Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
3 Apr 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
42
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
Retired, and living on Gabriola Island. This is a great place to be year-round. Very beautiful, surrounded by ocean and mountains. Lots of local artists - a very unique community (Isle of the Arts). Located near Vancouver and Nanaimo BC, Canada. Part of the Gulf Islands archipelago! A very laid-back lifestyle.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
General Maintenance
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Language practice
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Gabriola Island is on the West Coast Canada. The community has a mixed group of people on the island so there is a lot of learning opportunity. So if you want to have that 'Canadian' experience - this is definitely a part of it. In the house-hold we are able to speak: German, Spanish, French English, and some Portuguese. We can help you learn with English as a second language if required.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We have 5 acres of land with field, forest, and a beach out front. There is always work to do outside that includes gardening and general up-keep. Physically able preferred. We will generally be working with you, we just need some more help. Most of the activities would be gardening related. But sometimes we need help with other maintenance activities. Details include: sowing gardens, harvesting crops, weeding, picking berries, picking apples and other fruits. There is also always lawn care, pruning bushes and trees, firewood collection, and general yard maintenance. Other tasks might include caring for the chickens and dog/cat. Sometimes we need help doing general maintenance which can include: fence building, odd-jobs (construction related), or even just bottling fruit in the kitchen. In the fall we go hunting, so sometimes we need help there too. We are happy to accommodate you based on your strengths.
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
French: Fluent
Portuguese: Fluent
Accommodation
You would get your own bedroom and bathroom, the rest of the house is shared. 1-2 people. No TV, but we have highspeed internet available.
What else ...
There is lots to explore here: the beaches, kayaking, walking trails, mountain biking, and even petroglyphs. Locally people play tennis and soccer, among other activities. There is also opportunity for boating, fishing, tennis, and drop-in soccer. Hiking is available on Vancouver Island, other sites of interest is the West Coast of Vancouver Island (Tofino and Long Beach), Cathedral Grove Park (Old Growth Trees), and Skiing in the Winter (Vancouver Island); but you might have to organize your own transportation. You can easily commute to Nanaimo for educational/recreational opportunities, such as Vancouver Island University. Beyond the local region is Vancouver and the remainder of British Columbia.
Being retired and in our 70's we live a fairly quiet but active lifestyle. We play tennis, go to the gym for exercise, go on bike rides, and we go to church on Sundays. We love to talk at the dinner table. If you think that suites you then that is probably great! Non-smoking household. On occasion our adult children will visit us. We live walking distance from the local pub which is a great place to meet people and socialize if you want to get away for a bit.
We have a small boat and kayaks that you can use, and sometimes we go out fishing.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Flexible; 2-4hrs per day, 4-5 days a week.
Host ref number: 171344334547
Feedback (25)
20 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Deborah & Mark)
Mark and Debbie had a wonderful week with us and got lots done. Mark managed to make a little patio out of irregular stone slabs in front ot our cabin. He figured it all out by himself and got it done fast. Debbie worked in the house and garden and was very efficient. Both are interesting and fun to talk to and were very popular with our… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Antonia & Eric)
Ana and Eric stayed a week over Christmas with us and we were super happy to have them. They worked hard staining many board feet of wood planks which will be the siding for our shed. We had interesting conversations and enjoyed their company very much.
Good luck in the future.
Good luck in the future.
(Excellent
)
1 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Antonia & Eric) for host
I spent a lovely week with my partner working at their neighbour's house (Anne & Doug). We mostly did some painting work and some stacking/organizing of wood. Anne & Doug were wonderful hosts and had us over for an amazing home-cooked dinner every night, and drove us around the island showing us some of their favorite spots. We also got to visit… read more
17 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Maya)
Maya stayed for two weeks together with two other workaways and they became good friends. She helped happily and competently in the team or alone.
