Ready to roll up your sleeves, while discovering a new place, learning life-changing skills, and connecting with amazing people? Welcome to the world of WWOOFing!
If you’re curious but feeling a little clueless, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re wondering how long you’ll work, what you’ll eat, or if you’re “too old” to join in (spoiler: you’re not!), this quick guide answers the five most common questions we get from WWOOFing newbies.
1. How Many Hours Do WWOOFers Contribute?
We expect that WWOOFers will help their hosts for 25–30 hours per week, usually with two days off. These hours include WWOOFing tasks such as gardening, feeding animals, sustainable building, etc., but do not include WWOOFers tidying up after themselves, cooking meals, doing dishes, etc. Past that, your time is your own. If you want to help out more, you can, but the choice is yours.
Even if these are the rules, it’s always a good idea to check in with your host before you confirm your visit request to ensure that you two are on the same page. Maybe you’d both rather have a more variable work schedule? Or maybe you want to work extra hours in exchange for rides into town on the weekend. Either way, communication is the key!
2. Are Food and Accommodation Provided By My Host?
Yes! The vast majority of hosts provide both food and accommodation for WWOOFers for their whole stay.
Warm, dry, clean and safe housing should be provided to every WWOOFer. This can mean anything from a forest yurt to a comfy camper. It could be a cozy loft or a humble tent—there’s something for everyone out there! Keep in mind, some hosts have a more rustic setup (think outhouse, outdoor shower, etc.), so ask lots of questions to make sure you’re comfortable with what they’re providing.
You’ll also receive three meals a day in sufficient quantity—even on your days off—or the ingredients and basics needed to cook healthy meals for yourself. However, that doesn’t mean the host can accommodate your strict dietary requirements. If you have specific preferences or allergies, it’s best to communicate them with your host ahead of time to ensure their meals meet your needs.
Psssst: When browsing our Host List, you can filter your search by dietary preferences, accommodation type (bedroom, campsite, cabin, etc.), spoken languages, mentoring opportunities (BIPOC-operated, LGBTQ+-operated, etc.), and so many more criteria. Tailor your search with our Host List Filters and connect with hosts that match what you are looking for!
3. How Long Do WWOOF Stays Last?
Each host lists the length of stay they can accommodate. This can range from a single day to several weeks, or even many months. That said, many WWOOFers and hosts find that starting with two to three weeks works well. It allows time to settle in and get comfortable, while still leaving room to explore other farms afterwards.
Be aware, it’s up to you to research and understand the requirements of your visa. For example, if you are travelling to Canada on an ETA/visitor’s visa, you can only stay for up to four weeks on each farm. To learn more about this, please read our Visa Information page.
4. Is WWOOFing Free?
Sort of, but not quite. While WWOOFing, no money changes hands. That means that you won’t pay for room or board while on the farm. So, if you’re thrifty, it won’t cost you much.
On the other hand, to go WWOOFing, you will need to pay a WWOOF membership fee: $59 CAD (~37 Euros) for an individual membership or $89 CAD (~56 Euros) for a Dual membership. This gives you access to the full WWOOF website, allows you to contact hosts, and connects you to a vibrant community passionate about ecological farming and sustainable living.
You’ll also need to budget for personal expenses, travel and transportation costs (such as plane, train, or bus tickets, taxis, or rideshares). You should never be completely reliant on your WWOOF host to support you – always make sure you have access to funds to support yourself away from the farm, should you need it.
5. Am I Too Old To Go WWOOFing? Am I Too Young?
There’s no maximum age limit to go WWOOFing. Every year, we get hundreds of older WWOOFers who have chosen to explore organic growing and sustainable living in their later years. Our hosts often value and enjoy welcoming more experienced volunteers. WWOOFing isn’t just about helping with daily tasks; it’s also about sharing wisdom and learning from each other.
That said, life on a farm can be physically demanding, so it’s a good idea to communicate clearly with potential hosts about your abilities and limitations. Let them know what type of work you’re comfortable with, and they’ll help you figure out if their farm is the right fit for you
There is a minimum age limit to go WWOOFing, though. As a general rule, to WWOOF in Canada, you must be at least 18 or 19 years old, depending on the province or territory you are visiting. This is a legal issue. A person younger than the age of majority is considered a “minor child”, which means that hosts would be legally responsible for anything that happens to them on their property. Google “age of majority in Canada” for more information on this subject.
We hope this short guide answers your most pressing questions. Want to learn more about WWOOFing? Check out these helpful resources:
- Our Help Center
- Our How it Works Page
- Our Travel Information Page
You can also participate in our live and free WWOOF 101 webinar, held every last Wednesday of the month, or contact us by email at info@wwoof.ca.