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Description
We are on 10 secluded acres surrounded by hiking and biking trails, not far from Shuswap Lake, downtown, musical events and more.
Basically in our back yard is an 18 hole Championship golf, a 9 hole course, driving range and disc golf park.
Our property is within walking distance to recreation centre with pool and gym, tennis courts, mountain biking. Everything is either within walking distance, a $2 bus ride, or use a bike available to you. If you do have a car, there are many smaller towns within 30 min. to explore.
Tons of information and details below. We want you to have a really good idea as to what Salmon Arm, and our property has to offer.
Town always has music somewhere - coffee houses, karaoke, concerts, Jazz nights and monthly dances with live music one in town, and two more just a short drive.
If you love to be nestled in nature, enjoy a quiet and peaceful space this might be a place for you....helpers stay in a separate 3 bedroom self-contained suite with their own kitchen, separate entrance and driveway.
Tasks ready for eager, enthusiastic, good workers that enjoy working: ~ see below.
Please note that I do have some movement challenges, therefore, much of your work will be on your own but, I am here to direct you, and answer your questions when working at your preferred skill or in the garden.
MANY handyman jobs - let us know what you love to do independently. More info below.
Painting a little inside and , when warm more outside.
YOUR LIVING SPACE
Helpers rooms are located on the lower-ground-level of the house. Helpers have their own private entrance, bathroom and driveway. (we are upstairs). It is a complete self-contained suite downstairs (approx 1200 sq.ft) so you will have access to a full kitchen to prepare your meals also a living room, dining room AND piano.
Laundry facilities are downtown.
More info below under accommodation section.
Sadly, due to allergies, we cannot have pets, smokers, or vaping - of any kind on or near the property.
WHAT IS THERE TO DO HERE IN SALMON ARM??
Salmon Arm has been referred to as the music capital of BC.,
There are weekly Jazz concerts - entry by donation, coffee houses in Salmon arm and small outline communities, monthly dances, karaoke, and bands in pubs. Wednesdays on the Wharf has live outdoor music on the lake, take a picnic. It is a huge hit!
There are lovely walking trails all the way into town - about 45-60 min stroll. We are next to Little Mountain Park with many beautiful forested trails for easy hiking. To the top, is a 15-20 min easy walk with views of all of Salmon Arm and Shuswap Lake.
Chances are, you won't get to walk all the trails Salmon Arm has to offer, - there are so many. Search online for Shuswap Trail Alliance for maps of trails in the area.
Excited to hear all about you. The more we know, the better we can sort out tasks that suit you, and customize your stay. We want you to be happy here.
Feel free, if you want...... don't feel obligated.....to answer the questions below as it will help us to learn a little about you - The more we know about you, the better we can customize your experiences here both helping and how you like to spend your free time.
** What are your hobbies?
** What part of our description sounds enticing to you?
** In what tasks, or skills, do you feel experienced and confident doing independently?
** What projects have you accomplished on your own with respect to building and types of tools you have experience with - the more detail the better.
** How would you like to spend your days off?
** sorry, no smoking or vaping
Feel free, only if you want.... to share whether you have any medical conditions you feel important for us to know - including allergies or food sensitivities.
** Do you prefer to do early mornings, or later in the afternoon till evening?
** Is this your first Workaway experience?
Some helpers come to learn about gardening and homesteading.
Some helpers come for a free place to stay while exploring, working online, or looking for off-site jobs
Some helpers come to share their skills and expertise,
Some come to improve their language skills,
Some come to 'get some alone time' or meet locals.
We are curious as to what your reason for being a Workawayer is....as knowing this will help us to enhance your experience .
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
See below ( in the What Else.... section) for all the festivities an Things To Do, here in the Shuswap.....
Cultural exchange is very seasonally based, as there’s lots more to learn in the summer, than the winter months.
That being said, there are many wonderful, cultural experiences in and around the town area.
Right from our property, there are many walking and hiking trails, golf courses, disc golf, and we are not far from the gym, pool, tennis courts, and in town there are movie theatres, shopping, local brew pubs, lots of entertainment.
Salmon Arm is pretty central - it is within 30 min. of other approx 8 other small communities/towns and halfway between Vancouver and Calgary. A little more than an hour from Kamloops, Revelstoke, and Kelowna. Bus service to other towns, if you feel like exploring on your days off.
