The Top 15 High-Demand Summer Jobs in Canada for 2025
15 Apr 2025

The Canadian summer season isn’t just for travel and festivals; it’s also prime time for landing summer jobs in Canada. The Canadian job market continues to change in 2025, with Canadian employers actively seeking workers in the technology, tourism, construction, and healthcare sectors. From the busy cities of Ontario to remote outdoor camps in British Columbia, high-demand summer jobs are available from coast to coast. Whether you’re a student looking for seasonal income, a newcomer eager to gain Canadian work experience, or a professional exploring a short-term role, there’s no shortage of opportunities.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 15 in-demand summer jobs in Canada for 2025 and how you can land one.
What Are the Top 15 In-demand Summer Jobs in Canada in 2025?
Canada’s summer job market in 2025 is filled with opportunities across various industries, from tourism and retail to tech and skilled trades. Here is a closer look at the top 15 in-demand summer jobs in Canada with National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes.
Food and Beverage Service Staff (NOC 65200)
The hospitality sector experiences a significant boom during the summer as tourists rush to Canada's scenic destinations. This translates directly into a high demand for various food and beverage service roles, including:
- Servers: Responsible for taking orders, serving food and drinks, and ensuring customer satisfaction in restaurants, cafes, and bars. Strong communication and customer service skills are crucial.
- Bartenders: Mixing and serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, requiring knowledge of drink recipes and responsible alcohol service.
- Kitchen Staff (Line Cooks, Prep Cooks, Dishwashers): Supporting the culinary operations, often requiring speed, efficiency, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Busser/Food Runner: Clearing tables, assisting servers, and delivering food orders.
- Demand Hotspots: Tourist hotspots like Banff, Whistler, Niagara Falls, the Maritimes, and major urban centers with vibrant outdoor dining scenes.
Learn how to work in Canada's food service industry.
Tourism and Hospitality Support Staff (NOC 65210)
Beyond food and beverage, the broader tourism sector creates numerous summer employment opportunities. Here are some examples of summer jobs in Canada in this category
- Hotel Front Desk Agents: Hotel Front Desk Agents handle check-ins, check-outs, and reservations and provide guest information. Excellent communication and organizational skills are essential.
- Housekeeping Staff: Maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of hotel rooms and common areas.
- Guest Services Attendants: Assisting guests with inquiries, providing recommendations, and ensuring a positive experience.
Retail Sales Associates (NOC 64100)
Summer in Canada often sees increased retail activity, particularly in tourist areas and shopping centers. Retailers require additional staff to handle the increased number of customers. Below are some examples of this summer job in Canada.
- Sales Associates: Sales associates assist customers, process transactions, and maintain store displays. Strong interpersonal and sales skills are valued.
- Cashiers: Cashiers operate point-of-sale systems and handling payments. Accuracy and efficiency are key.
Outdoor Adventure and Recreation Staff (NOC 64322)
Canada's stunning natural landscapes become a playground in the summer, driving demand for staff in the outdoor recreation sector. Here are some examples of this summer job in Canada.
- Camp Counselors: Camp Counselors supervise and lead summer camp activities for children and youth. Leadership, responsibility, and enthusiasm are essential.
- Hiking and Adventure Guides: Leading guided tours and ensuring the safety of participants in outdoor activities. Wilderness first aid certification and relevant experience are often required.
- Water Sports Instructors (Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding): Water Sports Instructors provide instruction and ensure the safety of participants in various water-based activities. Relevant certifications are usually necessary.
- Park Services Staff (Visitor Information, Maintenance): Park Services assist visitors in national and provincial parks and maintain park facilities.
Agricultural Workers (NOC 85100)
The summer months are the peak season for agriculture in Canada, leading to a high demand for seasonal workers. Take a look at some examples of this summer job in Canada.
- Farmhands: Farmhands assist with planting, harvesting, and general farm maintenance. Physical stamina and a willingness to work outdoors are essential.
- Fruit and Vegetable Pickers: Fruit and Vegetable Pickers harvest crops during peak season. Speed and efficiency are often valued.
Construction Laborers (NOC 75110)
With warmer weather, the construction industry ramps significantly, creating numerous entry-level opportunities. Below are some examples of this summer job in Canada.
- General Laborers: General laborers assist skilled tradespeople with various tasks on construction sites, such as site preparation, material handling, and cleanup. Physical fitness and a willingness to learn are essential.
- Traffic Control Personnel (Flaggers): Traffic Control Personnel direct traffic around construction zones, skills that require alertness and clear communication skills.
Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance (NOC 85121)
Businesses and homeowners alike focus on outdoor upkeep during the summer in Canada, increasing demand for landscaping services. Here are some examples of this summer job in Canada.
- Landscaping Crew Members: Landscaping Crew Members assist with lawn mowing, gardening, planting, and other landscaping tasks. Physical fitness and attention to detail are beneficial.
- Groundskeepers: Groundskeepers maintain the grounds of parks, golf courses, and other properties.
Event Staff (NOC 12103)
Summer in Canada is a busy season for festivals, concerts, and other outdoor events, creating temporary employment opportunities. Here are some examples of summer jobs in Canada in this category.
- Event Setup and Tear-Down Crew: Event Setup and Tear-Down Crew assist with the logistical aspects of events.
- Ticket Takers and Ushers: Ticket Takers and Ushers manage entry and guiding attendees.
- Concession Workers: Concession workers selling food and beverages at events.
- Security Staff: Security staff ensures the safety and orderliness of events (often requiring specific licensing).
Customer Service Representatives (NOC 64400)
Many businesses experience increased activity during the summer and require additional customer service support. Here are some examples of this summer job in Canada.
- Call Center Agents: Call Center Agents handle customer inquiries and provide support via phone. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential.
- In-Person Customer Service: In-Person Customer Service assist customers at various businesses.
Delivery Drivers (NOC 75201)
With increased online shopping and summer activities, the demand for delivery services often rises. Take a look below at some examples of this type of summer job in Canada.
- Food Delivery Drivers: Food Delivery Drivers deliver meals from restaurants to customers. A valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle are required.
- Package Delivery Drivers: Package Delivery Drivers deliver parcels for various courier companies.
Lifeguards and Swim Instructors (NOC 54100)
The opening of outdoor pools and beaches creates a significant demand for qualified aquatic safety personnel. Take a look below at some examples of this type of summer job in Canada:
- Lifeguards: Lifeguards monitor swimming areas and ensure the safety of swimmers. Lifeguard certification (e.g., Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross) is mandatory.
- Swim Instructors: Swim Instructors teach swimming lessons to various age groups. Relevant certifications are required.
Campground and RV Park Staff (NOC 65211)
With increased recreational vehicle travel and camping during the summer, campgrounds and RV parks require seasonal staff. Below are examples of this summer job in Canada.
- Registration and Office Staff: Registration and Office Staff handle reservations and guest inquiries.
- Maintenance and Groundskeeping Staff: Maintenance and Groundskeeping Staff maintain the facilities and grounds.
- Activity Coordinators: Activity Coordinators organize recreational activities for guests.
Research Assistants (NOC 41201)
Summer in Canada can be a productive time for research projects, leading to opportunities for students in various fields. Here are examples of this type of summer job in Canada
- Laboratory Assistants: Laboratory Assistants assist with experiments and data collection.
- Field Research Assistants: Field Research Assistants collect data in outdoor settings.
- Data Entry and Analysis Assistants: Data Entry and Analysis assist supporting research teams with administrative and analytical tasks.
Sales and Marketing Assistants (NOC 64100)
Businesses in Canada often ramp up their sales and marketing efforts during the summer months. Here are some examples of this type of summer job in Canada
- Promotional Staff: Promotional Staff representing brands at events and festivals.
- Market Research Assistants: Market Research Assistants conducting surveys and gathering data.
- Social Media Assistants: Social Media Assistants support online marketing efforts.
Language Instructors/Tutors (NOC 41210)
Summer language programs for children, youth, and adults can create opportunities for language instructors and tutors. Take a look below at some examples of this type of summer job in Canada.
- English as a Second Language (ESL) Instructors: ESL instructors teach English to newcomers or international students.
- French Immersion Leaders: French Immersion Leaders facilitate French language activities and instruction.
What Strategies Can I Use to Secure a High-demand Summer Job in Canada?
Landing a high-demand summer job in Canada requires more than just submitting applications; it takes planning, preparation, and persistence. Here is a closer look below.
Start Early
Initiating your job search well in advance is paramount to significantly increasing your chances of landing a high-demand summer job in Canada. Aim to begin actively looking for opportunities in the late winter or early spring months.
Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter
A generic application is unlikely to stand out in a competitive job market. Instead, take the time to meticulously customize your Canadian resume and cover letter for each specific job you apply for. Carefully review the job description and identify the key skills and experiences the employer seeks, then strategically highlight those relevant qualifications in your application.
Network
Using personal and professional connections can be a highly effective job search strategy. Contact your friends, family members, former colleagues, and other contacts who might know about summer job openings. Inform them of your job search and the types of roles you are interested in, as they may have valuable leads or connections within relevant industries.
Use Online Job Boards
The digital landscape offers many resources for your job search. Regularly monitor popular online job boards widely used in Canada, such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and Job Bank Canada. Explore specialized job boards that cater to specific industries or types of summer employment you are targeting.
Consider Location
Broadening your geographic scope can significantly expand your job prospects. Be open to exploring summer job opportunities in different regions across Canada, particularly those known for their thriving summer tourism or specific industries that align with your skills and interests.
Highlight Relevant Skills
Even if your previous work experience isn't directly related to the summer job you're applying for, focus on showcasing transferable skills highly valued across various roles. Emphasize excellent customer service abilities, strong communication skills, ability to work effectively within a team, and problem-solving capabilities.
Be Prepared for Seasonal Work
It's important to know the temporary nature of most summer employment. Recognize that these positions typically have a defined start and end date, often aligning with the peak summer season. Plan your finances and future employment prospects accordingly, keeping in mind that your summer role will likely conclude at the end of the season.
FAQs

What Are the General Skill Sets Employers Look For in These Summer Positions?
Canadian employers hiring for summer jobs in Canada typically look for strong communication skills, reliability, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. Teamwork, time management, and customer service experience are highly valued across most industries. Physical fitness may be required for construction, camps, or outdoor work roles.
What Should I Include in my Canadian Resume When Applying for Summer Jobs?
A Canadian résumé for summer jobs should include your contact information, a summary of your goals, relevant work experience, education, and key skills. Tailor each Canadian résumé to the specific role by highlighting experiences that match the job description. Be concise and professional, and avoid including personal details like age or a photo.
Do Canadian Employers in These Summer Job Sectors Often Provide Accommodation?
Some Canadian employers provide on-site accommodation or housing assistance, particularly in remote areas, national parks, camps, or resort towns. This is common in roles where commuting is complex or housing availability is limited. Always ask about housing options during the application or interview process.
Do I Need a Specific Visa to Work in Canada During the Summer?
You will likely need a valid Canadian work permit if you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Depending on your circumstances, options include the International Experience Canada (IEC) program for eligible young adults from participating countries or other specific work permits. Ensure you research and obtain the necessary visa well in advance.