Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
11 Apr 2025
Reply rate
56.8 %
Usually responds within 10 days
Feedback
28
Email verified
Host offers payment
Badges (3)
Give the gift of Workaway
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Details
Description
Your hosts, Celia and Nicholas, have been married for 40 years with 2 grown-up kids; and have been on Salt Spring for 20 years. We opened our Gallery B&B 15 years ago with 2 units - a suite attached to the house and a cabin, and we require full time help through the busy season to keep up with the changeovers. For the b&b work: the cleaning, laundry, ironing, and stocking of the suite and cabin, we pay an hourly wage at the BC minimum wage rate.
We also provide accommodation and meals in exchange for some house and garden work.
We are looking for a single woman who can stay in the house spare room (with a mostly private bathroom) or for a couple who can stay in our glamp-site which has a safari tent with queen bed, light and heat, a kitchen with a good stove, bathhouse with sink and shower and an outhouse. We are particularly looking for a couple who might like to stay through the summer June July & August.
Our place is within walking distance of the main village on the island, Ganges and a beach nearby. We have a large garden and orchard
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
This is a very good place to practice your English - we are both serious readers and there are lots of books in the house. The island is a beautiful place to explore, lots of outdoor activities and young people, concerts, cafes and bookstores.
Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage
This host offers accommodation and payment.
Help
We need help with the bed and breakfast changeovers for 2 units (suite, cabin) preparing the accommodation for new guests. Cleaning, laundry, ironing and stocking. Also house cleaning and garden maintenance.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Intermediate
Accommodation
We provide a very comfortable spare room with private bathroom, and tasty nutritious meals with our workawayers.
What else ...
Salt Spring is a thriving island between Vancouver and Victoria with lots of music, arts and crafts and good food. Also lots of hiking, kayaking, swimming in the ocean and many lakes. There is a good bus system so volunteers can get around without a car.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Host ref number: 317845111617
Feedback (15)
11 Jul 2024
Left by Workawayer (Ronja) for host
What an enriching experience! I stayed with Celia and Nick for a bit over a month and I had a blast.
The work at the B&B was well timed and not stressful at all, I enjoyed the tranquil nature of taking the laundry out in the beautiful garden and helping out with simple preparations and dishes.
The conversations over dinner were always a delight… read more
The work at the B&B was well timed and not stressful at all, I enjoyed the tranquil nature of taking the laundry out in the beautiful garden and helping out with simple preparations and dishes.
The conversations over dinner were always a delight… read more
1 Jun 2024
Left by Workawayer (Paulina) for host
Its been already 3 weeks since I've left Celia and Nick, but I just now could find the time to write a proper review.
I stayed with them for 9 weeks in the shoulder season (march to may) and I LOVED it. They were my first workaway and I couldn't have wished for a better one.
From the moment I met Celia and Nick they were really welcoming and… read more
I stayed with them for 9 weeks in the shoulder season (march to may) and I LOVED it. They were my first workaway and I couldn't have wished for a better one.
From the moment I met Celia and Nick they were really welcoming and… read more
7 May 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Paulina)
Paulina has been helping us with our B&B and some housekeeping and yard work for 6 weeks; she is staying another 2 weeks and we will miss her when she's gone. We have thoroughly enjoyed having her; she is thoughtful, helpful, diligent and pleasant. Paulina is well organized and follows through on all her tasks. When she arrived I asked her what… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (YI-CHING)
Yi Ching stayed with us for a month and she was very diligent and pleasant . Her spoken English was not as strong as I expected but we managed to communicate and she accomplished all the necessary work for the b&b. She explored the island and went to Victoria on a couple of day trips.
(Excellent
)
13 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (YI-CHING) for host
My first Workaway experience with Celia and Nick has left me with cherished memories that I'd like to share. I spent a month with them, and it was an extraordinary journey of culinary delights, as they prepared a variety of dishes, including Canadian, French, English, and Chinese cuisines, not to mention their delectable desserts. Each meal was a… read more
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
11 Jul 2024
Left by Workawayer (Ronja) for host
What an enriching experience! I stayed with Celia and Nick for a bit over a month and I had a blast.
The work at the B&B was well timed and not stressful at all, I enjoyed the tranquil nature of taking the laundry out in the beautiful garden and helping out with simple preparations and dishes.
The conversations over dinner were always a delight… read more
The work at the B&B was well timed and not stressful at all, I enjoyed the tranquil nature of taking the laundry out in the beautiful garden and helping out with simple preparations and dishes.
The conversations over dinner were always a delight… read more
1 Jun 2024
Left by Workawayer (Paulina) for host
Its been already 3 weeks since I've left Celia and Nick, but I just now could find the time to write a proper review.
