Jobs With Employer Housing in Canada (Staff Accommodation 2026)

In 2026, the biggest expense for any Canadian worker is Rent.

In cities like Toronto or Vancouver, a 1-bedroom apartment can cost $2,500/month. If you earn $4,000/month, you are spending over 60% of your income just to have a roof over your head.

But there is a "Cheat Code" to saving money: Staff Housing.

Certain industries in Canada are located in places where there are no apartments (like national parks) or where the work is too remote for a commute (like gold mines). To get workers, these employers offer Subsidized Staff Accommodation.

Instead of paying $2,500 market rent, you might pay **$400/month** for a dorm room, or $0 for a camp room. This allows you to stack cash faster than any city job ever could.

If you are ready to trade your commute for a subsidized room, here are the best jobs with employer housing in Canada.

1. Luxury Resort & Hotel Staff (The "Banff" Life)

• The Employers: Fairmont Hotels (Banff Springs, Chateau Lake Louise, Jasper Park Lodge), Banff Lodging Co., Whistler Blackcomb.
• The Deal: You live in a staff residence on (or near) the hotel property.
• The Cost: Highly subsidized. Rents typically range from **$15 to $30 per day** ($450 - $900/month), deducted directly from your paycheck.
• The Vibe: It is like university without the homework. You live in dorms with hundreds of other young people from Australia, the UK, and Quebec. The social life is intense.
• The Jobs: Housekeeping, Server, Front Desk, Ski Lift Operator.
• How to Apply: Apply directly on the Fairmont Careers or Vail Resorts websites. Ask specifically: "Is staff housing available for this role?" (Note: It is usually reserved for full-time staff).

2. Remote Camp Workers (The "Oil & Gas" Life)

• The Employers: Civeo, Horizon North, Compass Group (Essupport Services).
• The Deal: You fly into a remote site in Northern Alberta (Fort McMurray) or BC for a 14-day shift.
• The Cost: $0 (Free). Your room and all your meals are 100% paid for by the company while you are on site.
• The Vibe: Strictly business. You work 12 hours, eat at the buffet, go to the camp gym, sleep, and repeat.
• The Savings: Because you have zero expenses for 2 weeks (no grocery bill, no gas, no rent), you can save almost your entire paycheck.
• Related: We covered the specific roles (like Kitchen Staff or Housekeeping) in our Jobs Hiring Fast guide.

3. Wilderness Lodge Staff (The "Fishing" Life)

• The Employers: High-end fishing lodges in Northern Ontario, Manitoba, or Coastal BC.
• The Deal: You live in a cabin on the lake for the summer (May to September).
• The Cost: Usually Free Room & Board.
• The Jobs: Dockhand, Fishing Guide, Lodge Cook, Housekeeper.
• The Perk: You are living in a place that guests pay $5,000/week to visit. You get to fish and explore the wilderness on your time off.
• Where to Find: Search "Fishing Lodge Jobs" on Indeed or check GoodWork.ca for eco-tourism roles.

4. Live-In Caregiver / Nanny

• The Employers: Private families or wealthy households.
• The Deal: You live in the family's home to care for children or elderly parents.
• The Cost: By law, employers cannot charge you for room and board if it is a condition of employment (in some provinces). In others, they can deduct a small, regulated amount.
• The Warning: Living where you work means boundaries can get blurry. Make sure your contract clearly states your "Off Duty" hours so you don't end up working 24/7.
• Immigration Note: This is often tied to the Home Child Care Provider Pilot, which we discussed as a key pathway for foreign workers.

5. Apartment Building Manager (Superintendent)

• The Employers: Property Management Companies (e.g., CapREIT, Hazelview, Homestead).
• The Deal: You manage a large apartment building (cleaning common areas, showing units, fixing leaks).
• The Cost: You often get a Free 1-Bedroom Apartment as part of your salary package.
• The Value: In Toronto, a free apartment is worth $30,000/year (tax-free). If the salary is $45k + Free Apartment, your "Real" income is effectively $75k.
• Best For: Couples. Many buildings hire "Superintendent Couples" to split the duties.

6. Agricultural Workers (Farm Housing)

• The Employers: Fruit Orchards (Okanagan Valley), Vegetable Farms (Southern Ontario).
• The Deal: Bunkhouses or trailers located right on the farm.
• The Cost: Regulated and very low (often $30/week).
• The Vibe: Hard work, early mornings, and communal living. It is the primary option for workers under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP).
• Related: If you are interested in farm work, check our Easiest Jobs to Get guide.

Comparison Table: Lifestyle vs. Savings Potential

Practical Questions Answered

"Is staff housing gross?"

It varies wildly.

• The Good: New builds in Banff or Whistler are modern apartment-style units.
• The Bad: Some older resorts have "Dorm Style" housing where you share a bedroom with 2 other people and use a communal bathroom down the hall.
• The Fix: Always ask for photos of the accommodation before accepting the job. Ask: "Is it single or shared occupancy?"

"Can I bring my partner?"

Sometimes.

• Couples Housing: Resorts often have limited "Couples Units" (private bedroom). These are in high demand. If you apply as a couple, your chances of getting one are better.
• Pets: almost NEVER allowed in staff housing. Leave Fido with your parents.

"What if I get fired?"

You become homeless.

• The Risk: Your housing is tied to your employment. If you get fired (or quit), you typically have 24 to 48 hours to vacate the room. You have zero tenant rights in staff accommodation. Always have an emergency fund for a hostel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is food included?

• Camps/Lodges: Yes. 3 meals a day are free.
• Resorts: No. You usually have a staff cafeteria where meals are subsidized (e.g., $5 per meal), but you are responsible for your own food. Most units have kitchenettes.

Do I need a car?

• Resorts: No. You live on-site or take a staff shuttle. A car is actually a hassle because parking is expensive/limited.
• Superintendent: No. You live where you work.
• Camps: No. You fly in or take a bus.

Can I stay in the housing on my days off?

Yes.

It is your home. You can sleep, hang out, or go hiking. However, most housing has strict rules about Guests (no overnight visitors allowed) to keep the dorms safe and quiet.

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

• Fairmont Banff Springs Careers: https://www.banffspringsjobs.com/staff-housing
• Civeo (Camp Logistics): https://civeo.com/
• GoodWork (Eco Jobs with Housing): https://www.goodwork.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.