Riverfront Farm and Gardens

Pleasant host in her late 60's is easygoing with interest in people.
Two acres of land: farm and garden and lawn. I need help with tasks that require two or more people. Some - but not a lot - heavy lifting of rock, dirt/soil, branches pruned off trees. Garden carts can be heavily loaded and be heavy to move. Most tasks are outdoors.
On hot days, we may work indoors part of the day, or outdoor tasks are completed in the morning or later afternoon after sun intensity is gone. Daylight lasts from 5 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. in June - August.

My house and property are pleasant, comfortable, spacious and very safe. Volunteers have own bedroom and bathroom and use of kitchen and everywhere else except others' private rooms. Cook and work and socialize together. Plan ahead for the duration of stay to maximize use of time exploring outdoors - all the island offers.

Ample parking if you have a car, motorbike, trailer, camper or motorhome. Secure bike storage for bikes and gear.

REMOTE LOCATION: SIGHTS/SCENES: Bear in mind that some scenes/places are far away from my home. Visiting nearer places - day travel - is the best option.

CLOTHING: You will require comfortable clothes, sturdy and washable, with sturdy, firm soled, footwear appropriate for outdoors and working in garden. Also good socks [wool is recommended] in dark colour for same reason. Long sleeves are important as sleeves provide protection from sun and also cold.

THRIFT STORE OPTION: There are thrift stores here where you can buy clothes very cheaply, to use here and then discard. People have been buying clothes at the thrift stores for farm work, to save wear of their nice clothes, but shoes are not as easily resolved this way. Shoes may be considered too personal to buy used and getting a good fit and appropriate style is not guaranteed (unlikely).

WEATHER: Temperatures have been off season with colder evenings beginning in July although we had a very hot summer with temperatures up to 40 C degrees in summer.

Bear in mind that this is a temperate rainforest with periods of consistent daily rain and often the rain is accompanied by gusting winds. Starting in September and ongoing through March/April, expect to experience heavy rain and wind, making hiking terrain muddy and even dangerous at times, depending on the slope and trail condition.

GETTING HERE AND TRAVEL ARRIVAL PLANNING
1. Would you fly into Vancouver, BC or into Nanaimo? Where would you need to be picked up from?

2. Renting a bike is not possible here.

If you have a vehicle or need directions, tell me what you need. There are buses that come to Port Alberni from Victoria and Nanaimo, connecting with several ferries. There is a private ferry for foot passengers from Vancouver harbour to Nanaimo that is very efficient although a little more costly than BC Ferries.

It is a long drive to Nanaimo and I have done it often - so prefer to save on cost of gas, to use when we need it of want it for other reasons like trips. BUT I can drive to pick you up if there is no bus that meets your schedule. There are only two Island Link buses - a.m. and p.m.

VEHICLE RENTAL: Hold off on vehicle rental - is my suggestion. Get here and see what you want to do and how you feel about driving and the need to drive. You might rent vehicle and not use it or rent for wrong days/bad weather....

AIR TRAVEL -

FLOAT PLANES & regular planes and helicopters do fly to Nanaimo and to Port Alberni. Sometimes there are great cheap fares.

FERRIES -

Private Passenger Ferry (HELO?) - There is the new passenger ferry between Vancouver and Nanaimo that is quite pleasant and cost effective and time-saving. Difficulty is getting to Departure Bay Terminal and being on time to meet the Island Link Bus (twice daily).

BC Ferry Travel: Go online to book our of West Vancouver/Horseshoe Bay Terminal to Departure Bay Terminal (the 2nd ferry terminal in Nanaimo) as it is closer to Port Alberni and is the only terminal where the Island Link Bus will pick up to bring you here.

PICK-UP IN NANAIMO -

DEPARTURE BAY OR DUKE POINT. It is possible but it is a long drive and I cannot drive long distance or twisty roads post-wrist surgery (Sept. 3) for a few weeks. I cannot drive the Nanaimo-Port Alberni route at dusk or in the dark. Or in hard rain.

BUS INFORMATION (Departure Bay Terminal, Nanaimo)

RE: booking Island Link bus: You must create an account at https://www.islandlinkbus.com and make a reservation, costing $45.00 as the ticket price for the journey. Make the reservation NOW because summer is a busy bus travel season.