Some workers actually leave for the weekend to camp or explore surrounding communities. This spring there were 4 workers that met for the first time here and together they worked a little longer each day so they could bank hours for 3 days off instead of two. They took off to Banff, Golden, Clearwater etc and would share the fuel and accommodation expenses and had so much fun.
See What To Do Around Town below for more info.
Help
Do you have specialty skills you would prefer to do?
Please let us know what are your preferences - Help around home? Yard clean-up ? Paint? General maintenance? repairs? Do-it-yourself projects? .The list is endless.
DIY OR HANDYMAN TASKS:
There is a separate garage/workshop building with an attached 2 bedroom potential living space, an additional room could be framed in.
There It has heat and a bathroom - hot water tank needs to be hooked up, and the shower needs finishing, so not quite ready for a workaway space to stay in.
The building is all insulated with vapour barriers in place, some drywall done, but needs more. With a little more work will be another potential workaway space. I am guessing it is approximately 1200 sq.ft.... a new Workaway place to stay
We have lots of projects on the property but....for those that are handy and keen to use their skills must be capable of independently taking on projects they are capable of doing on their own. Please share details of what you are confident in doing on your own and we will do our best to accommodate.
Having experience is important, so please mention the jobs you wish to tackle and the experience you have in this area, and tools you are familiar with. Let us know what projects you have done in the past 100% on your own.
We mention this as many hope to come to learn carpentry, or plumbing and other skills and unfortunately those types of skills are not skills we are not able to help you with - should those tasks interest you, you will need to be experienced.
That being said, many times in the past we have had one experienced handyman and a beginner that work together for learning purposes, so please make mention of that.
GARDENING
Placing dahlia tubers in soil, (there are lots) prepping the grounds for flowers and veggies, weeding, seeding and watering. There is a small greenhouse ready for filling up.
Yard clean up - raking, gathering wood and branches, de-barking logs if you know how, hauling in, and spreading on the gardens some soil and manure for the veggies and flowers.
Mowing the lawns
HELPING
Do you have specialty skills you would prefer to do? Please let us know.
Help is for 5 hours per day - 5 days a week based on arrival date (not including making tea, lunch breaks or phone calls). During work hours, please do not use your phone. Let me know and, if needed, we will schedule breaks for you to get your tea, make a phone call etc. That time is not considered part of the 5hours of required work.
What are your preferences -
Organizing a garage sale? Taking photos and posting on marketplace?
working in the gardens weeding, planting, watering, etc.
Outdoor help?
Help around home?
Yard clean-up ?
Painting both inside and out?
General maintenance? repairs?
Do-it-yourself projects?
Organizing inside house, or workshop?
preparing gardens, soil, planting, mowing lawns?
Mechanical work - unlikely I have the tools but thought I'd throw that in lol. Know how to get a tractor running?
We have been hosting travelers since 1995 ( on and off ) and are so appreciative of the many self-motivated, independent workawayers helping us. It has been a fun ride!
OTHER TASKS
We need some dedicated people that love to do a variety of work - especially those that love to be surrounded by nature, and are easy-going, self-motivated, and don't spend their working time on their phones - lol - it is a truth!
We are happy to accommodate 'phone' breaks if needed.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
If you are a couple, and are uncomfortable with other helpers here at the same time, and sharing the common areas, please feel free to ask if you will be on your own in the suite or, if there will be other helpers here at the same time, that way, I can customize your stay.
More often than not, couples providing different skill sets are here without others. Some Couples prefer others to meet and enjoy doing things together as a group - please mention your preference, and I will do my best to accommodate.
Helpers rooms are located in our guest suite on the lower-ground-level of the house, with it's own entrance. - and driveway..... (we are upstairs) .
The space is a complete self-contained 1200 square foot suite with large living room, dining room and a kitchen that has all the dishes and appliances - everything you will need to prepare your own meals. The area in the suite is approximately 1250+ square feet.
For those interested, there is also a piano you are welcome to play and lots of board games
Just out back is a lovely camping site style fire pit, tucked in amongst the trees. Many workers enjoy spending their evening chatting with others or playing some music. Hot dogs and marshmallows are always fun to roast or bake a potato over the fire. During fire season, this is not possible although there may be a portable fire pit available if you are keen and willing to fill up the propane tank.
