Volunteering is a great way for teens to make friends, build transferable skills and give back to their community. This guide highlights teen‑friendly volunteer programs in every Canadian province and territory. Each entry lists the program, a brief description (including age requirements where available) and whether the role is in person or online. Links take you to the official website or a page with more information.
British Columbia (B.C.)
Vancouver Public Library’s Teens at VPL page highlights a variety of organizations that welcome young volunteers. Many B.C. opportunities revolve around animal care, community events and arts festivals. The B.C. SPCA separately notes that volunteers as young as 15 can help with animal care, foster teams and events.
| What |
Description |
Type |
Link |
| BC SPCA – Youth Volunteers (Provincial) |
Provincial animal-welfare society; many branches accept youth (typically 15–16+) for roles like animal socialization, event support, and fundraising. |
In person |
Here |
| City of Vancouver Youth Program (Vancouver) |
Youth volunteers support community centres, day camps and special events through the City’s leisure programs. |
In person |
Here |
| YMCA of Greater Vancouver (Vancouver) |
YMCA youth programs offer leadership and mentoring roles at camps, fitness centres and after-school programs. |
In person |
Here |
| VanDusen Botanical Garden (Vancouver) |
Teen volunteers assist with seasonal events and educational programs at the botanical garden. |
In person |
Here |
| Vancouver Folk Music Festival (Vancouver) |
Festival volunteers help with venue set-up, ticketing and greeter roles during the summer festival. |
In person |
Here |
| SFU Camps (Simon Fraser University) (Burnaby) |
High-school students volunteer as junior instructors supporting children’s summer camps and learning activities. |
In person |
Here |
| Greater Vancouver Food Bank (Vancouver) |
Volunteers sort and pack food donations and help distribute hampers to families. |
In person |
Here |
| UBC Geering Up (Province-wide) |
University of British Columbia program where teens assist STEM outreach workshops and summer camps. |
In person |
Here |
| Green Chair Recycling Society (Greater Vancouver) |
Youth help divert waste at events by staffing recycling stations and educating the public. |
In person |
Here |
| Vancouver Children’s Hospital – Child Life Program (Vancouver) |
Volunteers engage children through play and provide respite for families; positions require training and a commitment. |
In person |
Here |
| Vancouver Fringe Festival (Vancouver) |
Teens help with ticketing, ushering and festival operations during the independent theatre festival. |
In person |
Here |
Ontario
Ontario has a diverse range of opportunities for teens—from virtual matchmaking services that help youth find their ideal role to hands‑on programs at hospitals, zoos and libraries. Many positions count toward the 40‑hour community involvement requirement for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
| What |
Description |
Type |
Link |
| Helping Hands (Ontario) |
Free online service that helps youth aged 13–29 find volunteer opportunities. Advisors meet with students one-on-one via Zoom to match them with roles that suit their skills and interests. |
Online |
Here |
| Vaughan Public Libraries – Teen Volunteers |
Teens (14+) can join the library as Chess Club volunteers, Reading Buddies, Dungeons & Dragons leaders, Fun with French assistants and Pokémon League organizers. Volunteers assist children, prepare materials and host activities. |
In person |
Here |
| Science North – Student Science Advisory Council |
Northern Ontario science centre invites high-school students (grades 9–12) to gain volunteer hours by advising on youth programming and assisting with outreach events. |
In person |
Here |
| SickKids Hospital – High School Volunteer Program |
Students aged 16+ volunteer during summer placements at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children. Roles include assisting in the Family Centre, Gift Shop, Play Park and Child Life programs; volunteers commit to three-hour shifts over a month. |
In person |
Here |
| Toronto Zoo Student Volunteers |
High-school students in grades 9–12 act as Zoo Ambassador volunteers during special events and camp programs. They interact with guests at interpretive stations and commit at least 30 hours per year. |
In person |
Here |
| Ontario SPCA Youth Program |
The provincial humane society welcomes volunteers aged 15+ to spend time with animals, assist with fundraising and help at events. |
In person |
Here |
| Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin – ReStore |
High-school students aged 16+ gain community involvement hours by working in ReStore locations; volunteers commit to at least 50 hours and must attend orientation and wear safety boots. |
In person |
Here |
| Science North Youth Volunteer |
Students can volunteer at Science North to accumulate volunteer hours and participate in exhibits or educational outreach. |
In person |
Here |
| Katimavik National Experience & FuturePerfect |
National programs that place youth in communities across Canada for 14- or 22-week service placements; Ontario participants volunteer at local organizations and develop leadership skills. |
In person |
Here |
| Canadian Red Cross – Ontario |
Teens aged 16+ can volunteer in disaster management and emergency preparedness, providing food, shelter and support during crises. |
In person |
Here |
Alberta
Alberta offers leadership‑focused programs like Edmonton’s Leaders in Training and many opportunities through community organizations. The Calgary Public Library lists several youth volunteer roles such as Coding Buddies and Reading Buddies, while Good Samaritan Society and Special Olympics Alberta welcome youth for hands‑on work.
