11 Benefits of Volunteering in Canada

You’ve most likely discovered why international volunteering experiences are so valuable, but have you heard of the many benefits of volunteering in Canada? From learning new skills to building your network, Canada offers all of the pros of a volunteer abroad experience while eliminating some of the barriers, like cost or language.

Are you ready to experience the benefits of volunteering in Canada for yourself?

In Canada, you’ll discover new cultures, landscapes, and foods and learn about local and global issues. A Canadian adventure will leave you with a sense of well-being and purpose.

Canada has always been a majestic frontier in the minds of North Americans and others around the world. From the vast tundras, mighty Yukon river, and the indigenous people that have long called it home to the lakes, forests, and historic cities, Canada is a dynamic and fulfilling place to live in, experience, and explore.

Is Canada a good place to volunteer?

Canada is an underestimated volunteer destination. While similar in culture to the United States, it has many unique aspects not to be overlooked, making it a fun place to explore and get to know.

One of the most interesting facts about Canada is that it has two official languages, English and French. It’s fascinating to discover the francophone history and culture while in Canada, especially if volunteering or visiting Quebec, considered the heart of the French-speaking population.

Canada is a great place to volunteer if you’re interested in history, the arts, and/or wildlife and nature. It’s full of surprises, with modern, exciting cities and remote, beautiful small towns and villages.

11 benefits of volunteering in Canada

1. Make a difference

The primary benefits of volunteering in Canada will be what you give back to the local community. Meeting community members, becoming a part of daily life, learning about local issues and helping to address them—these will be invaluable moments you’ll hold onto forever.

2. Discover more of the world

Even if Canada is close to home, the history, geography, and culture of the country is worth exploring! From the cosmopolitan city of Montreal in the east to picturesque Vancouver in the west, Canada is a vast country of 10 provinces and three territories.

The benefits of volunteering in Canada include the opportunity to see some of the abundant wildlife and natural beauty that the country offers. Bears, moose, beavers, butterflies, elk, and eagles set against a backdrop of rivers, lakes, forests, tundra, and mountains—if you’re a fan of the outdoors, this is a country not to be passed over. If city life is more to your liking, Quebec City offers a European-style old town complete with a fortress and old city walls.

3. Learn new life skills

You’ll surprise yourself with the skills and perspectives you gain while you volunteer.

Volunteering gives you perspective and insight into another’s worldview—volunteering abroad adds exponentially to this learning. You’ll develop or increase your flexibility, resilience, and problem-solving skills and the professional or technical skills related to your work.

You may have the opportunity to learn French, an official language of Canada, and learn other cross-cultural communication skills. By volunteering in Canada, you’ll also develop an insatiable curiosity for the world and become an avid volunteer or traveler—don’t tell us we didn’t warn you!

4. Gain experience in a field or focus

Accompanying the life skills you’ll develop as a volunteer in Canada will be the experience you gain from your volunteer work. Whether it’s experience teaching children in a rural community or practicing medicine or providing health care instruction as part of an internship, this proficiency will look great to admissions officers and hiring managers. Adding an international volunteer experience to your resume or noting it in a cover letter will go a long way toward achieving your goals and future success.

5. Establish a network

In addition to experience in a specific field or focus, having a global network of friends and professional contacts can help you further your academic and career objectives. It’s also great for personal fulfillment—the relationships you create while abroad will be long-lasting, your shared experiences creating strong bonds of friendship.

6. Create lifelong memories

From dining at a sugar shack and tasting fresh maple syrup to trying your hand at ice fishing or dog sledding, Canada has many unique, shared adventures to try! Volunteering will offer its own meaningful moments, both individually and shared with your fellow volunteers and local community members. You’ll return home with many new memories to share with friends and family.

7. Live an active lifestyle

Regardless of the type of volunteer work you choose, one of the primary benefits of volunteering in Canada will be the mental and physical activities you partake in. Conservation work may require hiking, mountain climbing, and trail restoration, while donating your time and energy to a nonprofit organization may require problem-solving, event coordination, or other more mentally-challenging tasks.