There are three bedrooms and two bathrooms, therefore, you may also be sharing this space with other helpers, unless we have discussed your preference of being alone in the suite, as mentioned above.
Two of the bedrooms will share a bathroom with others, and one bedroom is self-contained.with ensuite.
Laundry facilities are downtown. Many wash their clothes in town and bring back to hang on the clothes racks in the sun.
Over the years, we have found that many love to have the freedom to prepare their own meals. This opportunity also adds to the uniqueness of your stay here.
Many seem to really enjoy this time to themselves after a days work. This seems especially true for those seasoned travellers that have spent much of their time dining with host families, here you are on your own for most meals. Helpers in the past have enjoyed the change of pace and to prepare foods they prefer and love.
We do supply a variety of basic foods for each of your meals but, you will need to purchase your own specialty / preferred foods, dairy products, beverages, and meat as those are not supplied.
Just an example of what is supplied - oatmeal, eggs, bagels, bread, sugar, flour, spices, salad fixings and dressings, some vegetables, potatoes, bananas and apples, pasta and vegetarian pasta sauce, rice, onions, tomatoes, There is also canned and frozen foods available.
On occasion, my time permitting, I will make up a big pot of soup, salads, burritos, homemade beans, etc.
(NOTE: - In the past, (rare occasions - but does happen)- I have had very eager workers that really enjoy working far beyond the required hours and days - it's just who they are and what they prefer - for those helpers, I do make all their lunches and dinners as they don't have time themselves.)
We ask that everyone clean up after themselves and keep the areas they are using, and living in, clean and tidy. Keep your personal belongings in your room.
Just as you would need to do your own housework in your own home, on your days off work, same is required here - no maid service provided, lol.
Your general shared living space includes the living room, entrance, dining room, kitchen and hallway, and must be cleaned on a weekly basis. Chores for these areas will be shared amongst all helpers, not just the gals.
The weekly chores will include: sweeping, washing floors, cleaning your toilet, sink, shower or bathtub, a quick dust if needed, remove your old deteriorating food from the fridge,
Throughout the week, you will need to ensure your bathroom is kept clean and tidy, take out your garbage and compost when 3/4 full and not overflowing, and sweep and mop kitchen floor when needed. When your socks stick to the floor and get pulled off, lol, you know your are slacking off.
Time cleaning up after yourself is not considered part of the required 5 hours per day.
For most helpers, this is easy but for others, this is all new to them.
After each meal, you need to wash, dry, AND put away all your dishes, wipe the countertops and ensure the stove is left clean for others.
The kitchen must be kept clean and tidy at all times.
Don't leave your mess or dishes to do later in the day, as the kitchen will be used by others and not fair that they should have to work around the mess or dishes you have left.
In all fairness, is important to keep it clean.
You will have your own shelf in the fridge and a cupboard for any foods you have purchased for your own personal use, and another for all I provide for workers.
When you arrive your living space will be clean, and before you leave, it is only fair you leave the space as clean as it was when you arrived including kitchen fridge, stove, floors, bathroom. We want all workers to clean up after themselves so others staying, or arriving, will feel comfortable and not have to work around other peoples mess. We are firm on this.
What else ...
What to do around town:
There is a bus service in town, and the local bus stop is a 10-15 min. walk from the house. For $2- the Salmon Arm Transit bus will take your right downtown, to the malls, to the beach, cinema, beautiful lakeside amenities, trails, parks, and so many trails for hiking or biking if you are a mountain biker with your own bike.
You can also walk to town along the backroads or take the trails through the woods all the way to town...it is about 40 minute + walk - all down hill, so you might want to take a bus back up!
Bike available for you to use
Beautiful walk out along the wharf or all along the lakeshore right in town.
Closer than walking all the way into town is a large grocery store, (Askews), local pub, (Setters with Karaoke and weekend bands) HOME restaurant.
Within walking distance is also a 24 hour gym and SASCU Recreation Centre. Small entrance fee to the Recreation Centre includes the use of their indoor swimming pool/hot tub/steam room, and gym.
Within walking distance is also tennis courts, disc golf course and Salmon Arm 18 hole champion golf course, a 9 hole course as well, with driving ranges - basically a walk out the back, not to mention trails everywhere.
Do a few searches on your computer for:
a). Shuswap Trail Alliance - as it has a website with maps of many surrounding trails and
group activities.
b) it will list all the events here and surrounding small communities! Local n
news that will give you a good sense as to all the interesting events a whole page of
community events. They also have a fb page.
c) Tuesdays movie entrance theatres only $6- at the Salmar Theatre. We also have a live
theatre where locals perform plays, etc.
Weekly Karaoke in 3 of the pubs, all have websites, food and cheap Happy Hours:
- The Hideaway Pub, Happy Hours, entertainment and karaoke on Thursdays.
-The Salmon Arm Legion with Free pool, shuffleboard and Karaoke, limited kitchen
- Barley Station brew pub
- The Brixx in Prestige Inn on the lakeshore
The waterfront Prestige hotel also has a $10- burger night on Thursdays, and many places have Happy Hour drinks and appies from 2-5pm & $10 Wings in various pubs.
The Night Cafe
~ is a fun little bar/cafe/art studio with drawing/painting lessons/ food & pizza. It is also known as Meikle Studio,
This unique place attracts artists and musicians and often has entertainment.
Go for coffee/drinks/meet locals or, book a painting lesson.
Art Gallery
- once a month they host an open house where they introduce the artist of the month and offer snacks and drinks, sometimes a small little sing-along happens around the grand piano afterwards.
Also….
Bowling Alley,
Disc golf park is free
Casino with restaurant and bingo.
Smaller shopping malls
Gyms
Indoor pool, hot tub and gym all in one very reasonable price at the SASCU recreation Centre, and yup can walk there.
GETTING AROUND
To downtown Salmon Arm is a 7 min drive.
Our town is within a 15 – 25 min drive to approx. 8 other small communities to explore with beaches, rivers, waterfalls, skiing and hiking trails.
Reiterating....in summary :
Salmon Arm sits on the edge of Shuswap Lake, surrounded by mountains, with endless hiking and biking trails. Close to ski hills... We are in the country yet a 5 min drive from town, or 40 min. walk.
We are on the city bus route so getting to town is easy -
'e-bus' will bring you to Salmon Arm from the Coast, Alberta, or airports - check out e-bus online for schedule and pricing.
There is also another bus service from coast and Alberta , but reviews state pricing are not great.
We are next to Little Mountain Park with beautiful forested trails for easy hiking. The top, is a 10 min walk, very easy, with views of all of Salmon Arm as well as the vastness of Shuswap Lake.
Thank you for taking the time to read my profile, should you feel like I should be a fit for you I will very much look forward to meeting you :) Be sure to email or call with all your questions. Happy Travelling.
Thank you for taking the time to read my profile, should you feel like I should be a fit for you I will very much look forward to meeting you :) Be sure to email or call with all your questions. Happy Travelling.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We do hook up to the internet for our helpers, otherwise we don't particularly need it. The internet service is good. We ask that helpers do not use their cell phones while working but if you have important calls to make, we will adjust your break time accordingly. Texting or talking on phone are not considered part of the 5 hour workday. We have one very old, small dashound dog with separation anxiety so always with me
Space for parking camper vans
Lots of room if you prefer to park your camper van here.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (20)
Matilda was an absolute delight to have around. I truly have great admiration for her. She has always working towards personal growth and looks for the positive in everything. She is in love… read more
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Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(4.8)
Communication:
(4.6)
Matilda was an absolute delight to have around. I truly have great admiration for her. She has always working towards personal growth and looks for the positive in everything. She is in love… read more
While they were here, there were other helpers at my place and they got on with them fairly well.
My little visiting dog absolutely adored them and after they left, she kept looking for them, which was a bit sad she really… read more
He was a hard and dedicated worker willing to do whatever was asked of him, never complained and enjoyed eating… read more
She's kind and attentive.
Tasks were varied around the garden and the property (weeding, planting, tidying, installing signs and tarp...). This place fits well for someone who is quite independent though.
There are a few activities around that are fun, and Jackie has nice friends to connect with.
Thank you for your friendship, kindness, and hospitality. I hope… read more
It was a busy time while they were here, both with helpers as… read more
Only visited for two weeks but enjoyed meeting and staying with Jackie.
Helped out around the property as best I could, there was always something to do but it was so relaxing to be working in such a wonderful environment
Thanks again for the experience (:
