Photo by Alex Guillaume on Unsplash
“Workamping” Jobs Are a Perfect Fit for Van Life
If you love the freedom of van life, you already know the joy of discovering new places while living simply. But how do you sustain that lifestyle on the road in Canada? One answer: seasonal or mobile jobs that come with a free or low-cost campsite—what’s commonly referred to in the U.S. as workamping.
In Canada, the term workamping isn’t widely used. Instead, you'll more often hear phrases like:
- Campground Host
- Seasonal Park Worker
- Caretaker Jobs
- Volunteer Opportunities with Campsite Perks
- Farm Stay or WWOOFing (Willing Workers on Organic Farms)
- Campground or Resort Employment
No matter the name, these roles allow vanlifers to travel, earn money (or exchange work for a place to stay), and enjoy nature. Let’s explore the kinds of positions available in Canada and where to find them.
What Is “Workamping” in the Canadian Context?
In Canada, workamping-style jobs typically involve working in exchange for a campsite, sometimes with pay, sometimes as a volunteer. Many are seasonal, and some can become long-term.
Common examples include:
- Provincial Park Host Programs – such as those run by BC Parks, Ontario Parks, or Alberta Parks.
- Campground and RV Park Jobs – at privately owned or franchised locations (e.g., KOA Canada).
- WWOOFing – work-trade on organic farms, with meals and accommodation included.
- Caretaking – staying onsite at rural properties or recreation areas while providing light duties.
- Tourism or Resort Jobs – from front desk and maintenance to housekeeping or guiding tours.
Popular Canadian Workamping-Style Jobs for Vanlifers
Here are the most common types of jobs vanlifers can find across Canada:
Campground Host
Campground hosts in provincial parks or private campgrounds greet campers, offer information, and keep the area tidy. In BC Parks and Ontario Parks, this is usually a volunteer position in exchange for a free campsite and sometimes perks like firewood or propane.
Maintenance and Groundskeeping
Private campgrounds or resorts often hire seasonal workers to help with light repairs, lawn care, cleaning facilities, or landscaping. If you’re handy or enjoy outdoor work, these jobs often come with a free or discounted site and wages.
Campground Housekeeping
Public washroom and shared space upkeep is a key part of many parks and campgrounds. These positions can be paid and often include site perks.
Office or Customer Service Roles
Many campgrounds and small resorts need people to run reception desks, manage bookings, or assist customers in small onsite stores. These jobs may be volunteer-based (with a site included) or hourly wage.
Farm and Ranch Stays (WWOOF Canada)
If you're open to working on a farm, WWOOF Canada connects volunteers with organic farms across the country. You’ll trade work (like gardening, animal care, or harvesting) for a place to stay—often ideal for vanlifers.
Animal or Property Caretaker
Some private landowners or small operations offer informal work-trade arrangements for those willing to care for animals or maintain property while living in their van or RV onsite.
Park Interpreter or Visitor Services (Provincial/National Parks)
Some volunteer or seasonal staff opportunities include helping with educational programming, staffing visitor centres, or running nature walks. These can come with site perks or a small stipend.
Seasonal Resort Work (Ski Hills, Lodges, etc.)
In areas like Whistler, Banff, or Mont-Tremblant, seasonal positions at ski hills or summer resorts are popular. These roles may offer housing (sometimes RV-friendly parking) or job perks.
Where to Find Van-Friendly Jobs in Canada
Looking for these types of roles? Here are some top Canadian and international sites to browse:
- WWOOF Canada (https://wwoof.ca/en/) – Farm volunteer positions with accommodation
- Indeed.ca – Search terms like “campground host,” “seasonal resort staff,” or “caretaker with accommodation”
- GoodWork.ca – Jobs with environmental or nonprofit organizations, often offering accommodations
- KOA Canada – Seasonal campground jobs
- Workamper News – Mostly U.S. based, but some listings include Canada
- Facebook Groups – Try searching for groups like “Vanlife Canada,” “Workamping Canada,” or “Canadian Campground Jobs”
Why Workamping (or its Canadian Cousins) Is Ideal for Vanlifers
Vanlifers are particularly well-suited to this kind of work because:
- Vans require less space and fewer hookups than large RVs
- You can take short seasonal commitments (2–4 months)
- You save on camping fees while working or volunteering
- You’re immersed in nature, often in spectacular places
- There’s a job for every personality—handy types, social butterflies, or quiet introverts
Whether you’re just passing through or planning a longer stay, these flexible work-and-stay opportunities can help you sustain your travels, meet new people, and experience Canada from a new perspective.