Fir River Ranch
Choosing to volunteer at Fir River Ranch is being part of the Country Spirit. If you are country at heart, enjoy wildlife, love horses and dogs, and meeting good people then this is the place for you. We are an award winning bed and breakfast in Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan.
We use a variety of organic methods you can learn: Composting, using no chemicals in our garden and fruit trees, wild berries, natural fertilizer and lawn cutting with our horses, recycling, building sustainable log furniture
We also have a gigantic garden and berry orchard that we preserve into hundreds of jar of salsa, pickles, carrots, beans and almost anything else you can think of. We make wine, all our own berry syrup, and jams, pick many different kinds of wild berries. We also make most of our own bread, all deserts, butcher our own wild meat. This is an opportunity for you to learn about all of this!
There is a lake within 15 minutes for fishing and hiking, and the local area for hunting. You may horse back ride, play with our lovable dogs, enjoy the outdoor hot tub and indoor sauna, and also have a chance to see the northern lights. In the evenings we play plenty of cards and board games which always makes for a good laugh, with also plenty of free time to chill out for some quiet rest and relaxation. We recommend that you pack clothes that you don't mind getting dirty and feel comfortable working in. Bring plenty of layers, work boots, and gloves if you have them. Heavier coats and winter gear can be provided if they are needed.
Saskatchewan may not be your first choice, but don't underestimate our province as it has its own unique beautiful forests, lakes and people!
Organic methods: Composting, using no chemicals in our garden and fruit trees, wild berries, natural fertilizer and lawn cutting with our horses, recycling, building sustainable log furniture
We have a gigantic garden and berry orchard that we preserve into hundreds of jar of salsa, pickles, carrots, beans and almost anything else you can think of. We make wine with all our own berry syrup, jams, and pick many different kinds of wild berries. We also make most of our own bread, all deserts, butcher our own wild meat.
There are 8 horses, 3 dogs, some are rescue. There is two cabin for volunteers. We offer wagon and sleigh ride. Regarding horse training - we currently have a pair of five year old's and two six year old that you can get a chance to work with. If you're comfortable being around green horses you can work with them and ride. Our driver is a expert with many years of experience you can help harness and learn from.
I am looking for help with a wide variety of chores. The Ranch is run like a family unit. Our main focus is on working with our animals and to care for our property. You would work in exchange for meals, housing and many other amenities. You would stay in a cabin with private rooms built for volunteers showers and relax area in main lodge. We try to have at least four helpers at all times so there is lots of cooking and cleaning . The chores include cleaning, computer work, fence fixing, cooking healthy meals together, care of huge property, gardening, maintenance of our tractors, quads, truck and cars. There is also usually some kind of wood working going on at the ranch.
A typical work day is breakfast being eaten by 8 and then start working, going through our daily chore list, and tackling the day's work. We meet again at 12 for lunch, after which we clean up break until 4. At 4 we prepare for dinner and finish any odd jobs then eat dinner. The evenings are then free time again. One day off per week!!
There is a lake within 15 minutes driving for fishing and hiking, and the local area for hunting. You may horse back ride but they are challenging, play with our lovable dogs, enjoy the outdoor hot tub* and indoor sauna* , and also have a chance to see the northern lights. In the evenings we play plenty of cards and board games which always makes for a good laugh, with also plenty of free time to chill out for some quiet rest and relaxation. A vehicle is available for short trip*.
(* - with permission)
We recommend that you pack clothes that you don't mind getting dirty and feel comfortable working in. Bring plenty of layers, work boots, and gloves if you have them. Heavier coats and winter gear can be provided if they are needed.
I will do my best for you to have fun here. It is a true country Canadian experience. You will see my spouse, Perrie, in the pictures, who passed away in 2017. Even though he isn't among us anymore he still inspires the life at Fir River Ranch.
I am especially looking for a mechanically inclined person on a long term basis.
Living here is a good way of life that has lots to offer. Please check out our website, Facebook and Instagram page, and helper reviews.
Please contact me with questions or concerns.
Thank you for your time and consideration, I hope to hear from you.
Audrey Stauber