Locum professionals are among the lucky few who have the luxury of pursuing their passion for health care careers in Canada while maintaining professional flexibility and enjoying access to explore new and exciting locations and locales across the country.
In Canada, we enjoy some of the most stunning natural splendours in the world, inspiring many to participate in a wide range of outdoor activities year-round, such as getting your adrenaline pumping while skiing down the mountain in a winter wonderland, hiking the tallest peak you can find, or getting your heart racing biking to new extremes.
But what if we told you that there was somewhere you could do all of these activities, find a well-paying position and become part of a new community, all in one place?
The British Columbia Interior offers a captivating cultural and physical landscape that provides the ideal conditions for getting active and enjoying the great outdoors, posing as the perfect venue to enjoy getting back to nature while also presenting countless opportunities for health care staffing.
Form lasting relationships
One of the beauties of pursuing a locum in Interior B.C. is the opportunity to form authentic relationships with coworkers, as well as local residents. Ranging from larger hubs to more remote, small towns, the intrinsic feel of the region is one of cohesion, collaboration and community.
In other words, the atmosphere is hospitable, welcoming, and warm. So, it won’t take long to make friends, and the ones you do make will likely last you a lifetime.
The roots of Interior communities also run deep, with a wonderful collection of cultures and traditions maintained for generations through food, art, and storytelling. Luckily, this means that there are ample opportunities to explore the diversity of the region not just geographically but culturally, too.
For example, the Sncewips Heritage Museum in Kelowna delves into the rich heritage of Westbank First Nation and the story of the broader Syilx/Okanagan Nation by highlighting its artifacts, traditional tools, and oral storytelling, all from the authentic perspective of the Syilx people.
For something more interactive, the NK’Mip Cellars near Osoyoos celebrate a proud legacy as the first Indigenous-owned winery in North America, channelling love and respect for traditions and culture into the award-winning wines they produce while also highlighting the relentless spirit and remarkable history that inspires them.
Winter whimsy
The B.C. Interior is often an overlooked gem for those looking to pursue health care jobs in Canada, especially those looking to pursue physiotherapist jobs in B.C., given the plethora of outdoor activities locals and visitors alike choose to engage in.
If you’re a winter sports fan, the region serves as a ski and snowboarding paradise, with ample opportunities and venues to hit the slopes while admiring stunning scenery and cutting into some pristine powder.
Examples of internationally-renowned ski resorts include the “Okanagan’s favourite family ski and bike resort” SilverStar Mountain Resort, just outside of Vernon, Big White Ski Resort near Kelowna, and Sun Peaks Resort, just a quick 45-minute drive from Kamloops.
Each resort features runs for all skill levels and preferences, from bunny hills to black diamonds. So, whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby and try out some lessons, need to rent some gear, or want to beat your all-time run record, you’ll have everything you need.
Spring into action
With hilly terrain abound, Interior B.C. also serves as a hiking and mountain biking hub, with many travelling from across the country and even from around the world to hit its many available trails, with the most common peak – get it? – seasons being spring and summer.
Whether you prefer cross-country riding, where you can admire the breathtaking scenery, or you’re looking to get your adrenaline pumping by seeking thrills darting downhill, there are countless trails to choose from.
Popular biking spots include the Westside Legacy Trail, which joins the communities of Invermere and Fairmont Hot Springs, the Myra Canyon Trail, running along a beautiful steep-walled canyon outside of Kelowna; and the Okanagan Trail, which, as its name suggests, offers awe-inspiring views of the Okanagan Valley.
Each of the above options provides diverse terrain that ranges in difficulty, with multiple rental and equipment shops to bolster all your biking needs.
If you’d rather set out and explore on your own two feet, no worries! Whether it’s leisurely strolls or sensational switchbacks you’re after, you’ll find what you’re looking for.
The Kettle Valley Rail Trail is a fantastic option if you’re looking for something on the easier side. Near Summerland, the route takes just over two hours to complete. For something more moderate, the Skaha Bluffs near Penticton offers a bit more of a challenge with some excellent viewpoints to stop and take a break.
For more experienced hikers with more time, the Prince of Wales, Silver Queen, Lars Taylor Way, and Aberdeen Loop offers a challenging 15.8-kilometre route that takes roughly four and a half hours to complete.
Room to grow
If you’re looking to pursue locum work, the B.C. Interior offers ample opportunities for those seeking to foster their career while indulging their love for the outdoors.
With both small and large locations, it serves as the ideal place for those looking to pursue a wide range of well-paid professions, including physiotherapist jobs and those seeking to build their career as a medical laboratory technologist in British Columbia while receiving valuable, hands-on experience.
At ProMed HR Solutions, we want to ensure reliable and qualified locum health care staffing by connecting those seeking jobs in Canada with the communities and facilities that need them most. Learn more about how we can connect you with your ideal opportunity for short and long-term locum positions.