There are two options: morning and evening (only two buses and not daily) - SEE BELOW and online.

https://www.islandlinkbus.com/booking/schedule-options

#1 - 10:40 a.m. Bus Connection in passenger pickup area of the Departure Bay, Nanaimo - PICKUP: 10:40 AM
Nanaimo, Departure Bay Ferry Terminal
Passenger exit; connects from 8:35am HSB ferry DROPOFF: 11:55 AM
Port Alberni:
3800 Block Maple Way, opposite Casino

#2 - 6:10 p.m. Bus Connection in passenger pickup area of the Departure Bay Terminal, Nanaimo - PICKUP: 6:10 PM
Nanaimo, Departure Bay Ferry Terminal
Passenger exit, connects from 4:00pm HSB ferry DROPOFF: 7:25 PM
Port Alberni:
3800 Block Maple Way, opposite Casino

ACTIVITIES
We could do some trips together depending on weather. What goals do you have for your time here - local tourist sights to see and things to experience?
The amount of information about Vancouver Island’s “must see” and “must do” activities and scenes is overwhelming and most of the information is not specific about distance or difficulty to access via gravel roads and trails. When checking out activities and scenes, please pay attention to location and distance. Example: The cities of Port McNeil and Yellowknife are too far for daytrips.

RECOMMENDED SIGHTS, SCENES, TRAILS, ACTIVITIES AND FOOD

• HORNE LAKE CAVES [closed due to fire] – open 8 to 5 daily, Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park, Nanaimo, BC V0R, Canada
#1 most popular place/attraction in Qualicum Beach [Current: Traveler’s Choice Award - 2025]
Explore the hidden Gem of Vancouver Island, now open with limited daily tour departures, smaller group sizes and new health and safety protocols. Winner of BC’s Remarkable Experience Award and ranked #1 of 22 Things To Do IN Vancouver Island. Explore this park in 3D - above by hiking through the beautiful rainforest Fossil Trail or venturing underground on a guided tour. Start your journey with a short hike through the forest to reach the cave entrance. Here you’ll begin a fascinating subterranean experience. As you step away from the emerald forest and deeper into the cave, a new world of crystal formations, marbled passages and ancient fossils are revealed.

Navigate ramps, ladders and slides to meander through the caverns. Feel the cool air. Listen to the sound of your guide’s voice, the steady drip of water or the rumbling of an unexpected waterfall. Turn off your headlamp to heighten your senses and absorb the power of complete darkness on this fun and educational adventure!

Duration: 2-3 hours

Riverbend Cave Explorer Tour ($59) - Illuminate the shimmering crystals of Riverbend Cave on this small-group adventure. For those who want to explore a cave without crawling or vertical climbing, this tour offers the opportunity to view fossils and swooping rock formations while learning about the geological history of the area. Make memories with your family on this caving adventure.

• PORT ALBERNI TRAILS – See “All Trails” – we have many waterfalls, creeks, rivers, mountains, lakes associated with ill-marked local trails. Local trails are not well maintained so there is some adventure involved but local people of all ages and fitness levels do these trails and so far, none have died of over-exertion or risk.

TOFINO – PACIFIC RIM HWY.
• Popular Hiking Trails in and near Tofino SEE Hiking Trails | Tofino Trails- TofinoHiking.com

Rainforest Trail: Images below. 2 km and 731 stairs. Located in Pacific Rim National Park, this trail features two loops (A and B) that guide you through ancient rainforest with towering trees and lush undergrowth. The elevated boardwalk makes it accessible and provides interpretive signage along the way.

Tonquin Beach Trail: 3 km – 91 stairs - This coastal route is within walking distance of Tofino and offers beautiful views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes. The trail is mostly gravel with some staircases leading to beaches, making it a great option for families.

Schooner Cove Trail: 2 km and 336 stairs. The Schooner Cove Trail is a popular two-kilometer hike in Vancouver Island's Pacific Rim National Park. As a short and relatively easy trail, this scenic hike leads you through lush rainforests and over gentle meandering streams before arriving at a spectacular beachfront area.
To begin your hike, walk to the far corner of the parking lot, where you'll see the start of the trail as it crosses a gravel road and enters the forest. The trail continues briefly on a gravel path before reaching a set of wooden stairs, which quickly descend into the forest. Here, the forest floor is thickly covered with green moss, and the trail continues on a series of stairs and boardwalks before dropping into the first small valley and bridge, which crosses one of several little creeks. From here, climb the wooden stairs and continue along the boardwalk. After a few steps, the trail descends into another set of steps and into a small valley before continuing up a third set of steps, which will guide you through the valley.

As you wind through Schooner Cove's verdant rainforest trail, the rolling sounds of the ocean are hard to miss. Continue following the path, and you'll eventually catch a glimpse of the water. Keep on the trail, and a short distance away is a set of steep wooden steps that descend onto a flat boardwalk section, which leads out onto the beach.
This beautiful and pristine beach offers amazing views of a rocky outcrop, which can be accessed at low tides. However, it's important to be extremely careful as tides can change quickly in the area - making it easy to become trapped by a single rising tide.

Lighthouse Loop: [in Uclulet] A short hike that leads to a picturesque lighthouse, perfect for a quick outing with stunning coastal views. Longer hike provides views of high waves crashing on rocks, frequent whale sightings, on a manicured trail. Full Trail is about 10 km.

Cox Bay Mountain: This hike provides a unique experience with views of both mountains and beaches. It’s a bit more challenging but rewards hikers with breathtaking scenery.

Shorepine Bog Trail: Less than 1 km and flat. A flat boardwalk trail that takes you through a unique bog ecosystem, showcasing diverse plant life and the fascinating Shore Pine trees.

Canso Bomber Ruins: 5 km with elevation of 35 metres. This unmarked trail leads to the remnants of a Canso bomber crash site, offering a mix of history and nature.

Hot Springs Cove above Flores Island, so water taxi and tour guide service is required.

Radar Hill Trail – Less than 1 km, 15 metre climb.

 “Trees” Trail is in Ucluelet near Lighthouse Loop Trail. There are three “Big Tree” trails –two require water taxis. One is on this island in Ucluelet.

Sights, Experiences, Scenes & Trails

• LONG BEACH, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve – Long Beach, 2040 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, British Columbia Canada - TofinoHiking.com

#3 most popular place/attraction on the Island and in BC
Long Beach, nestled between the ocean villages of Ucluelet and Tofino, presents a breathtaking expanse of misty coastline. This expansive beach invites you to surf, stroll, or simply unwind under the vast sky. As you explore, be sure to secure a parking permit, as it can be tricky to find a spot. Arriving early reveals enchanting sea mist that dances across the shore, enhancing the beach's serene atmosphere. With powerful waves crashing against the rugged coastline, Long Beach offers a perfect escape from the daily grind, inviting you to immerse yourself in its natural beauty and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

• HOT SPRINGS COVE – 1.5 hours north of Tofino (by boat) - TofinoHiking.com

• TOFINO BOTANICAL GARDENS, 1084 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, British Columbia V0R 2Z0 Canada

Tofino Botanical Gardens offers a captivating fusion of garden and forest, inviting you to stroll along its well-maintained paths. As you explore, you'll encounter a variety of sculptures, including totem poles and wood carvings in progress. The gardens are home to playful goats and chickens, enhancing the whimsical atmosphere. While smaller than anticipated, the space showcases unique plantings, exhibits related to the local Japanese fishing community, and a touching tsunami memorial. Take a moment to relax at the onsite tea shop or cafe, enjoying breathtaking views of the British Columbia coastline and temperate rainforest. Each corner reveals something new, making it a delightful experience for nature and art enthusiasts alike. [2 – 3 HOURS]

• RAINFOREST TRAIL, along the Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, British Columbia - TofinoHiking.com

• RADAR HILL TRAIL, Tofino, BC – TofinoHiking.com

• BIG TREE TRAIL, MEARES ISLAND, off the shores of Tofino (north by boat) with hikes such as the “Big Tree Trail” hike. 3.5 km and 106 stairs.
Located on Meares Island, the Big Tree Trail has some of the largest trees in British Columbia. The old-growth forest consists of spruce, hemlock, and western cedar trees that are more than 1,000 years old, with the largest tree known as the Hanging Garden.

MEARES ISLAND - Requires a water taxi (45 return) out of Tofino (95 minute drive on a good day) and parking ($15) in Tofino, and very good fitting waterproof boots or hiking boots for muddy terrain (even in times of summer drought) on deep forest paths. Flat hike. Scrambling over, under, through, and around huge 1000 year old trees and fallen trees. I love Meares Island and have done the full 2.5 hour hike but prefer to allow 3-hours to accommodate a contemplative pace. Any amount of rain will turn the trails into patches of sticky, slippery, boot-sucking, 6" deep mud. The mud can be challenging and requires caution and good balance. I have hiking poles. There is a shorter hike on unique split-plank boardwalk (no mud)