Tasks included washing windows, ripping out dead plants, washing raw wool and organizing the neighbour's crawlspace. She even came back for half a week which was wonderful. Good luck in your future… read more
Tasks included washing windows, ripping out dead plants, washing raw wool and organizing the neighbour's crawlspace. She even came back for half a week which was wonderful. Good luck in your future… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Maya) for host
Staying with Nicki and George on Gabriola Island for two weeks was a dream!
It was my first workaway experience and it could not have been better! I am so grateful for this amazing start in Canada. I stayed two weeks in total and tasks included for example sweeping leaves, cutting raspberry bushes, vacuuming, washing wool from the sheep and… read more
It was my first workaway experience and it could not have been better! I am so grateful for this amazing start in Canada. I stayed two weeks in total and tasks included for example sweeping leaves, cutting raspberry bushes, vacuuming, washing wool from the sheep and… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
20 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Deborah & Mark)
Mark and Debbie had a wonderful week with us and got lots done. Mark managed to make a little patio out of irregular stone slabs in front ot our cabin. He figured it all out by himself and got it done fast. Debbie worked in the house and garden and was very efficient. Both are interesting and fun to talk to and were very popular with our… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Antonia & Eric)
Ana and Eric stayed a week over Christmas with us and we were super happy to have them. They worked hard staining many board feet of wood planks which will be the siding for our shed. We had interesting conversations and enjoyed their company very much.
Good luck in the future.
Good luck in the future.
(Excellent
)
1 Jan 2024
Left by Workawayer (Antonia & Eric) for host
I spent a lovely week with my partner working at their neighbour's house (Anne & Doug). We mostly did some painting work and some stacking/organizing of wood. Anne & Doug were wonderful hosts and had us over for an amazing home-cooked dinner every night, and drove us around the island showing us some of their favorite spots. We also got to visit… read more
17 Nov 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Maya)
Maya stayed for two weeks together with two other workaways and they became good friends. She helped happily and competently in the team or alone.
Tasks included washing windows, ripping out dead plants, washing raw wool and organizing the neighbour's crawlspace. She even came back for half a week which was wonderful. Good luck in your future… read more
Tasks included washing windows, ripping out dead plants, washing raw wool and organizing the neighbour's crawlspace. She even came back for half a week which was wonderful. Good luck in your future… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Maya) for host
Staying with Nicki and George on Gabriola Island for two weeks was a dream!
It was my first workaway experience and it could not have been better! I am so grateful for this amazing start in Canada. I stayed two weeks in total and tasks included for example sweeping leaves, cutting raspberry bushes, vacuuming, washing wool from the sheep and… read more
It was my first workaway experience and it could not have been better! I am so grateful for this amazing start in Canada. I stayed two weeks in total and tasks included for example sweeping leaves, cutting raspberry bushes, vacuuming, washing wool from the sheep and… read more
5 Sep 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Rachael & Oliver)
Rachael and Ollii stayed two weeks with us. We had lots of fun and good conversations. They got a lot done, from fixing a toilet tank to canning fruit, feeding our sheep and geese, weeding and picking in the vegetable patch, sanding and varnishing some doors, putting in new posts and more.
I would highly recommend them.
I would highly recommend them.
(Excellent
)
17 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (lucandklara)
Klara came at short notice and was an absolute hit with everyone. We were up to 17 people every day, some days four more, and she was responsible for dinner every night. She did a great job, worked independently or together with the bbq man and made a fantastic lasagna one night for 21people. She took part in our sometimes very loud discussions,… read more
(Excellent
)
9 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Abigail Claire & Oliver Thomas)
Abi and Oliver stayed two weeks with us and got a lot done. They worked in the vegetable garden, replaced posts, fed the three sheep and two geese, helped with doing the dishes and cooked a nice farewell meal for us all. Lovely to hear stories of their lives and have long discussions. A fabulous team.
(Excellent
)
3 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Abigail Claire & Oliver Thomas) for host
A wonderful Island with wonderful hosts!
George and Nicki were such lovely hosts and we felt welcomed from the start. They had great conversation and really helped us to get involved with the community which was great. The sense of community on Gabriola Island is something we won't forget.
