Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
7 Apr 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
50
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
We (Paul and Keltie) moved to a new house in Victoria (on Vancouver Island) in the fall of 2023. We need some help organizing our stuff, helping around the house, and doing some minor home upgrades. In the spring, it will also be a good time to have some help establishing our new garden. Plus it's always great to have someone extra to play with our sweet 3 year old dog.
We are committed to sustainability and social justice, and welcome people from all cultures and backgrounds (incl. LGBTQ2S).
There is no smoking in the house or on the property.
We also are sensitive to fragrances, so please no perfumes, colognes, or strongly scented products while staying with us.
We can accept a single helper or a couple (or if you are travelling with a friend, and don't mind sharing a double bed).
Both of us are double-vaccinated, and have up to date boosters. While we aren't particularly anxious about COVID, having someone else in the house does increase our risk and so we ask you to monitor yourself for any symptoms and let us know if you aren't feeling well.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We try to live with a light footprint on the planet, so travellers will learn about living in an environmentally friendly way. We also believe strongly in the value of community, and are working on developing connections with neighbours - we hope travellers will experience a sense of community when they stay with us.
Help
We are unlikely to be able to accommodate you if you are looking for longer-stay postings (e.g. more than 1 month).
It's also very hard for us to book something many months in advance as we just don't know our schedule and what needs to be done that far in the future. If possible, please only check in with us max. 3-4 weeks before you are thinking of coming.
The kind of help tasks that you might encounter here will likely be varied, depending on what projects we are currently undertaking. Right now, it will likely be helping organize our storage spaces, minor house repair projects, meal prep, or pet care of the doggy. And we always seem to benefit from some help with house work and cleaning!
Much of the tasks we can show you what to do, but preference is for Workawayers with previous experience in construction, and/or helping on a garden or farm.
Plus odd tasks around the house and yard, house cleaning, etc.
We also ask workawayers to make us one meal that reminds you of home, so we get to know your food too!
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Guest bedroom with double bed. There is a shared bathroom.
For food, travellers would be welcome to eat meals with us, and/or make their own meals. We eat vegetarian, with lots of legumes and vegetables and whole grains, and would ask that travellers do not cook meat while staying with us.
What else ...
Victoria has lots of beaches, some with good swimming spots if you are ok with colder water. There are also lots of parks and recreational walking/running/cycling trails.
You will find lots of outdoor activities available here: cycling, hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing - it's a very active city.
We live about 3 km from downtown, and there are various public transit options to get you there. We also likely have bicycles you can borrow while you are staying with us.
In 2019, we spent the year cycle-touring around the world, and volunteered as Workawayers in Spain, England, Wales and Croatia and had a really great experience with this...so we know what it's like to be in your shoes, and what makes for a good stay.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
There is limited parking on the street, and it's pretty quiet, so you would have a decent place to park and sleep.
Can possibly accept pets
Our dog is pretty friendly, so if you have the same this could likely work. Let's talk about it!
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Host ref number: 938872427313
Feedback (21)
4 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Thibault)
We had a wonderful time with Thibault staying at our place for a couple of weeks. He is a very good-natured person, nice to have around and share conversation and a love of good food with. He did a great job with all the variety of tasks we gave him - some carpentry, painting, manual labour, tree pruning, garden maintenance, cleaning, and playing… read more
(Excellent
)
4 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Thibault) for host
What an amazing stay with Keltie, Paul and Domino 🤩
3 words to describe it : Yummy, Funny, Lovely!
They took care about me, always looking that I don't work to much and enjoy my free time in Victoria. I really enjoyed biking on the ocean front track (they let me borrow one of theirs bikes).
We shared great memories, stories and even a cocktail… read more
3 words to describe it : Yummy, Funny, Lovely!
They took care about me, always looking that I don't work to much and enjoy my free time in Victoria. I really enjoyed biking on the ocean front track (they let me borrow one of theirs bikes).
