BC farms > Vancouver Island

Farm #1

Learn all the skills you need to operate your own farm. Originally homesteaded in 1910, this 15 acre, certified organic farm has 6 acres in cultivation growing a variety of fruits, herbs, flowers and vegetables with a small orchard, as well as chickens, pigs and six greenhouses. You will take part in selling produce at two farmers markets, through a box program, and to local restaurants. The owner of the farm has been farming full time for 18 years and is an experienced teacher who teaches farming at the local college. Apprentices can choose to learn a variety of things in addition to the daily tasks of growing and marketing produce - such as drying herbs for tea, seed saving for the small seed company, carpentry, and natural building techniques. Apprentices may live in a cob house, a trailer, or in the farm house where we have lunch together. Live near the small town of Sooke, 35 km from Victoria. Go swimming in a lovely lake which is a ten minute walk away and twenty minutes will bring you to the best beaches on the West Coast.

Location: Sooke, BC. 45 km west of Victoria, 50 minutes drive.

Farm #2 - New Farm!!

Our farm is located 15 k from Victoria, in a very beautiful area with lots of places to explore. We have been farming for a long time, enjoy young people and like teaching. I have been asked to speak on many occasions to groups about our farm methods. Tom even more so. The farm is spread out over many rented properties, each with its own beauty. The work is highly varied, and there is a tremendous amount to learn, from pasture management, hay making, cultivating and seeding, everything about sheep and small farm hog rearing, marketing, business and risk taking. The accommodation will be at Stillmeadow Farm if we have one apprentice plus traveling workers, or elsewhere if there are two apprentices. Cooking and cleaning will be shared.

Location: Victoria, BC. 15 km from Victoria.

Farm #3

My farm is a certified organic micro-farm nestled in the forests of Saanich, 20 min. from downtown Victoria. I've been growing for 6 years, and got started after my partner completed a SOIL apprenticeship. I grow mainly salad, beans, roots, squash and other tasty vegetables and have interests in agroforestry, apiculture and mushroom growing. I sell mainly at a local farmer's market. Farming is a personal and political act for me, so you won't learn "how to run a profitable farm business" here. Instead, you'll learn how to grow food for yourself and others and get on the road to self-reliance. I’m not equipped to house an apprentice full-time so I hope to work with someone who lives nearby and can commit to working & learning 1-2 days/week March-November. Can pay a small stipend to pay for gas, and provide lunch and produce.

Location: Sannich, BC. Close to Victoria.

Farm #4

This farm, located in East Sooke has been a certified vegetable, fruit, herb and seed farm since 2003. The outstanding natural landscape of the coast and rainforest enchant this 1912 heritage farm. We work together as a team to create beautiful, high quality products for excellent local restaurants and markets. The experience and unconditional learning is endless with the huge desire to support food security, biodiversity, sustainable living and rootsy wisdom. Everyone is in constant learning on this farm and it is well suited for those who adore the outdoors, want to use their bodies in their daily work, like both team and individual experiences and have a great curiosity about the rhythm of the food system on the farm.

Location: East Sooke, BC. 42 km southwest of Victoria, 50 minutes drive.

Farm #5

A 23 acre certified organic farm serving the community with fresh, organic product as well as providing social space for farm events. Approximately 10 acres in production, made up of tree fruit, berries, bees, greenhouse, and vegetable field production. Close to Nanoose Community Centre and on a bus line linking Nanaimo, Lantzville, Nanoose, Parksville and Qualicum Beach. Close to most recreational facilities. Independent living space with some meals prepared and eaten in common. Good biking area. The owners have farmed on this land for 20 years and teach courses, do presentations and will be working with the local school board on a food program.

Location: Nanoose, BC. 25 km northwest of Nanaimo, 30 minutes drive.