| What |
Description |
Type |
Link |
| Leaders in Training – City of Edmonton |
Summer program for youth aged 13–17; participants assist recreation leaders at day camps, learn behaviour management and risk management, plan games and arts activities. |
In person |
Here |
| Good Samaritan Society – Junior Helpers |
Organization welcomes youth volunteers to enhance residents’ comfort; roles include recreation, administration, rehabilitation and spiritual care. |
In person |
Here |
| Special Olympics Alberta |
Teens (16+) can volunteer as coaches, program helpers or event volunteers, supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities. |
In person |
Here |
| Alberta Aviation Museum – Youth Volunteer Program |
Youth aged 16–17 assist with museum camps and tours, work in simulator labs and complete research projects. |
In person |
Here |
| Calgary Public Library Youth Volunteers |
Youth in grade 7+ help with programs like Coding Buddies, Math Quest and Reading Buddies; volunteers must be at least 12 (15+ for some roles). |
In person |
Here |
| Habitat for Humanity (ReStore – Alberta eligible) |
Although based in Ontario, Habitat ReStore roles accept Alberta high-school students aged 16+ and provide community involvement hours; volunteers must commit 50 hours and attend orientation. |
In person |
Here |
| Canadian Red Cross – Emergency Services Volunteers |
Teens aged 16+ can assist with disaster relief, providing food, shelter and emotional support during emergencies. |
In person |
Here |
| Special Events – City of Calgary Recreation |
Recreation & social programs recruit volunteers aged 13–16 to support children’s programs and community events (similar to Edmonton’s program). |
In person |
Here |
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan’s opportunities include youth volunteer programs in Saskatoon, animal‑welfare organizations and ReStore operations. Youth volunteer programs emphasize teamwork and leadership development
| What |
Description |
Type |
Link |
| Regina Public Library – Teen Volunteer Program |
Teens assist with reading buddies, special events, and program support. Provides community hours and leadership experience. |
In person |
Here |
| Saskatchewan SPCA – Youth Engagement |
Teens assist with humane education programs, fundraising, and event support across the province. |
In person |
Here |
| Regina Open Door Society – Youth Volunteers |
Opportunities for teens to help with settlement programs, youth events, and mentoring newcomers. Great for building cross-cultural skills. |
In person |
Here |
| Saskatoon Zoo Society – Youth Volunteers |
Volunteer interpreters assist with visitor education, events, and conservation programs at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo. |
In person |
Here |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saskatchewan – Teen Mentors |
High-school students mentor younger children in school-based programs, providing friendship, tutoring, and role modelling. |
In person |
Here |
| Canadian Red Cross – Saskatchewan |
Teens aged 16+ can volunteer in disaster preparedness, health programs, and community safety initiatives throughout the province. |
In person |
Here |
Manitoba
In Manitoba, volunteer programs for teens range from conservation outreach to museum roles and child‑care assistance. The Assiniboine Park Conservancy offers multiple teen‑specific positions, while St. Amant and the Children’s Museum provide inclusive opportunities
| What |
Description |
Type |
Link |
| Winnipeg Public Library – Teen Volunteers |
High-school students help with Reading Buddies, Homework Help, special events, and summer literacy programs. Great for gaining leadership and community hours. |
In person |
Here |
| Manitoba Museum – Youth Volunteers (Winnipeg) |
Teens support exhibits, educational programs, and family events, building communication and public service skills. |
In person |
Here |
| Winnipeg Harvest / Harvest Manitoba |
Youth volunteers sort and pack food donations, support community food banks, and assist with events and campaigns. |
In person |
Here |
| Assiniboine Park Conservancy – Zoo and Park Volunteers |
