Join our family at a friendly lakeside city and experience what life in Ontario is like in Barrie, Canada

Details

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  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.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Babysitting and creative play

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house
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  Interests

  

  Architecture

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Gardening

  

  Languages

  

  Music

  

  Performing arts

  

  Photography

  

  Farming

  

  Events & social

  

  Culture

  

  Movies & TV

  

  Pets

  

  Self development

  

  Sustainability

  

  Technology

  

  Van life

  

  Videography

  

  Mountain

  

  Sailing / Boating

  

  Nature

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Water sports

  

  Winter sports

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Hiking

  

  Fitness

  

  Cycling

  

  Camping

  

  Beach

  

  Adventure sports
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  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.

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  Projects involving children

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

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  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.

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  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.
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  Accommodation

  You would have a comfortable private bedroom with a queen-sized bed, a separate entrance overlooking the backyard, fast Wi-Fi, and full access to our shared spaces in our cozy home. 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, Nordic spas, 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.

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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

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

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  Space for parking camper vans

  This host can provide space for campervans.

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  Can possibly accept pets

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

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

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