Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
1 Dec 2025
Reply rate
93.3 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
34
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Details
Description
Michele, Chris and sometimes Gage (when they are home from University in Toronto) live on an acre of mature Douglas Fir forest in Saanich, BC, 15 minutes north of Victoria. We have a 9 year old dog and 3 year old cat. We love music, spending time outside, travel, and good conversation. Most of the work with us is to help keep the property tidy inside and out, and the occasional small project for general skills. Our dog Colby barks when you come and go from the house, and can sometimes get over-excited, but is otherwise happy to do his job protecting everyone. You would have private space in our two-level treehouse and a private bathroom in the main house in exchange for helping us maintain the main house and property.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Politics / Social justice
LGBTQ
Events & social
Sustainability
Pets
Culture
Movies & TV
Charity work
Music
Books
Gardening
Architecture
Performing arts
Animals
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Camping
Water sports
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Cycling
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Visiting our home is a great way to immerse yourself in a unique ecosystem of Western Canada. We have mature temperate rainforest and protected species of trees just outside the door. We are 10 minutes from Butchart Gardens, a world class destination, as well as whale watching, kayaking, hiking, and many other outdoor pursuits. Michele has taught Outdoor Education for 25 years and loves to share her passion for outdoor spaces. She also teaches and seeks to learn "String Games" like Cats Cradle from people all over the world, and is a Mentor for an international program called Roots of Empathy which seeks to build caring, civil, peaceful societies through the development of Empathy in children and adults. Chris has been in the Canadian Music Industry his entire career, and has an extensive collection of music to listen to and recommend. We would love to share family life, exchange favourite meals, and learn about your homeland while you are here.
Help
Help us catch up around the forested property; tidying weeds/grass, raking, clearing small branches from open areas, light hauling of brush, trimming, wood stacking, general outdoor maintenance of property, some light landscaping type projects. Housekeeping inside, cooking, general clean up, home maintenance and projects as they come up.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Two-storey cabin-style treehouse with electricity. Living space on the first floor, queen size bed (on the floor) and small desk on the second floor. The treehouse and a full bathroom inside the main house are for your private use while staying. All genders welcome, LGBTQ friendly. One traveller hosted at a time, occasionally 2. Access to WiFi and Laundry. Short stays (a week or less) only.
Happy to share/prepare family meals together, or negotiate less volunteer time if you prefer to be more independent with meal prep and planning; you are welcome to our kitchen for storage and preparation.
What else ...
We are best suited for short stays; a week or less is ideal.
We are a scent-free home, and there are no candles, incense or smoking allowed in the treehouse or on the property.
We have an awesome rescue dog that is learning manners; he barks at first at non-family members, but then settles down. Staying with us means helping train Colby; if you were shy of loud big dogs (non aggressive, but still sounds scary) we are not the right fit at this time.
You are welcome to enjoy the property amenities while here (treehouse studio, comfy deck furniture, hammocks and more) or use us as a home base while exploring the area; Victoria is a world-class destination and we are close to both tourist attractions and wilderness experiences. We are happy to help you find the kinds of things you want to experience; Victoria really has it all!
We can assist with most transportation but best to plan to be self sufficient when needed; nearest bus stop is a 10 minute walk.
Happy to share/prepare family meals together, or negotiate less volunteer time if you prefer to be more independent with meal prep and planning; you are welcome to our kitchen for storage and preparation.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Wifi connection in private treehouse with table workspace
Space for parking camper vans
Westfalia size campervan or pick-up truck conversions only.
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
My animals / pets
Chilly Bobby
Chilly Bobby (Robert Frost is is full name) is a big happy cat who will insist you give him attention when he desires. He will always be glad for some pets and play, and may occasionally nip at you in warning when he is not in the mood or has reached a threshold. He is a funny character!
Colby
Colby is a loving dog who just wants to be with his people. He is a bit anxious, and will bark when new people approach the property or enter the house. He settles quickly, though, and is content to just keep an eye on things. He may or may not be welcoming of attention, and that is OK.
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (18)
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Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
The work is great and I could decide flexibly when and how much I wanted to work on which days. Mostly garden work… read more
We think that's the best way to start this message, what an amazing place where Michele, Chris, Gage, Colby and Lucky live !
If you are looking for a place with beautiful trees and a bit of nature, this is it. We felt very lucky to sleep in the tree house.
Thank you Michèle for allowing us to live this experience.
Also, the work… read more
All of them are an inspiration for everyone and they are such a lovely family! Michele always wanted me to feel at home and be part of the family so I felt very… read more
The work was good too. My main task was cleaning the deck, cleaning up some remains of renovation work and some general housekeeping tasks. Michele was also very flexible… read more
my work was spring cleaning. we talked about work at the first day. we decided how much time i would spend… read more
I Had an amazing stay here in the treehouse. It was one of the coolest little places I have ever stayed in. Michelle and her family are very friendly and welcoming. Work for me was mainly tidying up around the yard after winter and helping get things back in order. Michelle… read more
