Help our family with some DIY projects in Banff, AB, Canada
Last activity
: 29 Apr 2025
Profile information
Usually responds within 3 days
Min stay requested: at least a week
Workawayers needed
Possibility that workawayers are needed
No availability
Details
Host ref number: 266263941187
Website Safety
Feedback (6)
We had such a nice time staying with Alanna in Banff! She was very welcoming and we felt at home right away. We enjoyed the varied tasks which ranged from helping around the home and garden to helping at Food Rescue, which is an amazing organisation which Alanna runs and is clearly very passionate about.
We enjoyed the structure of our days as it
… read more allowed us to explore lots of Banff, and the home is in a great location to explore from.
We also loved spending time with Paco the dog. Overall we really enjoyed our tasks and Alanna's company and conversation and we look forward to visiting again sometime in the future.
Iona and Ben were keen to help with whatever needed to be done. The weather was challenging so some of the outdoor work was dependant on the spring snowfalls. They picked up the dog poop a couple of times and brushed the dog. Iona and Ben worked together to help rake the yard when possible ( in between the snowfall) we then took a couple loads of
… read more yard waste to the dump. Together we worked to sweep, clean and organize the garage. We worked together at the Food Rescue doing some deep cleaning in the kitchen area and also addition jobs of marking and organizing the non-perishable items. They also helped to prepare the tables and food for the evening. We cleaned the truck and gave it a quick wash. We managed to get a lot done even though I had a week of medical challenges with my disabled sister. They were patient and understanding when my schedule suddenly due to my sisters health. I hope to see them again this summer.
Xavier and Estelle came to my home for 2 weeks and stayed for 6 weeks. Some of the things they accomplished were fixing a wobbly table that was so annoying and I had other workaways try in the past and they couldn't figure it out so it was nice when Xavier got it done. My dryer stopped working and Xavier figured out the parts needed, I ordered
… read more them and Voilà it was fixed. He also trimmed the trees in the back yard and we took the yard waste to the compound. We had wood that also need to be loaded into my truck. Estelle and Xavier worked together to change a fence panel that had been put on backwards someone else. I wasn't sure it could be done, but they did it. At the food rescue they worked hard to help sort the backroom so we could give more items away. They helped each shift, whether it was pick-up, sorting or distribution. They learned quickly and had good attitudes. They always kept busy and got the job done. It was also nice if I wanted to spend time with friends for them to take care of my old dog. They took time to pet and brush him after feeding him and giving him his pill. Estelle would often make some extra food for me and shared her recipes. I got sick with a cold and she told me to have ginger and thyme tea which really helped. She called it her witchy remedy! I think they only wished it snowed more so they could shovel the big driveway more often. Just kidding! When they left they spent the last day cleaning the apartment really well for the next workaways. Thank-you Xavier and Estelle working together as a team and for staying with me and Paco It was nice to have good company!
We came at Alanna’s place for two weeks, and finally stayed a month and a half! We had a very good time in Banff, the accommodation is really comfy, offers privacy and is well located. Alanna is the best person to introduce you to the Banff community and it was great to attend the weekly lunch, meet her friends and to get to know the town with
… read more her. She was also very helpful and had great advices when we needed it (especially when we bought our car!), we felt lucky we had her. The work you will be doing varies a lot and depends on the season (small renovation, cleaning, shovelling, paperwork, taking care of Paco,…) if you have good communication and are ready to work hard, you are going to have a great experience with Alanna! Last but not least, we got to help a lot at Food Rescue which is a super inspiring and impressive project. Working with the volunteers team was a super nice experience!
Thank you Alanna!
