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Join an international family and connect with nature near North West Golden, BC, Canada

Canada
Last activity : 14 Jul 2026

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1 Jul 2026
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Availability

2026

Min stay requested: at least a week

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Description

We are a family of 5, Mike and Elfriede, our dog Koda, and our cats Jasper and Muffin. We are born again believers and followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks at our meals and enjoy talking about the Lord as He is the center of our life. We live about 20 km outside of Golden, BC along a dirt road, away from traffic and noise. We can see the boundaries of 3 National Parks (Banff, Yoho and Glacier National Park) from our home. Our home is only a 5 minute walk from the Blaeberry River. There is lots of hiking, biking and great outdoors around us. We have a big garden, greenhouse and some chickens. We would like to mention that we are a smoke free property for several reasons. Elfriede is allergic to smoke and we live in an area where there is danger of igniting wildfires.
Types of help and learning opportunities

Light gardening

Creative DIY projects

Animal Care

Farmstay help

Help around the house

Light maintenance
Interests

Pets

Movies & TV

Farming

Plant care

Books

Blogging

Cooking & food

Gardening

Photography

Writing

Animals

Nature

Winter sports

Mountain

Outdoor activities

Hiking

Cycling
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

You will experience life in an international family. Elfriede is originally from Germany but now Canadian and Mike is from the United States. Interaction of a close knit neighborhood, life away from the city, living close to and with nature.
Help

Here are a few things we would like some help with:
In the spring = May / June depending on the winter/snow we had:
-treating the deck
-rota tilling, preparing, and planting the garden
-helping around house and garden (raking the lawn, a lot of little things)
-carpentry jobs

In July, August and September:
-weeding
-harvesting and processing
Languages spoken

German: Fluent
English: Fluent
Accommodation

Guest room with private bath; sometimes shared bath when we have more company.
What else ...

We live in the heart of 6 National Parks. Behind our house you can see the Canadian Rocky Mountains and from the front yard you can see the Purcell and Selkirk Mountains. There is a lot of wildlife in the woods and pastures around our house. That said, serious hiking up mountains will probably not be possible in May/early June yet because of the snow in the mountains. Hiking and biking in the valley will be fine. Nature pure.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Space for parking camper vans

This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?

Two
My animals / pets

Koda

German shepherd. A big dog.

Muffin

Jasper

Host ref number: 827346716677

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Feedback (11)

8 Oct 2025

Left by host for Workawayer (Hans Janek Jost)

For July Stay:
To show our appreciation for the improvements to our home and all the lawn and garden work Hans Wernecke has accomplished, it is difficult to find the words to describe. Upon his arrival he asked what tasks we needed him to do.

His first project was such a challenge that we had been putting it off for 15 years being unsure of … read more whether it would even be possible to achieve. Our backup power generator was housed in a structure attached to a corner of the house and needed to have increased roof slope for shedding snow. The task was complicated since one board-and-batten wall was attached to a roof rafter. Hans employed proficient expertise in carpentry skills to ensure the construction was safe and secure and widened the roof to prevent a higher roof’s snow shed from building up in front of the entrance way. What we thought would take at least two weeks, Hans completed in two days. The end result was like a completely new and perfect, eye pleasing shelter. In addition to completing the first challenging job, he—in only five days—also completed the following:
Cleaned the chicken coop, fed grain and watered the 34 layer chickens each morning and evening and cleaned beneath perches daily. He mowed between rows in the garden and black/red current berry patch; did lots of weed whacking; cleaned the power saw equipment after use and always put tools away; thoroughly cleaned our car; helped in the kitchen cooking some of our meals and made brownies.
Hans phoned his family daily and explained to his parents how awesome it was to be here. Then the unbelievable happened: On the spur of a moment his parents and sister came to Canada. We invited them to our home. Hans and his father completed another major improvement to our home: they selected logs, cut and peeled bark, and constructed a beautiful porch railing which now matches our existing deck railing. We’re so pleased!

Hans and his family enjoyed some well-deserved trips to the surrounding, Canadian Rocky Mountain sites. We felt wonderfully united and like-mindedness with him and his family as they decided to come from Germany to Canada to see what Hans was talking about. We shared and appreciated absolutely beautiful waterfalls, mountains and wildlife which our God created with His mighty power. He and his parents and sister truly became permanent friends and are like family with us.

Shortly before his scheduled departure, we had an unexpected trip to Oklahoma. Hans, by himself, and with his trustworthiness, took care of our home, property and animals. Hans is observant, confident, dependable, and is an excellent listener. He offered suggestions—which we accepted—to improve our original ideas. He took the time to evaluate and prioritize the differing jobs to ensure he was fulfilling our requests.
We sincerely respect and appreciate Hans for his initiative, hard work, and integrity.
We highly recommend him for future endeavors.

For August Stay:
Hans was scheduled to be with us for only three weeks. However, we had so much gratitude for what he had done for us, and he enjoyed being with us and working for us, so we kept him on, and he stayed with us for an additional month!

Hans finished the outer wall on our 28 foot long green house shed with beautiful “reverse board and batten” siding; and built a shingled wall matching the front of our work shed. He also took on the challenge of restoring an outdoor picnic table resulting in it being better than it was when brand new. He gave it a wooden, green table-top that is more eye-pleasing; and, since the table is portable, much easier for two people to move to and from its storage place and the front lawn. In addition, he continued taking care of our 34 layer chickens and cleaned their 8ft by16ft chicken house (a second time). Hans mowed garden edges and walk-rows helping us keep our place neat and tidy. He helped with other garden chores and with cooking and other kitchen work.

Our neighbors learned of Hans’ skills as well: He helped troubleshoot and discover the problem with a large “round hay bailer;” he operated a large tractor to rake several mowed rows of hay and drove the farm truck from fields to barn with a long trailer full of round bails. He also repaired a broken window latch, and restored a broken shelf for the neighbors.

Hans pleasantly entertained us from time to time as he loves to sing and play guitar. With his phone he had made a video of himself playing guitar and singing; it is like the professionals do when advertising a new album. He has a wonderful voice, he’s talented with guitar, and he’s practicing and doing quite well on the piano.

It’s difficult to find the words to describe Hans’ initiative, reliability, and high level of skills. He gives credit to his father and grandfather, but it certainly appears that he is “gifted”. We rewarded him with several hiking trips to three of the Canadian Rockies National Parks. To further show our appreciation for his initiative and the improvements to our property, we remain earnestly motivated to highly recommend him for whatever work he endeavors in the future.
Mike and Elfriede

(Excellent )

14 Apr 2025

Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah)

For her first experience as a “Work-away” from 17 March to – 12 April 2025, Sarah represented the program in an outstanding manner. She only needed to be told one time what needed to be done: She is a quiet, prompt; conscientious person, and a good listener. She shared with us many family and pet photos; and she is united with us in our values. … read more

(Excellent )

24 Jul 2024

Left by host for Workawayer (Marlen & Leonhard)

It is difficult to know where to begin when praising the enormous productivity and improvements Leo and Marlen made to our log home and property. We will start at the end of the numerous tasks they performed: Accepting the challenge, they rebuilt the previous flimsy, eight-step stairway from the deck to front lawn. This was not simply the steps; … read more they made the rickety, springy solid with large logs and reinforcement beneath the frame. They mixed and laid a concrete foundation for the base of the steps. Not only that, but also included with their hard labor in the hot July sun was beautiful, professionally crafted log hand rails—complete with twenty-six rails to match our existing log deck rails. The stairway is now solid, endurable, and, no question about it, beautiful.