We shared great memories, stories and even a cocktail… read more
23 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Andrii) for host
I'm grateful and happy about the opportunity to stay with the three of you!
It was a good time to help and learn new things from you.
Tasty food and feeling safe in your place will stay with me for longer
Thank you, and wish you all the best!
It was a good time to help and learn new things from you.
Tasty food and feeling safe in your place will stay with me for longer
Thank you, and wish you all the best!
17 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Andrii)
Andrii is really great with animals! He bonded quickly with our dog, and spent lots of time walking and playing with him. Domino will miss you!
He also helped with various tasks around the house - cleaning, minor bike maintenance, garden help, food prep, etc.
Due to a shoulder injury, he should not be doing heavy manual labour or lifting,… read more
He also helped with various tasks around the house - cleaning, minor bike maintenance, garden help, food prep, etc.
Due to a shoulder injury, he should not be doing heavy manual labour or lifting,… read more
(Excellent
)
31 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Frederik)
Frederik stayed with us for a few weeks, and was an excellent Workawayer! He is really great to have around, respectful, hard-working, and easy-going. He helped us with a wide assortment of tasks, from hauling materials, to housecleaning, to walking and playing with our dog. He's a quick learner and careful with his work. Highly recommended :)
(Excellent
)
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
4 Apr 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Thibault)
We had a wonderful time with Thibault staying at our place for a couple of weeks. He is a very good-natured person, nice to have around and share conversation and a love of good food with. He did a great job with all the variety of tasks we gave him - some carpentry, painting, manual labour, tree pruning, garden maintenance, cleaning, and playing… read more
(Excellent
)
4 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Thibault) for host
What an amazing stay with Keltie, Paul and Domino 🤩
3 words to describe it : Yummy, Funny, Lovely!
They took care about me, always looking that I don't work to much and enjoy my free time in Victoria. I really enjoyed biking on the ocean front track (they let me borrow one of theirs bikes).
We shared great memories, stories and even a cocktail… read more
3 words to describe it : Yummy, Funny, Lovely!
They took care about me, always looking that I don't work to much and enjoy my free time in Victoria. I really enjoyed biking on the ocean front track (they let me borrow one of theirs bikes).
We shared great memories, stories and even a cocktail… read more
23 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Andrii) for host
I'm grateful and happy about the opportunity to stay with the three of you!
It was a good time to help and learn new things from you.
Tasty food and feeling safe in your place will stay with me for longer
Thank you, and wish you all the best!
It was a good time to help and learn new things from you.
Tasty food and feeling safe in your place will stay with me for longer
Thank you, and wish you all the best!
17 Feb 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Andrii)
Andrii is really great with animals! He bonded quickly with our dog, and spent lots of time walking and playing with him. Domino will miss you!
He also helped with various tasks around the house - cleaning, minor bike maintenance, garden help, food prep, etc.
Due to a shoulder injury, he should not be doing heavy manual labour or lifting,… read more
He also helped with various tasks around the house - cleaning, minor bike maintenance, garden help, food prep, etc.
Due to a shoulder injury, he should not be doing heavy manual labour or lifting,… read more
(Excellent
)
31 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Frederik)
Frederik stayed with us for a few weeks, and was an excellent Workawayer! He is really great to have around, respectful, hard-working, and easy-going. He helped us with a wide assortment of tasks, from hauling materials, to housecleaning, to walking and playing with our dog. He's a quick learner and careful with his work. Highly recommended :)
(Excellent
)
24 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (James)
James was a wonderful guest and volunteer! Hard worker, able to take on jobs independently, super respectful, and fun to have around. We appreciated good conversations over shared meals. James is a great communicator, and brings really helpful experience with carpentry and house projects. Plus he's a quick learner with tasks he hasn't done before.… read more
(Excellent
)
9 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Lucia)
Lucia was such a star! She stayed with us a month, INCLUDING literally while we moved houses. She was such a big help, with everything from dog care to housecleaning to packing dishes to random chores around the house. And she is a really wonderful human to have around the house - warm, helpful, and fun. Highly recommend hosting Lucia if you ever… read more
(Excellent
)
29 Nov 2023
Left by Workawayer (Lucia) for host
I couldn't have been luckier in my stay in Victoria, thanks to Keltie and Paul. I lived with them for a month, helping them with the move (cleaning, painting, packing...), also sometimes in the garden and best of all, walking their adorable dog Domino (he is the best doggie). To live with them is to have a varied work that does not bore you, a… read more
6 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Antoine) for host
Keltie and Paul are friendly, interesting and interested people. I really enjoyed my time with them.
