WWOOF Canada has over 900 hosts.  Approx. 1/3 of our Hosts have been hosts between 10 and 25+ years.  Approximately 40% have been hosts between 2 and 9 years.  And roughly 25% are new hosts.  All new hosts are required to send us photo ID that matches their name and address with the information they report on their Host Profile.  You will see “ID Verified” marking those hosts.

The WWOOF organization is built on trust and is self-monitoring.  Both WWOOFers and Hosts report if other Hosts (or WWOOFers) are not what they proclaim to be.  WWOOF then investigates and determines if the host (or WWOOFer) should be removed from the program.  In WWOOF Canada’s 27 year history there has never been a proven concern of threat to anyone.  Considering that 1,000’s of WWOOF-stays occur in Canada each year, only a very few complaints are reported – last year approximately 2 per month or 24 per year.  And the majority of those reports concern not liking the food or accommodation, or working too many hours or disagreement usually due to personality clash and unknown expectations. 

No matter where or how you travel you may feel safer travelling with a companion.  If you can get a friend to go wwoofing with you, you can register together 1 wwoofer account as a "joint" account - friends travelling together. 

It is very important to interview your prospective hosts carefully so that you get a feel for the individuals and the situation, and understand the expectations.  It is up to you when you are interviewing your Hosts to ask them as many questions as you need to until you feel sure and comfortable with them.  You can always ask the host for references from other WWOOFers that have stayed with them.  Get those wwoofer's membership ID# and email address so you can verify they are wwoofers by looking them up on our website and also contact them to ask questions.  We recommend speaking with prospective hosts over the phone as well as by email - what you hear in a voice can be quite different than written communications.

 You are under no obligation to stay if you feel uncomfortable or are not happy with the situation.  In some cases, it is just a case of personality clash – and both parties agree to disagree and move on amicably. When travelling, you should always have a back-up plan in place, and enough emergency funds to help you out if necessary.

 I WWOOFed in Australia for 9 months when I was 19/20 and absolutely loved it.  If you speak to most any WWOOFer you will hear – Go for it!  It is the most incredible experience ever.  You will be immersed in local culture, gain lifelong new friends, see incredible sites, and have boundless opportunities to learn about organic growing and sustainable living from the most interesting people ever.  Of course, not every situation is for everybody, and it is entirely what you choose to make of it – both good & not so good experiences – they are all a learning experience – if we open ourselves up for the opportunity.  What may not be so good for you is incredible for someone else, and vice versa.

 I hope you decide to give it a go –whether in Canada or in one of the other 100+ WWOOF organizations around the World – opportunity and experience abound!

 If you have any more questions please contact us -> http://wwoof.ca/contactUs  and I would be pleased to assist you.