Profile information
Host rating
Not yet rated
Feedback
-
Email verified
Badges (1)
Details
Description
Join Our Regenerative Gardening Adventure in Nelson, BC!
Hi, I’m Camara, an Environmental Scientist working in Regenerative Technology, and my husband Cody is a Heavy Duty Mechanic. Together with our two kids (ages 11 and 9), we live on a small acreage just outside Nelson, BC, nestled on a forested mountainside near the stunning West Arm of Kootenay Lake. Our family is passionate about regenerative organic gardening and permaculture, tending to fruit trees, veggie and flower gardens, chickens, and bees.
We’re looking for enthusiastic Workawayers to help us with our land and home projects. Tasks include weeding, mulching, planting, thinning, lawn mowing, weed whacking, painting, and light maintenance (like siding or stair repairs). No advanced skills are required—just a willingness to get your hands dirty and enjoy outdoor work in a breathtaking setting!
You’ll stay in our cozy cabin with loft, equipped with a queen-sized bed, heat pump/AC, fridge, power, and Wi-Fi. While the cabin lacks plumbing, you’ll have access to the bathroom, shower, and laundry facilities in our main house. The West Kootenays are lush and vibrant in the growing season, with refreshing swims in Kootenay Lake to cool off on hot summer days.
If you’re excited to contribute to a sustainable lifestyle and experience the beauty of Nelson, we’d love to hear from you!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
General Maintenance
Interests
Farming
Pets
Technology
Sustainability
Self development
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Cultural Exchange at Our Place in Nelson, BC
At our small acreage just outside Nelson, BC, you’ll dive into a rich cultural exchange rooted in the vibrant, eclectic spirit of the West Kootenays, regenerative living, and the unique community of Nelson. Here’s what you can expect:
Regenerative & Permaculture Culture:
As an Environmental Scientist working in Regenerative Technology, I (Camara) am deeply committed to sustainable, earth-centered practices. You’ll learn hands-on about regenerative organic gardening, permaculture principles, and caring for fruit trees, veggie gardens, chickens, and bees. We’ll share knowledge on soil health, mulching, and fostering biodiversity, offering insights into how we nurture the land for future generations. If you’re curious about eco-conscious living, this is a chance to immerse yourself in practices that align with global regenerative movements.
Nelson, BC Culture:
Nelson is a gem known for its artistic, countercultural, and outdoor-loving vibe. Often called the “Queen City,” it’s a hub for creatives, environmentalists, and free spirits. You’ll experience the laid-back, community-driven lifestyle that defines the Kootenays—think local farmers’ markets, live music at cozy venues, and a deep connection to nature. We’re happy to introduce you to Nelson’s quirky charm, from its historic Baker Street with artisan shops to nearby hiking trails and pristine Kootenay Lake, where locals gather for refreshing swims. The growing season’s lush beauty and warm (sometimes hot!) summer days amplify the area’s relaxed, nature-embracing culture.
Canadian Kootenay Lifestyle:
Living on a forested mountainside, our family embodies the Canadian love for outdoor adventure and self-sufficiency. You’ll get a taste of rural BC life—think early mornings in the garden, evenings by the lake, and a strong sense of community. Cody, a Heavy Duty Mechanic, can share stories of the region’s resource-based industries, while our kids (ages 11 and 9) bring a playful, curious energy to daily life. You’ll join us in seasonal tasks that reflect the rhythm of the land, from planting to harvesting, all while soaking in the rugged beauty of the Kootenays.
Your Contribution to the Exchange:
We welcome Workawayers to share their own cultures, skills, and perspectives. Whether it’s cooking a dish from your home country, teaching us a new gardening technique, or simply sharing stories over a meal, your presence enriches our family and our land. The tasks—weeding, mulching, planting, thinning, mowing, weed whacking, painting, and light maintenance—are a collaborative effort, and we value the diverse experiences you bring to the table.
A Welcoming Space:
Staying in our cozy cabin with Wi-Fi and access to our home’s facilities, you’ll feel part of the family while having space to reflect and recharge. The cultural exchange extends to exploring the Kootenays together, whether it’s a trip to a local festival or a hike in the nearby mountains. Nelson’s inclusive, open-minded community makes it easy to connect and feel at home.
This exchange is a chance to live simply, learn sustainably, and celebrate the beauty of Nelson’s unique blend of art, nature, and community. We can’t wait to share our slice of Kootenay life with you—and to learn from you in return!
