Hey WWOOFers! My name is Natalie, and together with my husband (a professional chef), we own and operate Manitoulin Farmstead, a lavender farm located on the largest freshwater island in the world. We are a small, close-knit family with three children under the age of 10. Alongside cultivating our beautiful lavender fields, we care for a lively mix of animals including chickens, a small herd of mini LaMancha dairy goats, two medium-large dogs, and three overly friendly barn cats who love to greet visitors.
At Manitoulin Farmstead, we practice holistic livestock management, focusing on natural and sustainable methods to nurture the health of our animals. We incorporate herbs and natural supplements not only to support the wellbeing of our goats, chickens, and pets but also to promote health for our family. This approach reflects our commitment to living in harmony with nature and creating a healthy, thriving farm environment. We’re excited to share these practices with our WWOOF guests and invite you to be part of our farm’s journey.
Our busy season typically begins in April when the sap starts to run. We have a modest sugar shack where we harvest approximately 200 liters of maple syrup each year, which we then age for enhanced flavor. One of the most exciting and busiest times on the farm is July, when our English lavender is in full bloom. The season is short but intense, and we make the most of it by harvesting our acre of lavender for drying and storage.
During this time, we also host events for our members, including yoga sessions, picnics, and goat interactions right in the lavender fields. It’s a wonderful way to connect people with nature and the farm experience.
A typical day during the busy season might start with morning chores—feeding and milking for the goats, letting out the chickens, and other related barn chores, followed by lavender harvesting or event preparations. WWOOFers will learn hands-on skills such as tending lavender, harvesting and drying, and caring for livestock using holistic methods. I am always happy for the opportunity to share my knowledge natural health remedies from herbs and holistic livestock management.
Our guest accommodations during the summer are in our charming pop-up camper, a cozy 3-bed tent trailer located just behind the house. While the camper doesn’t have its own washroom, toilet facilities are available inside the house. We also have a fantastic outdoor shower that’s in use from May through October. Not only does it help reduce strain on our well, but it also boasts better water pressure than the indoor shower!
When it comes to meals, you’re in for a real treat! My husband Louis (aka our private chef) prepares most of the meals here, focusing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. We prioritize meat and vegetables raised nearby, with much of our food coming directly from our farm or from a neighboring farm just five minutes down the road that practices regenerative farming.
We are more than happy to accommodate dietary needs, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or special requirements. We want your stay to be as comfortable and enjoyable as possible!
We’re lucky to live just behind the famous Manitoulin Cup and Saucer hiking trail—a stunning scenic route that’s part of the Niagara Escarpment. It’s a perfect spot for hiking and taking in breathtaking views. If you enjoy swimming, you’ll be happy to know there’s a lovely sandy beach on a nearby lake just 10 minutes from the farm.
When time allows, we like to visit family at their lakeside property about 30 minutes away, where we enjoy a relaxing hot sauna, swimming, and good food and drink.
Our farm is surrounded by 200 acres of beautiful natural space, offering plenty of opportunities for walking the dogs, goats, and even the curious barn cats. It’s also a great place for mushroom foraging and exploring the diverse local flora and fauna.
On the creative side, I (Natalie) have a passion for music, as well as a very long list of other hobbies. I love campfire jams, playing the piano, and even silly karaoke sessions with the kids :) I love baking, cheesemaking and of course creating with lavender.
Bonjour WWOOFeurs! Je m’appelle Natalie. Avec mon époux Louis, nous avons une ferme de lavande appelée Manitoulin Farmstead, sur la plus grande île d’eau douce au monde. Nous sommes une petite famille avec trois enfants de moins de 10 ans. Nous cultivons de la lavande et nous avons des poules, un petit troupeau de chèvres mini LaMancha, deux chiens, et trois chats.
À la ferme, nous utilisons la gestion holistique des animaux. Cela veut dire que nous soignons nos animaux avec des herbes et des suppléments naturels. Nous faisons cela aussi pour la santé de notre famille.
Notre saison occupée commence en avril avec la récolte de la sève d’érable. Nous avons une cabane à sucre modeste et récoltons environ 200 litres de sirop d’érable par année. En juillet, la lavande est en fleur. Nous récoltons un acre de lavande pour la sécher et la garder. Nous faisons aussi des événements pour nos membres comme yoga, picnics et les interactions avec les chèvres.
Une journée typique commence avec les soins aux animaux, la récolte de lavande, et la préparation des événements. Les WWOOFeurs apprendront à tailler, récolter, sécher lavande, et soigner les animaux naturellement. Nous voulons partager la ferme durable et la santé naturelle.
En été, les invités dorment dans notre roulotte pop-up avec trois lits, derrière la maison. Il n’y a pas de salle de bain dans la roulotte, mais il y a des toilettes dans la maison et une douche extérieure (de mai à octobre). Les repas sont préparés par notre chef professionnel, Louis. Il utilise surtout de la viande et des légumes locaux de notre ferme ou d’une ferme voisine qui pratique l’agriculture régénérative. Nous pouvons accommoder des besoins alimentaires, n’hésitez pas à demander!
Nous habitons près du sentier de randonnée célèbre “Cup and Saucer,” une belle marche avec des vues superbes. Il y a aussi une plage de sable pour nager à 10 minutes. Parfois, nous visitons la famille à 30 minutes d’ici pour profiter du sauna, nager, et manger ensemble. Notre ferme a 200 acres pour marcher avec les chiens, les chèvres, et les chats, chercher des champignons, et explorer la nature. J’aime la musique, les soirées autour du feu, jouer du piano et une gros list de les autres loisirs créatifs.
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Learning opportunities
Sheep or goat farming
Dairy farming
Beekeeping
Flower farming
Cheesemaking
Natural cosmetics fabrication
Methods or systems
Holistic management
Mentoring opportunities
Woman-operated
Host type
Production farm
80
Hectares
|
197.7
Acres
