Learn about bison ranching and eagles and help our ranch on Southern Vancouver Island, Canada

Canada

Favourited 447 times

Host rating
Feedback
34
Last activity
25/01/2022
Reply rate
100.0 %
Average reply time:
within 4 days
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2022

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What's this?

Details

Description
Hello I'm Buffalo Bob :) , Owner of the Bison Ranch

Here at the sprawling 240 acre Ranch there's always lots of interesting things to do and see. We always welcome our visitors and will supply you with safe and comfortable lodging in exchange for your helpful contributions as you travel around our part of the world.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve
...
...
What's this?
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We are located in Cassidy on Southern Vancouver Island, close to Nanaimo, Victoria and Vancouver BC. There's lots to see and do in the area of the world. Here on the farm you will learn about the Bison and participate in our farming operation and have an opportunity to practise your English and learn many new things. You may see Beaver, Eagles, Elk and many other natural wildlife.
Help
It has been another good year with work-away volunteers despite Covid. Many awesome young men and women lived and worked on the ranch. You were very much appreciated, and I thank you - one and all... :)

Due to the nature of the work here the ideal volunteer is strong and not afraid to get dirty.

There is always a variety of things to do on the Ranch , such as:

- Christmas tree pruning in the fall
- Help feeding the large herd of Buffalo,
- some fence repair
- weed elimination (broom and tansy)

and many other interesting country type things to do.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
We have a nice comfy bed for you and all the amenities. From your living space you can look out and see the Golden Eagles and Bison everyday in the fields.
One of us is waxed and the other is not.
What else ...
We are located only 15 minutes south from the city of Nanaimo. We are close to a popular swimming hole in a local river, the ocean with sandy beaches and close to restaurants , movie theatres and so much more. We also go into town many times every week and can turn you loose there for a while.
Please take note that we are not on a public transportation line as we are somewhat remote, so if you have no vehicle, we will arrange together your excursions.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours a day, 5 days a week (max 25/hours/week)

Photos

Feedback left by and about host (34)

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(4.5)

Cultural exchange:
(5.0)

Communication:
(5.0)

09/01/2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Steven)

Steven is a wonderful young man! He was everything one would want in a volunteer and then (lots of ) some.
A joy to host. A hard worker. We were sad that he only stayed a week and he is welcome back anytime.
I would be proud to call him my son!

(Excellent )

01/10/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Jo)

What a joyful rough and tumble gal! Jo Jo was up for whatever task she was awarded and did all without complaint (except for the rain😭)!
We hope you enjoyed us a much as we enjoyed you Johanna!

(Excellent )

06/06/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Zuzana)

Zuzanna claims that she likes everyone and everything! Well, as Karma would have it the reverse is equally true! We and two fellow volunteers really liked her and appreciated all of the hard work that she did! Cutting broom is a job that really just sucks (!) But although it was agreed that it was the worst job that ever had to be done here, there… read more

(Excellent )

22/05/2021

Left by Workawayer (Zuzana) for host

I spent 3 weeks at the ranch and I recommend you to come as well! The place is beautiful and Bob and Loraine are very kind and talkative people. The work can be hard sometimes, but the exchange is more than fair. Yummy food, beautiful place, interesting talks, and regular movie nights. If you wanna take a break from staring at your phone, come… read more

(Excellent )

13/11/2020

Left by Workawayer (Clotilde) for host

It was very interesting to meet Bob and Lorraine. They are amazing people. They love to share incredible stories. In the same week, one dog, two female bisons and one eagle tried to kill me;) It was a great adventure. Lorraine and Bob, you have the heart on the hand! (I don't know if it makes sense in English) Thank you so much.

(Excellent )

21/12/2019

Left by Workawayer (Guillaume) for host

If you like Miss Weasley in Harry Potter, this workaway is (almost) for you !
I had a great tough experience in Bob's property. But the success of my stay was not about farming, it was the whole stay, which means :
Staying at Lorraine's house (if you have Miss Weasley in mind that's her), exchanging a lot, sharing ideas, any kind of sense of… read more

(Very good )

21/10/2019

Left by Workawayer (Yunus) for host

This was my first workaway experience and I'm so glad I did it! I only stayed for one week but I learned so many things about Bison, the life on a ranch and life in general.

