We are quite willing to answer any questions whatsoever about WWOOFing in Canada, so feel free to ask whatever may come up for you. However, before you email us with your questions, why not see if somebody else has asked your question before you.

Visit the Volunteer Questions Section

Visit the Host Questions Section

 

Volunteer Questions

Do I have to be a foreigner to WWOOF in Canada?

No, anyone can go WWOOFing in Canada, including Canadians!  In fact, approximately 1/3 of WWOOFers wwoofing in Canada are Canadians.

Do I need experience to be able to be at a farm?
No, yet you do need to bring a willingness to learn, laugh and try your best. The hosts will guide you to appropriate helping experiences.

How much in advance must I contact a Host in order to arrange a WWOOF-stay.
We recommend you plan your WWOOF travels as much in advance as possible.  Many Hosts prefer to book months, at least weeks in advance.  When you book early it is very important to keep in regular contact with your Host(s) to ensure there have been no change in plans, for either you or them, and to continue to confirm your expected arrival date.  

Hosts make significant plans for your arrival (preparing accomodations, buying extra food, planning trips to town to pick you up), and often turn other WWOOFers away, because they have confirmed bookings.  Therefore it is very important that you are committed to the arrangments you make.  If some unforseen circumstance arises where you cannot meet your committment please contact the host with as much notice as possible.

Some hosts are able and willing to take WWOOFers on short notice so don't be afraid to inquire at last minute.

How do I contact the host?
Use the "Contact" page of the Host Profile or either the email or telephone number listed in their Profile. If contacting by email, put "WWOOF" in the subject line and then start by writing your name and ID /membership number. Ask the host if they can use your help and indicate when you would like to come.

How do I purchase a printed listing of Hosts?

Please make your first choice to view the Host Listings online and save the trees!

If you really also want a book, know that the printed booklet contains full contact information of each Host, and only the first portion of each write-up, NOT the whole write-up. To view the farm write-ups in full, you must log into this website.

If you find that the online listings aren't convenient for you, and you decide you need a printed copy of the listings, please Click here to order a booklet.

How long will my booklet take to arrive if I choose to order a booklet?
If you apply via Paypal, you will receive your booklet within one week. If you apply via post, you will receive your booklet within two weeks. We pride ourselves in getting the book to you as fast as possible!!

Where to find a printed booklet in Canada?

The Host Listings in booklet format will no longer be available at our distributors.

Online access is ALWAYS more current than the booklet.

The booklets can only be mailed out from our office, NOT available at distributors, so please click here to order a booklet.

But you still have access ANYTIME ANYWHERE to all the Host Listings online.

Please give us your feedback.

How do I apply?
Click here to join as a WWOOFer.

How much do I have to pay?
The cost to become a WWOOFer is $50 for a single account or $62 for a joint membership (a couple, two friends, or a family (parents and child(ren) WWOOFing together). If you would like to order a booklet in the mail, there is an additional $20 cost.

What benefits do I get from being a member?
Once you become a member you will gain access to the online listings for instant and easy access to all the Hosts. You may choose to receive a green 56 page booklet that contains the contact details and partial descriptions for over 900 farms in Canada. The booklet is (almost) ALWAYS up-to-date!! We work hard to make sure it is accurate, however accessing the online listings is the only way to receive complete up-to-date listings and a look at the full Host profile including pictures and map locations.

You also will have access to the on-line FORUM where you can interact with other WWOOF members; look for travelling companions, share experiences, and more.

The coordinators of WWOOF are available to help you via phone (250-999-7131) but preferably by email. We are continually developing the website and other resources to provide you with Tips and one-on-one assistance where needed, to help you get the best out of your WWOOF experience. We encourage your feedback and input to help the WWOOF program retain its integrity and spirit.

Why does it cost double for a joint account?
It doesn't - only $12 more than a single. Besides a "couple", 2 friends, or a family also meet the requirements for a joint membership of $62. We need to charge you the additional $12, to cover our admin costs. The only stipulation for a Joint membership is that you must be WWOOFing together at the same time at the same Host(s).

Why don’t you send the information electronically
Now we do! Please enjoy this new system.

