Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
28 Jun 2025
Reply rate
75.0 %
Usually responds within 9 days
Feedback
10
ID verified
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
Hey there! My name is Joy.
I have a beautiful home on 5 acres, surrounded by nature, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. I share this home with my son and daughter. We have 4 loving dogs and 3 cats between us.
We are all passionate about healthy eating, gluten free, and we are dabbling with keto. We love sitting around our bonfire in the evenings, meditating in the mornings (mostly, we are trying to get back into this) and hiking.
There are two types of helpers who thrive here:
Outdoor Enthusiasts: These are people who love rolling up their sleeves for hands-on, outdoor tasks like landscaping, fence building, concrete work, and tending to the garden. They enjoy being active, working with their hands, and seeing the tangible results of their efforts.
Organized Indoor Helpers: These individuals are just as hardworking, but their strengths shine indoors. They help keep shared spaces clean and organized, and they’re great at preparing and cooking meals for the group.
Of course, the ideal person might be someone who blends these qualities—someone who is equally comfortable and effective both inside and out. Whether you’re preparing a delicious shared meal or tackling a new project outside, you take pride in your work, enjoy being part of a team, and value a tidy, well-run environment.
If you’re hardworking, love outdoor projects, and are also organized and clean indoors, you’ll fit right in here!
We are located, 15 minutes from Skutz Falls, a beautiful river you can hike along; 20 minutes from Mount Tzouhelum trail head, it will take you up to breathtaking views overlooking the Cowichan Valley, 25 minutes from a beautiful, lake and only 10 minutes from the heart of downtown Duncan.
I have hosted many Workaways over the last 9 years, many of whom, have come back 2-3 times and 2 who have stayed for over 7 months. Ideally, I am looking for 2-4 week stays, but open to longer stays if it is the right fit for everyone.
Looking forward to connecting with you soon!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
House sitting
Interests
Pets
Self development
Movies & TV
Plant care
Cooking & food
Animals
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Fitness
Camping
Beach
Sailing / Boating
Water sports
Hiking
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I am happy show you around the Cowichan Valley, when time permits me.
We have dinners and gatherings often with friends!
Come see us on the West Coast, you will not regret it!
Help
Housekeeping and yard help:
Having 5 acres and a big home, we need a lot of help inside and outside.
Outside:
Planting and weeding the vegetable garden, weeding flower beds, mowing lawn, cleaning up debris from wind storms.
Inside:
Basic housekeeping daily, and deeper cleaning monthly.
Cooking dinners
Caring for our animals by providing love, pets and their evening meal.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
You will have your own bedroom with a shared bathroom and kitchen. It is a large home, so you will have privacy when you need down time. We appreciate cleanliness and comfort, so we do our best to make your stay comfortable and inviting.
What else ...
Our location is a hiker’s paradise! We’re:
• 15 minutes from Skutz Falls, where you can hike along the beautiful Cowichan River.
• 20 minutes from Mount Tzouhalem, or Stoney Hill Trailhead, offering breathtaking views of the Cowichan Valley.
• 25 minutes from a serene lake perfect for relaxation.
• 10 minutes from downtown Duncan, where you can enjoy local shops and cafes.
Victoria, B.C. is only a 40 minute bus ride away.
Kayaking, swimming, bowling, indoor rock climbing, camping, live local music ...
There is a bus stop a few minutes from my house that could get you into town. If I am not using my vehicle you are welcome to borrow it for short day trips if needed.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Feedback (8)
I arrived there in a little bit desperate state because my car got rear-ended and I had to sort out a lot of stuff. They helped me tremendously and in the end I will even leave Vancouver Island with one of Jeana's friend. I did mostly some thorough weeding in the… read more
The tasks were clearly communicated and varied, ranging from gardening, grocery shopping and cleaning to… read more
She is very kind, polite and always willing to give a hand. We showed her the task list, and she went through it thoroughly and efficiently, and often doing more than was asked.
Thank you Marie, we are looking forward to your quick visit before you head back home!
I enjoyed staying very much, the workdays are in a super comfortable pace.
For The off-days I got offered cool activities or help by planing my owns.
We did cool hikes and got involved in the family life.
i can recommend of course.
I'll return for sure!
Photos
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
I arrived there in a little bit desperate state because my car got rear-ended and I had to sort out a lot of stuff. They helped me tremendously and in the end I will even leave Vancouver Island with one of Jeana's friend. I did mostly some thorough weeding in the… read more
The tasks were clearly communicated and varied, ranging from gardening, grocery shopping and cleaning to… read more
She is very kind, polite and always willing to give a hand. We showed her the task list, and she went through it thoroughly and efficiently, and often doing more than was asked.
Thank you Marie, we are looking forward to your quick visit before you head back home!
I enjoyed staying very much, the workdays are in a super comfortable pace.
For The off-days I got offered cool activities or help by planing my owns.
We did cool hikes and got involved in the family life.
i can recommend of course.
I'll return for sure!
We enjoyed many delicious meals together, trying new recipes, and enjoying great conversations and laughs on the patio after dinner. They both have great personalities, very respectful and are easy to live with.
Hardworking is… read more
That was amazing, Joy and Jeana are really open-minded, and the days are great.
Doing some yard-work, or working with the plants, always in a good mood with everyone, you can always talk about the job, hours, and how to figure that out.
the accomodations are REALLY nice, had my own… read more
