Help at our backpackers in Digby, Nova Scotia

Canada

Favourited 181 times

Host rating
Feedback
21
Last activity
06/09/2019
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Availability

2020

Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Description
Hi,
We own a backpackers with views of the Digby fishermen's wharf and Annapolis Basin. We are located right in town, walking distance to shops and restaurants. We are also located right along the Bay of Fundy, close to some of the best whale watching around (June through to late September is the best time for this), great hiking, unique towns and villages, sea kayaking and sailing.

Digby is known for it's great seafood, especially Digby scallops and the Bay of Fundy lobster. We tend to organize some bbq's, lobster feasts, campfire nights and such throughout the season and would welcome volunteers to join us and help out with this as well!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
What you could learn entirely depends on you! We can:

- help you with learning English (Saskia is fluent in Dutch and has a good understanding of German, Claude is fluent in French)
- show you how to deal with guests and any guest concerns while ensuring guest satisfaction rates are high
- teach you anything you want to know about running a hostel. From reception to cleaning essentials to guest satisfaction to dealing with complaints... anything you want to know (and maybe some stuff you wish you never knew ;-) )
- teach you how to work with different tools to build stuff, whether it is a simple fix or building an entire building
- explore the area and learn about the local history (which was instrumental in the history of Canada)
- help you discover the best about the Bay of Fundy, the tides and its wide variety of sea life

Each of you is different and each of you has different interests, so every exchange is different.
Help
We are looking for people that can help with cleaning, making beds, reception work (answering the phone, check-ins, helping guests plan their day), gardening, renovations and building projects, etc. We have bought a second property last year that we are currently turning into a pub/café. We certainly could use a hand from anyone handy with a hammer as well!

The main thing we ask of any of our volunteers is that you care, pay attention to the details and are social, friendly and outgoing. We usually ask for about 20 hours a week in exchange for a free bed and breakfast. You would also have free use of bicycles and laundry. We normally ask for a minimum three week stay, as we usually train volunteers for front desk duties and we prefer for volunteers to learn something about the area so you can actually answer guest questions about things to do.

We are also looking for people with some decent handyman skills, as we are in the middle of renovating a former church into a pub/café. Lots of work and lots to do!
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
Accommodation
We can currently offer a bed in a dorm.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
4 hours a day, 5 days a week.

Photos

Claude and Saskia, owners of the hostel, at the Historic Gardens in Annapolis Royal

Feedback left by and about host (21)

14/11/2017

Left by Workawayer (Richard & Sally) for host

We stayed at the backpackers inn for a month when we first arrived in Canada. We worked at the hostel where we learnt how to do check ins, clean the rooms and answer phone calls. The work was fun and we found it very rewarding dealing with & meeting all the different travellers who came in and out of the hostel. We have already arranged to see… read more

(Very good )

11/11/2017

Left by Workawayer (Claudia & Salvatore) for host

Just before some days before our arrival, the host cancelled our workaway telling us that the hostel is closed.
But his availability on the site is still open!

(Host cancelled stay at the last minute)

27/06/2017

Left by Workawayer (Nicole) for host

I stayed for around 3 weeks in the hostel. In the hostel I did check-ins and out, rezeption hours and housekeeping. Claude and Saskia also owns a pub, which they are renovating. I helped with painting the rails on the patio, cleaning up and making the kitchen grease free. I hope you can still open this summer?
Because we worked hard, the 2… read more

(Excellent )

20/06/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Nicole)

We can highly recommend Nicole. Not only was she conscientious, hardworking and thorough in anything she did, she was also one of the sweetest and kindest volunteers we have had. Fast learner, able to work autonomously as well as in a team, and taking charge where needed. Excellent in dealing with guests and a pleasure to have around. We miss her… read more

(Excellent )

06/06/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Dominik)

Dominik helped us out for three weeks, working mostly on renovations to an old church to turn it into a pub. At the end of the three weeks we were sad to see him leave. Not just because he is a hard worker, fast learner and willing to take on just about anything, but because he was great company as well. We sure hope to see you for a beer once the… read more

(Excellent )

05/06/2017

Left by Workawayer (Dominik) for host

I was in Digby in the BackpackersInn for almost 3 weeks. I had a great time and met a lot of nice people. I had the pleasure to work with Claude in the pub. It was a nice time where I learned a lot of handy stuff (build 2 fridge, painting, sanding and more) Thanks for that Claude! I highly recomend a stay in Digby. Saskia and Claude are very… read more

(Excellent )

27/05/2017

Left by Workawayer (florence) for host

I had a really good time in Digby at the backpackers inn! I met some great people and learnt a lot about running a hostel with Saskia, and some good work at the renovation of the pub with Claude. I recommend this place to anyone looking for a great laid back atmosphere in Nova Scotia. Thank you Saskia and Claude, I hope you will visit me in France!