Bob is very experienced and you can learn very much about ranch life from him. Even though I couldn't do the job of pruning Christmas trees as well as I was supposed to, Bob… read more

(Excellent )

09/10/2019

Left by Workawayer (Adriano) for host

I’ve been to the ranch for almost 2 weeks, this is the second Workaway I’m doing in Canada and I’m very satisfied!

The first time I met Lorraine I felt very good and comfortable with her, she has a very positive and good energy that makes everyone feel good around her. She is also a very good cook and interesting person, she will treat you… read more

(Excellent )

25/07/2019

Left by Workawayer (Franz) for host

I just stayed for two weeks before I continued my travels. But those two weeks were great! My first workaway experience. I worked with Bob on the day and we had some interesting conversations. He has a lot of experience and he knows a lot. The afternoons and nights I spent with Lorraine, who helped me improve my English wish a lot of good movies.… read more

(Excellent )

04/03/2019

Left by Workawayer (Roland) for host

My very first Workaway experience and definitely one to remember. It was a great time at Bob's ranch. I enjoyed the many tasks Bob gave me, which made the work very diversified. We had great and very surprising conversations over the day and it was always fun to get to know such a character like Bob better and better. I was prepared for hard work,… read more

(Very good )

03/11/2018

Left by Workawayer (Pierre) for host

This was my first workaway experience here in Canada, I stayed 2 weeks to give an help before the winter season starts, and it was a great time !!
This is a real farmstay, with some physical work, but the place is amazing, and we learn a lot about the bisons and the farm life in general. Bob is someone passionated, and there is always a lot to do,… read more

(Excellent )

03/11/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Pierre)

What a wonderful man! Willing to try anything.....and happy to do so....even afterwards:relaxed: Pierre was a joy in every respect.
Ps: he really likes cheesecake:grin:

(Excellent )

18/10/2018

Left by Workawayer (NIck) for host

Generally a fairly good experience at the ranch. However..! Whilst the work is fairly varied and not too onerous and whilst Bob is what you might call 'an alright old boy' your stay could quite possibly take on a slightly different experience should you happen to: 1) carry a bit too much personality 2) Hold an opinion on subjects of any kind 3)… read more

(Good )

18/10/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (NIck)

In Nicks words: he was a good volunteer, but......

(Neutral )

19/09/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Sven)

Sven is awesome! Because he is a small compact man ( compared to most of the German volunteers we have had ) Bob put him through the paces testing his strength and ability. Sven was up to every task with comfort and ease! A pretty Zen attitude compliments his great sense of humour. An excellent and worthy houseguest willing to help and participate… read more

(Excellent )

14/09/2018

Left by Workawayer (Sven) for host

The Ranch with Bob and Lorraine was my first workaway experience and I guess it couldn't be better than there! :)
I had such a wonderfull time there with a lot of nice and funny moments.
Bob is a real farmer and creator you can learn a lot from him. I had really good moments with him at work and on his veranda after work. :) With Lorraine is it… read more

(Excellent )

12/09/2018

Left by Workawayer (Xavier) for host

A great workaway ! The Ranch is a very nice place to stay ! Works are varied and interesting. Bob is a serious guy at work but a very funny guy after work, I learned a lot about bisons and farmer's work with him. Lorraine takes care about the workawayers, she's a very nice woman, and a very good cooker too.
Thanks for all Bob and Lorraine, I… read more

(Excellent )

12/08/2018

Left by Workawayer (Daniel) for host

I stayed with Bob and Lorraine for about two weeks in July and it was an awesome experience that was completely different from all the workaways I've done before.
I've learned and saw some very unique things and I wouldn't want to miss any of them. The only thing that did could perhaps be improved is communication.
Best wishes,
Daniel

(Very good )

01/07/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Daniel)

Daniel was a great asset on the ranch here. It was fun to watch his excitement when he came in having done something WAY out of his comfort zone! This young man is refreshing in so many ways! True to his German heritage he gave his all and then some! Thank you Daniel! May all your dreams be fulfilled!