How long is my membership valid for?
Membership is valid for two years from the date of subscription. So if you joined on the 1st December 2011, your membership would expire on the 30th November 2013.

How can I pay for my WWOOF membership? 
When you subscribe a new membership you will be provided with the following options for paying for your membership.  Login to your account and you will be prompted to subscribe your membership, or choose "Renew my membership" found under your user menu (must be logged in) on the right.  Full details are provided during checkout of your order: 

1.           You can pay by PayPal or Credit Card by logging in to your WWOOFer account.

2.           Or you can purchase a Money Transfer from a Western Union or MoneyGram office. Find a location near you by visiting their websites ->http://www.westernunion.com  and/or https://www.moneygram.com/ 

3.           Or you can email us a Money Transfer from your on-line Bank account, if your on-line banking has this feature. 

4.           Or you can call us at 250.999.7131 to pay by Visa or MasterCard.

In all the above cases we can activate your account immediately after verifying the transfers/payments.

5.           Pay by cheque, money order or cash

Please make cheques or money order payable to "WWOOF Canada" and write your Name and your User ID #1 on the cheque or money order, or on a piece of paper to include with your cash. 

Once we have received your payment, we will activate your account and you will receive an e-mail with further directions.

Is it safe to send cash in the post?

It depends how confident you are in your postal service. A lot of members sign up by sending cash in the post. We have never had a case of missing cash. Generally it is safe! (or from Canada & USA – we can accept cheques) However, you may wish to send us your payment by registered post if you send cash, to be extra safe.

I leave for Canada in a week’s time, is there anyway I can get my booklet quicker?
No. But you do have access to all the listings on this site, as well as to any updates and additions. Do you really need a paper booklet?

I want to start WWOOFing right away – how can I get the book ASAP?
You don't need the booklet anymore, so there's no need to wait! Join now and browse all the farm listings online.

Do I get paid for what I do?

No! and YES! You are volunteering and in return for your help, you will receive food and accommodation and a wonderful interesting experience! (That’s the YES part!) Any member who joins WWOOF will not be receiving any salary or daily allowances for their services at their host establishment. Receiving payment for work done on a volunteer exchange jeopardizes the host and the entire WWOOF program as stringent laws must be followed when hiring an “employee”. Do not pressure Hosts for payment. If you wish payment then you must find a job.

What is the number of hours I need to work for a WWOOF exchange?
WWOOFing is also a cultural exchange, besides being a helping exchange. You help 4-6 hours a day, 5 - 5 1/2 days per week (or 20 - 33 hrs per week) and receive accommodations, meals and a very interesting experience working and living with your Host family.

Do you have to be of a certain age?
WWOOF Canada does accept WWOOFers aged 16 and above who are permitted to go WWOOFing alone.  But if you are not legally an adult (aged 18 or 19) in the Canadian Province(s) you intend to visit, you must declare your age to your Host and it will be up to them if they are willing to take on the responsibility of someone who is not yet considered an adult in Canada.  It is best to have a letter from your parents advising that they have given their approval for you to travel and will support you as necessary. There is no upper age limit for WWOOFing in Canada, so you could do it if you were 100 if you are up to the phyisical demands required. The average age is 20-30. Many are in their 40’s. And 65% of the participants are women.

Do I need a Working / Visitors VISA?
No, No! YOU DO NOT NEED A WORKING VISA. You are volunteering, not working! You could be volunteering over many months at many different WWOOF hosts. But as long as you volunteer no longer than 4 weeks at each WWOOF Host, you do not need a Work Visa. See the Requirements to enter Canada link under: Useful Information. However, depending on your nationality you may require a visitor’s visa which will allow you to stay in Canada for up to six months. If you are unsure check the Canadian Immigration Website for more details.

How do I obtain a "Letter of Invitation" for my visa application?
Some visitors to Canada may require a "Letter of Invitation". WWOOFers (volunteers) with this requirement would have to ask a prospective WWOOF Host(s) if they are willing to provide this letter on their behalf. WWOOF Hosts are not obligated to do so, and must make their decision based on the interview they conduct with you, the inquiring volunteer. The "Letter of Invitation" requirements can be found via this link on the Citizenship & Immigration website "Letter of Invitation for countries whose citizens require a temporary resident visa to enter Canada"

Is it important for me to speak English or French?

