WWOOF host farms are incredibly diverse — from Alberta bison ranches with mountain views, to Quebec cheese farms surrounded by rolling fields. From farmers living off the land with years of knowledge, to young, energetic couples balancing second jobs and relaxed afternoons. Things like geography, season, the type of farm, and, of course, the hosts themselves all make a farm unique.
And yet, even if there is no one single version of farm life, there are enough commonalities to paint a picture. Wondering about what a day in the life of a WWOOFer is like? Read on.
Morning Chores: Greet the Day and Move some Hay 🌈
On the farm, mornings are often the busiest time of day. Whether it’s to beat the heat or because the animals need to be fed, most hosts wake up early. Start your day with a simple breakfast before heading out to the field, the orchard or barn.
Late riser? Don’t fret. Some of our hosts are too! Just check with your host before arriving. Start with relaxing chores like collecting chicken eggs or watering the greenhouse tomatoes, or get your blood pumping by chucking hay bales or digging fence post holes.
Lunch & Afternoon Projects 🥦
A filling lunch, either prepared all together or fend-for-yourself style, could include building sandwiches with freshly picked cucumber and field greens, and frying up some farm-raised bacon. Afternoon tasks might see you pulling carrots, pruning the apple trees, chopping firewood, or taking a ride into the pasture to fix up some broken fences for the cows.
Can you finish up that building project you’ve been working on for weeks? Can you wash and store that one final CSA basket before market day? If you work hard in the morning, you may be able to finish early and go for a cool dip at the local swimming hole.
Evenings: Food and Fireside Singing 🐝
By the time the work day is done, you (and your stomach) won’t be able to wait for dinner. WWOOFers and hosts often rotate responsibility for cooking the daily feast (though other arrangements are also normal).
After dinner and cleanup, a WWOOFer might relax in a variety of ways. In quiet family homes, you could read a book to the sound of chirping crickets. On bustling community farms, evenings might be spent singing around the campfire. Ask your host beforehand whether their farm offers more quiet personal time or a more social community experience!
What About Days Off? 🌿
Kayaking with friends on the ocean, relaxing like a cat in a hammock, exploring nearby trails recommended by your host, visiting local markets, or enjoying a quiet evening stargazing – your days off are yours to enjoy. Most WWOOFers take this opportunity to discover the region and explore the local highlights, but what you get up to is entirely up to you!
We did our best to capture the life of a WWOOFer, but no two experiences are the same. It is always best to read host profiles carefully and ask thoughtful questions to get the best idea of what life is like on your farm of choice. 🌻
*Photos, in order, from top to bottom: Camp caché, BlueJay Lake Farm, Champ des folies, Fernwood Farm and Ravens Hollow.