Using previous expertise and skills, upon their arrival, Leo and Marlen hit the ground running. They proficiently built an indoor, cat-proof greenhouse in our basement, including see-through walls, a corner-table beneath the growing lights, and a convenient door with easy-to operate latch. After that, to ease our labor in snow-shoveling, they constructed a super-very well-built, five-foot extension onto a 20 feet-long carport roof. The finished product was absolutely beautiful. At the end of each day’s projects, they consistently cleaned the work area and returned all tools to their proper places.

In addition to completing the three major construction projects Leo and Marlen also took care of daily chores such as feeding and watering 35 chickens, cleaning the chicken house, gathering and cleaning the dozens of eggs each day; weeding and planting the 1,000 sq-foot garden, plus the twenty-eight foot long green house, and a large berry bush area. Additionally they regularly watered our numerous flower plants. They were kind to our dog, “Kansas” and our two cats, “Jasper” and “Muffin”—and even constructed a fun cat-tree to keep Muffin occupied and out of mischief.

Leo and Marlen enjoyed some well-deserved trips to the surrounding, Canadian Rocky Mountain national parks. We felt wonderfully united and like-mindedness with them as we shared and appreciated the absolutely beautiful water falls, mountains and wildlife which our God created with His mighty power. Being accomplished in the sport of kayaking, they enjoyed some of His power on fast, white waters. Leo and Marlen were truly like family with us. Whenever we could talk them in to stopping work early enough, we enjoyed watching video movies together.

We sincerely respect and appreciate Leo and Marlen for their hard work, initiative and integrity. We highly recommend them for their future endeavors.

(Excellent )

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$The image depicts a middle-aged couple posing with their dog in front of a wooden wall, exuding a warm and cozy atmosphere. The couple\'s smiles convey happiness.$

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Feedback

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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)

Cultural exchange:
(5.0)

Communication:
(5.0)

8 Oct 2025

Left by host for Workawayer (Hans Janek Jost)

(Excellent)

14 Apr 2025

Left by host for Workawayer (Sarah)

(Excellent)

24 Jul 2024

Left by host for Workawayer (Marlen & Leonhard)

(Excellent)

13 Jun 2024

Left by host for Workawayer (Thibault)

For his first experience as a “Workaway” from DATE to DATE, Thibault represented the program in an exemplary manner. He is easy to get along with, he is honest, conscientious, a fine worker, and a good listener. We found him to be trustworthy enough to house-sit for us during a week-long trip, and he took care of our loving dog, “Kansas”, our two … read more

(Excellent)

21 Nov 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Maria)

Maria was a great help at the right time to assist us with the final outdoor tasks before the winter was about to hit. She helped raking the leaves from our front yard (we have a big yard), and finished the clean-up in our greenhouse getting it ready for winter. We are so thankful for her support. We also needed help transplanting lilac shoots, … read more

(Excellent)

6 Nov 2023

Left by Workawayer (Maria) for host

I stayed with Mike and Elfriede for a week at the beginning of November and had a wonderful time. I learned so much about their faith, kindness, and way of life living in the countryside of Golden. Wish them a fulfilling and happy life and may God bless them both (and the animals). I will definitely miss the Dog, Kansas, and their 2 Cats - Muffin … read more

(Excellent)

27 Aug 2023

Left by Workawayer (Sophia) for host

I enjoyed the time very much at Mikes und Elfriedes cute home and I am glad that I could help them. I felt very welcome and a part of the family since the beginning. We had fun conversations, delicious meals together every day, exciting movie nights and especially the wonderful hikes with Elfriede through the Rocky Mountains. The two of them are … read more

(Excellent)

19 Jun 2023

Left by Workawayer (Manon & Pierre) for host

We stayed with Elfriede and Mike for a few weeks, looking after their house, garden and animals while they were away. Before they left we spent a week together getting to know each other and their habits. We are very happy to have met them, they are very welcoming, pleasant and generous people.
The house, garden and surroundings are beautiful. The … read more

(Excellent)