Farm #6

Come help us invent the future of farming – the efficient and well-marketed small-holding. Learn how to turn any decent pasture into a successful farm and business! Our uncertified organic farm specializes in strawberries, mixed vegetables and grains. We currently offer a popular Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) subscription box program, sell through our local farmer’s market (April through October), operate our own farm stand and supply a local organic grocery. We are a young, innovative couple in our early 30s who are active in our local foodie & farmer communities. We welcome individual apprentices or couples. Our goal with the apprenticeship is to share with you our growing and marketing methods so that you will have the skills, knowledge, confidence and inspiration to start your own farm or growing project when you leave us. Given the diversity of our farm, there is always a good variety of tasks on the farm, from starting seedlings with our soil-block makers to operating the transplanter or keeping the rows weed-free with the wheel-hoe or rototiller. And if you ever wanted to try your hand at scything and threshing grain, now’s your chance! Our farm is conveniently located only 300 metres from the Trans-Canada Highway, which is on the local transit route to Duncan (5 minutes), Mill Bay, and Victoria (45 minutes). Cowichan Bay, Canada’s first Slow Food Community and home to an organic stone-mill bakery and local cheese shop, is a quick bike ride away. A local swimming hole is also close by for a refreshing dip on a hot day. Living space is a private RV. No smoking or drugs (alcohol in moderation is fine) and no pets. Positions are available starting March until October: a minimum 2 month commitment is requested, a full-season commitment is ideal. Farm experience isn’t necessary. Culinary, business, construction, etc. skills are very welcome. We hope to learn from you too.

Location: Duncan, BC.

Farm #7

An opportunity for an enthusiastic and skilled family, couple or individual to be part of a mixed organic farm community. The 300 acre homestead on Cortez Island provides a healthy environment and teaches us to be more self sufficient. A large garden, greenhouses, a woodlot and sawmill, orchard, milk cows and beef cattle, laying hens, and an alternative energy system. Up to three families and varying numbers of Wwoofers participate in the farm year-round. Great access to hiking, biking, swimming and fishing! We invite you to a world where people live in step with nature and its seasons, grow and process their own food, raise their own livestock, make a small ecological footprint, using many modern tools for doing so (like alternative energy and some pretty good bicycles). We invite you to come and live with us and learn with us. (Separate home available to rent as part of a longer-term commitment opportunity—please ask us about it)

Location: Cortes/Whaletown BC. Cortes Island.

Farm #8

We offer an assisted – community agriculture - self-directed responsibility in biologically based market garden production and sales through two weekly farmer’s markets and other local Island outlets. The emphasis here is one of “hands on” serving and learning supported by farm guidance, the farm library of resource material and the SOIL “Resource Manual For Farmers And Apprentices”.

This farm is a 13 acre Conservation Partner farm on Salt Spring Island. It is close to the lake, the ocean, and on the bus route and not far from town. There is a small forest and salmon enhancement creek with many ponds on the property. Learn all aspects of market gardening and farm politics, with some small orchard and greenhouse production as well. There are many opportunities for hands on learning with new projects always in the works in construction as well as sharing time with other farmers in the area. Excellent library and community resources. Apprentice would share in some farm home meals and live in the trailer camp set-up or could tent in the woods on the farm. Preferably looking for someone with experience who is willing to commit for the complete growing season.

Location: Salt Spring Island, BC.

Farm #9

This farm is located adjacent to the Northeast end of Prospect Lake at the base of the Saanich Peninsula. It is a four acre farm nestled in the woods with an abundant wildlife habit. There is a 1 acre market garden with numerous varieties of berries, perennial herbs and flowers, mushrooms and a large variety of annual vegetable crops grown for seed and food. A small greenhouse is used for vegetable starts in spring and heat loving crops in summer. Jobs are varied, numerous and always open to creativity. Learn from an active and experienced farmer growing vegetables, berries and seeds for the farmers market, also producing value-added products for sale. There is a focus on seed preservation and growing for and supporting seed groups in the area. An apprentice would be needed one or two days per week in exchange for learning and a bountiful lunch but would need to find accommodation elsewhere.

Location: Victoria, BC. 13 km north of Victoria, 20 minutes drive.

Farm #10

Overlooking Saanich Inlet, on a 30 acres south facing hillside, this two generational family farm is one of the most diverse organic farms on Vancouver Island where you can learn most of what is needed to start on your own farm. This farm produces eggs, meat chickens, pork, salad greens for 25 stores and 2 box programs and several restaurants. You can take part in growing about 40-50 vegetable varieties, apples, strawberries, herbs, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant. You will help sell at two markets - one in Victoria 35 km away. You will live in a self-contained camper on the property. Stipend is provided. No smoking, please. Located 10minutes drive to the Airport and Ferry terminal.

