BC farms > Vancouver Island

Farm #1 - Coming soon!

Farm #2

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 #3

Located in the Comox Valley close to Cumberland and Courtenay, this family farm operates a U-pick Strawberry, Raspberry, and pickling cuke, and sells at the farm gate. We have a vegetable garden and fruit trees for mostly personal use, and have pigs during summer months. We have transitioned the farm from the previous owner's heavy reliance on chemicals to control weeds, fruit rot, and insect pests, and learned a lot of information that can be passed on, especially cultural/organic controls of above problems. Learn all aspects of berry production from planting, weed control, irrigation, harvesting, marketing, farm gate sales, and post harvest care, as well as care of pigs. We have 3 young boys. You can choose a large bedroom with its own bathroom in the house or a 21 foot trailer with bathroom facilities in house. Stipend is provided and piecemeal pay for harvesting berries is optional. Positions available from mid-April until the end of Aug. We accept a couple and possibly with child(ren). 5 min bike ride to Cumberland. Close to bus route to Courtenay, ocean, Comox lake (swimming), biking trails, hiking, and mountains.

Location: Courteney, BC. 9 km south of Courtenay, 15 minutes drive. 105 km northwest of Nanaimo, 1 hr 15 minutes drive.

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 farm on this land for 20 years and teach courses, do presentations and will be workng with the local school board on a food program.

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

Farm #6 -Full for now -- please check in later in 2010, and for 2011

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, supply a local organic grocery and offer Vancouver Island’s first grain CSA, teaching people how to grow grain on a small-scale for food self-sufficiency. 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 with 1-2 meals per week shared. No smoking or drugs (alcohol in moderation is fine) and no pets. Positions are available starting immediately 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 Full for 2010, please apply for 2011.

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, 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 -Full for live-in apprentices for 2010. Still room for day trippers.

Join a financially self-sustaining farm near Victoria that makes a profit on 1.5 acres cultivated and growing. 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 and use the kitchen and bathroom in the main house. Plans for an apprentice kitchen are underway. 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 - Coming soon!

Farm #14 - Coming soon!

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 -Full till April 2010.

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. 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 to weeding our winter crops in the fall. 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 3 farming partnerships and the Society (ca. 2 acres). 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.

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

Farm #20

Join a Biodynamic mixed farm (Demeter certified) serving 70 families in a CSA. Vegetable production is the primary focus, and cows sheep and poultry provide sustenance. There are several households on the farm which is bountiful with pasture forest and fields. We are a few kilometres from town with a beautiful river nearby to cool off in. Apprentices will learn a wide range of vegetable growing techniques from a well-trained grower. Mostly vegetable production, some animal care, some milking, food preservation, CSA development and management. Biodynamics. Stay in a room in house, cabin, or yurt. This family is diverse, Katy is a waldorf kinderg teacher, and helps in the summer. John, the farmer, wants to grow the highest quality food possible using biodynamic methods. He describes himself as, "not a serious person, and am open minded and flexible. I apprenticed for five years on many farms many years ago. My goals are to teach others biodynamic methods. "

Location: Duncan, BC. 61 km northwest of Victoria, 50 minutes drive.

Farm #21 -Full for 2010, please apply for 2011.

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 - Coming soon!

Farm #24 -Full for 2010, please apply for 2011.

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.