Volunteering at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal

If you’re a community-minded individual who is ready to jump into unique activities or are looking for a way to help out in the community, we may have a spot for you!

Explore the wide variety of opportunities to volunteer including photographing events and wildlife, assisting with programming and special events, performing music and so much more.

Check out our current opportunities below. Scroll to the bottom of the page for information on how to apply.

Parka Volunteer

Commitment:Minimum of once during the summer season (May-August)                                                            
As a Parka Mascot, you help animate Parka and engage young children, families and the general public through non-verbal communication. You would also be helping create a fun, welcoming and lively environment for site visitors.

This opportunity also includes Parka Handler. If you are interested in volunteering, but are not keen on dressing up, you could be the perfect person to be the eyes and ears of Parka!

Volunteer Photographer

Commitment: Minimum of once during the summer season (May-August)                                                            

Our team of volunteer photographers are always on the lookout for the best nature, landscape and visitor shots. Volunteers are encouraged to develop their photography portfolios, and will be provided with opportunities to document a variety of park subjects, including people, nature and wildlife. Volunteer photographers take photographs at Parks Canada events, out on the trails, or anywhere on the site they can get good photos to capture the Sault Ste. Marie Canal! Volunteer photographs may be used to help support online and print publications, as well as outreach exhibits and display materials.

Volunteer Site Host

Commitment: Minimum of once during the summer season (May-August)                        

The Volunteer Park Host is outgoing, welcoming, friendly and sets the stage for a visitor to have a fun and rewarding time during their site visit. Volunteer hosts rove around the grounds and trails of the Sault Ste. Marie Canal, greeting visitors and providing information. Kind, welcoming and warm individuals are encouraged to apply.

Volunteer Trash Basher

Commitment: Minimum of once during the summer season (May-August)

Help keep the grounds beautiful! The Trash Basher will be responsible for helping with the collection of garbage on the trails and grounds of the Sault Ste. Marie Canal. The commitment is as often as the volunteer pleases. The volunteer is welcome to set up a schedule that works for them.

Volunteer artists, artisans, musicians, performers

Commitment: Minimum of 2 hours during one of our special events

We encourage individuals or groups to contact us to discuss where there may be opportunities to demonstrate their skills and connect to the place throughout the visitor season.

Volunteer Groundskeeper/Gardener

Commitment: Minimum of four 2-hour shifts during the summer season

This opportunity is great for you if you enjoy working outdoors and helping keep Parks Canada places looking beautiful. You will be trained alongside a maintenance team member and gain transferable experience doing a variety of grounds and gardening tasks.

Special Events Volunteer

Commitment: Minimum of two hours at a special event throughout the summer season

Each year the Sault Ste. Marie Canal hosts several events that celebrate the history and culture of the historic site. If you enjoy sharing unique experiences with visitors, this opportunity might be right for you!

How to Apply!

If you are interested in one of the volunteer opportunities listed above, please email pc.infoLHNCSSM-SSMCNHSinfo.pc@canada.ca with one reference and a cover letter that answers the following questions:

1. Why are you interested in becoming a Parks Canada volunteer at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site?
2. What experiences, if any, do you have in relation to your chosen volunteer opportunity?
3. How often are you interested in volunteering?

Please note: you must be at least 14 years old to volunteer unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.