Lucy Frank is a nomadic, Australian blogger with a passion for adventure. Lucy’s love for travel began when she took her first-ever solo trip to Canada after graduating from high school. Lucy arrived in Canada on a Working Holiday Visa through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program (see our video on IEC tips here). She spent the next two years working and experiencing Canadian life. During this time, she also explored the United States and Mexico, which fuelled her love for travel even more. Today, Lucy joins us for an interview about her experience coming to Canada on a Working Holiday Visa.
Where are you originally from?
I grew up in a small country town on the East Coast of Australia. Being from such a small place is what gave me such a strong desire to get out and see the world – hence my working holiday in Canada.
Where do you live now?
For the last 6 months, I have been travelling around the world with no home base. I guess you could call me a digital nomad.
Why did you decide to come to Canada and how long were you here?
I had a desire to see the world from a very young age. I went skiing when I was a child and I absolutely loved it so that was what initially attracted me to Canada. But after I arrived, it was the friendly locals and beautiful scenery that kept me there. I went for 6 months and ended up staying for 2 years.
How did you adjust to life in Canada? Was there anything that surprised you about living here?
My transition into Canada was seamless. I was open to the experience and found it very easy to adjust. Canada is quite similar to Australia. I lived in Lake Louise, so what did surprise me the most was the different lifestyle – the local wildlife to be aware of (the bears) and the hiking and mountain conditions that you never consider in Australia. Much like Canadians probably don’t consider the ocean conditions. I was also surprised with the tipping system in Canada.
What do you enjoy most about living in Canada?
I loved everything - the friends I made, the scenery, the non-stop adventures and the perfect hiking and skiing conditions. Canada is an amazing destination for those who love the great outdoors.
I also loved how the experience changed me. To move to the other side of the world alone is liberating and it taught me more about myself than I ever would have learned at home. I can’t recommend a working holiday enough.
If you could offer any advice to someone coming to Canada on a Working Holiday Visa, what would it be?
My advice would be to pre-plan for the experience. Secure a job and accommodation before you arrive. Make sure you save enough money so that when you do arrive you aren’t broke… having some savings can go a long way, especially when it comes to making sure you don’t miss out on any adventures. There is no shortage in Canada. If you can afford it, I recommend buying a car as it will allow you to see and do so much more. During my Working Holiday, I visited Vancouver, Whistler, Banff, Revelstoke, Kelowna and I camped around BC for months.
Tell us a bit about your blog. Where can our readers follow you?
I run an adventure travel blog featuring destinations from all over the world. I have lived abroad 3 times and travelled to over 20 countries, with more on the horizon. You can follow my footsteps on my website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.
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