Come be part of a farm start-up on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, Canada

Details

• 

  Description

  Hi, my name is Darren and I'm in the beginning stages of developing a farm (among other things) in Tahsis, which is a small village on the west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The property and surrounding area are an absolute outdoor enthusiast's dream, with 186 acres on a hillside, 1.5km of oceanfront, pebble beaches, waterfalls, and is surrounded by lakes, rivers, and mountains and many access roads and trails to explore. Kayaks and SUP paddle boards are available for use. You can fish right from shore and Humpbacks whales can be seen swimming through the channel. The property is on the doorstep of Nootka Island/Sound with many boat/kayak destinations in the vicinity. That's the good stuff. The bad stuff is that there's a challenging road to get to Tahsis with up to 18% grades. The property was logged approximately 13 years ago and is in a state of regrowth and it is difficult to keep roads and paths clear, but also offers an opportunity to feed specific livestock. The rocky terrain is difficult to develop and maintain good soil, but with the help of animals and good practices, this obstacle can be resolved.
  
  Overall, I am aiming to develop a multi-use property involving farming, camping, recreation, silviculture and more, all in a sustainable focused approach. I welcome people of all backgrounds to either come help me with my projects, and also those who are looking for a space to work independently on their own projects, with similar or different goals in mind.

• 

  Types of help and learning opportunities

  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

  Travellers have an opportunity to see what life is all about in a small village with a strong sport-fishing influence. It's an interesting culture here where everyone waves when passing either by vehicle or foot.
  
  There are wonderful opportunities for people to learn how to grow food and manage animals on a mountain side with very poor soil as a starting point. Other learning opportunities include construction, off-grid electrical power generation and management, working with a sawmill, and freeze drying food.

• 

  Help

  Much of the work is general physical labor, such as making and maintaining trails and pathways, improving the soil in and around the garden by spreading woodchips, compost, and animal bedding/droppings. Taking care of chickens, and/or dogs. Assisting with building new structures. Fire wood processing. Watering and weeding the garden. More advanced jobs are available if you have the training or you are willing to learn.

• 

  Languages spoken

  French: Beginner

• 

  Accommodation

  Accommodation will be in RV trailers/campers and/or a cabin - all of which are clean and in good working order. There are also sites for you to camp if you have your own accommodation (bus, trailer, van, etc.)

• 

  What else ...

  There are a lot of caves to explore (Coral, Upana, and more), a 90ft waterfall just minutes walking from the property, lots of lakes, river to swim in, roads and trails to explore, and a lot of mountains to hike, and Nootka Island/Sound is just minutes away by boat. Kayaks and SUP paddle boards are available. Water taxis can be used to visit local islands and towns.

• 

  A little more information

  • 

    Internet access

  • 

    Limited internet access

  • 

    We have pets

  • 

    We are smokers

  • 

    Can host families

• 

  Can host digital nomads

  The internet is reasonably fast and reliable on this property.

• 

  Space for parking camper vans

  There are several parking option to choose from. The areas close to structures have power and water, and those further away and more private with nice views will not have power and water.

• 

  Can possibly accept pets

  I have two puppies and so any animals on this property should be well mannered and not aggressive towards other dogs or people.

• 

  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

• 

  Hours expected

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week. I would like to offer a reduced work expectation for those with their own accommodation (e.g. van, RV, etc)