We spent two weeks on their beautiful property which… read more
George and Nicki were such lovely hosts and we felt welcomed from the start. They had great conversation and really helped us to get involved with the community which was great. The sense of community on Gabriola Island is something we won't forget.
We spent two weeks on their beautiful property which… read more
18 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Jamie)
Jamie stayed for three weeks with us and we enjoyed his company very much. He is very helpful and often did more hours than expected. He learned fast, made salad for supper, prepared breakfast, that was a surprise for us, and our yard looks a lot better now. A very pleasant time we had with him.
(Excellent
)
26 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (Emma) for host
Nicki and George were my first Canadian hosts and I’m so glad! Nicki was very responsive as I arranged to stay, and helped me work out how best to reach Gabriola. She is an amazing cook and kept me very well fed during my stay. She also invited me to accompany her in running errands and visiting her neighbour - I’m sure we’d have done more… read more
12 Mar 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (SANDRA DE SOUZA)
Sandra came to us with a smiling open disposition, very eager to help, share her thoughts and observations with us and she was an excellent teacher of Portuguese to me. We enjoyed our time togehter immensely and we both learnt lots from each other. Her English has improved as well.
(Excellent
)
10 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (SANDRA DE SOUZA) for host
George e Nicki, pessoas espetaculares, um período da minha vida de grande aprendizado e experiências. Belíssimo local onde residem. Obrigada ao belo casal pelo acolhimento, pelo carinho e pela paciência com meu inglês. A única certeza que tenho é, da grande sorte que tive em ser escolhida por eles. Obrigada George e Nicki.
12 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (Freya) for host
I stayed with Niki and George for 3 weeks in October/November 2019. It was a fabulous experience! I made a good friend in Dania the other workawayer who was there at the same time and Niki was so kind. Niki went out of her way to show us a good time on the island taking us to many community events. This was amazing as Gabriola has lots of things… read more
31 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Freya)
Freya is a very skilled fleece picker and carder and did wonderful work with the fleeces that I had. She is lively and interested and a great help in the kitchen and in general. We had a lot of fun together with the workaway from Mexico who she befriended very quickly. They explored on bicycles and went to other neighbours to learn from their… read more
(Excellent
)
22 Jan 2020
Left by Workawayer (Natsumi) for host
My stay with Nicki and George on Gabriola Island was just wonderful. I do wish I could have stayed longer.
From the moment I met Nicki at Nanaimo airport and felt her warmth, I knew I came to a right place, and that feeling has never been wrong. Although I was there only for a week, I have learnt and received a lot of things from their simple but… read more
From the moment I met Nicki at Nanaimo airport and felt her warmth, I knew I came to a right place, and that feeling has never been wrong. Although I was there only for a week, I have learnt and received a lot of things from their simple but… read more
31 Oct 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Dania)
Dania is an excellent cook, we had Mexican food and quince/apple pies that she made. She became a good friend of our Canadian workaway girl and they had fun biking and exploring new things. She learned how to make bread and she is a good apple picker. We had a very enjoyable time with Dania and I would highly recommend her.
(Excellent
)
24 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Evelina & Evaldas) for host
Nicki and George are nice and intelligent people who were very interesting to talk to. Work wasn‘t difficult, mainly I was helping George in his orchard garden, once I helped lady with MS at the gym. Nicki and George were always making sure I wasn‘t working too much. I loved that we always had meals together. Food was great and everything was… read more
6 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Evelina & Evaldas)
Evelina stayed with us only less than 2 weeks but we became good friends quickly. She is a conscientious hard worker, eager to do a thourough job, friendly, quiet and very interesting to have conversations with. We enjoyed having her and learning more about Lithuania and exchanging ideas.
(Excellent
)
18 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Sebastian) for host
Nikki, George and their family are all wonderful people. I had so much fun with them. I enjoyed waking up hearing the waves in the background and watching the waves. I enjoyed working with George and we almost went to the lighthouse nearby. I loved to have the berries, we picked earlier, as dessert after a delicious meal.
Thank you for the… read more
Thank you for the… read more
24 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Romain26) for host
It was a pleasure to share my first workaway’s experience with Nicki and Georges. I really appreciated it during one week and a half. They know how to put people at ease and receive them. This experience allowed me to know the island of Gabriola, its population through various activities such as volleyball with Georges, yoga with Nicki. My job… read more
21 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Romain26)
Romain came on short notice and was a great success. He bonded very quickly with us and with our other workaway from France, aged 60, and was a tremendous help with strenuous gardening work, ripping out blackberries, roots and all, taking down an old fence, cutting back bushes and carrying the branches to the burning pile. We thoroughly enjoyed… read more
(Excellent
)
6 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (LOURDES & FRANCISCO)
Paco and Lourdes were both wonderful guests and great workers. They quickly became part of our family despite four decades between us and it was a pleasure to be with them. Their hard work and enthousiasm meant that we accomplished many projects. We would be delighted to welcome them back anytime. They are a lovely couple and highly recommended as… read more
(Excellent
)
26 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (SophSch) for host
I spent almost 4 weeks with the Nicki, George, Stefanie and her two beautiful children. And of course Sammy, the worlds cutest dog!
If you like to talk about many different topics you are exactly right in their home. From topics like religion all the way to the difference between your countries.
The tasks were pretty easy: helping in the… read more
If you like to talk about many different topics you are exactly right in their home. From topics like religion all the way to the difference between your countries.
The tasks were pretty easy: helping in the… read more
19 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (Laura) for host
On Gabriola I had my first work away experience and it had been great so far! I stayed with Nicki and Georg for 9 days in June/July. Well, I also stayed with Saami, the cutest little puppy on earth, and with their children, grandchildren and friends :) so it was a busy but fun time and I really enjoyed the company. Nicki and Georg were both born… read more
17 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (Caroline) for host
The first time I stayed with Nicki and George, I had such a wonderful time that I actually decided to come a second time during my trip in Canada!
Also, I fell in love with Gabriola Island, the beautiful, wild nature there and its laid-back lifestyle.
The work was mostly gardening and always manageable, offering a beautiful view on the Ocean.
I… read more
Also, I fell in love with Gabriola Island, the beautiful, wild nature there and its laid-back lifestyle.
The work was mostly gardening and always manageable, offering a beautiful view on the Ocean.
I… read more
16 May 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (William)
William stayed with us for 2 weeks in the spring when there was lots to do outside. He is very helpful, cheerful, well versed in history and interested in new experiences. A willing and hard worker who is ready to help wherever needed. What a pleasant addition to our dinner table.
(Excellent
)
7 May 2019
Left by Workawayer (William) for host
My first workaway stay I've ever done and I couldnt have asked for better hosts than Nikki & George! I stayed for 2 weeks and their place has an amazing view on the northern end of Gabriola and is surrounded by naturual beauty that much of British Columbia has to offer.
The working style is very laid back and consists of general help around the… read more
The working style is very laid back and consists of general help around the… read more
19 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Alex ) for host
On my first workaway, I couldn't have asked for a better place to stay than at Niki's and George's house. I really enjoyed our conversations, the volunteer work, my bedroom which has an awesome and inspiring view to the water and having access to a bike to go around. Niki sent me to some of her friends and her daughter in Kamloops which allowed me… read more
11 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Alex )
Alex stayed with us about 2 months, part of that time he stayed and helped our daughter and also a friend of ours. He is very helpful, eager to finish a task, sees what need to be done, strong and likes outdoor work. There was a big storm which brought down trees and many branches which needed cleaning up. He survived a 5 day power outage, caused… read more
(Excellent
)
27 Nov 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Faith)
Faith stayed with us while we really needed her: picking apples and pears, feeding the sheep, geese and chickens, cooking for George while I was away, keeping the house tidy and fiiling the house with her pleasant presence. We really enjoyed and appreciated her stay with us and would highly recommend her to another host. She is thoughtful,… read more
(Excellent
)
14 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer (Faith) for host
I so so so enjoyed my stay at George and Nicki's on Gabriola Island! They had their wider family staying when I first arrived, but I was warmly welcomed into their home. I loved spending a lot of the time outside, helping George in the garden picking apples and pears, cutting back bushes, and building bonfires, as well as helping to look after the… read more
31 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (Sophie) for host
We spend almost 3 weeks at Nikki & George's house.
It was very nice and interesting. We learned so much about the forest and Canada and we improved our english.
Nikki is a very good cooker and for french girl like us it was very nice to have some good cheese !!
We helped them with the wood and the garden.
The house and the island are so… read more
It was very nice and interesting. We learned so much about the forest and Canada and we improved our english.
Nikki is a very good cooker and for french girl like us it was very nice to have some good cheese !!
We helped them with the wood and the garden.
The house and the island are so… read more
28 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (Po Han) for host
Nicki and George are very kind people with a lot of stories to share. I enjoyed helping in their garden and having interesting conversation with them. I am looking forward to meeting them again!
26 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Po Han)
Po Han is fun and his English is fantastic, good conversations, very good helper, a delight to have. Hope he will come back when he has free time.
(Excellent
)
31 Jul 2018
Left by Workawayer (Thomas) for host
This was one of the best workaways we've done! George and Nicki are very warm and welcoming hosts and where they live is just beautiful. The work was varied and fun, so the time went far too quickly! It was lovely to meet their friends and family as well :) What a wonderful experience!
4 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Steve & Luke ) for host
We had a great stay with George and Nikki who welcomed us into their home and made us feel very comfortable. Whilst we were there we helped with bramble cutting, general maintenance and also helped George hunting. Nikki and George also introduced us to their friends on the Island (which is beautiful) and showed us the sights
8 Sep 2017
Left by Workawayer (Lara) for host
I stayed with George and Nicki for nearly two weeks and the time just flew by. The kids and grandkids were visiting at that time so the house was pretty busy and lots to do. Work was mostly outside like weeding in the vegetable garden, picking blackberries, apples and pears or cutting some bushes. The property is huge and has a wonderfull view to… read more
12 Aug 2017
Left by Workawayer (Nitzan) for host
Dear Nicki George Stephanie and the Westarp gang
I spent a week in this paradise. In a beautiful wooden house right on the sea lives this lovely family. The island itself is charming and magical too .
I had a great time with them. They were very welcoming, there were always good conversations, george's great life stories and adventures, and… read more
I spent a week in this paradise. In a beautiful wooden house right on the sea lives this lovely family. The island itself is charming and magical too .
I had a great time with them. They were very welcoming, there were always good conversations, george's great life stories and adventures, and… read more
5 Aug 2017
Left by Workawayer (Liam) for host
I spent a lovely week with the family at their oceanfront home on Gabriola Island. Its a lovely house with a dinky cottage nearby, a relaxing orchard, and a spectacular oceanfront view of the lighthouse. My chores were basically sanding and staining garden furniture and house doors all week and the time just flew by.
I had some fascinating… read more
I had some fascinating… read more
8 Sep 2016
Left by Workawayer (Sarah) for host
We enjoyed our two weeks with George and Nicki and their daughter who visited for a week with her little son. Their house and garden is very beautiful and the sea is right in front of the house. We enjoyed a nice breakfast on the veranda every morning. Sometimes it felt like being at home in Germany, because Nicki comes from Bavaria and George… read more
13 Aug 2016
Left by Workawayer (Nick) for host
I had a really interesting time here and was very well looked after by George, Nikki and Stefanie. I felt warmly welcomed as one of the family. George taught me a lot about forestry in Canada and showed me the local area which is very beautiful. I mostly did carpentry work with George.
I had use of a kayak and a bicycle and was also lent the… read more
I had use of a kayak and a bicycle and was also lent the… read more
