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Host rating
100 %
Last replied
3 Apr 2024
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100.0 %
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Details
Description
We, Jeff and Mara, live on about 90 acres outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario. We spend our days homesteading, developing our property as well as offering trail rides for the general public and working with troubled youth - in other words, there is always something going on! ;)
The property is a work in progress, so we spend a lot of our summers working on new building projects and improving old structures. We have a big garden during the summer, that we love to spend time in and preserve as much food as we can for the colder months. Trail Cutting and maintenance is another big part of the summer - we are very fortunate to have a variety of horse trails surrounding the ranch, that we can use for our trailride business.
Another big pillar of the ranch is our work with troubled youth. We offer a 3 week program and usually house up to two youth participating. They get integrated in daily life and routine, learn how to take care of the animals and we use tools such as equine assisted counseling and wilderness therapy to work through their trauma with them.Types of help and learning opportunities
GardeningDIY and building projectsAnimal CareFarmstay helpCreating/ Cooking family mealsHelp around the houseGeneral MaintenanceCultural exchange and learning opportunities
We live about an hour outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario, the hub of Northwestern Ontario. The area is known for their beautiful hiking trails and all kinds of outdoor activities, such as boating and canoeing. Quetico Park is a beautiful Provincial Park and only an hour’s drive from here. Shebandowan Lake can be reached within 15 minutes.
You can explore Canadian history at Old Fort William or learn about First Nation culture as many of the local pow wows.
Here at the ranch you will learn about horsemanship and the daily routines that go into operating a small ranch like this. We love having people with different backgrounds and life stories and are open to learning what you might have to share with us.Help
We are looking for motivated individuals who are willing and able to do physical work and don’t mind getting dirty from time to time. Must like working outdoors and with animals. Able to be left alone at times with a project. Work might include building projects, fencing, trail clearing, gardening, yard work, carpentry, working with animals etc.
Horse experience is an asset but definitely not a must. There are plenty of different areas to help at the ranch and we are happy to teach you more about the horses if you are interested.Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
We have two camper trailers just outside the house that are used by our workawayers, we can accommodate up to three people at a time. The main floor of the house (kitchen, washroom, living room) is shared. Meals are provided unless you prefer to make your own. Supper is one of our favourite times, we get to sit together, have tasty food and hear how everyone’s day went.
What else ...
On your time off you are welcome to explore what Thunder Bay has to offer. There is no public transport in our area, transportation is available but very limited. If you have your own vehicle you will be less reliant on us since we usually only go to town once or twice a week. We are happy to take you boating or canoeing/camping in your spare time as long as our schedules allow.
There is absolutely no alcohol or drugs allowed on the ranch. As we are dealing with youth with addictions we can not have anything around that would hinder them in their recovery and healing journey. Smoking is allowed in a designated area. No smoking is allowed in any of the buildings or in the bush. Fires are a very real threat.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
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (11)
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motto: Life, live the adventure
keywords: storytelling, animal haven, ranch life, generosity, faith, trucking, youth, footloose, mountains
favourite foods: cherry ice cream, maple syrup, bacon & eggs w/ hash browns, fried green tomatoes, burgers
lessons: on equitation, how to ride horses Western and… read more
By the way they cook great too 😉☺
Jeff and Mara are a very kind persons.
The place is lovely, all the animal are really well care.
We learn the ranch life style and to take care about animals. We could stay in a trailer, we loved it ! The area of thunderbay is beautifull and and there are plenty of things to do.… read more
Jeff is a cool person. He didn't mind me being a vegetarian. We cooked lots of meals together, he took me riding, snowshoeing and to church (I wanted to go, if you don't, you obviously don't have to).
The work he requires is super easy: feeding the horses, cows, chickens and taking care… read more