This image shows a cozy living room with a black piano, a bust sculpture, children's toys, a dollhouse, wooden floors, and a peek into an adjoining room.
The image shows two people in an indoor trampoline park, one jumping and another falling. Basketball hoops and colorful "Slam Dunk" signage are visible in the background.
A cozy living room corner with a dark green velvet sofa, scattered toys, children’s books, pillows, a lamp, easel, colorful scarves, and leafy patterned rug.
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Join our family at a friendly lakeside city and experience what life in Ontario is like in Barrie, Canada

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: No minimum

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    We’re a warm Canadian family in Barrie, Ontario, a friendly lakeside city just 1 hour from Toronto (easy by GO Train). Barrie has beaches, cafés, nature trails, a beautiful waterfront, and it’s close to ski hills like Blue Mountain, Horseshoe Valley, and Mount St. Louis. In summer we do lake days; in winter we do skiing; and year-round there are parks, markets, and cute small towns to explore.

    At home we speak English, and also Russian, so you’ll hear a cozy bilingual mix.
    I’m a stay-at-home mom, and my husband works remotely in tech, so there’s always a calm, supportive adult presence around. We love creative play with our toddler, simple cooking, and little family adventures. You’re welcome to join us on outings, including occasional trips into Toronto.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Babysitting and creative play
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    You’ll experience real Canadian family life while also getting a mix of cultures. We speak both English and Russian at home, so you’ll naturally pick up bits of each. We love sharing food, stories, and daily routines, and you’re welcome to join us for family outings, walks by the lake, local markets, or even occasional day trips into Toronto.

    Barrie has a friendly community with events, cafés, art spaces, and nature everywhere. We’re happy to help you explore the area, connect with locals, and experience what life in Ontario is really like. We also enjoy learning about other cultures, so we’re excited to hear about your traditions, language, food, and experiences too.

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

    This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

  • Help

    Help

    We’re looking for someone friendly, gentle, and good with young children. The help is light and very family-oriented:
    • Playing with our toddler while one of us cooks/showers
    • Tidying shared spaces (toys, dishes, light kitchen clean-up)
    • Light meal prep (chopping veggies, simple tasks)
    • Joining us for walks or activities if you want
    • Basic help around the house to keep things smooth

    About 3–4 hours a day, 5 days a week. Clear expectations, no heavy cleaning, no stressful duties.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    Russian: Fluent
    French: Intermediate

    This 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

    Accommodation

    You’ll have a comfortable private bedroom in our cozy home, fast WiFi, and full access to shared spaces. We are peaceful, respectful, and want you to feel welcome — but also free to enjoy your own space. Barrie is walkable and well-connected, making it easy to explore the lakefront, nature trails, ski resorts, and Toronto.

    We provide three meals a day as part of the exchange. We usually cook family-style meals at home — simple, wholesome food with fresh ingredients — and you're welcome to join us for shared meals when schedules line up. When we’re unable to eat together, you’ll have full access to the kitchen, fridge space, and ingredients so you can prepare your own meals. We’re happy to discuss preferences, dietary needs, and favourite dishes once you arrive so we can make the experience enjoyable for everyone.

    We provide three meals a day as part of the exchange. We usually cook family-style meals at home — simple, wholesome food with fresh ingredients — and you're welcome to join us for shared meals when schedules line up. When we’re unable to eat together, you’ll have full access to the kitchen, fridge space, and ingredients so you can prepare your own meals. We’re happy to discuss preferences, dietary needs, and favourite dishes once you arrive so we can make the experience enjoyable for everyone.

  • 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

    This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    This host can provide space for campervans.

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

Host ref number: 663799511877

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Photos

The image shows two people in an indoor trampoline park, one jumping and another falling. Basketball hoops and colorful "Slam Dunk" signage are visible in the background.
A cozy living room corner with a dark green velvet sofa, scattered toys, children’s books, pillows, a lamp, easel, colorful scarves, and leafy patterned rug.
This image shows a cozy living room with a black piano, a bust sculpture, children's toys, a dollhouse, wooden floors, and a peek into an adjoining room.

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