Having Fin and Lucy were amazing. They were willing to do whatever needed to be done. Tasks varied daily depending on what needed to be done that day. They helped me with shovelling the driveway, paperwork, spreadsheets, decluttering at home. They also helped with pick-up, sorting, evening distribution, counting coin, making the deposit, cleaning
… read more and organizing the back room at the Food Rescue. There was no shortage of work and everything that we planned was completed. Lucy and Fin have an extremely high work ethic and could be relied on. I only wished they could've stayed longer. They were so good with my dog Paco, feeding, grooming and giving him medication. It was so nice to be able to rely on them when I couldn't make it home on time. They always communicated clearly and worked hard. In a few short weeks they were the best volunteers at the Food Rescue and well liked by everyone they came in contact with. I am happy to have them continue to volunteer with Food Rescue even after the workaway was over. Looking forward to seeing them again soon! I highly recommend them!
We had a great 3 and a half weeks at Alanna’s. It was lovely getting to know Alanna and her dog Paco. The accommodation we stayed in was perfect and allowed us to enjoy our time off. We had a bedroom, living area/kitchen and shower room, all of which were private and not shared with anyone else. The house is only a few minutes to the river and
… read more Banff Ave, allowing easy access to everything there is to do in Banff!
The work was varied, fair and rewarding. One of the main tasks involved helping at Food Rescue (the non-profit Alanna runs), including collection, sorting and distribution. It was great being involved in an organisation doing so much in the community and meeting the other volunteers. We are still volunteering even now the Workaway has finished. Other tasks included snow shovelling, organising/sorting/decluttering/cleaning the house, sorting paperwork, garden maintenance, household DIY and looking after Paco.
As mentioned by previous Workawayers, you certainly get out what you put in. If you work hard and come with a good attitude, you will have a brilliant stay and find a good friend in Alanna. Thanks for a great time - will see you around soon!Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
We had such a nice time staying with Alanna in Banff! She was very welcoming and we felt at home right away. We enjoyed the varied tasks which ranged from helping around the home and garden to helping at Food Rescue, which is an amazing organisation which Alanna runs and is clearly very passionate about.
We enjoyed the structure of our days as it
… read more allowed us to explore lots of Banff, and the home is in a great location to explore from.
We also loved spending time with Paco the dog. Overall we really enjoyed our tasks and Alanna's company and conversation and we look forward to visiting again sometime in the future.
Iona and Ben were keen to help with whatever needed to be done. The weather was challenging so some of the outdoor work was dependant on the spring snowfalls. They picked up the dog poop a couple of times and brushed the dog. Iona and Ben worked together to help rake the yard when possible ( in between the snowfall) we then took a couple loads of
… read more yard waste to the dump. Together we worked to sweep, clean and organize the garage. We worked together at the Food Rescue doing some deep cleaning in the kitchen area and also addition jobs of marking and organizing the non-perishable items. They also helped to prepare the tables and food for the evening. We cleaned the truck and gave it a quick wash. We managed to get a lot done even though I had a week of medical challenges with my disabled sister. They were patient and understanding when my schedule suddenly due to my sisters health. I hope to see them again this summer.
Xavier and Estelle came to my home for 2 weeks and stayed for 6 weeks. Some of the things they accomplished were fixing a wobbly table that was so annoying and I had other workaways try in the past and they couldn't figure it out so it was nice when Xavier got it done. My dryer stopped working and Xavier figured out the parts needed, I ordered
… read more them and Voilà it was fixed. He also trimmed the trees in the back yard and we took the yard waste to the compound. We had wood that also need to be loaded into my truck. Estelle and Xavier worked together to change a fence panel that had been put on backwards someone else. I wasn't sure it could be done, but they did it. At the food rescue they worked hard to help sort the backroom so we could give more items away. They helped each shift, whether it was pick-up, sorting or distribution. They learned quickly and had good attitudes. They always kept busy and got the job done. It was also nice if I wanted to spend time with friends for them to take care of my old dog. They took time to pet and brush him after feeding him and giving him his pill. Estelle would often make some extra food for me and shared her recipes. I got sick with a cold and she told me to have ginger and thyme tea which really helped. She called it her witchy remedy! I think they only wished it snowed more so they could shovel the big driveway more often. Just kidding! When they left they spent the last day cleaning the apartment really well for the next workaways. Thank-you Xavier and Estelle working together as a team and for staying with me and Paco It was nice to have good company!