The trail is accessible only by a 10-minute water taxi ride from Tofino and visitors should take a cell phone to call for pickup to get a ride back. There are two options for this hike. The first option, you can explore the big trees along the wooden boardwalks, which ends at the Hanging Garden, and then return via the same boardwalks for a trip total of 2.4km taking about 1 - 1.5 hours. The second option is you can continue on a loop trail for an additional 3km (4.2km total) that follows a dirt path through the forest, passing a beach, then returning to the boardwalks close to where you were dropped off, taking a total of 2.5 hours. We describe, and recommend, the loop route below but it should be noted to bring proper footwear as the trail can often be muddy.
After being dropped off on the rocks, climb up onto the log and follow the wooden boardwalks into the forest. For the first 1.2km, you will stay on the boardwalks and pass several large trees as you carefully make your way up and down the slippery wooden steps. Plans were made to log the area in the mid-80's but the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations fought the logging plans and the courts ruled that no logging would take place on Meares Island, saving the many trees that are more than 1,000 years-old.
At the end of the boardwalks stands the Hanging Garden, the largest Western Red Cedar tree. While it looks dead, the tree is still alive and was given its name because of all the other trees and plants that are growing from it. It is about 18 meters wide and estimated to be 2,000 years old, making it one of the oldest trees in the world. The wooden boardwalks wrap around the tree, offering views from all angles of this giant.
The Hanging Garden marks the end of the boardwalks and some people choose to return via the same route. To continue on the loop, a dirt trail heads off into the forest from the otherside of the Hanging Garden. Follow this trail as you continue to pass large trees. While this trail is not marked, it is relatively easy to follow and should you come to a junction with another trail, the rule-of-thumb is to go right so you keep moving in a clockwise loop.

UCLUELET, BC
• LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL, already mentioned above.

FOOD – UCLUELET/TOFINO
• Ravenlady Oyster Forte, 1801 Bay Street, Ucluelet, British Columbia V0R 3A0 Canada
#5 most popular restaurant on the Island
As you approach Ravenlady Oyster Forte, a charming food truck nestled in town, prepare to indulge in some of the finest oysters and fish tacos. The homemade corn tortillas are a delightful touch, though they may require a bit of care to enjoy fully. With a 5-star rating, this spot promises a casual dining experience, especially on pleasant days. The charismatic owner adds to the atmosphere, creating a whimsical carnival vibe complete with outdoor seating and artistic sculptures. The menu offers exceptional value, ensuring you savor every bite of the outstanding fish and chips. This culinary gem is perfect for a laid-back meal while soaking in the local flavor.

• Uke Poke, 2201 Pacific Rim Highway, Ucluelet, British Columbia V0R 3A0 Canada [near “Y” intersection)
#1 most popular restaurant on the Island

TRUE CONFESSION - I TRIED IT TWICE AND am disappointed. Not my thing.
THE TOURIST REVIEWS DESCIBE IT THUS: - At Ukee Poke, you'll experience a delightful blend of fresh ingredients and customizable bowls tailored to your taste. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are eager to assist you in navigating the menu, ensuring that everyone, including vegetarians and those seeking dairy-free options, finds something to love. Generous portions of high-quality food make it a great choice for families. As you enjoy your meal, take a moment to appreciate the local art available for sale, adding a unique touch to your dining experience. With fast service and a diverse selection of condiments, Ukee Poke promises a satisfying and enjoyable stop during your Vancouver Island adventure.

CAMPBELL RIVER, BC
• ELK FALLS PROVINCIAL PARK, Central Vancouver Island on Hwy 28, Campbell River, British Columbia Canada
#2 most popular place/attraction on the Island and in BC
Elk Falls Provincial Park offers a serene escape with its stunning waterfalls and well-maintained hiking trails. A short walk from the parking area leads you to the impressive Elk Falls, where the sound of rushing water fills the air. The park features a suspension bridge, providing unique vantage points to admire the falls from different angles. With various trails to explore, you can choose an easy route or venture further into the lush surroundings. The park tends to be less crowded in the late afternoon, allowing for a peaceful experience. Whether you're enjoying a family outing or seeking tranquility in nature, Elk Falls Provincial Park is a captivating destination on Vancouver Island.
easier to access. Swimming at Sproat Lake or in the Somass River, using my neighbour's access to the river. The community uses this access to swim in the river on hot days.

On advance notice, assuming you arrive by airplane or ferry, I can help you get here from the Nanaimo ferry or airport.

Host is a retired lawyer and judge. Relocated to small town to "connect" and enrich life, and find "community" amid the wonders of Vancouver Island. Respect is the key to mutual homestay success and having a sense of adventure and commitment to the experience helps. Pleasant host in her late 60's is easygoing with interest in people. Cook and work and socialize together.