Sunlight filters through dense green foliage in a forest clearing. A small wooden shed sits partially hidden among tall trees and ferns, beside an empty barrel.
A cozy living room with a navy blue sectional sofa, abstract world map art, rustic wooden coffee table, fluffy rug, indoor plant, and modern floor lamp.
A woman with long dark hair smiles for a selfie in a restaurant. She wears a blue shirt, black blazer, and gold watch. The setting is elegant.
This image shows a cozy outdoor seating area with two chairs, a small glass table, a fire pit, stone steps, tiki torches, and large trees surrounding the space.
A cozy cottage with warm glowing lights, two blue chairs, a red door, and large windows is nestled among trees as evening falls, creating inviting charm.
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new host  

Explore your creativity with my projects and enjoy a cozy stay near the lake in Victoria, BC, Canada

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Hi! I’ve lived in five provinces across Canada — including growing up in Newfoundland — and now I happily call the island home. I’m based in Langford near the Highlands area of Victoria, BC. I live with my two sweet dogs (they’re great company!) and lead an active lifestyle.

    I enjoy hiking, nature, going to the gym & sauna, camping, paddleboarding, being in nature, connecting to people and fun new experiences. Very adventurous and open minded and hungry for cultural sharing!

    I strive to enhance each guest’s travel experience! Having lived and traveled in 30 countries as a guest myself, I understand and anticipate guests’ needs and interests! I respect personal boundaries and guests' needs.

    There’s plenty to explore nearby — including Thetis Lake (walking distance), Mill Hill, Francis/King Park, and Goldstream Park. It’s a peaceful yet vibrant area that still has easy access to amenities within walking distance (pub, grocery store, Starbucks, etc.), and we can arrange a ride for your pick up. If you’re someone who enjoys contributing, brings good energy, and maybe even has some landscaping skills, I’d love to hear from you.

    Warmly,
    Joanie

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Language practice
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
    Help with Computers/ Internet
    House sitting
  • Interests

    Interests

    Mountain
    Self development
    Events & social
    Pets
    Fashion or beauty
    Animals
    Outdoor activities
    Hiking
    Yoga / Wellness
    Nature
    Fitness
    Camping
    Beach
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    My greatest passion is hosting and creating unique and memorable experiences and my philosophy is to live a fun, healthy, meaningful life. I am very knowledgeable about the area and have many resources and tools for you to explore in your spare time.

    Vancouver Island is one of the best places in the world for hiking, camping, kayaking, fishing and outdoor activities in general. I would have to say to anyone in the world, experiencing the Pacific Northwest on our island and engaging in outdoors activities would be a fantastic cultural experience.

    I am happy to share/educate guests about Vancouver Island and background of the area, sightseeing hot spots, trees/old growth forests, marine life, wineries, introductions to local friends, campfires, music sharing and exchange, etc.

    Also, some guests ask me to take them traveling and exploring. I have a tent, paddle board, camping supplies, and depending on my availability, can take trips all over the island and to gulf islands.

  • Help

    Help

    Most tasks include:

    1) Making meals and cleaning (shopping, cooking, baking) *I will provide the groceries, but need help with preparing healthy home-cooked meals. Depending on your skills and preferences, we can discuss about collaborating on meal prep. I have specific diet restrictions, but no allergies, but will gladly companion you while in the kitchen for morale support :).
    2) Cleaning (dishes, vacuuming, laundry, sweep/mop floors, appliances, etc.)
    3) Landscaping (seasonal - blowing, raking, gardening, weeding, chopping trees, etc.),
    4) Reorganization of storage areas/yard/etc. that require heavy lifting and awkward positions for me to do alone.
    5) Home repairs (small upgrades to furniture, staining deck, patio lights, etc.)
    7) Passion projects (art projects, decorating, etc.)

    I can provide a flexible schedule 25 hours a week (between Monday and Sunday) about days worked or hours worked with at least 2 days off a week, but like to keep to the agreed plan. Or working more consecutive days with longer periods off can be arranged. We can make a plan at the start of the workaway, or prior to arrival with room for some adjustment.

  • Languages spoken

    English: Fluent
    Spanish: Beginner
    French: Beginner

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    The Room and home:

    The bedroom space has a cool cozy bohemian - Vancouver Island Beach’s- inspired vibe. Staying here makes you feel like you're having the ultimate Westcoast authentic retreat vibe, yet nestled among a cozy neighbourhood.

    Beautiful trees surround this property in the backyard. Which is likely some of the biggest trees you've ever seen.

    - Living room/dining room with fridge, various coffee machines, kettle, etc.
    - Wi-Fi.
    - Single Bed
    - Bath towels, bed linen, hairdryer, hand soap, shower gel and shampoo available for use.

    Some shared meals, groceries will be mostly provided for folks to make their own meals as I eat a very specific diet and/or some money can be given for own purchasing of food.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    ★ 15-20 min. drive - Downtown Victoria, 30 mins. - airport ★ Scenic backyard space ★ Easy access to Thetis Lake & other walking trails ★ Juan de Fuca trail - offers scenic beauty, spectacular hiking, marine & wildlife viewing within 1 hour drive ★ Goldstream world-class salmon stream within 15 mins. ★ Restaurants & many amenities nearby - walking (Grocery, Pub, etc.) ★

    This space is shared with myself, a lovely chocolate lab - Lilly, Sam - a Mexican rescue dog Sam Sam and potentially other wonderful friends/guest!

    Note: I do work from home, so we will interact often! :) And you will not be helping with any bnb or business activities.

  • 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.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

    Sam

    Mexican rescue street dog

    Lilly

    9 year old Chocolate lab

Host ref number: 834761713226

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Photos

A cozy living room with a navy blue sectional sofa, abstract world map art, rustic wooden coffee table, fluffy rug, indoor plant, and modern floor lamp.
A woman with long dark hair smiles for a selfie in a restaurant. She wears a blue shirt, black blazer, and gold watch. The setting is elegant.
This image shows a cozy outdoor seating area with two chairs, a small glass table, a fire pit, stone steps, tiki torches, and large trees surrounding the space.
A cozy cottage with warm glowing lights, two blue chairs, a red door, and large windows is nestled among trees as evening falls, creating inviting charm.
Sunlight filters through dense green foliage in a forest clearing. A small wooden shed sits partially hidden among tall trees and ferns, beside an empty barrel.

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