Profile information
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Host rating
100 %
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Last replied
7 Oct 2026
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Reply rate
83.3 %
Usually responds within 5 days
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Feedback
10
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Email verified
Badges (3)
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Details
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Description
My family and I operate a large, family-run ranch in a peaceful, rural community in the west-central interior of British Columbia. Our family ranch includes my father, Dave; me, Brook, the eldest daughter; and my Australian fiancé, Jack, who has also fallen in love with the beautiful Chilcotin.
We currently care for approximately 300 cows, with plans to expand our herd in the coming months. We are looking for reliable, hardworking helpers to join us during October, when we will be busy with:
Pregnancy checking our cows
Weaning calves
Moving cattle to their winter range
General ranch and livestock chores
Occasional help with smaller animals and around the property
We have chickens, cats, dogs, goats, horses, cows and bulls. Previous ranch or cattle experience is an asset, but a positive attitude, willingness to learn and ability to work safely are most important. Ranch work can be physically demanding, so helpers should be comfortable working outdoors in changing weather and taking direction around livestock.
We have welcomed work-away helpers to our ranch in the past, and many of them have become like family. We have stayed in touch, visited one another and travelled to see them in their home countries. We truly value the friendships and connections made through sharing our ranch and lifestyle with others.
Accommodation is provided in a private guest cabin. Our ranches are surrounded by peaceful, wide-open spaces, beautiful lakes, rivers, creeks and abundant wildlife. During your free time, there are many opportunities to explore the Chilcotin, including Chilko Lake, the Fraser River, Farewell Canyon and other incredible areas throughout the region. Access to vehicles may be available for suitable trips and activities.
Life on our ranch is peaceful, remote and connected to nature. The work is challenging, but it offers an authentic experience of Western Canadian ranching, the chance to learn new skills and the opportunity to become part of a welcoming family and community.
We look forward to hearing from dependable, respectful people who are excited to experience ranch life in beautiful British Columbia!
-The Housenga Family -
Types of help and learning opportunities
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Light maintenance
House & pet sitting
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Interests
Photography
Gardening
Cooking & food
Drawing & painting
Carpentry
Astronomy
Animals
Yoga / Wellness
Team sports
Nature
Fitness
Camping
Winter sports
Mountain
Dancing
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Adventure sports -
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
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Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Travellers will get a genuine experience of ranch life in the Chilcotin and learn what it is like to live and work in a remote rural community. Depending on the season, there may be opportunities to learn about cattle, horses, fencing, feeding, haying, equipment, general ranch maintenance and the day-to-day realities of running a working ranch. It is also a great opportunity to experience the Chilcotin lifestyle, wildlife, scenery and the strong sense of community that comes with living in a remote area.
Brook and Jack are both in their late 20s, so although ranch life keeps us busy, we still like to have fun. We enjoy card nights, local rodeos, get-togethers and visiting with the younger crowd in the area. We would love for travellers to feel included in both ranch life and the social side of the community, while sharing their own culture and experiences with us as well. -
Help
We are a working cattle ranch, so the type of help varies depending on the season, weather and what is happening on the ranch. Tasks may include feeding and caring for animals, fencing, checking cattle, helping around barns and corrals, gardening, yard work, firewood, painting, cleaning, basic maintenance and other general ranch projects.
You do not need previous ranch experience for most tasks, but we are looking for people who are practical, willing to learn, comfortable around animals and happy to pitch in. Some jobs can be physical and outdoors, so suitable clothing and footwear are important.
Because this is a working ranch, plans can sometimes change from day to day depending on weather, livestock and what needs to be done. -
Languages
Languages spoken
English: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information. -
Accommodation
A small, cozy private guest cabin is provided. The cabin is located approximately 10 feet from the main house. Cooking facilities, the bathroom and shower are located inside the main house and are available for guests to use.
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What else ...
There is so much to see and visit in our Chilcotin; Gang Ranch, Farwell Canyon, Chilko Lake, Williams Lake, Non Active age old Volcano craters, Wild Horses, Fishing, hiking, cayaking, boating, even a trip to Bella Coola is an opportunity.
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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
Starlink internet in all homes, some access to starlink mini in some vehicles
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Space for parking camper vans
Access to power and water.
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How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (5)
Becky and Dave
From the moment I met them, it already felt like home.
During my time there, Dave taught me how to drive a tractor, so I was able to help with haying season, which was such a unique experience.
We went on horseback rides to search for cattle and had an amazing time … read more
This was a unique experience. I have learned so much about life as a rancher.
Becky and Dave are very friendly, patient, easy going and open … read more
They took the time to take me to Chilko Lake which was amazing.
The evenings were nice and chill with cuddles with the lovely dogs and watching movies.
I got to see wildlife and beautiful landscapes. … read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
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)
Becky and Dave
From the moment I met them, it already felt like home.
During my time there, Dave taught me how to drive a tractor, so I was able to help with haying season, which was such a unique experience.
We went on horseback rides to search for cattle and had an amazing time … read more
This was a unique experience. I have learned so much about life as a rancher.
Becky and Dave are very friendly, patient, easy going and open … read more
They took the time to take me to Chilko Lake which was amazing.
The evenings were nice and chill with cuddles with the lovely dogs and watching movies.
I got to see wildlife and beautiful landscapes. … read more
They felt like family ❤️
Becky is an amazing chef and really patient. Her meals, cakes and cookies are so delicious. She likes to show her skills to other people.
I struggled a lot with the language, but thankfully they helped me 😊
While I was starting to grow their … read more
