If you are already outside of Canada, then contact them through FB or Twitter.

Here is a link about Seasonal Hold plan: 

https://www.koodomobile.com/en/help/keeping-your-account-open-when-travelling?search_api_views_article_search_fulltext=Seasonal%20hold

Seasonal hold costs $15/month. You might as well ask them for the $15 plan and at least receive texts for free (just make sure data and data roaming is off and no texts are sent and no talk is used) 

I am told that after the vacation hold I would have to find a new plan as I could not get my plan back

Thats correct.  Vacation hold - switch to a seasonal hold is count as plan change.  So, when you come back, you need to pick a new in market plan.