Location: Sidney, BC. 5 km west of Swartz Bay. 7 km north of Victoria airport. 34 km north of Victoria, 35 minute drive.

Farm #11

This 12 acre honey farm is home to 100 beehives, angora goats, and chickens and has 3 1/2 acres of cultivation in vegetables and berries. Located 10 km from the village of Sooke (30 minute bike ride) on the West Coast of Vancouver Island it is across the street from the beach and has a beautiful view. Work with 30 year veteran beekeeper and learn the intricacies of feeding bees, manipulating and combining hives, breeding queens, moving hives to local outyards, spinning honey, and other farm practices. Other farm activities would include building fences, planting new harvest gardens, weeding, shearing goats, harvesting for supper, building new bee equipment, bottling and packaging mead and honey. Living arrangements include a private cabin and with bathroom and cooking facilities located separate from the family's home. This family is working towards self sufficiency and welcomes apprentices with a keen interest in beekeeping and small agriculture.

Location: Sooke, BC. 60 km west of Victoria, 1 hr drive.

Farm #12

Join a financially self-sustaining farm near Victoria that makes a profit on 2 acres. Learn all aspects of market gardening and commercial production; seeding, succession planting, irrigating, weeding, harvesting, packaging, planning, record keeping, selling, eating and enjoying, from a farmer of 14 years. Farmer is experienced in annual and perennial field crops as well as greenhouse growing, and she sells produce at a vibrant weekly farmer's market. She works closely with two other farmers in the area and they run a marketing business together. There will be opportunities to meet the larger community and other farm apprentices. Live in your own comfortable and bright accommodation separate from the house with an outdoor kitchen, cob oven, and composting toilet. You may also come on a daily or part time basis if you have your own housing. Property is a total of 5 acres and located near the ocean and hiking trails. If you are positive, self-motivated, respectful of others, a non-smoker, and are irresistibly drawn to organic agriculture, this may be the place for you!

Location: Sannichton, BC. 23 km north of Victoria, 25 minutes drive.

Farm #13

We aim to feed the soil so that it can feed us. We at Sea Bluff farm in Metchosin strive to offer high quality nutritious vegetables and fruits year round. We aim to harvest and market from April to March, with as much diversity as possible. Season extension and cold hardy crops are tops on our list. Any applicant can expect to receive, a well rounded experience, learning all the theoretical and practical skills of the trade. We want people engaged and inspired just by the thought of compost or a germinating seed. Our overall goal is to take from the earth only what we need and give back everything we can.

Location: Metchosin, BC. Near Victoria.

Farm #14 - New Farm!!

This 10 acre farm is located 10 mins west of Sooke surrounded by forest yet only a 5 minute walk to the ocean. We grow berries and a wide variety of vegetables on about 2 acres of land and sell at farmers markets, a box program and restaurants. We have 2 young children and they spend most of the day alongside us while we work. Apprentices will take part in all aspects of the farm and hopefully at the end have the skills to start their own farm. Accommodation is a fully equipped beautiful 30' yurt and a small cabin.

Location: Sooke, BC. 55 km west of Victoria, 1 hr drive.

Farm #15

Learn how to run a profitable farm on a shoestring budget on this 3/4 acre farm in a friendly little community just outside of Victoria. The apprentice would also learn about running an effective co-op, care of poultry and knowledge of field and greenhouse crops. Join in monthly resource meetings and learn from other co-op members. Flexible schedule for an apprentice living elsewhere, meals and produce are provided in exchange.

Location: Victoria, BC. 16 km north of Victoria, 20 minutes drive.

Farm #16

This 30 acres beautiful farm, with a mixture of forest, fields, marsh with millions of frogs and other wildlife, is located on10min west of Duncan, 20min walk to Cowichan river and trans-canada trail. This farm produces mixed greens, spinach and seasonal vegetables mostly within 13000 square foot of unheated greenhouses. The domestic animals include, a horse, chickens, donkeys, sheep, (in the future cows) dog and cats. Dan has been farming 12 years organically, he believes in developing local farming and sustainable community and maintaining and preserving the land. You can choose to learn a variety of things in addition to the daily task of growing and marketing produce ie) greenhouse skills, crop management, record keeping, soil health, irrigation, carpentry, and animal care. We welcome an apprentice who is a team player and willing to be versatile and motivated in all farm activities. You will live in a guest bedroom in the house until a trailer is brought in. You can start apprenticeship immediately and can work throughout the winter. Duration of the apprenticeship is negotiable. Stipend is provided and depends on monthly profits made. No smoking please.

