Peaceful Island Living in Exchange for Helping Hands 🌿🏝️

5.0

(267 reviews)267

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The experience

Staying and working with us offers a genuine experience of life on a small Gulf Island in British Columbia. Our team is a mix of locals, long-term island residents, and seasonal staff, so you’ll naturally learn about the rhythms, history, and community of Galiano Island.

Volunteers often join staff for beach walks, bonfires, local events, and farmers market visits. You’ll meet artists, gardeners, etc, while becoming part of the island flow. ✨

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What you offer

25 hours of help per week

Kitchen Hand: Help prepare, finish and serve meals.

Housekeeping: Help with changing the bed linens and general housekeeping.

Reception: Help with check-ins, check-outs and guest assistance.

Gardening: Help grow plants and cultivate gardens

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What you get

2 days off per week

Private Room: You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.

Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.

Team Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other people.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Discounts on Restaurants: Get discounts at nearby restaurants.

Discounts on Accommodation: Get discounts for your stay in other hostels.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Bikes at your disposal: You can use our bikes any time you want.

Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.

Basic Internet Access: Basic speed internet for you to work remotely

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Requirements

Fluent English or Fluent Tagalog / Filipino

Between 18 and 40 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

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What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

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Program Details

Our work-exchange program offers volunteers the chance to experience authentic island life while supporting a small, community-focused lodge and café on beautiful Galiano Island. Participants live on-site in simple, comfortable staff accommodation above the lodge and join our team in a variety of day-to-day tasks that keep the property running smoothly. 🌲

Work typically includes a combination of housekeeping, groundskeeping, light maintenance, and helping at the café with dishes, cleaning, organizing, or basic prep. Depending on your skills, there may also be opportunities to assist with events, guest support, gardening projects, or small renovations.

In exchange for your help, you’ll receive accommodation, access to our peaceful forested property, and plenty of time to explore the island’s beaches, trails, and creative community. Volunteers become part of the rhythm of the lodge — a place where people slow down, connect with nature, and enjoy meaningful work in a beautiful setting. 🌊🌤️

This program is ideal for friendly, self-motivated people who enjoy teamwork, appreciate the outdoors, and want to learn how a small independent lodge and café operate. It’s a memorable way to gain experience, meet people from around the world, and immerse yourself in a unique island culture.

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Activities & Shift

Typical Activities

-Housekeeping in cabins and lodge (making beds, tidying, cleaning)
-Café support (dishes, bussing, cleaning, organizing, basic prep)
-Groundskeeping (sweeping, raking, watering, weeding, general outdoor tidy-up)
-Light maintenance (painting, staining, simple repairs)
-Assisting with events and retreats (setup, cleanup, organizing spaces)
-Guest support (basic questions, helping with check-ins if needed)
-Occasional small projects (deep cleaning, sorting storage spaces, helping staff as needed)

Shifts

-Shifts are usually 4–5 hours per day, 5 days a week
-Start times vary depending on the day’s needs, generally between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm
-Some days may be lighter and others busier depending on events or cabin turnovers
-We schedule with as much consistency as possible so you can plan your free time
-Afternoons, evenings, and two full days off per week are free for exploring the island 🌅✨