Join our outdoor-loving family in Bowen Island, Canada

Details

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  Description

  We are a family who enjoys spending as much time outdoors as we can. We have an 11-year-old daughter and 1-year-old twin boys. So, life can be pretty busy.
  We love to garden, hike, swim, kayak and explore. Pretty much anything nature has to offer.
  Having twins keeps our hands full, so we are looking for some general help with household chores, cooking, and keeping an eye on the kids in order to give us more time to spend together.
  
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  Welcome to the wonderful west coast of Canada! We are a family of 5 living on beautiful Bowen Island in British Columbia, very close to Vancouver (20 minute ferry trip to Horseshoe Bay and then 30 minute bus or 20 minute drive to downtown).
  We were drawn to this place because of its beauty, tranquility and incredible sense of community. Bowen is home to about 3500 full time residents, many of whom are young families. We are surrounded by many easily accessible beaches, magical forests and unique rugged terrain. Our main village has wonderful coffee shops and restaurants, as well as plenty of local art.
  Bowen Island is just off the Sea-to-Sky highway between Vancouver and Whistler. The local ski mountains on the north shore of Vancouver are easily accessible by bus from Horseshoe Bay (which is where our ferry from Bowen arrives in West Vancouver). From Horseshoe Bay, you can also catch ferries to Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, so this is a great home-base to be able to explore some of the most beautiful areas of British Columbia.
  
  I (Rich) am originally from Kingston, Ontario, and moved west in 2004. I am a holistic nutritionist with a private practice in Vancouver, as well as on Bowen Island. In my free time, I enjoy sports of all kinds (currently playing soccer and softball on Bowen Island), exploring new hikes around the island, camping, and puttering in our garden.
  Rachel is originally from Montreal and moved west around 2012 to be closer to the mountains and the ocean. She is a pediatric occupational therapist but is currently taking some maternity time with our twin baby boys. In her free time, Rachel also plays softball, and is passionate about rock climbing, slacklining/highlining, and skiing.
  Our twins are just over a year old and keep us very busy.
  We have an 11 year old daughter named Madison who is part-time homeschooled and loves being outside biking, or inside drawing, baking, or playing board games.
  
  Due to sensitivities(migraine triggers), we tend to keep our home fairly scent-free. We are unable to accept any smokers and would ask that you please let us know if you use perfume or scented products. Thanks for your understanding!

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Teaching

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Babysitting and creative play

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  I have lived on Bowen Island for 10 years (Rachel for 5 years) and we know the island quite well. We can help you to explore the region and discover some beautiful parts of the Pacific Northwest. We also try to be involved in community functions as much as possible, so we can introduce you to some amazing people.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  We would love to have an extra pair of hands to support us with some basic day-to-day tasks. Having twin toddlers keeps us busy, so the help we need will be anything from general cleaning, food prep, tending to the babies, or helping out in the garden.
  We also have an 11-year-old who may need the occasional ride to and from a friend's house or singing lesson.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  We recently moved to a new home at the end of a quiet street in the middle of the forest with trails out our backyard. You can walk to a meadow or around a lake right from our home.
  
  We have two spare bedrooms downstairs which will eventually be turned into a rental suite. The main bedroom is furnished with a comfortable king bed. The second bedroom has a comfortable couch for private lounging. Our workaway will have this space to them-self. There is a bathroom down the hall that will mostly be private but we occasionally use the bathtub for the little ones as the bathroom upstairs has a shower.
  You will have access to share the rest of the home upstairs including the other bathroom, kitchen, laundry, and Living room.

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  What else ...

  Bowen Island is only a 20 min ferry ride from the Mainland, and a short 30 min bus ride to downtown Vancouver. The location is a prefect base for exploring all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. The ferry terminal in Horseshoe Bay will give you access to Vancouver Island, and the Sunshine Coast. Or you can explore up the Sea to Sky highway to Squamish (world class rock climbing), Whistler (world class skiing), Pemberton and beyond. There is no shortage of things to see and do!
  
  We are looking for a non-smoker as there is a smoke allergy in the home.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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