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We’re looking for enthusiastic Workawayers to help us with our land and home projects. Tasks include weeding, mulching, planting, thinning, lawn mowing, weed whacking, painting, and light maintenance (like siding or stair repairs). No advanced skills are required—just a willingness to get your hands dirty and enjoy outdoor work in a breathtaking setting!
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner
Accommodation
Accommodation at Our Nelson, BC Acreage
As a Workawayer, you’ll stay in our charming, rustic cabin located at the top of our property, nestled close to the trees on our forested mountainside near Nelson, BC. This private retreat offers a cozy, clean space to unwind while immersing yourself in the beauty of the West Kootenays.
The cabin, measuring 10ft x 14ft on the main floor with a 10ft x 10ft loft, features a warm wooden interior that exudes rustic charm. Its exterior is in the process of being upgraded with new cedar siding, adding to its natural appeal. Upstairs, the loft houses a comfortable queen-sized bed, perfect for relaxing after a day of gardening or exploring. The main floor is furnished with a table, two chairs, and a couch, creating a simple yet inviting space.
Bright and well-lit, the cabin is equipped with power, Wi-Fi, a heat pump/AC, and a fridge for your convenience. While it doesn’t have plumbing, a camp toilet is provided, and you’re welcome to use the bathroom, shower, and laundry facilities in our main house, just a short walk away. For meals, you can cook in the cabin using a hotplate, set up a camp kitchen outside to enjoy the fresh mountain air, or join our family in the house for shared meals—a great chance to connect and swap stories.
Not luxurious but thoughtfully maintained, the cabin offers a private, nature-embracing escape. Its location near the trees provides a serene setting, with the lush Kootenay landscape and nearby Kootenay Lake adding to the experience. It’s an ideal base for those seeking a simple, authentic stay while contributing to our regenerative gardening and permaculture projects.
What else ...
Additional Information for Workawayers at Our Nelson, BC Acreage
Joining us on our small acreage outside Nelson, BC, offers a unique opportunity to contribute to our regenerative gardening and permaculture projects while enjoying the delicious rewards of our land, cozy amenities, and easy access to nearby towns.
Bounty from the Land:
Our family is dedicated to regenerative organic gardening, and you’ll share in the incredible organic produce we grow, including juicy peaches, plums, pears, apples, raspberries, and strawberries, plus a wide variety of fresh vegetables. We’re setting up a new 13x28ft greenhouse to extend our growing season and diversify our harvests. Our chickens provide fresh eggs, and our bees produce golden honey, both of which we love to share. Your work—weeding, mulching, planting, thinning, mowing, weed whacking, painting, and light maintenance—will directly contribute to this bounty, and you’ll enjoy the fruits of our labor, from garden-fresh meals to honey-sweetened treats.
Relax and Recharge:
After a day of outdoor tasks, unwind in our hot tub or warm up in our sauna, both perfect for soaking in the serene mountain views and relaxing. These amenities add comfort to your rustic stay, offering a special way to connect with the peaceful beauty of the Kootenays, whether stargazing from the hot tub or enjoying the sauna’s warmth.
Location and Accessibility:
Our acreage is conveniently located just 15 minutes from Nelson and 20 minutes from Castlegar, two vibrant towns in the West Kootenays. A public bus, running several times a day to both Nelson and Castlegar, stops about a 10-minute walk from our house, making it easy to explore the region. Nelson, known for its artistic, eco-conscious community, boasts farmers’ markets, live music, and charming shops, while Castlegar offers additional amenities and outdoor adventures. We’re also just five minutes from the West Arm of Kootenay Lake, where you can enjoy refreshing swims in the crisp, clear water during the lush growing season.
Cultural Connection:
If you join us for meals in the main house, you’ll experience our family’s warmth and the joy of sharing stories and recipes from around the world. We’re excited to learn about your culture, whether through a dish you cook or tales of your travels. The nearby trails, festivals, and hidden gems of the Kootenays are also yours to discover, and we’re happy to guide you to the best local experiences.
This Workaway experience is a chance to live simply, eat incredibly well, and immerse yourself in a sustainable lifestyle, with the added comforts of our hot tub, sauna, and easy access to Nelson and Castlegar. We look forward to sharing our home, our harvest, and the magic of the West Kootenays with you!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
There is a mostly flat spot behind the cabin that could be suitable for a small RV /trailer.
Can possibly accept pets
Pets would depend on if they get along with our dog and cats. Unwilling to live around aggressive animals or animals that destroy property.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