In either case, being active in these ways reduces stress and improves quality of life. Giving back and knowing you’re making a difference is a surefire way to feel good!

8. Experience a new culture and way of life

Volunteer in Canada and watch your worldview expand.

Canada is a diverse place with many different kinds of people, each with their own unique history and culture. Canada is welcoming to immigrants while also having a rich indigenous culture: The Inuit, Métis, and First Nations all call Canada home.

It’s important as a volunteer traveling to Canada to learn about the people who live there—their stories will make your experience that much more worthwhile and impactful. Make sure to learn about those who have called Canada home for thousands of years while experiencing the hockey games, poutine, beaver tails, and holidays like May Two-Four (Victoria Day).

9. Become knowledgeable about global issues

In addition to the local issues you’ll learn about, one of the benefits of volunteering in Canada is the knowledge you’ll gain about global issues. Traveling gives you an opportunity to see firsthand what you can’t see from watching TV in your living room.

Not only will you learn about these issues, you may be a part of their solution. By listening, observing, and comparing what you learn with what you know from your home country, you will become an active global citizen, poised to come up with solutions to local and global issues.

10. Get a stamp in your passport

Becoming a worldwide traveler can start close to home! If Canada does not seem that far, consider it a stepping stone to travel farther away. A Canadian adventure will provide you with the skills needed to try out other international volunteering or work opportunities.

11. Find your purpose

Traveling to Canada as a volunteer will give you insight you may need to decide an academic or career path. It’s a great way to explore a field of work or place you may want to live.

You may discover a passion for something you hadn’t thought about trying before, or meet someone who inspires you to pursue a dream you hadn’t dreamt up yet! Volunteer programs are available to those of any age and background, and it’s never too late to find a purpose, a passion, or simply something you enjoy doing.

Talk to our FREE Online Advisor and get matched with 5 volunteer programs in Canada

3 volunteer programs in Canada to get you started

1. Best Volunteer Programs in Canada

• Why? With a focus on conservation and the environment, this program is perfect for those looking to explore the Canadian wilderness. From rehabilitating orphaned animals in Ontario to training and caring for huskies in the Canadian Arctic, you’ll be making a difference through the animal welfare initiative of your choice. This is a great opportunity to be outside, explore national parks, and get hands-on experience working in the conservation sector.
• Where? Abbotsford, Peterborough, Vancouver
• Read Volunteer World reviews

2. Travel For Teens: USA and Canada Ultimate Adventure

• Why? In high school but still want to experience the wonders of Canada? On this incredible adventure, you’ll travel to ten of the most beautiful national parks across North America. You’ll learn about conservation efforts across the parks, take part in adventure activities like zip-lining through the mountain forests of Canada, and form lasting friendships with other teens you meet.
• Where? Banff, Calgary, Golden, Whistler, Vancouver, Kamloops, Yoho, Revelstoke
• Read Travel for Teens reviews

3. Maison Emmanuel, Centre Éducatif: Volunteer Assistant and Special Educator

• Why? Join an incredible community doing meaningful work caring for adults with developmental disabilities. If you’re looking for experience in the education or health field, this opportunity may be a great fit for you! Live a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle engaging in organic agriculture, meal preparation, community workshops, homemaking, and more. You’ll have the opportunity to learn or improve your French language skills and participate in a wide variety of Canadian pastimes like snowshoeing, ice skating, canoeing, and hiking.
• Where? Rural areas of Canada
• Learn more about Maison Emmanuel, Centre Éducatif

Can’t pick? Sign up for MyGoAbroad and compare these programs side-by-side for FREE

Volunteering in Canada will help you gain experience while contributing to important causes

It’s time to get on board for the ultimate volunteering adventure.

Like any country, local and global issues have created a need for volunteers, those who are open-minded, curious, adaptable, and wanting to make a positive difference. The benefits of volunteering in Canada are many, and you’ll leave knowing you did your part to preserve what makes Canada so wonderful—it’s people, nature, and way of life.