A couple embraces on rocky shoreline, smiling under a sunlit sky. Blue ocean water, distant mountains, and unique rock formations create a beautiful, scenic backdrop.
Sunlight filters through tall autumn trees with golden, green, and orange leaves. A gravel road winds through the forest, suggesting a peaceful drive in nature.
A brown horse stands in the foreground, looking at the camera. Another white horse stands near a wooden structure, surrounded by trees and sunlight.
A rustic wooden cabin with a glass door, antlers above the entrance, two chairs, surrounded by tall trees. A humorous sign reads, “HIPPIES USE BACKDOOR.”
A cozy rustic cabin interior features a wooden kitchen, mini fridge, and large window with forest views. Bed with brown covers sits in the foreground. Peaceful atmosphere.
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new host  

Homestead life and nature adventures in Nanaimo, Canada

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Workaway Opportunity on a New Farmstead on Beautiful Vancouver Island
    We are a private homestead and none of the produce is sold to the public.

    Hello and welcome!

    We’re Bailey and Pete, along with our two boys (8 and 16), two friendly dogs (Lucy-Lou and Stan) , and a cat (Duke)
    We a fun-loving family starting a brand-new chapter on our 16-acre property surrounded by mountains and endless nature.

    We’ve just returned home after some time away and are so excited to begin developing our farm together — and we’d love your help to bring it to life!

    What We’re Working On

    We’re currently creating:
    • Vegetable and flower gardens
    • A chicken barn and coop
    • General property projects,
    • Possible Beekeeping
    • Landscaping
    • Creative outdoor spaces

    (You will not be asked to build anything)

    If you enjoy hands-on projects, working with animals and kids, or just love being outdoors, you’ll love it here!

    Explore the Beauty of Vancouver Island

    When you’re not helping out, we can explore the incredible nature of Vancouver Island — beaches, lakes, trails, waterfalls, and local charm are all within reach. We love adventure and know all the best local spots!

    We can’t wait to meet kind, adventurous souls who want to help us grow something special here.

    With gratitude,
    Bailey & Pete
    and our little farm crew

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Help with Eco Projects
    Teaching
    Gardening
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    Babysitting and creative play
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • Interests

    Interests

    Sustainability
    Self development
    Pets
    Farming
    Events & social
    Music
    Gardening
    Drawing & painting
    Cooking & food
    Carpentry
    Animals
    Yoga / Wellness
    Sailing / Boating
    Nature
    Mountain
    Hiking
    Fitness
    Dancing
    Camping
    Beach
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural Exchange & Learning

    We’re a family of four, born and raised on a rural island off Vancouver Island, and we love living close to nature. Our days are busy with animals, projects, and good food. When we’re not working, we like to 4x4 or 4x4ing to the river for swimming, go camping, explore waterfalls, hike, drag racing motorcycles (Peter not myself, if you want more information just ask!), or spending time on the lake or ocean by boat. Life here moves at a slower pace, and we try to keep things simple, honest, and full of good humour.

    Staying with us means joining our family for a bit — helping out on the farm, sharing meals, and getting a feel for island life. We enjoy meeting people from different backgrounds and are genuinely interested in learning about other ways of life.

    We’ll share with you:
    • What it’s like to start and grow a small farm
    • Cooking and living off the land
    • Care for animals, gardens.
    • Our favourite local spots — beaches, rivers, trails, small-town gatherings, live music.
    •Drag racing
    •Involvement in our family life.

    We’d love to learn from you:
    • Recipes and cooking from your home country
    • Bits of your language or local traditions
    • New ideas, perspectives, and skills you can teach.
    •Your local Music

    We’d especially love to host someone who speaks Spanish. Pete speaks some (not fluently), and I’m a beginner, but we’re both practicing and hoping to become fluent within the next year or two. We’d be so grateful to learn through conversation and daily life together.

