Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
7 May 2025
Reply rate
93.8 %
Usually responds within 7 days
Feedback
54
Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
Description
We happily find ourselves on a beautiful remote island off of the coast of British Columbia, Canada where we are entirely off the grid and reached only by boat or floatplane. Here we are stumbling, bumbling, and laughing our way hopefully towards sustainability. We enjoy being around creative, energetic and hard working people. We currently run a small marina and three rental cabins. With help from all of you we have rebuilt a laundry room, constructed a generator shed/workshop, have installed a battery bank, a micro hydro system, solar panels, and this winter, built a new giant woodshed. Three small cabins, as well as a veggie garden. What's next........ a sauna?
Cynthia and myself live here year round and are joined by work aways who come here to the bay and spend a couple of days, weeks, or months. We do not believe now that we could live here without your help and we always look forward to meeting new friends. In the spring we will need help with the firewood, cottage cleaning, brush clearing.
We are primarily looking for folks with ***building experience and or ***chain saw skills or mechanical experience. There is always firewood to bring in, split and stack, spring cleaning and brush clearing to do. We need to build some new gates and to strengthen our garden fence against the deer and the bears. For those with competent outdoor skills, we are especially passionate about restoring the creek for salmon that runs through our property. This includes tree planting and trail building. We like hosting couples or pairs of friends. You will have plenty of free time to explore. We are very remote and isolated.
We always enjoy having couples come and help.
We thank you so much for your interest and we hope to see you soon!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Nature
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Travellers can benefit from experiencing a simpler more sustainable off grid lifestyle and participating with us in environmental causes like planting trees in our forest and restoring our creek for spawning salmon. Also, collecting trash off the beach.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We do not adhere to strict schedules at here. You will see what is expected of you by sharing in the work of all. Helpers will always have spare time to hike, kayak, fish, or any other leisure that they may desire. We generally start the day after everyone has surfaced and had some morning nourishment. You are not required to rise at any given time. You will have your own accommodation and will be expected to make your own meals some of the time although dinners are sometimes communal... We hope that have as much fun here as we do.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
The accommodation will be in one of our rental cabins off season.
What else ...
In the late 1800’s our bay was the most populated place on the coast and home to a thriving gold mining industry, logging camp, and fishing fleet. The towns 164 city-sized lots are still titled and are just one part of our 165 acre property. The townsite was of course along the waterfront where there is a 600 foot pier that provides moorage for our own as well as visiting boats. The pier and dock are virtually the only sign of the town that was.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Host ref number: 19326196284b
Feedback (26)
3 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Gemma & Nathan)
Gemma and Nathan were incredibly hardworking, helpful and very nice to have around. They helped us with spring cleaning cabins and rebuilding our garden fence.
(Excellent
)
1 Aug 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (James & Lucy)
We truly enjoyed having Lucy and James stay with us. They are wonderful to be around and easy going. They were a tremendous help getting our property ready for our summer season. We gave them many tasks from brush burning, repainting patio furniture, repairing railings on a bridge and planting, weeding and mowing the garden. They are also great… read more
(Excellent
)
18 Jul 2022
Left by Workawayer (James & Lucy) for host
Lucy and I stayed with Mark and Cynthia for three weeks in June 2022. Well - wow. We had the most incredible time in the best possible way. The bay is absolute paradise - The view was unlike anything we’d ever seen! The location and wildlife (including Tulip) were amazing. The work varied day to day, and was never too taxing. We burned fires,… read more
14 Jun 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Wolf)
We truly enjoyed having Wolf stay with us. He was easy going and fun to be around, very clean and tidy, always helpful regardless of the situation and Wolf has incredible work ethics. We look forward to Wolf’s return! A top quality workaway on all levels!
(Excellent
)
8 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Wolf) for host
What an amazing experience! This is definitely one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to. The tastefully designed property surrounded by stunning nature is home to two very kind, caring and humorous people. Cynthia and Mark are great hosts, I've hat countless fun and interesting conversations, they are very understanding and provide a lot… read more
Photos
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)
3 Mar 2025
Left by host for Workawayer (Gemma & Nathan)
Gemma and Nathan were incredibly hardworking, helpful and very nice to have around. They helped us with spring cleaning cabins and rebuilding our garden fence.