We came at Alanna’s place for two weeks, and finally stayed a month and a half! We had a very good time in Banff, the accommodation is really comfy, offers privacy and is well located. Alanna is the best person to introduce you to the Banff community and it was great to attend the weekly lunch, meet her friends and to get to know the town with
… read more her. She was also very helpful and had great advices when we needed it (especially when we bought our car!), we felt lucky we had her. The work you will be doing varies a lot and depends on the season (small renovation, cleaning, shovelling, paperwork, taking care of Paco,…) if you have good communication and are ready to work hard, you are going to have a great experience with Alanna! Last but not least, we got to help a lot at Food Rescue which is a super inspiring and impressive project. Working with the volunteers team was a super nice experience!
Thank you Alanna!
Having Fin and Lucy were amazing. They were willing to do whatever needed to be done. Tasks varied daily depending on what needed to be done that day. They helped me with shovelling the driveway, paperwork, spreadsheets, decluttering at home. They also helped with pick-up, sorting, evening distribution, counting coin, making the deposit, cleaning
… read more and organizing the back room at the Food Rescue. There was no shortage of work and everything that we planned was completed. Lucy and Fin have an extremely high work ethic and could be relied on. I only wished they could've stayed longer. They were so good with my dog Paco, feeding, grooming and giving him medication. It was so nice to be able to rely on them when I couldn't make it home on time. They always communicated clearly and worked hard. In a few short weeks they were the best volunteers at the Food Rescue and well liked by everyone they came in contact with. I am happy to have them continue to volunteer with Food Rescue even after the workaway was over. Looking forward to seeing them again soon! I highly recommend them!
We had a great 3 and a half weeks at Alanna’s. It was lovely getting to know Alanna and her dog Paco. The accommodation we stayed in was perfect and allowed us to enjoy our time off. We had a bedroom, living area/kitchen and shower room, all of which were private and not shared with anyone else. The house is only a few minutes to the river and
… read more Banff Ave, allowing easy access to everything there is to do in Banff!
The work was varied, fair and rewarding. One of the main tasks involved helping at Food Rescue (the non-profit Alanna runs), including collection, sorting and distribution. It was great being involved in an organisation doing so much in the community and meeting the other volunteers. We are still volunteering even now the Workaway has finished. Other tasks included snow shovelling, organising/sorting/decluttering/cleaning the house, sorting paperwork, garden maintenance, household DIY and looking after Paco.
As mentioned by previous Workawayers, you certainly get out what you put in. If you work hard and come with a good attitude, you will have a brilliant stay and find a good friend in Alanna. Thanks for a great time - will see you around soon!
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
What a great time we had at Alanna's place! We helped with a variety of tasks such as cleaning the house, loading up the car to take things to the dump, tidying the garden and helping out at the Food Rescue. No task was ever too hard and Alanna always made sure to give us enough time off to enjoy the local surroundings. Her place is a short
… read more walking distance away from downtown Banff which was perfect for us. We also loved that we had our own little apartment (bedroom, living area, kitchen and bathroom) in her house, which was a bonus. Alanna is great and fun to be around, and we'll definitely miss our time together (and also her sweet dog Paco of course!).
Thank you for everything, we'd love to come back one day!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
These two friends are travelling together on a world trip. They were a pleasure to have. They both have great attitudes and willing to help with whatever we needed to do. We did a variety of tasks, taking a load of items to the dump and to the re-use it centre. We worked together at the Food Rescue and in the end one of the most tasking work was
… read more cleaning the family home for 5 mornings, emptying cupboards, washing dishes, vacuuming, sweeping and washing floors. Lots of deep cleaning. They originally came for 1 week and stayed for 2. We had a nice time together and I wish they could have stayed even longer. Good luck to the two of you and you continue your travels. P.S. They left their room and living space spotless. Thank-you Ladies!