Teens assist with visitor services, conservation education, and special events at Assiniboine Park and Zoo. |
In person |
Here |
| FortWhyte Alive – Youth Volunteers (Winnipeg) |
Opportunities for high-school students to help with environmental education, special events, camps, and sustainability projects. |
In person |
Here |
| Winnipeg Humane Society – Youth Volunteers |
Teens aged 14+ can help with animal care, humane education programs, fundraising, and event support. |
In person |
Here |
| St. Amant Centre – Youth Volunteers (Winnipeg) |
High-school students support children and adults with developmental disabilities through recreation, activities, and family programs. |
In person |
Here |
| United Way Winnipeg – Youth United |
High-school volunteers help with community initiatives, fundraising, and special events. Youth United also offers leadership training. |
In person |
Here |
| Canadian Red Cross – Manitoba |
Teens aged 16+ can support emergency response, health and safety programs, and community preparedness initiatives. |
In person |
Here |
New Brunswick
Fredericton’s Capital Youth Hub lists many organizations seeking youth volunteers, from food banks to conservation groups. These roles allow teens to develop skills while supporting community programs.
| What |
Description |
Type |
Link |
| Fredericton Public Library – Teen Volunteers |
High-school students help with Reading Buddies, literacy events, and program support. Volunteers gain leadership and communication skills. |
In person |
Here |
| YMCA of Greater Moncton – Youth Programs |
Teens help in after-school programs, youth leadership initiatives, fitness centres, and camps. |
In person |
Here |
| United Way Central New Brunswick – Youth Volunteer Opportunities |
High-school students join local projects, campaigns, and fundraising events to support their communities. |
In person |
Here |
| Canadian Red Cross – New Brunswick |
Teens aged 16+ can volunteer in emergency response, health and safety, and community preparedness programs. |
In person |
Here |
Nova Scotia
Halifax Public Libraries host a variety of structured teen volunteer roles ranging from program preparation to community engagement. IWK Health also offers a summer program for teens interested in healthcare
| What |
Description |
Type |
Link |
| Halifax Public Libraries – Teen Volunteers |
Teens aged 14+ can help with Reading Buddies, Homework Help, and special events at local branches. Great for leadership and community hours. |
In person |
Here |
| IWK Health Centre – Youth Volunteers (Halifax) |
Teens aged 16+ assist with patient and family support, wayfinding, playroom programs, and fundraising events at the children’s hospital. |
In person |
Here |
| Pier 21 / Canadian Museum of Immigration (Halifax) |
High-school students help with visitor services, educational programming, and community events at the national immigration museum. |
In person |
Here |
| YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth – Youth Programs |
Teens support after-school programs, summer camps, aquatics, and special events. Builds leadership and teamwork skills. |
In person |
Here |
| Feed Nova Scotia – Youth Volunteers (Halifax) |
High-school students help sort and pack food donations, support fundraising events, and assist with community distribution. |
In person |
Here |
| Nova Scotia SPCA – Youth Volunteers |
Teens assist with animal care, fundraising, and humane education programs at shelters throughout the province. |
In person |
Here |
| Scouting Nova Scotia – Youth Leaders |
Older teens can volunteer as junior leaders for Beaver, Cub, and Scout groups, helping organize activities and outdoor programs. |
In person |
Here |
| United Way Halifax – Youth Engagement |
Volunteer opportunities for high-school students to support fundraising campaigns, awareness events, and community initiatives. |
In person |
Here |
Quebec
Quebec has province‑wide platforms and unique programs that encourage youth leadership. The provincial Jeunes volontaires program funds youth‑led projects, while community organizations like Vortex Art Studio offer structured volunteer camps.
