year and while I was there I spent a month working on the relationships between humans and elephants. So why would I recommend Oyster? I am so glad I picked to do this project with Oyster because they made me feel very well taken care of and looked after me before and during the project. They talk you though everything you need to know before the project takes place and what clothes and necessities you may need to pack. So what does the project consist of? I would do this project a million times if I could, and if you don’t believe me lots of people who were doing the project had already done it before and had come back because of how much they enjoyed it. So the project is on a two week program and you have the option to stay from two weeks to 3 months. The first week is amazing because you build walls for the local community. Some days some of the locals will come and help, or a few kids will come and keep you company, that is amazing because you feel so immersed, it’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience. The second week is spent tracking elephants. This was my favourite out of the two because you learn all about the elephants foot prints. We also managed to see a two day old elephant which we were lucky enough to name !!! So why pick this project? I think this project and Oyster have a lot of selling points. For starters Oyster takes very good care of you and help you organise yourself before the project starts so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. Secondly you are in the middle of the desert, I don’t think you could get anymore rural than that. You don’t really have much service so it’s lovely to disconnect for two weeks. You get to spend some time with lovely people who you may not meet on a day to day basis, people from different countries, locals, and different ages. You camp under the stars which is also amazing. Overall I would always recommend this amazing project, such a special experience!!