Canada
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Hello travellers, I am in the process of restoring a heritage farmhouse, which was built by the first settlers of European decent in our area, with frontage on the majestic Columbia River. I moved to this spot in October 2016, with the goal of working the land and creating a space for sustainable living and agriculture, as well as providing tourist accomodations for the many visitors from all over the world. We are located about halfway between the towns of Golden and Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia.
We are a family of three, my son and daughter being eight and ten years old, and they live with me part-time. With a full-time job as a carpenter at a shop up the road, as well as helping raise two lovely kids and stewarding 150 acres of land (and the locals- bears, coyotes, elk, beaver, cougar, and so many waterfowl ), I am finding it tricky to make this old farm shine again as quickly as i would like. Specific projects I am planning for summer '17 are :
- Interior renovations of our 6-bedroom 132 year-old home, made cedar dovetail log style by original homesteaders.
- Use and maintain my rrigation system running on hayfields.
- Preparing firewood to heat home this winter
- Gardening and growing fruit and vegetables.
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If you have no experience in any of the above areas, I would be more than happy to host someone(s) who can free up some of the time I spend cooking and cleaning to maintain a tidy and clean home with great food, so that I could focus more on my outdoor projects. This would be such a help!
We love having fun on the rivers and lakes in the summer, and we are avid snowboarders in the winter. I came fairly recently to this special place that I chose after years of travelling and seeing amazing places....this place stands out for mountain living and culture, and is located in the midst of the crown jewels in the Canadian National Parks System. Popular local activities include paragliding, mountain biking, climbing, paddling, fishing and backpacking, not to mention skiing, snowmobiling and heli-skiing in the winters.
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Babysitting and creative play
Creating/ Cooking family meals
General Maintenance
Farmstay help
Help with Eco Projects
Help around the house
Animal Care
Help with Computers/ Internet
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Travellers will benefit from an exchange with us by enjoying a quiet rural lifestyle in a great community, with easy access to some world-class mountain sports and recreation. Easy day-trips to Banff, Glacier, Yoho National parks, as well as mere minutes away from the entrance to the famous Bugaboos Provincial Park. Catch fish from the river at our doorstep and eat fresh organic produce at home in a relaxed and happy atmosphere.
I am happy to help people work on their english skills while they are here, as I do have some experience with this.
We are well prepared to host someone who can handle themselves very well doing two or more of the following tasks ;
- helping to set up a chicken coop, and caring for sheep, goats, dogs and cats.
- gardening/cultivating fruits and vegetables
- assisting a carpenter/timberframer with renovations and new construction
- irrigation system maintenance (not complex)
- town/ grocery runs (40 km to town from here)
- cooking and cleaning
- general farm help, fencing, haying, equipment repair
English: Fluent
Private room in house, or I will provide you with my comfortable camper, if the home is under renovations, with most food included. Our diet is rich in healthy foods, fresh fish, vegetables, fruit, and dairy. Farm fresh eggs and farm-made yogurt and cheese. I enjoy moderate use of alcoholic beverages, and sometimes have really fun parties for children and adults alike.
Our farm is a 25 minute drive from town, with no public transit, besides taxis. Rides to town can be arranged with myself or my neighbours, and I usually go to town at least twice a week. This place is becoming renowned in North America for it's ecotourism options, and as a host and former wilderness guide, I am well familiar with some amazing places around here.
This placement would be best suited for a person who likes the mountains, warm summers, has healthy living and recreation goals, and enjoys being in a small community. I would like to provide someone with a good balance of working/ learning opportunities and free time. The stated guideline of this agency is 4-5 hours of work per working day, so that would be my expectation. Willingness to challenge yourself outside of your regular comfort zone would be a big asset here, as possible tasks are quite varied. You could be helping building a log cabin, or cooking us up a tasty meal ...
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Two
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