English is spoken by the majority of Canadians while French is the mother tongue of about 23% of the Canadian population. While most native French speakers in Canada live in Quebec, where it is the majority and sole official language, about one million native francophones live in other provinces, forming sizeable minorities in Manitoba, New Brunswick which is officially a bilingual province and Ontario and significantly smaller communities in Alberta, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan. Canadians in Quebec primarily speak French and appreciate the effort by their visitors, but they usually understand English. Before you arrive it would be a good idea to have a few basic lessons in conversational English, or conversational French if you are WWOOFing in Quebec or other French Canadian communities. A basic simple understanding of your Host's language is important and vital.

How long may I stay on each farm?
The length of time that you may stay on each farm varies, some invite you to stay a minimum of 2 weeks, whereas others do not specify a time period at all. Discuss it with your host. Many go for 1-3 weeks then move on to another farm, thus gaining an interesting variety of experiences. Some stay much longer – because they like it there!!

Can I use my membership to WWOOF in other countries?
No. WWOOF membership is not transferable and each WWOOF organization is separate and independent from one another.  This provides the "expert" in each organization who is familiar with their own country and can better help their WWOOF members.

VERY IMPORTANT! What if your plans change? That’s no problem and we understand that when you are travelling, your plans do change. All we ask is that if you make arrangements with a farm host and if they change for any reason, please be courteous and let them know with as much advance notice as possible.

This is one of the most frequent complaints we receive from hosts – that WWOOFers do not tell them if they change their plans. PLEASE let them know !! Hosts make arrangements to buy extra food and could travel great distances to pick you up, all at extra time and expense. Also, they likely have turned other WWOOFers away to make room for you, and are depending on the extra help.

WWOOF is not just volunteering it is an exchange - your help in exchange for food, accommodation and a place with the WWOOF family - and much more in terms of sharing knowledge and friendship. WWOOF is not a contract but when a Host agrees to take a WWOOFer they trust that there will be some level of commitment in return. Just as you expect to have a place when you arrive at a WWOOF Hosts. Please consider how you would feel if a host had committed to you and shortly before you are set to arrive, they cancel. How much notice would you wish to receive?

What about travel and health insurance?
WWOOF Canada is not responsible for any loss, injury or damage to yourself or that you cause. You are responsible for your own Travel and Health insurance. Some farms may ask you to sign an additional waiver when you arrive.

WWOOF Canada highly recommends that WWOOFers carry Travel Insurance while travelling.  Recommended by Lonely Planet, World Nomads provides travel insurance to people from over 150 countries and is designed for adventurous travellers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities.  For more information please click here -> Travel Insurance - Don't travel without it!

What about Safety?
WWOOF has been in Canada for over 27 years. Many of our 900+ hosts have been members for many, many years. 28% are new hosts (and are identified with the NEW Icon on both the host preview & profile). 14% for 1 year. 34% for 2-5 years. 13% for 6-10 years. 8% from 11-27 years.

WWOOF is a self-moderating community. That means that all members contribute to the community's safety by reporting problems and concerns. If warranted, Hosts are removed from the program immediately for proven cases of breach of safety or security, and after 3 complaints for verified concerns of poor conditions, over-work, etc.

WWOOFers are provided a “WWOOFers Guidebook” when they become a member. Besides other Tips the following information is included:

WWOOF does not know personally and does not have the resources to visit all the hosts in our listings - we only give you the means to make the initial contact. Make sure you travel safely.

When arranging to visit a WWOOF host, take all the precautions you would take when visiting someone you do not know.

If you are travelling alone, here's some helpful advice:

• Keep in touch with family or friends so someone knows where you will be and what dates you expect to be there.

• Make sure you can leave a farm easily if things don't work out.

• Prepare your mind, your attitudes and knowledge about yourself and the cultures to which you are going. Know your own level of awareness, your ability to assess situations and take appropriate action at the right time.

• There are a large number of web sites to which you can go for essential hints. Put 'travelling alone' in Google!

• In choosing a WWOOF farm, read the listings carefully. You will see in the additional information provided about each host that they state whether they are a family, community or single person; and whether they are in an isolated location or near other houses. These are points you need to consider if you are travelling alone.