I stayed with them for 9 weeks in the shoulder season (march to may) and I LOVED it. They were my first workaway and I couldn't have wished for a better one.
From the moment I met Celia and Nick they were really welcoming and… read more
I stayed with them for 9 weeks in the shoulder season (march to may) and I LOVED it. They were my first workaway and I couldn't have wished for a better one.
From the moment I met Celia and Nick they were really welcoming and… read more
7 May 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Paulina)
Paulina has been helping us with our B&B and some housekeeping and yard work for 6 weeks; she is staying another 2 weeks and we will miss her when she's gone. We have thoroughly enjoyed having her; she is thoughtful, helpful, diligent and pleasant. Paulina is well organized and follows through on all her tasks. When she arrived I asked her what… read more
(Excellent)
10 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (YI-CHING)
Yi Ching stayed with us for a month and she was very diligent and pleasant . Her spoken English was not as strong as I expected but we managed to communicate and she accomplished all the necessary work for the b&b. She explored the island and went to Victoria on a couple of day trips.
(Excellent)
13 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (YI-CHING) for host
My first Workaway experience with Celia and Nick has left me with cherished memories that I'd like to share. I spent a month with them, and it was an extraordinary journey of culinary delights, as they prepared a variety of dishes, including Canadian, French, English, and Chinese cuisines, not to mention their delectable desserts. Each meal was a… read more
30 Aug 2023
Left by Workawayer (Judith) for host
What was initially planned to be a one month visit quickly prolonged into a 3 month stay. I immediately felt like part of the family the moment I stepped into Nick and Celia's beautiful home.
The work in the B&B and around the house and garden was always fun to do. Besides, I had a lot of freedom in scheduling the tasks. That way, it barely felt… read more
The work in the B&B and around the house and garden was always fun to do. Besides, I had a lot of freedom in scheduling the tasks. That way, it barely felt… read more
2 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Judith)
Judith came for a month and stayed for 3 months. We wanted her to stay forever! She was pleasant, capable, meticulous, thoughtful, helpful, smart, and fun. A joy to have her living with us. We wish her the best for her onward travels and we hope she might return sometime.
(Excellent)
2 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Lena)
We really enjoyed having Lena with us; she was energetic, hard working, thorough, careful and always finished what had to be done perfectly. And she was fun to have living with us, sharing meals and helping her plan her road trip through BC. We also appreciated learning about her life in Germany and introducing her to Canadian culture - such as… read more
(Excellent)
10 Oct 2019
Left by Workawayer (Christine) for host
I spent almost 4 weeks at the wonderful B&B of Celia and Nick. They are wonderful hosts, I've had a great time there! I loved it all – the island, the house, the garden, the B&B, the bakery nearby. Most of the work is cleaning – some days more, some days less. Celia and Nick always helped me when there was a lot to do.
After work I explored the… read more
After work I explored the… read more
16 Aug 2019
Left by Workawayer (Nora) for host
It was a wonderful stay. Cecilia and Nick are very inspiring and caring people. There was so much happening around their property and on Salt Spring Island, that I barely had the chance to rest. They left me a lot of freedom to do whatever I wanted. In my free time I hitch-hiked all across this special island and met great people. This is really a… read more
24 Jul 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Andrea)
Andrea was a wonderful workawayer: thoughtful, hardworking, interesting and a terrific cook! I will miss her delicious tacos and chilequillies. I enjoyed our conversations and appreciated her help in the b&b and garden. I wish her the best of luck in her travels, work and glassblowing.
(Excellent)
27 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (Andrea) for host
Thank you so much for everything, Celia And Nick, my stay with you was so good that it felt so short, love the nice conversations, the garden and the gallery was amazing, so many amazing artists that I was able to meet during my stay with you, keep the good work and luck for everyone with the bakery, and I hope to see you again, if i come back to… read more
31 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (clawe303)
Claudia was a pleasure to host. Helpful, interesting and entertaining, she was a welcome asset to our b&b and gallery. We wish her the very best in her future travels.
(Excellent)
7 Oct 2017
Left by Workawayer (clawe303) for host
I had a wonderful time at Celia and Nick’s place. They are open, well-travelled, active in the community and very interesting to talk to with a great sense of humour and outlook on life. Great company and conversations and respect for their achievements. The B&B and art gallery are beautiful, a real gem nestled in mature woodland yet very close to… read more
21 Aug 2017
Left by Workawayer (Kate) for host
Nick and Celia were my first hosts on workaway and what an awesome time I had! They are the most wonderful couple who really treat you like part of the family and made sure I always had beyond what I needed. I had the best time exploring the island and Nick and Celia were very kind in introducing me to friends of theirs and I felt very integrated… read more
20 Apr 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Kate)
It was a pleasure to host Kate in our house. She is welcome back anytime! She was helpful, cheerful, interested in books and very knowledgeable about classical music and we enjoyed her company. all the best of everything in her life and travels.