    We like things relaxed and easygoing around here — lots of good food, laughs, and fresh air. If you enjoy nature, animals, and adventure, and want to be part of a small family living simply on the land, send us a message!

    One of our long-term dreams is to travel the world by sailboat or catamaran, exploring new places in a sustainable way so we’re always happy to connect with people who share that sense of curiosity and adventure.

    If you’re looking for a genuine island experience and a chance to live, work, and learn alongside a local family, you’ll fit right in here.

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

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

  • Help

    Help

    What We’re Looking For

    We’d love help from people who are:
    • Positive, reliable, and easygoing
    • Comfortable with animals and outdoor work
    • Excited about being part of a growing farm from the ground up
    • Want to with Help Cooking and Cleaning

    No special experience required — just a good attitude and willingness to learn!

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    Spanish: Beginner

    This host offers a language exchange
    We would love to become more fluent in Spanish.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Our guest cabin sits on a peaceful hilltop overlooking the valley, surrounded by 360° mountain views that make every sunrise and sunset a little bit magical. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of farm life or exploring Vancouver Island.

    The cabin 400sq offers complete privacy with all the essentials for a comfortable stay — a mini fridge, microwave, propane cooktop, Wi-Fi, power, and even cable TV for cozy nights in.

    Inside, the space is built with natural local wood and stone details that give it a true rustic charm. There’s a wood stove for warmth, colorful hammocks for relaxing, and big windows that frame the surrounding forest and mountain views.

    Just steps away, you’ll find a detached bathhouse with a clawfoot tub, shower, and toilet, offering a peaceful, spa-like feel surrounded by nature.

    Outside, a large semi covered deck with hammocks is the perfect spot to read, nap, or just take in the scenery.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    When you’re not helping out on the farm, there’s so much to explore nearby! We’re located just outside Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, surrounded by forests, lakes, and mountains — perfect for anyone who loves nature and adventure.

    Local activities include:
    • Hiking & Nature Walks: Explore nearby trails like Ammonite Falls, Neck Point Park, or Westwood Lake.
    • Beaches & Swimming: Relax at Pipers Lagoon, Departure Bay, or the hidden coves along Cable Bay Trail.
    • Mountain Biking & Kayaking: Great trails and rentals available locally — or bring your own gear!
    • Day Trips: Easy access to Cathedral Grove, Qualicum Beach, Ladysmith, and Tofino for weekend adventures.
    • Local Markets & Events: Check out Nanaimo’s farmers’ markets, craft fairs, and live music at local pubs or waterfront stages

  • 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

    Very good private internet.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    We have water, power and septic set ups if planned in advanced.

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    We love animals. All are welcome. Dogs have to be house trained and owner must ensure they do not roam.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

    Profile photo of Duke

    Duke (8 years)

    Friendliest kittie, who may think he’s a dog.
    He comes when he’s called from anywhere and enjoys following the dogs and family on nature hikes.

    Profile photo of Stan

    Stan (5 years)

    Very goofy, energetic soul.
    (Black dog)

    Profile photo of Lucy-Lou

    Lucy-Lou (1 year)

    Big and beautiful.
    She is not as scary as she looks.
    She’s a huge lover and very Docile.

Host ref number: 758919679445

Website Safety

Photos

Sunlight filters through tall autumn trees with golden, green, and orange leaves. A gravel road winds through the forest, suggesting a peaceful drive in nature.
A brown horse stands in the foreground, looking at the camera. Another white horse stands near a wooden structure, surrounded by trees and sunlight.
A rustic wooden cabin with a glass door, antlers above the entrance, two chairs, surrounded by tall trees. A humorous sign reads, “HIPPIES USE BACKDOOR.”
A couple embraces on rocky shoreline, smiling under a sunlit sky. Blue ocean water, distant mountains, and unique rock formations create a beautiful, scenic backdrop.
A cozy rustic cabin interior features a wooden kitchen, mini fridge, and large window with forest views. Bed with brown covers sits in the foreground. Peaceful atmosphere.

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