Homestead on the sea

British Columbia
the dock
View from the deck Waugh Lake
6 • Updated 1 month ago
The Skookumchuck Narrows are a strait at the entrance of the Sechelt Inlet, in the Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park. Its unique location means it is strongly affected by tides. Twice daily, the direction of its flow completely reverses, and the rocky terrain near the shore gives rise to a dramatic watery spectacle that includes what some say are the fastest tidal rapids in the world. As the salty water swaps directions, the currents clash and whip up a fury of swirling whirlpools and rapids. Every day, more than two hundred billion gallons of water is forced through the inlet, contributing to the strong rapids. Height differences from one end of the rapids to the other can reach nine feet, and the water can churn at speeds of nearly 20 miles per hour. Daring kayakers and surfers to take advantage of the large swells. The hike to reach the Narrows is West Coast scenic. The Skookumchuck Narrows are visited by Orcas, Humpbacks and dolphins, and are home to otters, seals, sea lions and an incredible array of sea life. Christian and I are building a homestead with a focus on healing and living sustainability from our land. Our home is a boat access only property nestled in the trees on the side of the ocean of the Sechelt Inlet. Ruby is my intelligent, sweet dog and Pearl is the most loving cat. Occasionally we are visited by Tonka the dog. Christian and I are freedom minded and open to new conversations, people and adventures. There are two homes on the homestead. One of the homes has two bedrooms and will be dedicated to your stay. The type of work we do here includes; Gardening and landscaping Planting and collecting seeds Carpentry and renovation, designing and building Collecting and chopping fire wood Making mason bee houses Pressure washing and painting What we do here for fun (includes but not all inclusive;) Hiking nature trails in the old growth rainforest Fishing & kayaking Archery and Frisbee golf Meditation & stretching There are paddleboard rentals and boat tours available in the area. There are some chores that are required daily, such as looking after the gardens and the animals. There will be a list of additional projects to tackle. You will be responsible for making your own meals (I have many options for you to choose). Christian and I will likely be away from the house 4 days out of the week. We will plan great adventures in the local spots for you to get the most from your stay. We will take a trip into town once per week in which you are welcome to accompany and visit farmer's markets, restaurants or shops. There are 2 kayaks available for use. Endless guided kayak and boating tours are available in the community. There are several nearby lakes to swim and many trails to hike and explore. There is great fishing straight from the dock and a short boat ride to access the famous Skookumchuck Trail. Close by is an adventure center, a pub, a resort lodge and a bakery/ coffee shop. Le détroit de Skookumchuck est un détroit situé à l'entrée de l'inlet Sechelt, dans le parc provincial Skookumchuck Narrows. Son emplacement unique signifie qu'il est fortement affecté par les marées. Deux fois par jour, la direction de son écoulement s'inverse complètement, et le terrain rocheux près du rivage donne lieu à un spectacle aquatique dramatique qui comprend ce que certains disent être les rapides de marée les plus rapides du monde. Alors que l'eau salée change de direction, les courants s'entrechoquent et attisent une fureur de tourbillons tourbillonnants et de rapides. Chaque jour, plus de deux cents milliards de gallons d'eau sont forcés à travers l'entrée, contribuant aux forts rapides. Les différences de hauteur d'un bout à l'autre des rapides peuvent atteindre neuf pieds, et l'eau peut tourner à des vitesses de près de 20 milles à l'heure. Les kayakistes audacieux profitent parfois de la grande houle. La randonnée pour atteindre le passage est pittoresque de la côte ouest. Pour voir les rapides, vous devez d'abord parcourir une végétation luxuriante le long d'un sentier. Les détroits de Skookumchuck sont visités par les orques et les dauphins, et abritent des loutres, des phoques et une incroyable variété de vie marine. Je construie une propriété familiale dans un pavillon de ressourcement qui met l'accent sur la guérison et la durabilité de nos terres. Il y a deux maisons sur la propriete. L'une des maisons dispose de deux chambres et sera dédiée à votre séjour. Le type de travail que nous faisons ici comprend; Jardinage et aménagement paysager Planter et récolter des graines Menuiserie et rénovation, conception et construction Ramasser et couper le bois de chauffage Fabriquer des maisons d'abeilles maçonnes Ce que nous faisons ici pour hun (inclut, mais pas tout compris;) Randonnées pédestres dans la forêt tropicale ancienne Pêche et kayak Méditation et étirements Des locations de planches à pagaie et des excursions en bateau sont disponibles dans la région. Il y a certaines tâches qui sont nécessaires quotidiennement, comme s'occuper des jardins et des animaux. Il y aura une liste d'autres projets à aborder. Vous serez responsable de préparer vos propres repas (j'ai plusieurs options à choisir). Christian et moi serons probablement absents de la maison 4 jours par semaine. Nous planifierons de grandes aventures dans les endroits locaux pour que vous puissiez tirer le meilleur parti de votre séjour. Nous ferons un voyage en ville une fois par semaine au cours duquel vous serez invités à accompagner et à visiter des marchés fermiers, des restaurants ou des magasins. Il y a 2 kayaks disponibles. D'innombrables excursions guidées en kayak et en bateau sont disponibles dans la communauté. Il y a plusieurs lacs à proximité pour nager et de nombreux sentiers à parcourir et à explorer. Il y a une excellente pêche directement depuis le quai et un court trajet en bateau pour accéder au célèbre sentier Skookumchuck. À proximité se trouvent un centre d'aventure, un pub, un centre de villégiature et une boulangerie/café.
