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Moving to the Rockies.doc

Moving to the Rockies

Choosing to live and work in the Banff / Lake Louise area has been popular for over 100 years. As Canada’s premier mountain destination, the name ‘Banff’ is instantly recognizable across Canada and throughout much of the world. Almost any tourism poster advertising Canada will include at least one photograph of a lake, mountain, hotel or animal from the Rockies. Lake Louise may be the most photographed lake on earth and Moraine Lake (close by) had its image on the $20 note for many years.

Due to fabulous scenery, wildlife, excellent facilities and relative accessibility, it is obvious why so many tourists choose to visit Banff – returning year after year. In addition to all the proven tourist draws, there is a great attraction to living and working in park environment. Jobs are plentiful, the ski season long and the atmosphere is an international mix of party, adventure and activity. Between festivals, special events and actively supported arts projects, the communities of the Bow Valley attract a diverse and enthusiastic working population. Every year and even every season, new people arrive while others move on, or relocate.

Even in an economic downturn, with weak tourism numbers, employment prospects exist for short and long-term residents. Seasonal industries such as ski resorts and golf courses actually await shorter-term workers, whereas year-round hotels and restaurants hope to find good people wanting to stay and develop professionally in the region. To this end, employers look to several groups from within Canada and abroad.

Many eastern Canadians – speaking both official languages – come west to see their country, experience the mountains, and perhaps improve their English. The trip west can take a few hours on a plane, or several days by road. While Central Canadians are often pleasantly surprised how bearable the dry cold of Alberta is, migrants from the west coast are treated to a world of extremes and a refreshing number of blue-sky days.

From whatever part of Canada you arrive, the move should be fairly easy and you will be quickly welcomed. In order to facilitate the transition to the Rockies, the following are a few basics to keep in mind:

• Firstly, explore job vacancies before arriving – timing can be important (please see the links at the end of this article).

• Be prepared to conduct an interview over the telephone before arriving. If offered employment – make sure to follow through on your commitment – the business community in the national park is small!

• Have a current resume with clear contact details.

• Make sure to have enough money to get by until your first pay-cheque.

• Have an active bank account with a major Canadian institution (all of the five major Canadian banks have a presence in the Valley).

• Be prepared to dress appropriately for an interview and for the weather! Evenings can be cool even in the summer. The working environment is both relaxed and appropriate to the mountain setting and many employer provide / require uniforms.

• Make sure your provincial healthcare insurance is up to date. After a grace period of several months, documentation such as health care, driver’s licence and vehicle registration and insurance will have to be transferred to Alberta.

Prospective workers from abroad obviously have a few more steps to go through, before coming to the Canadian Rockies, but fortunately the visa process will prepare you well for the job search. Specific Working Holiday visas, valid for up to two years working in Canada are available through the Government of Canada websites specific to your country (please see the links at the end of this article). General rules include:

• Applying within deadlines.

• Having a sum of money at your disposal (i.e. $5000), plus it is always a good idea to have a credit card for emergencies. Opening a bank account in Canada will be easy, but you will not have a Canada credit history.

• Health / criminal checks – some specific to professions.

• You will require some form of medical insurance.

• A valid passport!

• Age restrictions - under 30 years for many working holiday visas.

Going the next step and choosing to actually immigrate to Canada is a longer process, but will eventually allow you to stay indefinitely. According to need, employers can offer immigration sponsorship, thus permitting you to continue working during the immigration process.

For Canadians and foreign workers alike, the Banff region offers so many opportunities. Of course there are certain challenges as well. Wages provide a reasonable living, but as with most entry-level positions, starting wages are low. Accommodation before finding employment (or outside of staff-accommodation) can be expensive, although slightly lower demand has helped to moderate costs. Fortunately for new arrivals to the region, there is a selection of budget lodgings and even campsites; only ever pitch a tent in an approved park site – there really are wild animals and all the consequent rules associated with wildlife. Both Banff and Lake Louise have International Youth Hostels with long-term affordable accommodation packages. The Banff hostel offers a two-week deal aptly named the Job Seekers Package – but make sure there is space before arriving.

Should you decide you would like to be part of the Canadian Rockies, take the time to explore travel options, contact employers and arrive knowing you will be part of an important tradition of sharing and protecting one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

For further employment connections, visit the Banff / Lake Louise Hotel-Motel Association website: www.BLLHMA.com - this site also offers links for Working Holiday visas.

The Immigration Canada site is: www.cic.gc.ca - although embassies and high commissions will offer specific information in eligible countries.

Also worth a visit is the Town of Banff website: www.banff.ca and Parks Canada: www.pc.gc.ca