| What |
Description |
Type |
Link |
| Sainte-Justine Hospital – Youth Volunteers (Montréal) |
Teens aged 16+ assist with playrooms, family support, and fundraising events at Québec’s largest mother-and-child hospital. |
In person |
Here |
| YMCA du Québec – Youth Programs |
Teens can help with camps, after-school programs, and recreation support across YMCA centres in Montréal and Québec City. |
In person |
Here |
| Centraide of Greater Montréal – Youth Engagement |
Volunteer opportunities for students to support fundraising campaigns, awareness initiatives, and special events across the city. |
In person |
Here |
| Écoquartier Montréal – Youth Environmental Projects |
High-school students help with urban greening, recycling education, and community clean-ups in Montréal neighbourhoods. |
In person |
Here |
| Jeunesse, J’écoute / Kids Help Phone |
Bilingual online and phone-based peer support; youth can volunteer for digital outreach, fundraising, and ambassador roles. |
Online |
Here |
| Canadian Red Cross – Québec |
Teens aged 16+ can volunteer in emergency preparedness, community outreach, and first aid events across the province. |
In person |
Here |
Prince Edward Island (PEI)
PEI’s tight‑knit communities offer diverse ways for teens to get involved. Opportunities range from board governance programs for rural high‑school students to conservation work and therapeutic riding.
| What |
Description |
Type |
Link |
| Confederation Centre of the Arts – Youth Volunteers (Charlottetown) |
High-school students assist with theatre events, art gallery programs, summer camps, and festival activities at PEI’s major arts centre. |
In person |
Here |
| PEI Public Library Service – Teen Volunteers |
Teens help with Reading Buddies, children’s activities, and literacy programs at library branches across the province. |
In person |
Here |
| Queen Elizabeth Hospital – Youth Volunteers (Charlottetown) |
Students aged 16+ can help with patient services, information desks, and fundraising events through the hospital’s volunteer program. |
In person |
Here |
| PEI Humane Society – Youth Volunteers |
Teens support animal care, fundraising, shelter cleaning, and adoption events at the provincial humane society. |
In person |
Here |
| Farm Centre Association – Community Gardens (Charlottetown) |
Youth volunteers help with urban agriculture projects, garden maintenance, and sustainability education. |
In person |
Here |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of PEI |
High-school students can volunteer as in-school mentors, activity helpers, or event supporters for children and youth programs. |
In person |
Here |
| Canadian Red Cross – PEI |
Teens aged 16+ can volunteer in emergency response, preparedness, and community outreach across the province. |
In person |
Here |
| United Way PEI – Youth Engagement |
High-school volunteers assist with fundraising campaigns, local events, and youth-led community projects. |
In person |
Here |
Newfoundland and Labrador
Teen volunteers in Newfoundland and Labrador can engage with seniors, support wildlife conservation, help at shelters and gain broadcasting experience. The YMCA’s Hope for Dementia program stands out for its intergenerational focus.
| What |
Description |
Type |
Link |
| St. John’s Public Libraries – Teen Volunteers |
High-school students support literacy and children’s programming through Reading Buddies, homework help, and community events. |
In person |
Here |
| Memorial University Botanical Garden – Youth Volunteers (St. John’s) |
Teens assist with summer camps, environmental education, and special events at the university’s botanical garden. |
In person |
Here |
| Janeway Children’s Hospital Foundation – Volunteers (St. John’s) |
Students aged 16+ can help with family support, fundraising campaigns, and administrative assistance for the children’s hospital. |
In person |
Here |
| YMCA of Newfoundland & Labrador – Youth Programs |
Volunteer roles include helping with summer camps, after-school programs, aquatics, and fitness programs at YMCA branches. |
In person |
Here |
| SPCA St. John’s – Youth Volunteers |
Teens help with animal care, fundraising, adoption events, and education programs at Newfoundland’s oldest SPCA branch. |
In person |
Here |
| Eastern Health – Youth Volunteer Program |
Students aged 16+ support patient care, visitor information desks, and recreation therapy programs at regional hospitals. |
In person |
Here |
Yukon
In the Yukon, the Volunteer Bénévoles Yukon platform lists diverse opportunities. Youth can serve on boards, assist seniors, or help run major events like the Arctic Winter Games.
