Starry Lake & Toronto

We are a family of 4- Mom - Kat, Dad James, with our 2 young adults in the house, Sage and Reed. We have a nice place to live in Toronto and we all love escaping to the Gorgerous Canadian Wilderness every chance we get. I expect that volunteering with us will be fun because you will get to join in to our family dynamics and to discover both the city and the amazing Starry Lake Dark Sky Oasis - an eco retreat we have been developing since 2020.

We are looking for someone who has lots of energy and enthusiasm for cool projects. We ourselves have far too many creative ideas so we need hands to help get things DONE... We are world travelers and nature lovers who love talking to people and exchanging ideas and stories. We all love music and theatre, and we are into healthy activities like saunas cold plunges ( if you come in winter there are plenty of COLD options LOL). Volunteering with us will be part work, part fun, and part FREE time to go explore the areas around Toronto and beyond. We love sharing the great aspects of our city and country.

All experiences

Canadian Wilderness magic and Toronto discovery

Painting & Decorating Cleaning Building & Repairing Gardening

Toronto, Canada

Reviews

5.0
(6 reviews)6

Staff & Host

5.0

Hours & Tasks

5.0

Hostel

5.0

Learning & Fun

5.0

Brazil

5

My stay with Kat was wonderful from the very first contact. I was warmly welcomed by her, her husband, and her children — all very kind and receptive. The true star of the house is Bonnie, who is sweet, well-behaved, loving, and beautiful.
Even with my basic English, communication was always easy. Kat was patient and caring, sometimes speaking Spanish or using gestures, always making sure I understood. I felt included in the family routine, introduced to the local culture, and confident with the activities. I highly recommend this experience. Thank you, Kat and family!I hope to return soon!

4 days ago

Kat replied

Thank You Laura! Having you here was so easy and enjoyable. 🥰 I am already looking forward to your return! So much to do.... so few hands! 😉 Thanks for all your help. Warm wishes for your next adventures.

New Zealand

5

AMAZING! Kat, James, Sage and Reed are an amazing family who welcomed me with open arms. I learnt so much volunteering with them and got to spend it in a beautiful part of Canada at the same time. I would definitely recommend staying here if you love the outdoors and want to have great laughs and conversations. It’s a great balance of work and experience. They are very flexible with your schedule and will have no problem helping you out if you need it. I would definitely go back :)

2 months ago

Kat replied

Phoebe!!! MANY THANKS For your awesome willingness and energy! It was so easy having you here.... and you are now literally part of the walls! 😊 Your efforts improved so many things - when I walk around - and drive in our spankin' detailed practically new car- I will be seeing your care everywhere. Have a wonderful next chapter! And who knows ... maybe our paths will cross again. Big hugs to you! Thank You!!!!!

New Zealand

5

I loved my time there. We felt so cared for and welcomed as soon as we arrived.
Kat and James are amazing people, who are open minded and I really enjoyed getting to know them.

The work we did there was fun! We Learnt lots of new skills, and was outdoors so much it didn’t even feel like work! Would definitely come again, strongly recommend this place if you love the outdoors and awesome people :)

4 months ago

Kat replied

Aww, thank you Kate! It was amazing to have your vibrant and happy energy- and I am thrilled by how much moved along all while it felt like just having fun together. Teamwork is definitely dreamwork! Hope you have a blast for the rest of your trip and continue to carry that warm happy sparkle everywhere you go. MANY THANKS for all your energy and attention to details... Please pass my warm appreciation to Phoebe too. Not sure how to find her profile! So fun to have you both! Kat

Argentina

5

If you are accepted at Starry Lake consider yourself BLESSED because it is literally heaven on earth! Kat and all her family are the warmest hosts and will make you feel at home instantly, you’ll wish they adopted you.
We worked in nature and enjoyed the gifts of this wonderful life going to their russian sauna and swiming in the lake and walking through the forest.
I cannot believe I got to experience this, I would totally come back and recommend it to anyone who is craving a complete detox and connection with themselves and others.
I am eternally grateful!!!!

4 months ago

Kat replied

Giselle!!! Gracias por Todo!!!! It is so awesome you feel blessed to be here... We have most definitely enjoyed some pretty amazing moments in these last few weeks.... Your practical help has been fabulous and your vibrant engaging curiosity, fun and openness have been fantastic... Most definitely we can float on a canoe at midnight under the milky way and a zillion stars all night .... For weeks! THANK YOU! So much to be happy about. I TRULY APPRECIATE Your Help and the Belly Laughs. Xox.

Australia

5

There aren't words to explain my gratitude to Kat and her family.
When a last-minute placement fell through, Kat welcomed me with open arms, warmth, and generosity. I quickly learned this is her entire being.
Working with Kat at their Starry Lakes property was a dream and staying with her family in Toronto was fun and just the connection I was chasing. It was rewarding working towards their goal for the property and like a dream swimming in the lake with the picturesque background.
Kat always made sure I was comfortable and engaged.
Thank you - You'll always be my second family.

6 months ago

Kat replied

RIANNA!!!❤ It is so amazing how life works... and who we meet when and why. It was a pure joy to have you land in our home and bring your incredible fun and focussed energy to help me stay on track with the many projects always spinning. So awesome that we both felt we won the lottery ! It was like a non-stop work party with you around and your signature is in the many little upgrades and refinements around Starty Lake and our home. SO AWESOME!! Thank You so much. You are a total Gem.

Perfect for you if you're looking for

Contact with nature

Rural

City & Town

Wilderness

Family

Metropolis