The food is healthy and tasty, the work is easy and varied and life in Vicoria is peaceful and pleasant.
Thank you for these 10 days!
The food is healthy and tasty, the work is easy and varied and life in Vicoria is peaceful and pleasant.
Thank you for these 10 days!
26 Sep 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Antoine)
Antoine was a wonderful guest and volunteer. He is a super hard worker, and went above and beyond in his contributions: helping us paint, clean, renovate and also play with the dog and cook us a great dinner! He has great stories, and is respectful and helpful around the house. Highly recommended!
(Excellent
)
19 Sep 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Anaïs)
Hosting Anaïs was wonderful! She is a great helper, and really nice company. We put her to process fruit from our yard - turning boxes and boxes of apples and pears into sauce and drying them. Also got great help doing some house painting, garden tasks, and even some firefighting! Good luck on your travels, Anaïs and hope to see you in Victoria… read more
(Excellent
)
5 Aug 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Mathias & Amina)
We only had a few days of overlap with Mo and Hew, and we enjoyed their company. They helped with many tasks, from organizing wood pile, helping with weeding, and doing some cleaning. They also made us a a delicious Austrian meal. We then left the house in their care while we went on vacation. Not as much got done while we were gone as we… read more
(Very good
)
28 Jul 2023
Left by Workawayer (Pauline) for host
I spent 2 weeks in Victoria and had a really good time. Keltie and Paul are very kind, engaged, open-minded and active people. There is a lot going on and they want you to have a great time.
The tasks mainly consisted of maintaining/housekeeping in the house and garden and I could decide very flexibly when I want to start.
The house has a… read more
The tasks mainly consisted of maintaining/housekeeping in the house and garden and I could decide very flexibly when I want to start.
The house has a… read more
18 Jul 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Pauline)
We really enjoyed hosting Pauline. She has a very calm energy, and fit right in to our household. Pauline is a hard worker, super respectful and trustworthy, and not afraid to take on any task - we even had her breaking rocks in the hot sun! Plus helping in the garden, with some housecleaning, and mending. She is a quick learner and skilled, she… read more
(Excellent
)
15 Jun 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Lena)
It was great to have Lena with us for a few weeks. She is a hard worker, willing to take on any job - from digging up plants, laying pavers, mowing the lawn and weeding, to cleaning and doggy care. She is a pleasure to have around!
(Excellent
)
20 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Emma) for host
Where to start?! My stay with Keltie and Paul was SO much fun. From painting, digging and cleaning to taking Domino (the most amazing dog) on adventures and swims - you will work hard here (there is such a huge variety of projects to help with) and you be rewarded with the most delicious and nutritious food - straight from the garden! This was my… read more
20 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Emma)
Emma was a real delight to have around the house. She is a hard worker, game for anything, and interested in learning and new experiences. It was a great balance of independence and shared time together. Emma helped with some tough yard work, house cleaning, and various other tasks. She was also incredible with our dog - taught him a new trick in… read more
(Excellent
)
4 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Antonia (Toni))
Toni stayed with us about two weeks, and I wish we'd learned earlier how great a cook she is so we could have had her make us even more delicious vegan, gluten-free food! She is also an incredible organizer, we felt like our kitchen had a home makeover after she was done 😃
Other help she provided was with some nasty blackberry bush pruning,… read more
Other help she provided was with some nasty blackberry bush pruning,… read more
(Excellent
)
18 Apr 2023
Left by Workawayer (ROSALINDA) for host
Meeting Keltie and Paul was a pleasure!!