Location: Duncan, BC. 65 km northwest of Victoria, 1 hr drive.

Farm #17

This is a certified organic farm growing mixed vegetables, blueberries, and laying hens on 7 acres of a beautiful 20 acre property in Central Saanich. Other farming operation share this property, so it has become a lively farming community. The farmer is looking for apprentice(s) considering organic farming as a potential career. Ideally, an apprentice would stay for the entire season, from spring planting in March or April to weeding our winter crops in October or November. If you're interested in learning all aspects of organic farming -- growing, harvesting, marketing, and even preserving crops for the winter, this might be the place for you. The farmer is flexible, and will work out details like meals and work schedule with the apprentice(s). For the right person or people, a private cabin is available. The farm is close to Victoria and Sidney, near bus routes, and we have a bike to lend.

Location: Victoria, BC. 22 km north of Victoria, 25 minutes drive.

Farm #18

Our beautiful 11 acre farm is located on a gentle south facing slope on lovely Denman Island within a short walking distance to a wilderness lake, ocean beach and miles of hiking trails. We are primarily an apple orchard growing over 40 varieties of apples in total plus some pears, plums, quince, grapes, and nuts. We also have a large veggie garden and greenhouse - all certified organic. We also produce a large amount of apple juice from our harvest. Our busiest time is from June to the end of the harvest season - usually end of November. However we do have work during the quieter times also - ie. pruning etc. We sell the majority of our harvest at farmers markets mostly on Vancouver Island and in Vancouver. Harvesting the crop and selling at the various markets is by far our busiest time and apprentices would be very involved in the picking and selling. We have comfortable accommodation in a private house and would prefer a couple to a single person. We look forward to hearing from you. We are a 10 minute ferry ride from Buckley Bay on Vancouver Island about 20K south of Courtenay/Comox. This area caters to people who enjoy the great outdoors. Apprentices can expect to learn all that is involved in running an organic apple orchard.

Location:Denman Island, BC.

Farm #19

This Organic Community Farm is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to growing and marketing certified organic food, demonstrating organic agriculture and gardening practices, stewardship of our woodland and wetland reclamation area, and protecting agricultural land. The property consists of 9 acres, two-thirds of which is farmed by five farming partnerships and the Society. The farmers are an experienced group who enjoy working together and are willing mentors. The permanent building on the site (not suitable for residence) has kitchen, bathroom and produce-preparation facilities, and is used as a shared facility for washing produce. The farm offers a farmstand shared by all the farmers and a Food Basket program in its 4th year.

Location: Victoria, BC. 10 km from Victoria, 12 minutes drive.

Farm #20 -New Farm!!

We are a unique operation that is located in beautiful Parksville, centrally located on the island and featuring awesome beaches. We are 2 hours north of Victoria. We have swimming, hiking, surfing, kayaking, and skiing close by, and lovely waterfalls and forests. We are in our late 20's (ok, one of us is 30), and the farm manager Nicole is a sustainability author who has been growing food her whole life. We have a SPIN farm that currently has 1/3 acre in production with another acre to be added at the end of 2012. We use biointensive and strict organic methods to produce extremely high yields. We can offer apprentices hands on experience with every aspect of a model startup farm that started without debt and began supporting the farmers financially immediately. We can offer a semi-private room with a comfortable bed in our home, shared meals and if necessary vegetarian options.

Location: Nanaimo, BC. 2hr north of Victoria.

