Best Jobs for People Who Prefer Outdoor Work (Canada 2026)

For some people, the idea of sitting in a cubicle under fluorescent lights for 8 hours is torture.

Canada is the second-largest country in the world, and our economy relies heavily on people working outside.¹ Whether it’s maintaining our parks, building our cities, or harvesting our resources, outdoor jobs often pay significantly more than indoor jobs because few people are willing to brave the weather.

If you are happier in boots than in a suit, here are the best careers that keep you outside in 2026.

1. Landscaper / Hardscaper (The "Artist" Choice)

This is more than just cutting grass.

• The Job: Designing gardens, laying stone patios (Interlock), and building retaining walls.
• The Pay: $22 – $35 per hour.
• Why it fits: "Hardscaping" (working with stone) pays huge money. An experienced stone layer can easily earn $40/hr. It is physically satisfying work where you see the result of your labor immediately.
• Seasonal Perk: You work hard for 8 months and get laid off in winter (collecting EI), or switch to Snow Removal.
• Related: See our Snow Removal Cash Jobs guide for the winter season.

2. Forestry Technician / Tree Planter (The "Wild" Choice)

If you want to be deep in nature, far from the city.

• The Job: Planting trees (Reforestation) or assessing forest health for logging companies.
• The Pay: $200 – $400 per day (Piece rate).
• Why it fits: It is the ultimate test of endurance. Tree planting is brutal, but you live in camps in Northern BC or Ontario and make lifelong friends.²
• Warning: It is buggy, muddy, and exhausting.

3. Cell Tower Technician (The "High" Choice)

If you aren't afraid of heights, this is a hidden gem.

• The Job: Climbing telecommunication towers to fix 5G antennas.
• The Pay: $30 – $40 per hour.
• Why it fits: You are outside all day, often with incredible views. There is a massive shortage of climbers because most people are scared of the height.
• Certification: You need "Working at Heights" and tower rescue training (often paid for by the company).

4. Surveyor Assistant (The "Tech" Choice)

• The Job: helping a Land Surveyor measure property lines for construction.³ You hold the prism pole and walk through fields/sites.
• The Pay: $22 – $28 per hour.
• Why it fits: It is "smart" outdoor work. You aren't digging holes; you are collecting data. It is less physically demanding than construction but still gets you fresh air.

5. Deckhand / Marine Worker (The "Water" Choice)

• The Job: Working on ferries, tugboats, or fishing vessels.
• The Pay: $25 – $35 per hour.
• Why it fits: If you love the ocean, being paid to travel on it is a dream.
• Related: Read our full breakdown of Fishing Boat Jobs (Article #30).

Comparison Table: Exposure vs. Pay

Practical Questions Answered

"What happens in the winter?"

You adapt.

• The Reality: Outdoor work doesn't stop in Canada. Landscapers become Snow Plow operators. Construction workers wear heated jackets.⁴ If you can't handle -20°C, do not apply for these jobs.

"Is it bad for my body?"

Long term, yes.

• The Risk: Knees and backs take a beating.
• The Strategy: The smart move is to start as a Laborer, but aim to become a Foreman or Machine Operator (Excavator) within 5 years. Let the machine do the heavy lifting while you sit in the heated cab.

"Do I need a degree for Forestry?"

For "Technician": YES. (2-year College Diploma).

For "Tree Planter": NO. (Just grit).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do companies provide gear?

PPE (Safety): Yes. Hard hats and vests are provided.

Clothing (Comfort): No. You usually have to buy your own high-quality boots (Red Wing/Blundstone) and rain gear. This is a tax write-off, so keep your receipts!

Can women do these jobs?

Yes.

Tree Planting and Surveying have very high female participation. Construction and Cell Towers are still male-dominated, but companies are actively recruiting women to fix their diversity numbers.

Is sun safety taken seriously?

It should be.

Skin cancer is a real risk. Pros wear long sleeves (even in summer) and wide-brim hats. If you see a crew working shirtless, they are amateurs.

About the author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian career researcher and digital entrepreneur. He tracks real-time labour market data, government hiring trends, and entry-level opportunities to help newcomers and students navigate the Canadian job market.

Sources

• Tree Planting Canada (Community): https://forestscanada.ca/en/event/community-tree-plant
• Landscape Ontario (Careers): https://landscapeontario.com/
• Job Bank (Landscaping Wages): https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/16382/ca

Note:

Job availability, wages, and hiring conditions can vary widely by province, employer, season, and experience level. All salary ranges and job examples in this guide are estimates based on current labour market data. Always confirm details directly with the employer before applying.