Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
1 Jul 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
28
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
My name is Ducharme. I am 43 and am self-employed in the tourism and Limousine transportation industry, and a philanthropist for many causes.
Most of my family lives in the Vancouver area, and I have lived on Vancouver Island since 2016. I live alone in the Cowichan Bay area on the Southeast corner of Vancouver Island - a three minute walk downhill to the ocean and historical fishing village.
I enjoy games like chess, cycling, motorcycling, photography, drone, being in nature, connected to people and fun new experiences. Very adventurous and open minded and hungry for cultural sharing!
I strive to enhance each guest’s travel experience! Having lived and traveled in 15 countries as a guest myself, I understand and anticipate guests’ needs and interests! I respect personal boundaries and guests' needs.
In my first year and a half, I've hosted approximately 18 workawayers (14 reviews because some were small groups or couples traveling together) and all have been exceptional and have expressed gratitude and positive reviews with the exception of one (who wrote a retaliatory review and has been removed from the platform because of integrity issues).
I take joy in doing a video chat and screening each guest, so that all parties can feel comfortable and confident it is a good fit as you plan your journey!
I look forward to meeting and hosting you!
Gratefully,
Ducharme
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Art Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
House sitting
Interests
Events & social
Politics / Social justice
Van life
Videography
Self development
Pets
Culture
Charity work
Cooking & food
Performing arts
Gardening
DIY & crafts
Writing
Music
Photography
Blogging
Art & design
Animals
Adventure sports
Mountain
Outdoor activities
Yoga / Wellness
Water sports
Sailing / Boating
Hiking
Nature
Dancing
Camping
Beach
Cycling
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
My greatest passion is hosting and creating unique and memorable experiences and my philosophy is to live a fun, healthy, meaningful life. I am very knowledgeable about the area and have many resources and tools for you to explore in your spare time.
I am happy to share/educate guests about the Cowichan Valley heritage and cultural background of the area, sightseeing hot spots, trees/old growth forests, geography, marine life, wineries, philanthropic education, introductions to local sailors and friends, campfires, music sharing and exchange, dance events, etc.
I have guidebooks of various areas of Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands that I have created, and am happy to share with you! Let me know what your top interests are :)
Also, some guests ask me to take them traveling and exploring beyond the Cowichan area. I have an RV and depending on my availability, we've taken trips all over the island and to gulf islands. For guests who've stayed longer periods of 6-8 weeks I offer my professional travel knowledge, guides, and use of all my toys! I also know free or very cheap camping options, and accept the wear and tear use on my trailer and tow vehicle. In exchange, guests pay for fuel and camping costs and half of the groceries for making our own meals in the trailer. *Note: this will be separate from the workaway agreement and considered days off :) But it will be a blast!
Help
I originally created my profile following a motorcycle accident. Since then, I have had such amazing guests that I continued hosting. The work exchange is for my personal home and personal trailer, vehicles and property.
Most tasks include:
1) Making meals and cleaning (shopping, cooking, baking) *I will provide the groceries, but need help with preparing healthy home-cooked meals. Depending on your skills and preferences, we can discuss about collaborating on meal prep. I have no diet restrictions or allergies, and will eat anything healthy including vegan and vegetarian.
2) Cleaning (dishes, vacuuming, laundry, sweep/mop floors, appliances, etc.)
3) Landscaping (seasonal - blowing, raking, gardening, weeding, chopping wood),
4) Reorganization of storage areas/wood sheds/etc. that require heavy lifting and awkward positions for me to do alone.
5) Home repairs (small upgrades to furniture, staining deck, patio lights, etc.)
7) Passion projects (art projects, decorating, etc.)
I can provide a flexible schedule 25 hours a week (between Monday and Sunday) about days worked or hours worked with at least 2 days off a week, but like to keep to the agreed plan. Or working more consecutive days with longer periods off can be arranged. We can make a plan at the start of the workaway, or prior to arrival with room for some adjustment.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
French: Intermediate
Spanish: BeginnerThis host offers a language exchange
I mostly have interest in advancing my Spanish and French.
Accommodation
I can accommodate two 'work away' guests at a time (either two solo travelers or two traveling companions).
I live in a small historical fishing cottage with a beautifully renovated retro trailer adjacent to the cottage. Depending on availability, guests will have a pullout sofa bed with top quality memory foam in the cottage livingroom (with a door) or one of two beds (twin or double both with memory foam) in the 19' Big Foot Trailer.
My personal cottage and trailer both offer full power, fiber optic wifi, kitchen/kitchenette, TV, Netflix, heat or A/C and semi-private (shared with me) propane and wood firepits and area undercover patios. The bathroom/shower/laundry and main kitchen areas will be shared in the cottage. *Note: the trailer bathroom and shower will not be accessible. All Cottage facilities (kitchen, full bathroom with shower and laundry) will be available.
I rarely use the trailer for traveling in the summer when its available to me and not hosting guests, and it is already setup beautifully. But, I am always open to input and contributions to add unique touches for added comfort and practical use. And could perhaps discuss and negotiate a shared cost trip to explore.
What else ...
I will provide you with access to guest guidebooks of the area. Please ask.
Being in the tourism and transportation industry there are hundreds of things to do in the area. I am happy to provide info and even transportation, on occasion, when available once I know your specific interests.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
The trailer and cottage both have desk/table work areas with 1GBPS more closer to 600 MBPS speeds (fiber optic), super fast and reliable internet. Quiet and private work space available 24 hours a day with full access to power, internet, smart tv and Netflix in the trailer.
Space for parking camper vans
Please message me to discuss.
Can possibly accept pets
Likely, this is not an option. Under exception basis, I may consider it. No big dogs .. cats likely welcome 🙏
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Feedback (14)
Demian works hard and gives his full attention to the tasks at hand. He’s thoughtful in his approach, always checking in… read more
During my stay, I helped with website creation and design, a bit of content creation,… read more
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(4.5)
Communication:
(4.5)
Demian works hard and gives his full attention to the tasks at hand. He’s thoughtful in his approach, always checking in… read more
During my stay, I helped with website creation and design, a bit of content creation,… read more
I appreciated the relaxed and… read more
They helped me with digital videos that were very impressive and did a variety of tasks. They were always keen to help with whatever projects were assigned. They are very reliable and punctual. As two young traveling friends who got along really well with each other and with me, I highly recommend… read more
Very good listener really like our conversation and board games, specially Monopoly - you were right," Play offence and defence", also got an introduction to chest which was very interesting.
Had some great memories-… read more
We participated in a week long intermittent fast together that she planned meticulously to help me to eat and be healthy.
She was… read more
They are extremely reliable, proactive, positive, fully dependable, honest, trustworthy and friendly among other amazing qualities.
I originally invited them for a two week stay that was proudly extended to over two months.
They… read more
We had some communication challenges -… read more
The way that they travel communicate with each other is admirable. They were so generous to me, communicative, polite and we formed an amazing, lasting friendship.
In terms of the work exchange,… read more
Ducharme is a good guide, either through life or travel. He's a special person, easy to connect… read more
We camped for some days in different places of the island, I helped with cleaning,… read more
The accommodation provided was not only comfortable but also spotlessly clean, reflecting a high standard of hospitality. The… read more