I wish I could have spent more time with them so I could have helped them more!
It was a nice and calm week, but the days passed very quickly.
Basically I focused on doing a bit of cleaning inside the house and going for a walk with the lovely Domino 🥰🐾
We went for a walk in the forest and I was also… read more
I wish I could have spent more time with them so I could have helped them more!
It was a nice and calm week, but the days passed very quickly.
Basically I focused on doing a bit of cleaning inside the house and going for a walk with the lovely Domino 🥰🐾
We went for a walk in the forest and I was also… read more
19 Dec 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (ROSALINDA)
We loved having Rosy stay with us! She is kind, hard-working, and great to be around. Rosy told us in advance "my forte is cleaning" and she is truly incredible. Basically deep cleaned our house from top to bottom. She also taught us to make tortillas from scratch, and was always very helpful with cooking meals, helping with chores, etc. And she… read more
(Excellent
)
4 Feb 2023
Left by Workawayer (Ocean) for host
I loved staying with Keltie, Paul and Domino! Their house is in the perfect location, and I was grateful for Paul and Keltie helping me get a bicycle, as well as the generosity making sure my bike was as good as can be! Keltie and Paul truly have a heart of gold and are super kind and generous. I felt a sense of stability and was always well… read more
2 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Ocean)
We loved having Ocean stay with us. She is a calm, helpful presence in the house, and we really appreciated her willingness to take on new tasks, and her amazing cooking. Good conversation, very responsible, and highly recommended as a Workaway volunteer.
(Excellent
)
8 Oct 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Michael)
Vicky and Michael are amazing animal-lovers! In addition to all the hard work they did for us in the garden, around the house, helping with renovations, etc they were INCREDIBLE with our dog Domino. It was such fun to see them play together, and they even managed to cut his toe nails which is his most feared grooming task. Vicky is a great cook,… read more
(Excellent
)
5 Sep 2022
Left by Workawayer (Nicole ) for host
I was very grateful that Keltie and Paul were able to take me on with no notice when my previous host became ill. It was a pleasure to help them out, to work down their to do list and get things crossed off, pruning, picking fruit, helping in the house, walking the dog. Meals were delicious and my room was delightful. Good luck with all your… read more
4 Sep 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Nicole )
Due to a health emergency with her previous host, Nicole arrived at our home quite suddenly and immediately plunged right in to getting through our task list! She is a hard worker, and very comfortable with those 'grungy' garden tasks. She undertook some serious pruning, and saved a hidden grape plant in the process. She was also happy to help… read more
(Excellent
)
12 Aug 2022
Left by Workawayer (Hannah) for host
Keltie and Paul made me feel home at their place from the moment I walked through the door. Their kind and warm personalities made it easy to connect and to adapt to their living and working routine. My tasks during the 3 weeks included various projects in the garden, painting and one week of housesitting and caring for their lovely dog - Domino -… read more
2 Aug 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Hannah)
It was such a pleasure to have Hannah stay with us for 3 weeks. She is fun, hard-working, a good cook, and willing to try any task we gave her. She takes initiative to find ways to help out even when we weren't organized with a list. Very trustworthy, we left our home, garden, dog and chickens in her care for 6 days and everything was in great… read more
(Excellent
)
20 Jun 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Nadine)
Nadine was a delight to have around. She fit right in to our household, and did a great job with all the tasks we gave her - even the gross ones like setting rat traps! She took great care of our beloved dog and the chickens. And she introduced us to Rosti, a Swiss hashbrown! Thanks Nadine
(Excellent
)
17 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Nadine) for host
I only spent 10 days with Keltie and Paul but it was definitely worth it. The house in Victoria is super cozy and super located. The food was very tasty. They are super friendly and had lots of good stories and advice.
I helped them with weeding, watering plants, watched the chickens and went for walks with the sweet and smart Domino.
Really… read more
I helped them with weeding, watering plants, watched the chickens and went for walks with the sweet and smart Domino.
Really… read more
10 May 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Adrien & Suzie)
Susie and Adrien stayed with us for almost 3 weeks, and helped with a large variety of tasks. They are willing to try new kind of work, including tough and dirty jobs. They helped with chipping branches, cutting stone pavers, laying out bricks to make a patio, weeding and gardening, and care for our chickens, among other things. Plus they made us… read more
(Excellent
)
15 Dec 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Maria & Francisco)
What an absolute delight to host Maria and Francisco! It felt like having very fun, very helpful housemates. They were super at all things: taking on varied tasks, from constructing storm windows to insulating the attic, cleaning chicken coop, and helping with meals. Plus playing with Domino - they quickly became Tio and Tia to him, and he even… read more
(Excellent
)
15 Dec 2021
Left by Workawayer (Maria & Francisco) for host
Keltie, Paul and Domino are a wonderful family! We spent three awesome weeks with them.
We have helped installing the insulation for the attic and making the frames for the storm windows. Also, we took care of the seven chickens and we had the chance to eat fresh veggies from their lovely organic garden!
We shared YUMMY meals together and… read more
We have helped installing the insulation for the attic and making the frames for the storm windows. Also, we took care of the seven chickens and we had the chance to eat fresh veggies from their lovely organic garden!
We shared YUMMY meals together and… read more
21 Oct 2021
Left by Workawayer (Tiago & Itala) for host
We had planned to stay for 15 days, but ended up staying for a month. We wish we could give them a rating higher than 5 stars. We had a great time with them! We loved their dog. The smart and funny puppy dog, Domino!!
Keltie and Paul are wonderful people, attentive, amiable, and patient. Who are always patient with our new language difficulties.… read more
Keltie and Paul are wonderful people, attentive, amiable, and patient. Who are always patient with our new language difficulties.… read more
14 Oct 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Tiago & Itala)
We loved hosting Tiago and Itala. How fun to experience all the excitement of moving to a new city/country, by hosting them for their first month.
They were very helpful, pleasant to have around, and willing to take on big and small tasks of all sorts: painting, cleaning chicken coop, garden help, house cleaning and more.
They were very helpful, pleasant to have around, and willing to take on big and small tasks of all sorts: painting, cleaning chicken coop, garden help, house cleaning and more.
(Excellent
)
12 Aug 2021
Left by Workawayer (Sanjey) for host
I had an excellent time house sitting Paul and Keltie's home and helping them out with their projects while they were around. Paul and Keltie are both inspiring people and I felt I learned a lot by observing their lifestyle. From simple things like not pouring paint when cleaning paint brushes into the sewage system to engaging the entire… read more
22 Jul 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Sanjey)
We loved having Sanjey stay with us! He is a very personable guy, great to have around and fit in easily in our household. He was game to help with any/all tasks, from doing some construction, to plant watering, and we felt very comfortable leaving our house and chickens in his capable care while we went away for a few days. I appreciated his… read more
(Excellent
)
7 Jul 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Ellen)
Ellen was a real pleasure to have stay with us for a couple of weeks. Very helpful, and we appreciated how she took the initiative to quickly adopt a few daily tasks as 'hers', including watering the garden and chicken care. We had a random bunch of projects to work on, and Ellen was willing to try anything: moving stuff from one storage space to… read more
(Excellent
)
7 Jul 2021
Left by Workawayer (Ellen) for host
It was a pleasure to meet Keltie and Paul and help with some of their many projects including care of their chickens, garden, and their beautiful dog, Domino. This is a relaxed, friendly, and busy household. They live within walking distance of outdoor swimming, biking/walking trails, restaurants etc. My room was spacious and comfortable. They… read more
21 Sep 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Jakob)
We really enjoyed having Jakob stay with us. He is a pleasure to have around, and was monumentally helpful to us in so many ways. He stayed with us about a month, and in that time he helped with a very broad range of tasks : gardening, house cleaning, book layout, window washing and more. We are in the prices of selling our house which meant quite… read more
(Excellent
)
21 Sep 2020
Left by Workawayer (Jakob) for host
Keltie and Paul were phenomenal hosts! I felt welcome from the very first day and they made sure I had a pleasant stay.