(Excellent )

05/08/2018

Left by Workawayer (Mathias) for host

I worked on the ranch for ten days with a friend of mine. We had fun living with Lorraine who's the nicest person and has a lot to tell and to share. She helped my friend to improve his English for which he is grateful.
Working with Bob is hard both physically and because of his strong personality, but nothing you won't handle. Getting the work… read more

(Excellent )

17/07/2018

Left by Workawayer (Martín) for host

I spent just one week with Bob and Loraine. The experience with bison was amazing!!! I had never seen a bison so feeding them was a really good experience. Bob and Loraine are great guys. I really enjoyed working with Bob. He knows a lot about bison. And thanks to Loraine for the food and the movies.

(Very good )

17/12/2017

Left by Workawayer (Corne) for host

Awesome place to live and work, Bob and Lorraine are awesome people, and you will learn a lot about the bisons.

(Excellent )

29/11/2017

Left by Workawayer (Vincent) for host

Sorry for the late feedback. I had a really good time for 3 weeks at bobs farm. Amazing experience to work with the bisons(you will learn a lot about the animals). I had different jobs all the time. Thanks for the awesome time!

(Very good )

05/09/2017

Left by Workawayer (Franziska) for host

This Ranch was my first workaway experience in Canada. Located close to Nainamo the spot was perfect for our final days on Vancouver Island.
The work was building, woodwork, pruning Christmastrees and feeding Bisons. 5 hours per day with friendly administration. It was a lot of fun and i enjoyed working with Bob.
The accomodation was at… read more

(Excellent )

10/08/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Claudia)

What does one day about Claudia? She is so "right on". Willing, far more capable than expected ( she is very strong!) and going the extra mile with a smile! We would welcome her back in....half a heartbeat! Not many ' girls' would be willing to do some of the pooooey things that needed to be done, but willing and smilingly she participated. Thank… read more

(Excellent )

12/05/2017

Left by Workawayer (Claudia) for host

Wow, I really had a great time at Bob's ranch. I stayed at Lorraines place which is on the other side of the property as Bob's house for around 3 weeks. Everyday I woke up with a stunning view over the fields with the buffalos on it and the mountains in the back - awesome! Lorraine took (and still take) care of me in an awesome way. Great food,… read more

(Excellent )

10/08/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Florian)

Honest, hard-working, completely versatile with a willingness to do whatever is needed; Florian is an absolute joy to have around! If he were my son.....I would b soooooo proud!

(Excellent )

07/06/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Christopher)

Chris is a lovely, respectful hard working guy and we were very happy with his visit (short as it was). We would welcome him back in a heartbeat! His willingness and efforts were much appreciated!

(Excellent )

18/05/2017

Left by Workawayer (George) for host

I stayed at the ranch for a week and had a great time! Bob is really friendly and really knows his stuff. We worked on a few different projects such while i was there such as building a shed, feeding the bison and started renovating an old school bus. It was awesome as we were always doing something different and learning new skills. I would have… read more

(Very good )

16/03/2017

Left by Workawayer (Emilia & Ania) for host

This ranch is a beautiful place surrounded by nature and animals.
We had a chance to watch Buffaloes every day, spend time around them and learn a lot. Feeding them was definitely a treat and an adventure!
Bob was really patience with us and always explained our tasks well. He shared some interesting stories and told us a lot about bisons and… read more

(Excellent )

16/03/2017

Left by Workawayer (Celeste) for host

Ania, Emilia and I stayed for 5 weeks at Bob’s ranch and time there just flyed!
The work at the ranch was hard, but also great. It was an amazing experience! Who else can say: I fed 90 Buffaloes, high fived a golden eagle and rode the traktor.
After this 5 weeks we didn’t have princess hands anymore :P We also got specialized of pruning… read more

(Excellent )

02/09/2016

Left by Workawayer (Ben & Jan) for host

We had a great time at Bob´s ranch!
It was tough but nice work and Bob is a nice, friendly guy, with which you can have fun.

(Excellent )

26/07/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Janina)

Janina is a hard worker. Her command of the English language is not great so she can misunderstand what's being said sometimes. So take your time and explain things well to her...

Good luck Janina

(Very good )

18/07/2016

Left by Workawayer (Janina) for host

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(Negative )

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