WHISTLER VS BANFF // Comparing the top working holiday destinations in Canada to help YOU decide!

[@caitlinlaurent]

Join me as I chat with my friend about the best working holiday locations! Which place do you think sounds the best for a working holiday? 😍

[@wherejodiewent]

I’m planning on going out to Canada in September and this is super super helpful! 🙌

[@caitlinlaurent]

Aw yay!! So glad, if you have any questions let me know xx

[@wherejodiewent]

​@@caitlinlaurent thanksss! do you think it would be difficult to find work in September, if hiring starts in October? I don't want to get there and end up waiting weeks and spending all my savings! also I'll be solo and in my late 20s so a bit worried I'll struggle to make friends, idk have it in my head everyone will be loads younger 😅

[@caitlinlaurent]

@@wherejodiewent so exciting! I don’t think you should have much of an issue! We arrive in September (although we had jobs prearranged) and businesses were still hiring for the winter season! There’s no hard and fast dates on it and you’ll find most places are hiring consistently. If you’re concerned about money etc I would recommend organizing a job before you arrive though! In terms of friends I wouldn’t worry at all! I would say the main demographic in places like this is 18-35 and you are always going to find people you connect with regardless of age because you’re all coming for similar reasons! Work is the easiest way to make friends quickly as well :)

[@nickwolff3561]

Hi Caitlin, I'm an Aussie planning on doing a season in Banff (also considering Whistler) working for either the mountain or a hotel. Besides the nightlife/bars, how would you rate the social aspect of working in one of the Baff resorts/hotels? Are there opportunities to meet and mingle with other holiday workers? Any employee events/parties etc? I've heard good things about Whistler, and I'll be coming by myself so I'll want to make some friends!!! Cheers

[@caitlinlaurent]

Totally! There are plenty of opportunities and on top of structured events, you're going to get out of it when you put in when it comes to making friends. For a little more context, we had a few employee events that help you mingle, especially at the start of the season. The rest of the time it's pretty much up to you to meet people and initiate things but most people are super keen to hang out, adventure etc. In Banff too there are plenty of drop-in programs, sports and even just nights out are a great place to meet people. I can't speak much for Whistler but a very large majority of people in these towns are there for working holidays and want to meet others too. Wherever you end up, I'm sure you'll have a blast!

[@LaraDautel]

Hi your video was so helpfull thanks a lot. I am planing to do a winter season but I‘m not sure about which resort is the right one. Do you think it‘s possible to do half a season in one resort and the other half in an other resort?😅 What do you think about Revelstoke?

[@caitlinlaurent]

Hello, I'm so glad it was helpful! it is hard to choose but im sure you will be happy wherever you end up! You can potentially do your season half and half, some jobs do have retention bonus's though so it may be worth staying. In saying that you need to do whats right for your working holiday! I do love Revelstoke as well, its on the smaller side and a bit more remote than Banff and Whistler but it looks like a great place to do a season!

[@yasmink6763]

Hi Caitlin, I’m a kiwi planning to move to Canada in April/May and stay for a year or two - just wondering if there’s a particular resort/town you’d recommend for someone in their late twenties who is hoping to do lots of outdoor activities (skiing, hiking, camping, kayaking etc) but isn’t really into partying or drinking. I’m going alone so also really keen to go somewhere where I’ll be able to make friends ☺️ Was thinking maybe Banff or Fernie but open to anywhere

[@caitlinlaurent]

How exciting! Well, I am a big Banff advocate myself, having spent the last few years here, but I do think you have plenty of great options. Banff, Jasper and Revelstoke are three that come straight to mind. I think they are super diverse in having both great skiing but also plenty of national parks for hiking, camping, lakes etc! I think Whistler probably has slightly more party vibes but you could totally enjoy it without that once you find your tribe. Otherwise, I haven't spent much time in many other resort towns but I do think some definitely just focus on the skiing and have fewer all round activities, let me know if that helps at all!

[@terryzanger7152]

Canmore?

[@Lee-f9p6o]

I am going to Whistler for a working holiday because I like skiing and nature very much, but I am worried that it will be boring compared to a big city

[@caitlinlaurent]

How exciting! I honestly don’t think you’ll be bored at all, there so much to do in these places and your experience is what you make it :)

[@JalomMatia]

boring compared to a big city? I've never been to a city that wasn't boring after 2 days.

[@mitchellavard]

would you recommend going through a company? Looking to do a working holiday ASAP at whistler blackcomb and im not sure if i should do the summer season first and stay on for the winter season or go for the winter season as my first season. Enquired with The Working Holiday Club and they said that 2024 summer season is already booked out but I was wondering if it would be worth applying for it through the actual resort anyway. Thanks for the help!

[@caitlinlaurent]

Hello! I did use The Working Holiday Club personally, I did find it very helpful but it's not essential if you cant get in! I believe they only have certain amounts of slots they can fill (i may be incorrect in this) but that doesn't necessarily mean the resorts are full. I would definitely try and apply directly, you have nothing to lose! In saying that, it is often easier if you are already in the location and have housing sorted too. Otherwise, there are other agencies as well that could potentially help if TWHC couldn't. I haven't used any others so I cant attest personally but if you want to come over, I would just go for it! Things will work out regardless of what order of seasons you do it in. Let me know if that helps at all!

[@mitchellavard]

@@caitlinlaurent thanks for getting back to me! Yeah I think I’m committing to doing winter 24/25 as I was thinking I want to do like 1 and a half years and 2 snow season, got a little scared off by twhc when I heard they can offer you any job and if you don’t take it they’re not required to find you another, going to probably try to it all myself, applying for my visa next month!

[@caitlinlaurent]

@@mitchellavard good luck!

[@PingPingO9]

@@mitchellavard Did you do it, you used twhc? Im starting to apply now

[@davidmeloni7754]

More dog!

[@caitlinlaurent]

Lenny loves to be the centre of attention!