Help around my historic home and explore Ottawa, Canada

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: 1 week or less

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    I am a teacher living in a vibrant community close to downtown Ottawa. My cat and I live in a 104 year old 3 bedroom home. I speak three languages (English, French, and Dutch), and love to travel, meet new people, and learn about the world. I am a cyclist and triathlete, and a cycling coach as well as a teacher and regular dog sitter!

    The community I live in is a short walk to downtown Ottawa and an even shorter walk to Chinatown and Little Italy. The community itself, Hintonburg, is known for its one of a kind shops and restaurants and proximity to the Ottawa river and access to Gatineau (Quebec).

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Language practice
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
    House sitting
  • Interests

    Interests

    Self development
    Politics / Social justice
    Pets
    LGBTQ
    Plant care
    History
    Gardening
    Books
    Animals
    Fitness
    Cycling
    Camping
    Beach
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    I was born in Ottawa but come from a Dutch family. My parents immigrated to Canada shortly before I was born. I speak English, Dutch, and French, and am a French teacher. I am happy to talk about and share Canadian and Dutch cultures, and I am also well versed in Canadian history - if this is an interest to you I am happy to talk about how the country was established, and show you the sites of downtown Ottawa that connect with the Confederation.

    I will happily include you in family functions as well! I have 5 nieces and nephews and two sisters, and we are a tight knit group.

    I love to learn from others - cultures, foods, languages, etc. I value connections with others and feel we can all learn from one another!

  • Help

    Help

    I am looking for help with general maintenance in the house, including gardening, organizing, and painting - in general, helping to update an old home! As spring is coming, I am hoping to be working quite a bit in the garden. The main tasks would be building up the gardens with new soil, planting, weeding, etc. If you like to work outside, you will enjoy working here with me! I am quite handy in the garden and with painting and would be happy to teach you and share these skills with you. This will mainly be done together when I am home, but during the school year (September-June) I will be working during the day so you will have the house to yourself and we would complete tasks usually together when I am home. All of these tasks lend themselves to being able to chat and get to know one another.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    French: Fluent
    Dutch: Intermediate

    This host offers a language exchange
    I would love to practice my Dutch speaking, as it is mainly limited to speaking with my family. My French is also limited to speaking mainly with students at school, so speaking in a social setting would be very helpful for me! If you are looking to practice your English, Dutch, or French, I’m more than happy to help you with that. As a teacher, I am passionate about learning and sharing my skills with others! Because of my living situation, I would prefer to host female identifying only.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    The house has one shared bathroom, but you would have your own room with a queen sized bed on the second floor. There is also access to an office, wifi, and various streaming services. I have a big backyard and deck for outdoor time as well! There are TONS of places to go within walking distance and easy access to public transit. I would be happy to show you around or give you suggestions on where to visit.

    Before you arrive, we can talk about food - would you like to eat together, on your own, what sorts of things you would like me to stock for you, etc. I am happy to share meals!

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    I live very close to the Parliament buildings, which is a great site to see when visiting Canada. There are always lots of festivals and different things happening in and around Ottawa where you can meet others and learn different cultures. I also live quite close to Gatineau, which is a gorgeous place for hiking and biking.

    I have an elderly cat who will want to cuddle with you, and I also dogsit regularly. Walking a visiting dog is a great way to take in the area, and the Ottawa River is a short walk away from my home!

    I am sober and don’t mind if you want to have a beer or a glass of wine with dinner, but prefer minimal drinking.

    No smoking, please - I have bad asthma.

    I can host for a maximum of 2 weeks, though if you are looking for slightly longer, please reach out and we can see if it works!

  • 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

    I have an office space that you are welcome to use. I am happy to work with you to sort out a schedule that works with your work schedule!

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    I am okay with dogs who are house trained and will not chase the cat!

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    One

Host ref number: 634839758611

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Photos

The image features a black cat with white markings on its chest and paws, lying on a blue blanket in front of a wall with a framed picture and a thermostat.
The image depicts a small bedroom with a bed, dresser, and lamp, featuring white walls and a window with blinds, exuding a cozy and minimalist atmosphere.
The image depicts a backyard with a shed, surrounded by trees, a wooden fence, and various plants, exuding a serene and natural atmosphere.
The image depicts the front of a small, one-story house with a dirt yard, a wooden staircase, and a gray fence, surrounded by a few plants.
The image shows a person standing in front of a body of water, with a large body of land behind them and a clear sky above. The person is wearing a hat and holding a fishing rod.
The image shows a woman wearing a red baseball cap and sunglasses, standing on the side of a road with a cityscape in the background on a sunny day.
The image depicts a woman with blonde hair and sunglasses taking a selfie on a wooden deck, set against a backdrop of a grassy field and cloudy sky.

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