Home environment in lovely Cowichan Bay, Vancouver Island, Canada

Details

• 

  Description

  . Come join the 2 of us with our sweet dog in a beautiful home surrounded by fields and forest with views of the mountains and sunsets. It is very peaceful here and we often see deer, hawks, and eagles.
  Sometimes we like extra help with the garden or forest or whatever special projects are on the list (see below) and of course there is always weeding. From May to July we sell rhubarb to some stores and helpers have enjoyed learning those skills. If you are not used to outdoor work you will build some muscle and get your hands dirty! We try to accommodate people's strengths and abilities. We won't ask you to do any work that is beyond your capacity. We work with you as much as possible and make sure you are comfortable with the job. We expect a good work effort and ability to clarify and follow directions.
  
  We have hosted more than 100 volunteers over 10 years and it has always been a great time together. We love welcoming travelers into our home and treat you like family while you are here. We value the efforts and contributions that have been made by all who have stayed here. We certainly wouldn't be where we are without the help and we feel the helpers become part of our story. Some of those pictures are included in our profile.
  
  Breakfast is self serve from food provided. For lunch and dinner, I like to cook a variety of healthy meals from scratch and we eat together family style. You are welcome to help and keep company in the kitchen with cooking or clean up. We raise our own beef and seasonal vegetables.
  
  We have bikes so you can go exploring to Cowichan Bay (10 Min) or into town- 7 km. We try to be accommodating of people's interest and help them explore the Valley. It is such a beautiful area for hikes along rivers, up mountains and enjoying beaches. In the evenings, we like to watch TV, read, play cards or watch the sunset while playing with the dog.
  
  This is a good place for 2 people traveling together but that is not a requirement. We have often had 2 individuals traveling who have become great friends. Minimum 2 week -4 week stays preferred but exceptions can be made.
  Non-smoking, no drugs.

• 

  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Farmstay help

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
• 

  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  For many it has been a reprieve from the fast pace of work or travel. A chance to regroup, think, get in touch with themselves and plan the next steps. Travelers can expect lots of time working outside, enjoying the beautiful, peaceful nature that surrounds our home, learning new skills, and being appreciated for their efforts while being welcomed like family and experiencing how one Canadian home functions.

• 

  Help

  Projects on the list;
  * winterizing the vegetable garden
  * building 2 raised garden boxes
  * raking leaves
  * Picking up branches and pulling invasive weeds in the forest
  * weeding
  
  
  We try to match skill level/ experience with job needs and we will help along side you when possible or make sure you understand the job before leaving you.
  We are flexible with the volunteering day hours so that you can have the time you need to explore. At the same time, we expect a good work ethic and a job well done. We expect you to make an effort to be efficient and good at clarifying and following directions.

• 

  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent

• 

  Accommodation

  Large private bedrooms and bathroom upstairs in main house with wireless internet.

• 

  What else ...

  There is great beauty and peaceful nature in our area. many hiking and biking opportunities.
  We are situated midway between the larger cities of Victoria and Nanaimo. Victoria is a favorite city for guests to explore.
  Having good rain gear and boots will make you more comfortable.

• 

  A little more information

  • 

    Internet access

  • 

    Limited internet access

  • 

    We have pets

  • 

    We are smokers

  • 

    Can host families

• 

  Space for parking camper vans

  We have a large property in the country so lots of room for a camper van.

• 

  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

• 

  Hours expected

  4-5 hrs per day, 5 days per week

Feedback (32)