(Excellent)
16 Jun 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Lisa)
Lisa was a wonderful workawayer; helpful, cheerful, meticulous, a quick learner and very pleasant guest/ worker in our house. She is welcome back anytime! We wish her all the best in her life. cheers, Celia & Nick
(Excellent)
16 Jun 2017
Left by Workawayer (Lisa) for host
I stayed with Celia and Nick for a little less than 3 weeks and even though I was a bit hesitant on staying on an island at first, these weeks just flew by.
Celia and Nick were incredibly kind, open-minded, cultured and respectful people (as well as great cooks!). They always made sure I didn't work too much and gave me plenty of free time to… read more
Celia and Nick were incredibly kind, open-minded, cultured and respectful people (as well as great cooks!). They always made sure I didn't work too much and gave me plenty of free time to… read more
20 Apr 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Alena)
Alena was a lovely workaway guest! She is welcome back anytime! Helpful, cheerful, interested in the events of the world, she was a pleasure to host and a good worker in the B&B and gallery. Very best to Alena in her travels and life.
(Excellent)
6 Apr 2017
Left by Workawayer (Alena) for host
Thank you so much for this wonderful stay! I've spend 3 weeks at Nicks and Celias place and it was a great time. I mostly helped in the b&b but also in the garden and at the gallery for example at the opening night at one of their shows.
Celia and Nick are very lovely hosts they took me for a hike, to Victoria for a day trip and explored the… read more
Celia and Nick are very lovely hosts they took me for a hike, to Victoria for a day trip and explored the… read more
7 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Assal)
Assal was a delightful workawayer, meticulous, quick and always pleasant. We enjoyed her stay with us, found her intelligent, cultured and interested in all kinds of things. We wish her lots of good luck in everything. all the best Assal!
(Excellent)
6 Sep 2016
Left by Workawayer (Assal) for host
If I had a magic wand I will return to the first day of my stay with Celia and Nick!
It was a pleasure to share their life, to meet their sweet family, their interesting friends and to feel that you belong to their wonderful world!
They treat you with so much respect and attention that it's actually a gift to be with them.
I will encourage only… read more
It was a pleasure to share their life, to meet their sweet family, their interesting friends and to feel that you belong to their wonderful world!
They treat you with so much respect and attention that it's actually a gift to be with them.
I will encourage only… read more
7 Nov 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Mariko)
Mariko was fantastic! She was smart, cheerful, hardworking and fun. WE had such good time with her - going mushrooming, cooking, and getting the work done. She helped with the b&b and the house and we drew on her architectural skills in choosing colours and painting on one of the b&b units. Mariko is welcome back anytime! Would love to have her… read more
(Excellent)
24 Oct 2016
Left by Workawayer (Mariko) for host
I had such a wonderful time and i couldn't ask for a better host!
My stay was an short-term arrangement because another host cancled my stay, but thanks Celia and Nick i had a wonderful time on Salt Spring!
Their exerted to give me a lot of several opportunities for my free time.
But at last my time with them where much more fun, their are very… read more
My stay was an short-term arrangement because another host cancled my stay, but thanks Celia and Nick i had a wonderful time on Salt Spring!
Their exerted to give me a lot of several opportunities for my free time.
But at last my time with them where much more fun, their are very… read more
22 Jun 2016
Left by Workawayer (Gianna ) for host
Thank you very much Celia and Nick for...living in your cosy home, being part of your daily life, your fantastic cooking skills, meeting your friends and of course tea time. They gave me enough time and days off for exploring the region. The help required was easy to handle and after a brief agreement for the day I could do the tasks… read more
21 Jun 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Gianna )
Gianna was a wonderful workawayer - she is welcome back anytime. We enjoyed her company, she was interesting, knowledgeable, curious and a very good worker who learned quickly and needed no encouragement to get on with tasks. We were impressed by her intrepid travels and wish her well in her next adventures.
(Excellent)
18 Apr 2016
Left by host for Workawayer (Lena)
Lena was wonderful! I cannot recommend her too highly; she is lovely, bright, observant, hardworking, quick learning, charming, delightful and so helpful in all kinds of ways. She helped in the B&B, the gallery at our opening reception; she helped install a sculpture installation in a garden, and she helped with heavy yard work, wow what a strong… read more
(Excellent)
14 Apr 2016
Left by Workawayer (Lena) for host
I had the pleasure to spend two wonderful weeks with Celia and Nick on Salt Spring Island! I had a fantastic time with a great variety of tasks especially in the B&B and the gallery and sometimes in the garden. I felt like a part of the family with Celia and Nick and they always had great ideas to make me have a fun time on the island! I would… read more