• When you are negotiating your visit with the host, feel free to ask about accommodation. Obviously, it's a little over the top to ask: 'Is there a bolt on the door?' But ask if you'll be in your own room or in a dormitory space. If the accommodation is a caravan, will it be shared?

• Trust your intuition! If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, do not stay in that situation. Make sensible, calm (but firm) plans to leave as soon as you can.

The positive experience of travelling alone will usually far outweigh any problems but, obviously, we want to know of any negative situations so we can take action.

What should I bring with me?
This is a good question to ask your host(s). Some things that may be needed could include: clothes & sturdy shoes or boots that you don't mind getting dirty, and consider clothes for all weather from cool to hot, work gloves, ear and eye protection in case you are working with tools or machinery.

Can I go wwoofing with my children?
Yes, wwoofing as a family has become quite popular in the last few years. Ideally find a family with children. You may need to make compromises by helping with childcare, supporting the hosts' meal budget, etc. So . yes

Host Questions

How do I become a host?
Click here to join as a Host.

What are my responsibilities as a host?
To provide good wholesome (organic) meals and clean accommodations and an enjoyable atmosphere for the volunteer to help you with the tasks that need doing. Integrate your volunteer in all that you and your family do!

What benefits do I get from being a member?
Once you become a member your Host Profile is instantly available online for easy access by all WWOOFers (volunteers).

You also will have access to the on-line FORUM where you can interact with other WWOOF members; look for WWOOFers requesting WWOOF-stays, place a posting yourself advertising for volunteer help, share experiences and seek advice from other Hosts, and more.

The coordinators of WWOOF are available to help you via phone or email. We are continually developing the website and other resources to provide you with Tips and one-on-one assistance where needed, to help you get the best out of your WWOOF experience. We encourage your feedback and input to help the WWOOF program retain its integrity and spirit.

How do I check if somebody is a member?
You login to your online account on this site and do a search for your WWOOFer. The instructions are seen in the next paragraphs. If you are having difficulty you can call or email us to verify your WWOOFer for you. Click here for our contact information.

Using the "Search Content, or Lookup WWOOFers & Hosts:" box you can search for your WWOOFer's name or their User ID#. The search results will show 3 tabs: 1) Location, 2) Content and 3) Users. To view the WWOOFers profile, click on the Users tab, then click on the WWOOFers name if seen in the list.  This will open up their profile for viewing.

If their name is not seen in the list try searching with a different criteria. (e.g. try last name only) Tip: The easiest search criteria is their User ID#. Please ask your WWOOFers for this number.

Once you find the WWOOFer's profile you must verify that they have an up-to-date subscription that has not expired. Click on their name in the Search Results list to open their profile. Look at the bottom of the profile for subscription information.

Am I obligated to provide a "Letter of Invitation" for foreign visitors?
Some visitors to Canada may require a "Letter of Invitation". WARNING: This letter requires sharing of personal information. We highly caution you in providing this information. WWOOFers (volunteers) with this requirement would have to ask a prospective WWOOF Host(s) if they are willing to provide this letter on their behalf. WWOOF Hosts are not obligated to do so, and must make their decision based on the interview they conduct with the inquiring volunteer. The "Letter of Invitation" requirements can be found via this link on the Citizenship & Immigration website "Letter of Invitation for countries whose citizens require a temporary resident visa to enter Canada"

What Insurance coverage is recommended?

WWOOFers sign an agreement to say that they will take out adequate insurance cover for health, accident, travel and liability. WWOOF has no way of ensuring that this commitment is fulfilled.

-- If you have concerns about insurance, make it clear to WWOOFers that you will only accept them if they have adequate insurance. Ask to see proof of this insurance when they arrive. If they have no insurance, they can get proper cover in less than 24 hours. Refer them to this page on the WWOOF website for full details on Travel Insurance

-- Alternatively, take out an insurance policy yourself that covers volunteers helping on your property. You may find that your existing insurance is already enough. Talk to your insurer. If you are a commercial operation talk to your local branch of the Workman’s Compensation Board (or WorkSafe).

Even if you or the WWOOFer has adequate insurance, use common sense in what you ask a WWOOFer to do: