Off-grid living, permaculture and sailboats on Cape Breton, Canada

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Hey there!!
    We are Bibi and Cam, currently living the off-grid dream in rural Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. We are located 10 mins away from the village of St Peter's. We have been Workawayers since 2014 and love its lifestyle. It has allowed us to travel the world while getting to know lovely locals along the way. The plan here is create a sustainable living system whereby we can meet most of our food and water needs, from resources found and/or cultivated on the property and in our experience this only comes from a days honest labour. We've been here for close to four years now and in that time have built a straw bale house as well as rain catchment, solar panel and waste management systems. We work hard and play hard!! We like to get our hands dirty and our backs sweaty cause then that dive into the lake at the end of the day is oh so much sweeter.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Language practice
    Help with Eco Projects
    Teaching
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Travellers wishing to stay with us will learn everything from basic work skills and the use of all types of tools to the set up all types of off-grid living systems. As well, the basics of permaculture, organic gardening and forest management will also be part of our summer work load. Also, we have a PY-24ft sailboat for those wanting to learn how to sail on Canada's largest inland sea. Where we live in Cape Breton is a microcosm unto itself, full of local colour and music.

  • Help

    Help

    This coming summer, we’ll have quite a few projects on the go, firstly being the creation of a garden and greenhouse space in order to work towards our goal of food security and sustainability. Secondly, the continuation of forest deadfall clearing in order to provide more fire safety on the property. Other projects will include work on the sailboat (in and out of the water), and general property maintenance, including the upkeep of the solar panel and rain catchment systems. With all these off-grid projects, we’ll be happy to teach those of you interested in their overall set-up and function. Anyone who is able to swing a hammer or dig a hole, is more than welcome!! (Especially those with building, gardening and permaculture experience.)

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    Spanish: Fluent

    This host offers a language exchange
    Cam is always wanting to practice his Spanish while Bibi, her French.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    We have a slid-in camper, perfect for 2 people and very separate from the main house. While being nestled in the woods, the camper has a propane fridge and stove as well as a comfy sitting area. As a former Workawayer, we have learnt the value of having our own space while working with our hosts and have set our property up accordingly. We will provide breakfast food for prep in the camper but would like to share the main meal of the day, around 5pm, together at the main house. We have bikes for use and the lake is only a 10min forest walk away. We go to town regularly and anyone staying with us is more than welcome to come with us for a small taste of civilization.
    Since the main house is still under construction, we don't have a "normal" bathroom setting yet. I can offer a portable toilet to be used in the camper or you can use our outhouse if you prefer. Also once summer hits, we will be bathing outside with camping showers, but if the weather is not warm enough, you can bathe in the house with bucket bath.
    We’d like to host couples or two friends traveling together so they can share the camper ( good for 2 people sharing one bed) and we can also offer a tent ( with sleeping mats and sleeping bag) or a space to pitch your own tent in case the camper is being already occupied. We lead a very simple life style, not luxury and limited facilities, if you're up to it, you're more than welcome!

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    We are 10 mins drive from town where you can find a laundromat, groceries store, restaurants, post office etc. There is lots of entertainment in town with live music at the tavern and the main pub. There are beaches and many trails very nearby where you can spend your time off. This is a very special area with loads of different stuff to do.


    Cam is a certified massage therapist who works out of his clinic in St Peter's. As well he is a musician and builder, who is more than willing to share his skills with all enthusiastic learners. He is also intent on the value of sustainability, a goal we keep foremost in my mind while making all everyday decisions. Bibi is an early childhood educator who works at the local daycare full time. She loves to cook and dance and is also happy to pass her knowledge of language, culture, travels and cooking on to others,

  • 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

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Host ref number: 981345448353

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