Farm #21

We run a small market garden on our 67-acre farm in the beautiful Alberni Valley, where we have lived and farmed for 30 years. Vegetables, meat and other farm produce are sold through CSA shares and at a weekly farm market held on site. In addition, we operate a lively campground with two cottages and see a steady stream of tourists all summer long. The campground office has a commercial kitchen which we use to produce value-added food products like jams, dried herbs and breads. We also breed Canadian horses and raise pasture-fed beef and chicken. Other farm residents include goats, donkeys, ducks and border collies. Apprentices will assist with garden tasks, greenhouse work, animal husbandry, food preservation, campground management, and educational programs. This position is flexible, with room for apprentices to develop their own interests and pursuits. We are active in the local farming community and are working with various groups to promote the 100-mile diet and local agriculture. Recreational opportunities include horse riding, swimming and inner tubing (we have 3/4 mile of river frontage), fishing, exploring trails outside our front door or travel to Pacific Rim National Park and Tofino on the coast. Room, board and stipend provided.

Location: Port Alberni, BC. 90 km west of Nanaimo, 1 hr 30 minutes drive.

Farm #22

This farm is a certified organic mixed produce farm since 1997. We grow many, many varieties of vegetables with the season going from mid April through until Christmas. We have some tree fruits, apples, plums and cherries. We have an ever expanding nursery business as well, especially for vegetable transplants, perennial and annual medicinal plants and edible flowers. We are practiced and knowledgeable in all aspects of growing a farm business. We work along with apprentices and have a very hands on approach to most everything we do. We love what we do and are passionate about it. We can offer an apprentice a full, well rounded experience. When you love what you do it is enjoyable and fun. Farming teaches life skills that become invaluable throughout your life no matter what you end up doing. Nature nutures, it's that simple.

Location: Fanny Bay, BC. 30 km southeast of Courtenay, 30 minutes drive. 78 km northwest of Nanaimo, 1 hr drive.

Farm #23 - New Farm!!

Our 40 acre farm is located on Denman Island, a small vibrant community, in the Comox Valley. We are a small mixed permaculture homestead that includes a jersey milk cow, a large fruit and nut orchard with its chicken, duck, and gooses associates, an edibles nursery, a saw-mill, and a large subsistence garden. We are currently building a farm house, and will be doing interior natural plastering over the summer months. We produce a wide-variety of products at our place such as yogurt and cheese, maple syrup, herbal medicines, lacto-fermented foods, natural charcuterie, and a wide assortment of nuts, fruit, and produce. Ideally we are looking for an apprentice to come for the whole season. As an apprentice you would get hands-on experience, and knowledge from us do-it-your-selfers on the above mentioned projects, plus animal husbandry, organic gardening, natural building, herbal medicine and much more, depending on your interest level and the season. We are passionate and hardworking young folks looking for some help, good company, and mutual learning.

Location: Denman Island, BC.

Farm #24

A 7 acre farm, an educational and healing centre in a peaceful setting. We are a medical herbalist and a retired soil biologist, organic master gardener, and horticulture therapist. We use the fruit and nut orchard, apothecary, culinary herbs, and vegetable gardens as teaching tools for Interns, from seeds to seedlings to the CSA box program, workshops, and other events. We are passionate and concerned about the environment, food security, growing nutritious produce, soil biodiversity, and healthy lifestyle. We are close to Royston beach and Comox Lake, at the edge of a large wilderness wooded area with beautiful trails, on the bus route to Courtenay.

Location: Royston, BC. 5 km south of Courtenay, a 15 min bicycle ride to town.

Farm #25 -New Farm!!

This Farm is located a 30-minute drive from downtown Victoria and is an easy 5-minute walk to the local village centre where there are basic services like a country store and restaurant/pub. Despite this convenience, its 10 acres have a very rural feel and it is a scenic walk or short bike ride to local beaches, hiking trails, bike paths and lakes. Apprentices at Metchosin Farm will develop skills required to manage and run an organic plant nursery, for example learning how to take cuttings, run a greenhouse, propagate perennial root plants, and seeding. They will also help take products to market, and help build infrastructure like fencing and raised beds. Apprentices will live in accommodation separate from the main house but will eat lunch communally on our regular work days and will have lots of opportunities to socialise with apprentices and helpers who are at our neighbouring farms. Metchosin Farm is a suitable match for an apprentice(s) who is a good communicator, has solid common sense, is self-motivated and hard-working, and who enjoys living in a community. I have been a university lecturer and teacher for over 12 years and enjoy the process of instructing and learning together with students.

Location: Metchosin, BC. 30 mins from Victoria.