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Growing vegetables and sustainable trees on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada

  • Favourited 98 times
  • Last activity: 23 Mar 2024

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Hi, We're Marlene and Peter Lewis. We have a lovely 69 acre farm nestled in the valley in Cedar on Vancouver Island. We're located 20 minutes south of Nanaimo, 5 minutes from the Nanaimo airport and 15 min from the Duke Point ferry terminal.

    We're growing mostly vegetables, some flowers and fruit, and we're growing 14 acres of Empress Splendour trees in partnership with a unique company. These trees are a source of sustainable lumber and the leaves are an excellent source of carbon draw-down.

    We are close to the ocean, many rivers, lakes, streams, mountains, provincial and regional parks. There are endless spectacular outdoor activities right here at our door step.

    We're looking for help with ongoing tasks on the farm with our produce and trees. We have travelled a lot in our lives and understand the needs of travellers and backpackers. We love to encourage travelling and support people who love to travel and explore the world.

    We can accommodate 1 single traveller with your own cottage on our lovely farm. If someone would like to pitch their tent or stay in your camper van here, we have lots of room for that also and can accommodate a couple.

    We are looking for fully vaccinated, non-smoking Workawayers and don't accept any kind of drug use. We do not accept non-vaccinated Workawayers.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    Farmstay help
    General Maintenance
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    We are experienced travellers who have travelled much of Canada and numerous other countries and continents in the world. We're happy to provide tips of fabulous sites and experiences for travellers. Peter is a professional photographer who is happy to give photography tips and support to those who share the same passion. Most of the photographs on our website (empressacres.ca) were taken by him.

  • Help

    Help

    During the summer, we are looking for help with watering the produce and trees, planting new crops, weeding the produce gardens, spreading mulch, mowing lawn, picking crops/pickling cucumbers and other vegetables, improving our irrigations system, organizing a workshop. At a later time, we would like help with building chicken tractors/coops, a market stand, fencing, interior house painting, etc. as the tasks and opportunities arise. We would love to have people here who are interested in learning about and contribute to our beautiful farm. We're happy to teach and provide support to those coming here and be part of our life. We are happy to encourage people to work on their own time schedule.

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    In the warm months, we provide a private cottage with lots of natural light set on 69 acres of farmland with fields and trees. There are also 2 lovely outdoor bathrooms and showers for you to use. In the cooler months, there is 1 large, comfortable, well furnished room with a fridge, mini-oven, queen bed, table, lamps, cupboards and a shared bathroom with tub and shower. Peter and I live on the main floor and have our own ensuite bathroom. We are happy to share the kitchen and dining area for dinners. We work from home and would like everyone to respect one another's time.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    If you love nature and being outdoors, you couldn't find yourself in a more perfect location. Hiking, fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, cycling, walking, photography...there is so much to explore and discover all around the area. If you need transportation, we can make arrangements for that.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    We have reliable wi-fi around much of the farm.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    We have space on the farm to park your campervan and possibly a motorhome.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Host ref number: 521458729958

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Accuracy of profile: (4.9)

Cultural exchange: (5.0)

Communication: (5.0)