Alternative co-operative community

Ontario

16 reviews • Updated 1 year ago

Welcome to North Branch Farms. We started our community in 1972 and have been evolving these last 50 years. Two families share the land (82 acres) having raised our children and we now provide some of those opportunities to our grandkids. The grandkids still love playing in the hay loft, eating fresh organic peas, carrots and raspberries straight from the garden or delicious meals with the freshest ingredients (season dependent). We are located 35 km from Thunder Bay deep in the boreal forest close to lakes and streams. We started our community as an alternative to the mainstream consumer society. We spent the first 16 years living off the grid and producing most of what we ate and needed - building our homes, gardens and homestead. As we aged we gained skills that we now share with the larger community. These include carpentry, pottery, health and healing, environment stewardship, community building and systemic advocacy. While we eat meat, it is only a small part of our diet and we are comfortable with vegetian, lactose free and gluten free diets as some of our kids & grandkids need special diets. Our guests will have the opportunity to share our lives and work in our gardens, woodlot and homes. Organic methods: Composting, Green Manure, crop rotation, no pesticides or herbicides, natural fertilizes only. Certifications: We practice organic methods but are not certified. Current projects: Gardens and Firewood. Could include stone wall building for a new greenhouse. Internet access available

Learning opportunities

Vegetable farming

Fruit or nut farming

Forestry

Aromatic or medicinal plants, teas

Vegetable or fruit preservation

Bakery

Traditional crafts

Methods or systems

Biological pest control

Holistic management

Host type

Self-sufficiency property

16.2 Hectares | 40 Acres

Accommodation

4+ WWOOFers

Bedroom

Campsite

Cabin / Mobile-home

Children accepted

Pets not accepted

Meals

Omnivore

Length of stay

1 day (local)

Weekend

Less than a week

1-2 weeks

3-4 weeks

Steve

Member since 2014

Languages spoken: English Response rate: 100% Response time: typically within 2 days

December 2025

Open

Planned visit

Closed

MapLibre | Protomaps | © OpenStreetMap

Ontario

Reviews

Nikita

Germany • November 2025

I had a wonderful time at North Branch Farms! Helping out the two open hearted couples in turns was fun and fulfilling as they, from the first moment on, made me feel like I am a part of their community. Even though the winter set in, there were various physical but not overburdening tasks to do. Always with the right amount of independency and enough time to check out the beautiful surroundings in the Land =) I would love to come back one day!

Clémence

France • July 2025

I spent a great week with Steve, Barbara, Kerrie, and Peter — two couples (all under 80) who each built their own house on a large piece of land in the forest. I stayed in a small cabin between their houses, which gave me some independence. It had a little kitchen, so I made my own breakfast every morning. I usually worked one day with one couple, then the next day with the other. The tasks were varied — gardening, cooking, cleaning. All four hosts are kind, interesting and funny, and it was nice to meet different personalities in the same place. I felt included in their daily life, and I also enjoyed spending time with their family and friends. I’d recommend this place if you enjoy nature and meeting good people.

United Kingdom • July 2025

I had a great time with everyone at North Branch Farms. I helped out with jobs out in the garden and in the house: planting, weeding, scything, making compost with lots of instruction given along the way, and being involved in what was happening in the house, which was lovely. I really felt a part of the family, welcomed in and able to join in with things that were going on! We had a trip out to explore the Thunder Bay area which was great, and a walk into the bush. Lots of discussions and stories from these wonderful people who have been active in so many different ways in their community. A real joy to be able to share in their lives for a little bit. Each of them is an inspiration in different ways. I stayed in the little house which was great: lots of room, use of the outhouse and showers in the house. Both families feed their Wwoofers well! The only downside was the fact that I was there in the height of black fly season - but they did warn me about this, and provided head & body net to try and combat the flies!

Zoé

France • June 2024

What a lovely place ! Thank you so much Pete, Kerrie, Barb and Steve for your kindness, share your knowledge about gardening and more ! We spent a really good stay here and a lot of good moments with these host ! We ate so good with good products of garden. Don't think a lot, go to this place !! Youhouuuu !!

Thea

Canada • April 2024

I had a wonderful stay! North Branch Farms is a forest oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I stayed for three nights in April. I helped with stacking firewood and preparing soil for planting. I enjoyed delicious meals and interesting conversations with the hosts. They have a lot of knowledge and stories to share. Thank you Steve, Barb, Peter, and Kerrie. I'd love to be back sometime for a longer stay.

Tarek

Germany • September 2023

A friend and I stayed at North Branch Farm for a week and we had a wonderful time in this community near Thunderbay. We lived on a large property with a secluded forest, two beautiful wooden houses and large gardens. We took turns working every other day with one of the two couples. the work was well organized and very appreciated. Both couples provided delicious food prepared mostly from vegetables grown in the garden. There are beautiful hiking trails on the property and wildlife to observe. We spent convivial evenings with both couples and learned about their political commitment to a better and more environmentally friendly future. Thank you so much for sharing and caring. We will stay in touch