I've never had more versatile tasks than here: They ranged from gardening, cleaning and maintaining over housesitting to designing a photo book.
Besides work, we had great conversations (Keltie actually helped me decide for a… read more
I've never had more versatile tasks than here: They ranged from gardening, cleaning and maintaining over housesitting to designing a photo book.
Besides work, we had great conversations (Keltie actually helped me decide for a… read more
19 Apr 2020
Left by Workawayer (Melanie & Nick) for host
We had a fantastic two week stay with Keltie and Paul in April 2020. They are generous and caring hosts - we ate meals together and they were genuinely interested in having conversations and getting to know us. As recent arrivals to Canada, we really appreciated their kindness and hospitality! Their place is also in an awesome neighbourhood, with… read more
19 Apr 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Melanie & Nick)
Nick and Mel stayed with us for 2 weeks, and it was a pleasure having them. Easy, good company and took their work seriously, putting in time and effort to do the jobs well. They helped with lots of different tasks, including gardening, house cleaning, window washing, painting, cooking and Mel even sharpened all our knives! They took the… read more
(Excellent
)
24 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (Aaron) for host
First of all Paul and Keltie are a couple of great humans, and that shines through in their hosting. I enjoyed helping them renovate their house and weeding the garden. They're very welcoming and flexible in their approach to work trade and they even trusted myself and another workaway-er to house-sit for them for a week. We were lucky to be the… read more
10 Mar 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Aaron)
Aaron was a delight to host. Very respectful, kind and capable. He stayed with us about 3 weeks, including one week of housesitting for us. He is a hard worker and pleasant company. Highly recommended!
(Excellent
)
15 Mar 2020
Left by Workawayer (Ramin) for host
This was a wonderful experience! Great food, great people and on top of that a hammock!
Paul and Keltie are super cool to hang out with and they helped me setting up my bike for further travels.
Midnight mountain hiking in secret forests, bananas everywhere, all I can say is:
If you get the chance to stay here, do it!!
Paul and Keltie are super cool to hang out with and they helped me setting up my bike for further travels.
Midnight mountain hiking in secret forests, bananas everywhere, all I can say is:
If you get the chance to stay here, do it!!
15 Mar 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Ramin)
Ramin stayed with us for about 3 weeks, including a week of housesitting, and he was a delight to host. Extremely hard working, and even better - kind, respectful, and funny! We really enjoyed having him at our house, and appreciated his willingness to get the job done. Highly recommended workawayer!
(Excellent
)
18 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
The work was fun, the Food was incredible good. The conversations were really interesting. I really liked it there!
16 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
Jasper is a hard worker, and did great work helping us paint our house. He is pleasant, but very very quiet and keeps mostly to himself so it didn't feel like we learned much about him.
(Very good
)
8 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (Taylor & Emmalee) for host
I am very glad to have spent time with Paul and Keltie while I was in Vancouver! They have a lovely, unique household that is very close to amenities in Vancouver without losing that 'farmhouse' feeling. Both Paul and Keltie are great conversationalists and have plenty of great stories and advice from their own travel experiences. The food was… read more
7 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Taylor & Emmalee)
Taylor was an excellent guest and worker. He is eager to learn, works hard, and is very helpful around the house. He's also a real pleasure to be around, with a great sense of humour and a good listener. Overall, highly recommended!
(Excellent
)
