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Hi, I’m Eva, writing on behalf of our family. We’re inviting two volunteers to join our new permaculture project near Haliburton, Ontario.
This is a family project born out of my Dad’s retirement dream to return to the land where my grandmother used to live and create a communal space for gathering and sustainable living.
We’re especially interested in connecting with people who have experience or curiosity around permaculture, gardening, and off-grid living, and who are excited to learn and work with us as the project takes shape over the summer.
What we’ve created so far…
Last summer, we laid the foundation for a beautiful space to share time with family and friends in nature. So far, this includes solar power grid, glamping tents, a shared kitchen with an outdoor dining area, bathrooms with composting toilets, solar-powered hot water showers and a wood-fired sauna and hot tub. And the most exciting for me was being able to make fresh salads from the veggie garden to share at our family dinners.
Practical details:
Seasonal project: June to September (volunteers especially needed earlier in the season).
Help exchange: 4–5 hours of help per day, 5 days a week
Accommodation: Glamping tent (double air mattress) or bunkie (single bed), solar-powered electricity.
Facilities: Shared kitchen, bathrooms with composting toilets and hot water showers, sauna, and outdoor spaces
Wifi: Available during certain hours
Environment: Quiet, respectful, nature-focused (not a party space)
About us / What we offer…
I’m Eva, a yoga teacher, writer, and coach. Originally from Toronto, I’ve spent the past 10 years living in a small town on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, where connecting with nature completely changed my life when going through a very difficult time of grief. I’ve had the opportunity to visit different eco-centers and permaculture projects in the area, one of which became the seed of inspiration for this project during my family’s visit two years ago.
Fun fact: I was a Workawayer myself with several projects while travelling through South America eleven years ago, the last of which was in Santa Marta, where I ended up moving. I’m excited to be part of this amazing community again and to continue being a part of the mutual learning and cultural exchange that Workaway offers.
By joining this project, you’re joining our family. Weekends here include some good, hard work, followed sauna sessions, pond dips, shared meals and evenings around the campfire. I (Eva) will be living on the property, and my parents and brothers usually visit on weekends.
I will be working in town during the week, but we can make arrangements with the car when you would like to go into town or explore the area (lots of beautiful lakes and things to do in nature).
Please let us know if you have any questions or if you think this could be a good fit!
All the best,
Eva and our family
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
General Maintenance
Interests
Culture
Charity work
Outdoor activities
Carpentry
Cooking & food
Sustainability
Farming
Writing
Plant care
Gardening
Camping
Nature
Yoga / Wellness
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We’re a fun and adventurous Canadian family who loves to travel, meet new people, and learn from different cultures.
I’m Eva - a yoga teacher, retreat leader and writer - who’s been living on the Caribbean coast of Colombia for the past nine years.
During my family’s visit to Colombia last year, we explored several permaculture projects and eco-camps that planted the seed for this dream.
Like so many others, we’re feeling the stress of modern life and the deep need to reconnect - with ourselves, each other, the earth and with sustainable ways of living.
This project is my dad’s retirement dream (and a brilliant scheme to get me back in Canada for the summers). You’ll be welcomed into the rhythm of our family life: shared meals, bonfires under the stars, sweaty conversations in the wood-fired sauna, and cooling off in our private lake.
We’re excited to share what we’re learning - and to learn from you, too. Cultural exchange is at the heart of this project, and we can’t wait to create something meaningful together.
We are located just 10-15 minutes away from the town of Haliburton and also town of Minden. On-site you can enjoy the use of our amenities - wood-fired sauna and hot tub, ice bath, hammocks for lounging and an entire forest sanctuary to explore and connect with nature.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
As a Workaway volunteer, you’ll be joining us in the very early stages of the project. This is a hands-on opportunity to be part of something from the ground up to bring this dream to life.
What we would love your help with…
This summer, we want to bring the space to life by setting up a permaculture system, expanding the vegetable gardens, planting natural ground cover and plants to support the water system in the pond. You’ll be joining us in the early stages of the project, which means that your work will be varied and creative, with lots of room for your input and ideas.
Depending on timing and interest, your days may include:
Creating and implementing a simple, sustainable permaculture plan
Gardening and general land stewardship
Early-season landscaping and ground cover
Compost systems and soil building
Helping out with small, practical projects (firewood for the sauna, setting up the tents, organizing the tool shed)
Trail clearing and general land care
Collaborating with us to plan and co-create as the project evolves
If you have experience with permaculture, natural building, or off-grid systems - amazing! If you don’t, but you’re curious, motivated, and enjoy learning and experimenting, we’d love to work with you. Any experience with beekeeping, water systems, medicinal plants, or creative ideas for working with the land in sustainable ways is a bonus.
What matters most to us is positive energy, a collaborative attitude, clear communication, and respect for the land and shared space.
Languages
Languages spoken
Spanish: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
If you're interested in learning English, this is a great opportunity ! Eva also teaches conversational classes in Colombia, and udnerstands what it's like to immerse yourself in a new culture and learn a new language.
Accommodation
Workaway volunteers will have a private room in an on-site apartment with bathroom and kitchen. At time the apartment may be shared between two volunteers (there are two separate rooms).
We will provide food for you to prepare your meals on a day-to-day basis and you are welcome to join family meals when we're gathered together.
What else ...
Our project is nestled in the heart of Haliburton Highlands, a stunning region of Ontario known for its forests, lakes, and natural beauty. We’re less than a 15-minute drive from downtown Haliburton, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, galleries, and community events.
During your free time, you’ll have access to a peaceful private lake for swimming or paddling, a wood-fired sauna, a forest yoga platform, and a beautiful hiking trail that leads to a nearby waterfall. It’s a quiet, restorative place — perfect for nature lovers and those looking to unplug and recharge.
I (Eva) will be living on-site, though I’ll also be working shifts at a restaurant in town, so I won’t always be around. I do have a car and can help coordinate occasional off-site trips or town runs.
Your accommodations include a private apartment with Wi-Fi, a kitchenette, and all the basics to make you feel at home.
We’re in the early stages of creating something truly special here, and we’re so excited to have you be part of it!
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.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
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