Left by host for Workawayer (Matt)
Matt and Lou were amazing Workaways! Matt and Lou had boundless energy. We got so much done in just two weeks. Nothing was ever a problem. If I thought of something to do they just said, Let's do it! They helped all day long and did it with a smile and great humour. These two are the epitome of Workaways, great attitudes and energy. Matt hauled
… read more heavy concrete blocks into my truck and we placed them at a neighbours. Something I could never have done on my own. Lou was so pleasant and they really worked as a team. I needed help with our Non-profit Food Rescue and it was a part of our daily work.
It was so nice to have this couple and their amazing energy. They have a real "Let's get it done" attitude. Positive energy to the max! Thankyou so much Matt and Lou. Hoping to catch us with you again soon! Alanna
Left by Workawayer (Matt) for host
Alanna was a great host during our two week stay in Banff. We enjoyed working at food rescue, meeting her other volunteers, helping out in the yard, mucking out the horses and doing DIY tasks around the house. We decided a schedule together and she trusted us to get on with the task Exploring Banff during our time off was awesome fun in the
… read more summer. Self motivation and a can-do attitude is recommended to get the most out of this Workaway. Alanna was good fun to be around , we left with plenty of happy memories!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Petra & Martin)
Petra and Martin were amazing helpers! They have positive attitudes and willing to help out. It takes a while to get to know workaways, these 2 were great communicators we got along right away. They helped with so many projects I don't even know where to begin. We did many dump runs together to clean up the yard. Martin organized the garage and
… read more built many things. He also dug a deep trench for our new electrical line that our electrical contractor installed in the garage, just in time for winter! Martin is a wonderful carpenter and loved using our new saw in the garage. Petra helped counting coins from our non-profit. A job I really don't like. She likes to organize. Petra and Martin helped with our Food Rescue project, it was so nice to have people with such positive energy. When our projects changed and I would tell them to change gears as we were doing something else, they said, " No problem." I really enjoyed their company and miss them. Even though they both have jobs now in the Bow Valley, they still help me when I need them. I feel so lucky to have had them to help me. We got along well and laughed alot. I can only say if you have the opportunity to share life's experiences with these 2 you will really be glad that you did. They are so hardworking, respectful and great at problem solving. I am sure we will continue to be friends for a very long time and they are welcome back anytime.
They came for 2 weeks and stayed for 2 months. I think they loved the dogs the most!!! Thank-you Martin and Petra.
Left by Workawayer (Petra & Martin) for host
We came to Alanna’s place with the intention to stay for two weeks, but in the end, we stayed for two months as we immediately fell in love with living in Banff and helping at the Food Rescue. Alanna does an amazing job with Food Rescue, contributing to the Banff community and our planet. We learned so much about how the organization works by
… read more being a part of pick-up, selection, and distribution of food.
In addition to Food Rescue, we worked a lot around the house, completing various tasks like painting, sanding, or leaf raking. Every day is different, and you definitely won’t be bored. Martin mostly worked on building projects involving wood. It was an enriching experience that we will remember for the rest of our lives.
During our phone call before this WorkAway, Alanna told us that it’s like living with a mum, and I can’t disagree! We built an amazing relationship during our stay and hope to do many activities together with our Canadian mum in the future as well :) We can only recommend this to everyone who wants to explore Banff from a different perspective than most travelers and tourists do!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
DIY and gardening help on my hobby farm in a small isolated community near Nimpo Lake, Canada
Small town life with a big hearted, happy, hardworking family of dreamers, Ontario, Canada
We've noticed that there's less than 3 photos uploaded to your profile. With the new host profile layout this we would highly recommend having more than 3 photos so your profile stands out visually.
Please take a few moments to choose some images that show off your place or area:
Please log in to your Workawayer account to contact this host, or
sign up here!
Information for those planning to visit Canada
If you are NOT from Canada and planning to visit to volunteer, work or study you will need the correct visa. To find out more information you need to contact the embassy in your home country before travelling.
Charity Work
Help with Eco Projects
Elderly Companionship
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Help around the house
General Maintenance
