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.

Volunteer Questions

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 do I contact the host?
Use 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 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!!

How do I apply?
Click here to become a WWOOFer.

How much do I have to pay?
The cost to become a WWOOFer is $45.00. If you would like to order a booklet in the mail, there is an additional $10 cost.

Why does it cost double for a couple?
It doesn't - only $10 more than a single. Besides a "couple", 2 friends, or a family also meet the requirements for a joint membership of $55. We need to charge you the additional $10, 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 one year. So if you joined on the 1st December 2008, your membership would expire on the 1st December 2009.

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.

Do you have to be of a certain age?
The only requirement is that you are at least 16 years old. There is no age limit, so you could do it if you were 100! The average age is 20-30. Many are in the 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 VISA INFORMATION 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.

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. Or if you prefer you can send us a Money Order (Post Office or Bank) payable to WWOOF Canada, PO Box 85, Procter, BC V0G 1V0 Canada. Or you can send a money transfer through Western Union or MoneyGram to Becky Young (Nelson, BC for pickup), or email transfer through on-line banking to wwoofers@wwoof.ca, or Send Money through PayPal to wwoofers@wwoof.ca.

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 descriptions for over 800 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.

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.

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?
I am sorry to say that your WWOOF membership is not transferable and each WWOOF organization is separate and independent from one another.

What if my 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. 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 !!

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.

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 become 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!

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. Using the "Search this site" box you can search for any part of your WWOOFer's name, their email address, or their User ID#. The search results will show 2 tabs: 1) Content and 2) Users. To view the WWOOFers profile, click on the Users tab, then click on the WWOOFers name if seen in the list. 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.