(Excellent)
1 Aug 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (James & Lucy)
We truly enjoyed having Lucy and James stay with us. They are wonderful to be around and easy going. They were a tremendous help getting our property ready for our summer season. We gave them many tasks from brush burning, repainting patio furniture, repairing railings on a bridge and planting, weeding and mowing the garden. They are also great… read more
(Excellent)
18 Jul 2022
Left by Workawayer (James & Lucy) for host
Lucy and I stayed with Mark and Cynthia for three weeks in June 2022. Well - wow. We had the most incredible time in the best possible way. The bay is absolute paradise - The view was unlike anything we’d ever seen! The location and wildlife (including Tulip) were amazing. The work varied day to day, and was never too taxing. We burned fires,… read more
14 Jun 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Wolf)
We truly enjoyed having Wolf stay with us. He was easy going and fun to be around, very clean and tidy, always helpful regardless of the situation and Wolf has incredible work ethics. We look forward to Wolf’s return! A top quality workaway on all levels!
(Excellent)
8 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Wolf) for host
What an amazing experience! This is definitely one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to. The tastefully designed property surrounded by stunning nature is home to two very kind, caring and humorous people. Cynthia and Mark are great hosts, I've hat countless fun and interesting conversations, they are very understanding and provide a lot… read more
31 May 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Chloe-Ann & Kyle)
Chloe and Kyle stayed with us for a few weeks and they were a massive help getting our place ready for our summer season. They are very pleasant to be around and a great team. Excellent painters and they were also very helpful getting the veggie garden ready for planting.
Thanks a million, you two!
Thanks a million, you two!
(Excellent)
24 Sep 2020
Left by Workawayer (Rebecca & Michael) for host
Such a beautiful and peaceful place.. Lots of laughter, Pizza and freedome. Mark and Cynthia are great hosts!
20 Sep 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Rebecca & Michael)
Rebecca and Michael were great company and massively helpful...not to mention adorable.
(Excellent)
6 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Ute) for host
I absolutely loved staying with Cynthia, Mark and the Dogs. I felt like a Family member and enjoyed every Moment in their paradise-like place. If you have the Chance to go there, you should defenitely do! I will Keep incredible memories and would love to come back. Thank you so much! I hope we stay in touch. Lots of Love!
30 Aug 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Ute)
We just said, “Goodbye “ to Ute with tears in our eyes. Ute could run it by herself with her eyes closed. Ute was an immense help in the kitchen and with the cottages. She will be missed by the entire crew, both two and four legged.
(Excellent)
30 Aug 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Jacqueline)
We have had vast experience with workaways. We are so grateful and appreciate when one comes along and is so incredibly helpful and hard working as Jacqueline. Jackie and Nick had the daunting task of painting our old wooden boat. They magically transformed the old girl into a thing of beauty. Jackie was a huge help in the kitchen and makes a fine… read more
(Excellent)
6 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (Jacqueline) for host
If there is a paradise on this plane. Words can't describe the beauty and the peacefulness of this place. If you want to work in the garden while hummingbirds buzz around you or take care of the boat and spot sea otters, whales or bald eagles every now and then, this is 'for shoal' the place to be for you ;) Not to forget Cynthia and Mark and… read more
17 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Nick)
We enjoyed having Nick and Jackie stay with us. The place ran very smoothly thanks to Nick and Jackie. They have great attitudes, they were self sufficient and completely reliable regardless of the task. Best wishes you two! Hope our paths cross again.
Xoxcynthia
Xoxcynthia
(Excellent)
1 Jun 2019
Left by Workawayer (Anton) for host
I stayed with Marcos and Cynthia through May, and had the absolutely best time. I really loved staying there in May, getting to see the change from being just us to all the boaters coming in and visiting the bar.
I can't express it enough, if you ever get the chance to stay there, go, you won't regret it.
I did a lot of different work, and never… read more
I can't express it enough, if you ever get the chance to stay there, go, you won't regret it.
I did a lot of different work, and never… read more
31 May 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Anton)
Anton will amaze you in every way imaginable ! Possibly world champion workaway!
We love Anton!
Treehouse!
We love Anton!
Treehouse!
(Excellent)
31 May 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Mattis & Seunghyun)
These two talented individuals are fabulous! Seunghyun and Mattis were a tremendous help getting our inn ready for the tourist season and a pleasure to be around. We hope they come back to see us one day!
(Excellent)
30 May 2019
Left by Workawayer (Mattis & Seunghyun) for host
We stayed for three weeks here and it was the best start of our three month in Canada we could expect! Cynthia and Mark were always open, really friendly and very generous hosts. There was no day without a special delicious dinner and the work was always fun and flexible, it felt every day like we don't work enough for what we get offered. This… read more
1 Dec 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Alexandre)
We enjoyed having Alex stay with us. He is great company, has many talents and is very hardworking. Alex was a huge help bringing in firewood. He built a beautiful bridge over our creek and our dog loved him.
(Excellent)
17 Sep 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Pauline)
Pauline came to help us during our busy season. She was an immense help, very professional , hard working and loads of fun. It was a great joy working with her and getting to know her. We look forward to her return.
(Excellent)
2 Sep 2018
Left by Workawayer (Pauline) for host
Whhaaaaa, I still miss this place so much!!! My quite spontaneous stay at there was just the best decision ever, and I enjoyed every day so much. Cynthia and Mark are just the funniest and loveliest hosts you can imagine, and (almost most important ;) ) amazing cooks! :D Of course there are always some things, that have to be done, like watering… read more
23 Aug 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Stacey & William)
It was great having Stacey and Will stay with us they were a tremendous help. I had the great pleasure of working side by side with Stacey and was thoroughly impressed with her work ethics and leadership skills. Will was very helpful and built us a beautiful bridge.
(Excellent)
30 Jul 2018
Left by Workawayer (Pavel & Daniela) for host
Prepare to be amazed! It is a perfect spot to disconnect from the world. Work isn't so hard - lawn mowing, gardening, lot of things around pub, a bit of housekeeping and plenty more, and you will be reward by beautiful view, relaxing atmosphere and super nice people. Plus cold beer, delicious food and playing with the dogs (that's the must).… read more
17 Jul 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Pavel & Daniela)
We feel so fortunate and thankful to have had Daniella and Pavel stay with us for awhile. They were both so incredibly helpful and thorough in every way. We miss them already!! Best wishes you two! Xoxo
(Excellent)
4 May 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (George)
We loved having George stay with us. He always had a great attitude, eager to learn new skills and lend a hand.
(Excellent)
27 Sep 2016
Left by Workawayer (George) for host
This is a amazing place so it would make sense that it is lived in by two fantastic people, Mark and Cynthia who make it what it is and are one of the contributing reasons the place is so special.
Work consisted and varied with chopping wood, painting, mowing lawns, serving in the pub, making rock walls for a herb garden, helping with lunches for… read more
Work consisted and varied with chopping wood, painting, mowing lawns, serving in the pub, making rock walls for a herb garden, helping with lunches for… read more
17 Feb 2018
Left by Workawayer (Laia & Aleix) for host
We feel so lucky to have met Mark, Cynthia and Tulip, their lovely dog. We stayed there for 3 weeks and it couldn’t have been better. They are a great hosts and an excellent cooks! The work there was not hard and very flexible. It was varied and fun, and basically consisted in taking care of the pub, helping them with fishing tour lunches,… read more
12 Jan 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Laia & Aleix)
We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Laia and Allex. We were in awe of their spirit, work ethics and integrity. We think of them fondly and miss them often.
(Excellent)
15 Aug 2017
Left by Workawayer (Steffan) for host
Hi Mark & Cynthia,
Just a quick one to say thanks a lot for my time volunteering!
I enjoyed working on the hydro scheme and I hope it will be working well for you to charge your batteries! Let it rain! Let me know if you have any questions with the system... more than happy to help and give advice anytime!
Thanks again,
Steffan
Just a quick one to say thanks a lot for my time volunteering!
I enjoyed working on the hydro scheme and I hope it will be working well for you to charge your batteries! Let it rain! Let me know if you have any questions with the system... more than happy to help and give advice anytime!
Thanks again,
Steffan
13 Aug 2017
Left by Workawayer (Ellen) for host
This is a wonderful place to land! I spent 3/4 weeks there in July and had a really enriching time getting to know Cynthia and Mark and their extended family of friends and visitors. Recommended for people who don't mind being in a secluded place and can occupy themselves outdoors (great birdwatching opportunities!). My work varied between serving… read more
11 Aug 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Ellen)
It was truly a privilege to spend time with Ellen. She was a great help, fun and intelligent! We will miss her. All the best to you dear Ellen!
(Excellent)
15 Jul 2017
Left by Workawayer (David) for host
We enjoyed our time at the Island so much. Mark and Cynthia are awesome Hosts and made our time there so enjoyable by cooking good food, showing us around(we even got to see a Grizzly) and having a good time with them and their awesome friends at the Patio with awesome view and beer:)
We enjoyed self caught crabs and fish, just the lingcod, which… read more
We enjoyed self caught crabs and fish, just the lingcod, which… read more
4 Jun 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (David)
It's truly been a blessing having David and his friends here helping us out. They have transformed our property. They are All Stars in every way. We will miss them!
(Excellent)
20 Jan 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Simon & Kate)
Kate and Simon are a fantastic couple and were a huge help to us last summer arriving in the thick of our busy season. Simon was a tremendous help splitting firewood and helping in the garden. It was a great pleasure working with Kate in the kitchen and garden and we were highly impressed with her work ethics and leadership skills. They were… read more
(Excellent)
15 Aug 2016
Left by Workawayer (Simon & Kate) for host
Simon and I loved our 2 weeks there, we only wish it was for longer!!
Mark and Cynthia were great hosts, cooks and teachers. We were expected to jump straight in, helping with fishing tour lunches, chopping wood, painting and creating a herb garden.
The days work was relaxed, start times varied, depending on what was scheduled for the day, with… read more
Mark and Cynthia were great hosts, cooks and teachers. We were expected to jump straight in, helping with fishing tour lunches, chopping wood, painting and creating a herb garden.
The days work was relaxed, start times varied, depending on what was scheduled for the day, with… read more
21 Dec 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (William)
About as good as it gets. Part of the family. Brilliant. Where is he?
(Excellent)
20 Dec 2016
Left by Workawayer (William) for host
I couldn't have asked for a better workaway experience than that I had recently. The property and surrounding wilderness is truly exceptional. The natural beauty there is unrivalled. This experience is only made better by Mark and Cynthia, two of the kindest and most generous people anyone could hope to meet. I thoroughly enjoyed their company and… read more
9 Sep 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Harry & Sarah)
A real pleasure meeting Sarah and Harry. Thanks for all your help you two!
(Excellent)
6 Mar 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Simon & Nicole)
It was very nice to have Simon stay with us. During his stay there was an overwhelming amount of work getting done.An excavator and tree taller were here too. Simon jumped right in and got to work. Thank you Simon!
(Excellent)
9 Nov 2015
Left by Workawayer (Simon & Nicole) for host
Had a wonderful time at there, it's a unique place and very special place... Thanks very much :)
7 Sep 2015
Left by Workawayer (Tom) for host
Cheers guys!
I stayed there for about a month, and was lucky enough to see the music festival (despite the pissing rain..!) Mark and Cynthia are great hosts, I was made very welcome-even by the boaters ha- and I still think about that view all the time..
Thanks :)
I stayed there for about a month, and was lucky enough to see the music festival (despite the pissing rain..!) Mark and Cynthia are great hosts, I was made very welcome-even by the boaters ha- and I still think about that view all the time..
Thanks :)
19 Aug 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Tom)
We enjoyed our time spent with Tom, he is massively productive and a great guy!! He is very skilled with power tools, truly a gifted young man.
(Excellent)
3 Aug 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Lyn & Ian)
Lyn and Ian are both a great help and great company. It says in Lyn's profile that she works with people with learning difficulties and it is obvious that she has done a great job with Ian.
They would be welcome back anytime. They are now more than even friends they are family. The tree murdering loggers ask about them everyday. We love you… read more
They would be welcome back anytime. They are now more than even friends they are family. The tree murdering loggers ask about them everyday. We love you… read more
(Excellent)
19 Jul 2015
Left by Workawayer (Lyn & Ian) for host
Cynthia and Mark are brilliant! We had a great time here with these guys. It is such a beautiful place, there are not many places in the world that have a view like this one. We were here at a busy time and we learnt a lot from them both about how to stay positive and enjoy yourself even in times that most of us would be running around stressed! … read more
15 Jun 2015
Left by Workawayer (Aske & Leander) for host
We can't even begin to describe how awesome this was!
We stayed with Mark and Cynthia for the whole month of may, and it was the best experience ever! It is just an amazing place. The lookout, the gold mine, the hiking trails, the pub, the fantastic views and last but not least, the excellent hosts! (And of course Fanny!)
We had a great time with… read more
We stayed with Mark and Cynthia for the whole month of may, and it was the best experience ever! It is just an amazing place. The lookout, the gold mine, the hiking trails, the pub, the fantastic views and last but not least, the excellent hosts! (And of course Fanny!)
We had a great time with… read more
22 May 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Aske & Leander)
Hey, don't let the "dreds" nor their age full you. Aske and Leander are extraordinary, very hard working, easy going and are loads of fun.
They work all day and then entertain us at night with their beautiful singing and playing.
They work all day and then entertain us at night with their beautiful singing and playing.
(Excellent)
12 Jun 2015
Left by host for Workawayer (Robert & Rhiannon)
We loved hosting Rob! An exceptional lad on all levels! Mature, easy going, very hard working, amazing artist, etc. Thank you Rob!
(Excellent)
12 Apr 2015
Left by Workawayer (Niklas Sjøbeck) for host
After having been away from the Workaway for some years I'm back. I realized that I never left a feedback for Mark where I spent a month in August of 2010.
This was my first workaway experience and every summer I dream myself back to this place. I have promised myself to return when I have the time again. It is such a beautiful place in the… read more
This was my first workaway experience and every summer I dream myself back to this place. I have promised myself to return when I have the time again. It is such a beautiful place in the… read more
18 Sep 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Rob)
We are grateful to have had Rob's help this summer. Very likeable, easy to be with and a great help around the place!! 1,000 thank yous Rob! Plus he is far better looking in person. ;-)
(Excellent)
16 Sep 2014
Left by Workawayer (Rob) for host
Everything about that place is beautiful and unique; Mark's sense of humour, Cynthia's spirit & Fannie the dog's personality; the incredible views, the lovely people visiting the dock and the wonderful wildlife. I loved every aspect of my three weeks here, from working hard in the outdoors to fun meals with new friends. I would have no hesitation… read more
7 May 2014
Left by host for Workawayer (Eloïse & Manuel)
All stars! We very much enjoyed Eloise and Manu visit. They are incredibly hard working, they can do just about anything. They are great company and they are also happy to be on their own too.
(Excellent)
25 Aug 2013
Left by Workawayer (Philip) for host
I spent two wonderful weeks with the family this summer. Mark and Cynthia are amazing hosts and such inspiring and disarming people. It is absolutely beautiful and the experiences you get there are so unique you will remember them for a lifetime.
22 Mar 2013
Left by Workawayer (snuffleupagus) for host
Just returned from Cynthia´s & Mark´s place. Spent 2 weeks with them and Donald (a friend of theirs). What can I say... I had an amazing time taking in the scenery and the company of the three plus Fannie the dog. C & M are great cooks and did not mind that I am a Vegetarian. Your cooking efforts were much appreciated, Cynthia and Mark! Work at… read more
6 Jun 2012
Left by Workawayer (Roger & Sari) for host
We had the most awesome time here.. Totally relaxed and such a beautiful vista. Will have a place in our hearts and photo albums forever! Mark and Cynthia were both awesome hosts, whose relaxed style allowed us to enjoy every minute, whether at work or play. We also miss Fannie the dog, Fannie Come! Fannie Speak! Woof...
19 Aug 2011
Left by Workawayer (Jodie & Luke) for host
Luke and I enjoyed a wonderful three weeks with Mark and Cynthia. Both the place and the people are beautiful! The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly and you will get the chance to meet some very interesting characters as they moor at the dock. The work is fairly physical - we learned some great new skills from the community - and Mark will make… read more
