Get That Amazing Job in the Great Canadian Wilderness Just North of Toronto

The best time to apply for that memorable summer job in Ontario’s cottage country is now. Working in the regional tourism industry can set you up for long-term career success – not to mention all the fun you’ll have!

The life of a wakeboard instructor at SWS Muskoka

What can a tourism job do for you?

The local tourism and hospitality industry offers many opportunities for employment with hundreds of exceptional hotels, resorts and restaurants. These places are really ground zero for discovering what you like best about working in the industry because of everything you’ll learn, from interacting with patrons, to providing unparalleled service, to learning about revenue management. And it’s almost guaranteed you’ll learn how to communicate with folks, from visitors to fellow staff and managers – a skill that will always serve you well in life.

The housekeeping staff at Windermere House

Additionally, the tourism industry offers opportunity to work at other kinds of businesses as well, from camping parks to theme parks, from outdoor adventure companies to theatres and from craft breweries to golf courses. The odds of finding a job that will also suit your interests are pretty good and the possibilities are endless!

The best news is that a summer job when you are still in school can progress into a managerial role or permanent position in just a few years, as you progress through the ranks. Returning to the same company or role every year also creates lasting friendships, and it’s great to know a position awaits you every summer throughout high school, college or university and beyond. And meeting new and returning customers all the time will set you up for great networking opportunities. Above all, summer jobs in tourism look great on your resume.

Have fun while working hard!

The tourism industry is a hard working sector, and you can expect to be challenged in your job. But you’ll also find the work very rewarding, particularly if you are a person who likes to set goals for yourself. Companies these days often have additional benefits to offer besides wage, as well as flexibility to meet your schedule when possible; be sure to check out all the details of your role and compensation.

Jenna Kentel, Landscape and Wildlife Technician with Georgian Bay Biosphere.

Vacationers come to this beautiful region for all the wonderful things to see and do, and working here gives you the same opportunities for fun. From golf, to paddling, to outdoor adventure, tohanging out on a dock or patio with friends, or hitting the traditional Monday Resort Nights at the Kee to Bala, your down time in this part of Ontario is sure to please.

New to the area? Why not invite a friend to join you in working at a local tourism business this and double the fun and to help you discover more. One thing is for sure: you’ll meet some of your best friends for life working in Ontario’s cottage country.

This year, consider working in the regional tourism industry and make this your best summer yet.

For information on current tourism jobs available (2024) in Ontario’s cottage country, check out the listings below:


ALGONQUIN PARK

Algonquin Outfitters
Algonquin Park Adventure Tours
Algonquin Provincial Park
Northern Edge Algonquin
The Portage Outpost
Voyageur Quest

ALMAGUIN HIGHLANDS
Mikisew Provincial Park

LORING/RESTOULE
Restoule Provincial Park

MUSKOKA
Arrowhead Provincial Park
Bigwin Island Golf Club
Crossroads Restaurant
Deerhurst Resort
District of Muskoka
Grandview Golf Club
Great Blue Resorts (Bonnie Lake Resort, Lantern Bay Resort & Shamrock Bay Resort)
Muskoka Beer Spa – Clear Lake Brewing
JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa
The Lake Joseph Club
Lake of Bays Brewing Co
Lumina Resort
Muskoka Bay Resort
Muskoka Brewery
Muskoka Cruises
Muskoka Lakes Golf & Country Club
Muskoka on the Rocks
Port Cunnington Lodge
Residence Inn by Marriott Gravenhurst Muskoka Wharf
The Rock Golf Course
Rocky Crest Golf Resort
Sandhill Nursery
Santa’s Village
Sawdust City Brewing Co
Severn Lodge
Sherwood Inn
Six Mile Lake Provincial Park
South Muskoka Curling & Golf Club
Summer Water Sports
Taboo Muskoka
Town of Gravenhurst
Treetop Trekking

Windermere House

PARRY SOUND
Georgian Bay Biosphere
Georgian Bay Islands National Park

Grundy Lake Provincial Park
Killbear Provincial Park
Massassauga Provincial Park

Oastler Lake Provincial Park
Seguin Valley Golf Club
Trestle Brewing Company

Ms. Candice Cane leading Elf School at Santa’s Village in Bracebridge

For more information on employment opportunities highlighted in this blog, please contact the associated employers.

Are you a regional tourism operator with a job to post? Please email [email protected] for more info.

Feature Photo: Harper Smith from Tree Top Trekking in Huntsville