| What |
Description |
Type |
Link |
| Yukon Wildlife Preserve – Youth Volunteers (Whitehorse) |
High-school students help with animal care, visitor services, and conservation education at the wildlife preserve. |
In person |
Here |
| Yukon Arts Centre – Youth Volunteers (Whitehorse) |
Volunteer ushers and helpers support concerts, theatre, and community arts programs at the territory’s main arts centre. |
In person |
Here |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yukon |
Youth can volunteer as peer mentors, in-school activity leaders, and support community events for children and teens. |
In person |
Here |
| Canadian Red Cross – Yukon |
Teens aged 16+ can volunteer in emergency preparedness, disaster response, and community safety initiatives. |
In person |
Here |
Northwest Territories (NWT)
The Northwest Territories offers leadership‑building programs and community‑based volunteering. The NWT Youth Ambassadors Program develops leadership through volunteer assignments, while organizations like Home Base YK and the Foster Family Coalition provide mentoring roles.
| What |
Description |
Type |
Link |
| Yellowknife Public Library – Teen Volunteers |
High-school students help with Reading Buddies, homework clubs, and program support at the city’s public library. |
In person |
Here |
| NWT SPCA – Youth Volunteers (Yellowknife) |
Teens aged 14+ assist with animal care, shelter cleaning, fundraising, and adoption events at the SPCA. |
In person |
Here |
| Foster Family Coalition of the NWT – Volunteer Mentorship Program |
Youth can help mentor or support children in care through training and structured activities. Hybrid online/in-person opportunities. |
Both |
Here |
| City of Yellowknife – Recreation Volunteers |
Teens help with community events, recreation programs, and festivals organized by the city throughout the year. |
In person |
Here |
| Special Olympics NWT |
Teens (16+) can volunteer as coaches, assistants, or event staff, supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities in the territory. |
In person |
Here |
| Northern Arts & Cultural Centre (NACC) – Youth Volunteers |
High-school volunteers assist with ushering, event setup, and community arts programming at Yellowknife’s theatre hub. |
In person |
Here |
| Canadian Red Cross – NWT |
Teens aged 16+ can help with emergency response, preparedness workshops, and first aid events in NWT communities. |
In person |
Here |
Nunavut
Opportunities in Nunavut are often linked to national or territorial programs that operate throughout the Arctic. Northern Youth Abroad and Canada Service Corps offer structured experiences, while local organizations like the Red Cross provide community‑based roles.
| What |
Description |
Type |
Link |
| Nunavut Arctic College – Student Volunteer Programs |
High-school students can assist with community workshops, cultural activities, and youth education initiatives connected to the college. |
In person |
Here |
| Iqaluit Public Library – Teen Volunteers |
Teens help with children’s reading programs, literacy activities, and community events at the capital’s library branch. |
In person |
Here |
| Nunavut Arts & Crafts Association (NACA) – Youth Volunteers |
Students support arts festivals, exhibitions, and cultural workshops promoting Inuit art and northern traditions. |
In person |
Here |
| Ilisaqsivik Society (Clyde River) |
High-school students can help with community wellness programs, land-based camps, and youth support services. |
In person |
Here |
| Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre (Iqaluit) |
Teens volunteer in food security programs, community meals, and nutrition education projects. |
In person |
Here |
| Special Olympics Nunavut |
Youth volunteers support sports programs and events for athletes with intellectual disabilities, including coaching and event assistance. |
In person |
Here |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters Nunavut (Iqaluit) |
High-school students can volunteer as peer mentors or activity helpers, building supportive relationships with younger children. |
In person |
Here |
| Canadian Red Cross – Nunavut |
Teens aged 16+ assist with emergency preparedness, disaster response, and health promotion initiatives in northern communities. |
In person |
Here |
| Pilimmaksaivik – Federal Inuit Employment & Youth Engagement |
Volunteer and internship programs connect youth with leadership opportunities, skill development, and cultural training in government and community organizations. |
Both |
Here |
| Canada Service Corps – Nunavut Participants |
National program offering youth aged 12–30 local placements, service projects, and micro-grants for northern-led initiatives. |
Both |
Here |
Conclusion
From Vancouver’s bustling festivals to Yukon’s upcoming Arctic Winter Games, Canada is rich with opportunities for teens to volunteer. Whether you prefer working with animals, supporting seniors, mentoring younger children or tackling environmental issues, there’s a program that matches your interests and schedule. Many organizations offer training, mentorship and recognition, making volunteering not only a way to give back but also a pathway to personal growth and future employment. Use the links in each provincial section to explore current openings, confirm age requirements and apply.