Read more
Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Poultry farming
Raising of other farm animals
Wild foraging
Aromatic or medicinal plants, teas
Seed saving or production
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Beer, cider, wine, or juice making
Food justice / sovereignty
Methods or systems
Biological pest control
Holistic management
Hydroponics
No-till farming
Mentoring opportunities
Woman-operated
Host type
Self-sufficiency property
0.3 Hectares | 0.6 Acres
Accommodation
2 WWOOFers
Bedroom
Children not accepted
Pets accepted
Meals
Omnivore
Vegetarian
Vegan
Length of stay
1-2 weeks
3-4 weeks
Over a month
Renee
Renee
Member since 2023
Languages spoken: English, French
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Response rate: 100% Response time: typically within 3 days
British Columbia
Sechelt is the nearest bus station.
Feedback
Laura
Laura
Switzerland • October 2026
We were absolutely amazed and so happy with our stay at this magical place — we honestly wished we could have stayed longer. Renée and Christian are incredibly kind, warm, and positive people, and we felt completely comfortable from the very first moment. Helping around the house and spending time with Ruby and Tonka & the Kitty filled our hearts with so much joy and love. Even with the rainy and cold weather, we had such a wonderful time and truly enjoyed every moment. Thank you so much, Renée, for taking us on the private boat trip, showing us around, and welcoming us into your little family for the week. We are incredibly grateful for this special experience and would love to come back anytime! Thank you for making our stay so memorable. ❤️
Read more
Marieluise
Marieluise
Germany • June 2026
Unfortunately, we were not able to stay with this host because a wildfire was active in the area at the time of our planned arrival. However, throughout our communication, both hosts were extremely kind, welcoming, and engaged. They even took the time to arrange a video call with us beforehand to discuss the stay, expectations, and answer our questions, which we really appreciated. We are genuinely disappointed that we did not get the chance to meet them in person. Based on our experience with the communication and organization through the platform, I would definitely recommend this host to other Woofers. They were always friendly, responsive, and helpful.
Read more
Renee
Reply from Renee
Hey, Thank you so much for your lovely words. We certainly regret not having you. Until we meet again... or for the first time :)
Alen
Alen
Canada • May 2026
What An Incredible Experience. My stay was unforgettable. Between the serenity of the location, the awe-inspiring presence of nature, and the kindness, generosity, and genuine hospitality of Renee & Christian, I didn't want to leave. Not to forget the three gems that are Pearl, Ruby, & Tonka. Such loving and darling pets. The accommodations at the Chalet Cottage were so awesome; with the view, the privacy, the space, the amenities, and the occasional visit for cuddles from either Pearl or Ruby. Christian & Renee always made sure I was comfortable, stocked up, and well taken care of. They provided me with wonderful knowledge, experiences, and opportunities that I would have never had before. I am eternally grateful to the both of them, for everything. Nothing ever felt like work being there, it was a joy to help them bring their dream to fruition. Fun was everywhere; From hiking a mountainous forest with endless flora at the backdoor, to kayaking the everchanging Inlet and finding sea-life at every corner, to some archery or mushroom foraging, to merely just catching sight of all the amazing wildlife from sea to sky; there was never a dull moment or a lack of activities or conversation. I will miss it all, and all of them, dearly.
Read more
Quentin
Quentin
France • October 2025
Super expérience de woofing chez Renée et Christian ! J’ai eu la chance de partager ce séjour avec un autre woofer, et nous avons été accueillis dans un endroit magnifique, en pleine forêt. Nous logions dans une cabine très bien aménagée, confortable et équipée de tout le nécessaire. Pendant notre séjour, nos missions consistaient à couper du bois pour l’hiver, faire un peu de peinture, et l’aménagement d’un futur jardin pour leurs légumes. Le rythme de travail était vraiment tranquille : 3 à 4 heures par jour, ce qui laissait beaucoup de temps libre pour profiter des alentours. Renée et Christian ont deux chiens et un chat, tous très attachants. Un vrai plus pour moi : ils parlent anglais et français, et ont fait l’effort de pratiquer le français avec moi, merci encore pour ça ! Ils nous ont appris à reconnaître et cueillir des champignons sauvages, une super découverte. Pendant nos jours de repos, nous avons pu explorer les environs : balades dans la nature, visite du musée d’histoire d’Egmont, sorties en kayak, pêche, et une croisière sur la Sunshine Coast avec le capitaine Christian ! Si vous cherchez une belle aventure loin de la ville, dans un cadre naturel exceptionnel, pour apprendre, aider et partager de bons moments autour d’un repas avec Renée et Christian, alors vous êtes à la bonne adresse. Merci encore à vous deux pour cette belle expérience !
Read more
Mathilde
Mathilde
France • August 2023
I spend the first two weeks of July 2023 at Renee's place and had a great time there. The special location makes it unique and I wish I could upload some photos along my text! My main tasks were to take care of her dog, cat, feed the chicken and ducks as well as to clean their pen and pools, pump some water manually for the water system, clean/organise the tool shed, plant/water some plants in the greenhouse.. My journey there was a bit bumpy because she could not have settle in her main house as she wanted and her water system had run out for a bit because of dry weather so that we had to figure it out, which included being very cautious on water... That being said, Renee will always make sure that you have a nice time at her place: I got to meet one of her amazing friend who welcomed me (and Renee's dog) at his own property for half of my stay so that I could be as active and helpful as I wanted :) If you are kind, adventurous or in need for some peaceful stay and independent (because the lodge is on the other side of the sea where there is nothing else than the property), willing to learn on how to operate a self-sufficient lodge in the making, this is the perfect spot for you! Thank you again Renee!
Read more
Jade
Jade
Canada • August 2023
I had such an amazing experience at this home stead. I will miss all the beautiful animals and scenery. It was incredible to learn how to be self sufficient and I am inspired to create my dream home in Canada one day. Renee was more like a friend and I am excited to visit again soon. Thank you!