16 Jun 2023

Left by host for Workawayer (Manon & Pierre)

From 15 May until 9 June 2023 Pierre and Manon performed work for us at our home in the Canadian Rockies. They proved to be honest, hard working representatives of the “Work-away” program. Their performance was above and beyond all expectation in house-sitting for us and taking care of our dog, Kansas, our cat Jasper, our 30 layer chickens, and … read more

(Excellent)

12 Oct 2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Himawari)

While we were at home and away for surgery Hima went far above and beyond our daily chores caring for our 40 laying hens, our dog “Kansas” and our cat “Jasper”; she house sat for us for 3 weeks in September/October 2022. Upon our return we felt so welcomed to see everything well taken care of. She kept our house in immaculate condition; the plants … read more

(Excellent)

8 Oct 2022

Left by Workawayer (Himawari) for host

I spent 5 weeks in this house. Mike and Elfriede are very kind people. They took me hiking in the Canadian Rockies. Elfriede's meal is so delicious, it's almost like a restaurant. Mike was a very happy guy and always made me laugh. And my lovely Kansas (dog) ,jasper (cat) ,chicken made my day more enjoyable. All in all a great place. I would love … read more

(Excellent)

30 Sep 2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Renske81)

Ren exceeded all our expectations. Besides always being cheerful, she is energetic, professional, friendly, reliable and responsible. She is a hard worker and performed her work with her own initiative. She sees what needs to be done and does it. Ren is very particular in doing it right. There were a wide range of different jobs that needed … read more

(Excellent)

12 Sep 2022

Left by Workawayer (Renske81) for host

I had a lovely time at Elfriede and Mike's. They live in a beautiful place in the Rockies with great view on the mountains. It is so easy to become part of the family, since they are super kind, generous and they involve you in their daily live. Elfriede took me along on a lot of hikes and sightseeing in the Rockies. It's just beautiful out there! … read more

(Excellent)

10 Jul 2020

Left by Workawayer (Dorota) for host

I spent two wonderful months with Elfriede and Mike at their home. They agreed to my coming during the covid time. I will always be grateful for that. It's the perfect place for a slow life with nature. Very close to a beautiful river, a lot of elk and deer near the house. I learned a lot about gardening, cooking and healthy food. I had the … read more

(Excellent)

2 Jun 2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Dorota)

We were extremely pleased with not only her work ethics but also her enthusiasm and quality results! Dorota is energetic, cheerful, courteous and polite, respectful, observant, a fast learner, professional, friendly, reliable and responsible. She is not afraid to take on challenges. As a graphic designer Dorota created the book cover and the … read more

(Excellent)

6 Jul 2020

Left by Workawayer (Bobby & Rose) for host

Sorry for the very late feedback - hopefully better late than never!

Mike and Elfriede are such kind hosts, warm and welcoming. They always wanted to make sure we were having the best time possible. The work we did was satisfying - we always had lots of guidance from Mike and Elfriede so we knew exactly how they wanted things done.
They were keen … read more

(Excellent)

26 Oct 2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Bobby & Rose)

Bobby and Rose represented the “Workaway” program above and beyond all expectation in the Canadian Rockies for two and a half weeks from September 19 until October 7, 2019. We found them to be respectful, cheerful, energetic workers, and they certainly cared about quality and good values. They are both people of good integrity; they were observant … read more

(Excellent)

13 Jun 2020

Left by Workawayer (Clauzier & Barbe) for host

What a beautiful place where to live and especially what nice people to live with. We spent 3 weeks with Elfriede and Mike and it's like if we knew them since many years. We would like to thanks them for their hospitality their kindness their good mood everyday. We are so glad to took part of the work on their house and the yard around but we are … read more

(Excellent)

9 Jun 2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Clauzier & Barbe)

Our experience far exceeded our expectations. Nina &Colin are not only energetic, cheerful, professional, friendly, reliable and responsible but they were on fire! They performed the work with their own initiative, and are very particular to do it right. All our big projects for this year were done in no time. Nina & Colin transplanted … read more

(Excellent)

30 Aug 2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Maria)

We were extremely pleased with not only her work ethics but also her enthusiasm and high quality results! Maria is energetic, cheerful, courteous and polite, respectful, observant, a fast learner, professional, friendly, reliable and responsible. She is not afraid to take on challenges. Maria performed the work with her own initiative, and she is … read more

(Excellent)

12 Nov 2018

Left by Workawayer (TANIA) for host

I was very fortunate to found Mike and Elfriede, i stayed with them for 3 months, they are a wonderful people, I loved their house, Delicius food that Elfriede provided me, I helped to Mike to buiIt a roof for the chickens, i learnt how to cooking healty food, i made apple pie, gardering, harvest, I enjoyed every Hiking in the main National Parks … read more

(Excellent)

30 Dec 2017

Left by Workawayer (Jenny) for host

I had an amazing time with Elfiede, Mike, Kansas, Boots Randolph and Louis Armstrong! Couldn't wish for a better stay. It really feels like a second home and I'll definitely come visit one day. Work didn't even felt like real work, I had so much fun driving the tractor and sewing the curtains. Thank you so much for everything you've done for me, I … read more

(Excellent)

27 Dec 2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Jenny)

We were extremely pleased with not only her work ethics but also her enthusiasm and high quality results! She is courteous and polite, respectful, observant, a fast learner, only needs to be told "how" one time, energetic, high spirited, and not afraid to take on challenges. She learned how to use the sewing machine and sewed curtains for our … read more

(Excellent)

19 Sep 2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Rebecca)

Our experience far exceeded our expectations. Rebecca is energetic, cheerful, professional, friendly, reliable, responsible, and performed the work with her own initiative, and she is very particular to do it right. All we had to do was mention what needed to be done, and she took care of the work. Rebecca helped with the harvest in the garden, … read more

(Excellent)

7 Jul 2017

Left by Workawayer (Wendy) for host

Elfriede and Mike were very kind generous hosts. Most of my help consisted of weed pulling and cleaning of cars and windows inside and out. I had a lovely private room and bathroom. Food was excellent and Elfriede was very thoughtful in asking me what I liked and she endeavoured to make it. I loved her morning smoothies made with homemade almond … read more

(Very good)

29 Jun 2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Wendy)

Wendy was easy to be around. She was a great help in our garden and around the house. She definitely loves to pull weeds! Our place looks great and weedless! Our kitchen also sparkles. Thank you Wendy for cleaning the cabinets, and washing the windows. There is not much else we can add to the other positive and confirmed feedback Wendy has been … read more

(Excellent)

27 May 2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Jan)

Our experience far exceeded our expectations again. Jan is energetic, cheerful, professional, friendly, reliable, responsible, and performed the work with his own initiative, and he is very particular to do it right. He learns really fast. Jan helped us weed and prepare the garden; as well as helped plant the seeds. He also used the chainsaw to … read more

(Excellent)

1 Oct 2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Ariel & Melina)

Our experience far exceeded our expectations. Ariel is energetic, cheerful, professional, friendly, reliable, responsible, and performed the work with his own initiative, and he is very particular to do it right. All we had to do was mention what needed to be done, and he sanded and painted the greenhouse window frames, sanded and treated the deck … read more

(Excellent)

1 Jul 2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Mark & Suzanne)

Our experience far exceeded our expectations. Both are energetic, cheerful, professional, friendly, reliable, responsible, and performed the work with their own initiative. All we had to do was mention what needed to be done, and they did the work of extending a small building, planting the garden, beautifying our lawn, cooking and baking, and … read more

(Excellent)

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Join an international family and connect with nature near North West Golden, BC, Canada

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Interests

Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

Help

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Accommodation

What else ...

A little more information

Space for parking camper vans

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My animals / pets

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