Moving to Okanagan Valley for a few months. Does anyone have any advice or suggestions about working there?
Hey all,
I've been toying with the idea of moving out west in the Okanagan Valley to first see the damage that happened to that beautiful place with the huge fire a few years back. I hope nature was able to conquer the disaster. Plus, I've been craving for some outdoor time (been stuck at a desk job for a few years and I can't stand it anymore)
That said, if anybody has info about working in the valley, I would love to hear your thoughts. I haven't set dates on anything yet, still in the preliminary phase. There seems to be a lot of vineyards, has anybody tried working in that field? How was your experience?
Thanks in advance!
Jon
Reply to this Hello from the Okanagan BC. Well the northern part anyway. Yes, you can find work here for the summer. We are always needing berry pickers, fruit pickers, and of course people to work in the vineyards in sept/oct. The work is hard, hot and pay not good, but you'll meet lots of fun people, accomodation is usually taken care of and lots of off time to enjoy the great lakes areas! Summers here are in the high 30's, hot and dry!
Because we are a tourist mecca, we also need lots of summer help near the lakes, doing the typical tourist related jobs, in restaurants, or sporting companies, or that kind of thing. We have suffered like the rest of the country in these economic times, so people who maybe were working construction jobs are now looking for any kind of job, so it may be a little harder for an outsider to get work, but overall not too bad.
As far as the burnt fire areas, yes, you can go and see the horrific damage and also see how the forest is making a come back. Best way is to rent a mountain bike and go on the kettle valley tour. Lots of the train tressles had to be replaced due to the fires. Heck, judging from our current weather situation we might have the same situation again, so you may be here to see the same fire crisis happen over! knock on wood that it doesn't happen!
We have sooooo many outdoor fun activities in this young, party like town. So many festivals, events and other. Good luck to you Jon!
Reply to this Hi Andrea!
Just want to thank you for taking the time to write up some info! I have been there once already about 8 years ago. I still remember the house boats floating around. Such a peaceful place to be in.
You wouldn't happen to know any specific places where they continually hire seasonal workers by any chance? I noticed there is a lot of vineyards indeed. Of course, I am definitely not doing this for the money, but rather experience something unique and meet new people. The big plan is to continue my travel to Vancouver and stay for the 2010 Olympics.
Thanks again!
Jon
Reply to this 