(Excellent )

23/05/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (florence)

Florence made it possible for me to spend some time with my parents while they were visiting for two weeks. Priceless. To be able to feel completely at ease and confident that everything is taken care of while you have your attention elsewhere is simply fantastic.
I would highly recommend Florence to anyone. Rarely have I seen anyone more… read more

(Excellent )

23/05/2017

Left by Workawayer (Pacôme) for host

Thank you Saskia and Claude for making me feel welcome and your friendly trust in the daily chores !
I'll keep a perfect memory of Nova Scotia thanks to you !
For every interested workers, do not forget to do a lobsters party and discover the countryside of this province.

(Excellent )

23/05/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Pacôme)

I cannot say enough good things about Pacome. Not only was he willing to do anything (even help doing the roof that needed doing!), he worked hard at it and with a great sense of humour. He was excellent with guests, conscientious and proactive. We were sad to see him go and will miss him, not just as a volunteer but as a person as well. I would… read more

(Excellent )

03/10/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Judy)

Judy was great with guests: welcoming, professional and accommodating. She helped both with reception duties as well as housekeeping, and was a conscientious and hard worker on all fronts. Aside from that she was simply a great person to have around! Thanks for all your help Judy!

(Excellent )

03/10/2016

Left by Workawayer (Judy) for host

I helped at this lovely hostel for about 3 weeks. Saskia and Claude are wonderful hosts & I felt very welcome & at home there. Saskia was really flexible and accommodating with the work schedule which was very much appreciated when the days were nice and we could go explore :)
Highly recommend this workaway experience.

(Excellent )

02/10/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Charles & Sophie )

Egg (Charles) and Sophie were simply great and I cannot recommend highly enough. Both were hard working, personable, great company and we still miss them both here! Hope to see you both back some day :-)

(Excellent )

02/10/2016

Left by Workawayer (Charles & Sophie ) for host

Me and Sophie stayed here for 4 weeks and we enjoyed all of it, Saskia and Claude are very easy to get on with. I'd recommend doing workaway here to anyone. Great little spot and we might be back when the pubs open :-)

(Excellent )

29/09/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Konstantin)

First of all, we very much enjoyed having Konstantin around as a person. He is funny, considerate and great company. He is also a very hard worker and was willing to take on some of the hardest jobs: digging out tree roots to be able to build a wheelchair accessible pathway. Not an easy job, but he got it done! Konstantin, enjoy your travels and I… read more

(Very good )

14/03/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Carlotta & Ronnie)

Lottie and Ronnie were always ready and willing to help with anything that needed doing, as well as proactive and just plain great company! We very much enjoyed having them around and only wish we would have had longer to get to know them better. Couldn't recommend more, and hope to see you again sometime! Maybe once the pub is open ;-)

(Excellent )

14/03/2016

Left by Workawayer (Carlotta & Ronnie) for host

Claude and Saskia are a very open and welcoming couple. They built a wonderful hostel in beautiful Digby and put a lot into the pub they are building right now. We loved to see how many ideas they have and how much they build and do themselves. We could use the nicely equipped kitchen to cook and had a huge living space where we could play the… read more

(Excellent )

15/01/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (claire)

Claire is one of the most generous warm people you will ever meet. She has that rare but special quality to make any guest feel special and welcomed. Ready to help wherever she can, and always looking for extra little things she can do. Volunteering with us she mostly helped in housekeeping and reception, and her detail oriented approach and her… read more

(Excellent )

09/01/2016

Left by Workawayer (claire) for host

From the minute I arrived at the hostel, the beautiful house and garden drew me in. Saskia and Claude are extremely friendly and approachable hosts, with a wonderful sense of humour. The atmosphere of the hostel was so relaxed and the work was varied and interesting, from booking in guests on the system, to advising on activities and a variety of… read more

(Excellent )

04/04/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Shaz)

Shaz is an absolute delight to have around. If you are looking for an enthusiastic, cheerful and outgoing person: you can stop looking. We absolutely loved having her stay with us. Her outgoing personality made her awesome at encouraging guests to join in with activities, and encouraging guests to stay that extra night... She was always ready to… read more

(Good )

04/04/2015

Left by Workawayer (Shaz) for host

I loved my experience here!
I got to learn how to check people into the hostel, recommend and book guests' local activities, learnt how to cook lobster and Digby scollops!
There was a great team of volunteers living in the staff bunk house, we all worked together and explored the area on organised time off. Saskia and Claude are amazing hosts… read more

(Good )

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Host ref number: 297717173615

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