What is Wwoofing?
Can I volunteer on a farm if I am a tourist?
As a visitor in Canada, you are allowed to help out on a farm in Canada:
- only for room and board
- only on non-commercial farms
- only to a maximum of 4 weeks per farm
For any work on commercial farms and/or for periods longer than 4 weeks, a valid work permit is mandatory.
Even if someone claims they’ve worked on a farm for a longer period without a work permit, it doesn’t mean the work was legal. In fact, working without a valid permit is considered illegal and can lead to serious consequences for both the worker and the farm if discovered. Here is the >> official quote from the government of Canada:
“For instance, if a tourist wishes to stay on a family farm and work part time just for room and board for a short period (i.e., one to four weeks), this person would not be considered a worker. Work on a farm that is expected to extend beyond four weeks would require a work permit.”
What happens if I stay longer than 4 weeks on one farm?
The rule in Canada is clear: you can volunteer for a maximum of 4 weeks with one host if you’re visiting as a tourist.
If Canadian authorities (for example, Border Services or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) find out that you’re volunteering for longer than four weeks with the same host, or work on a commercial farm, they could consider it unauthorized work without a permit.
This can result in:
- Cancellation of your current visitor status.
- Immediate removal (deportation) if discovered by immigration officers.
- A ban or refusal of entry on future visits to Canada.
What does non-commercial mean?
In general, non-commercial farms are those that do not earn income from external sources—whether from tourists, product sales, or services. In other words, these farms operate not to make a profit, but to remain self-sufficient. Simply put, this type of setup is often called a hobby farm or family farm.
What is commercial?
The farm makes money from the outside. The following examples where you are not allowed to work as a tourist:
- Guest ranches or B&Bs that accommodate tourists for a fee,
- Horse ranches where people pay to take riding lessons,
- Small ranches that offer paid trail rides for tourists,
- Large farms that harvest fruits or vegetables for sale at markets or stores,
- Animal breeding farms, such as horse or dog breeding operations,
- Dairy farms,
- Commercial poultry or egg farms,
- Meat or livestock farms that sell animals to markets or slaughterhouses,
- Greenhouses producing flowers, vegetables, or herbs for sale,
- Wineries,
- …and similar profit-oriented enterprises
What is WWOOFing?
WWOOF stands for “World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms.” Through this program, the volunteer, known as a “WWOOFer”, has the chance to live and work on a farm while learning about organic farming practices and sustainable living.
In exchange for simple, hands-on work, WWOOFers receive free accommodation and meals. Typical tasks may include weeding, harvesting crops, milking cows, mucking out horse stables, or feeding animals. Overall, it’s a great way to experience rural life, meet new people, and gain practical farming experience in a unique cultural setting.
How many hours do I have to work?
For board and lodging you help the farm with the daily routine. Usually it is 4-5 hours a day to help on with farm chores. However, some travellers report being asked to work 40 hours per week, which crosses the line into full-time employment. In such cases, the farm should legally be paying wages, as the arrangement goes beyond the standard volunteer exchange.
Unfortunately, many Work and Travel participants are either unaware of this or choose not to address it, which can lead to exploitation. As a result, some find themselves overworked and undervalued, treated more like ‘slaves’. It’s important, therefore, to know your rights, set clear expectations before you arrive, and speak up if the arrangement becomes unfair.
What is the accommodation really like?
Life on a farm can be rustic and rewarding.
- You might sleep in a farmhouse, cabin, or even a yurt or campervan.
- Some hosts offer private rooms; others are shared spaces.
My farm family wants me to take care of the children too
To be clear, this is a real job as an au pair, nanny, or babysitter, and it therefore requires a valid work permit, along with a medical exam if you will be working with children. If, however, you work without a permit and without completing the required medical exam, then it is considered illegal employment. As a result, both you and the farm could face serious consequences from immigration authorities.
Legal considerations and important for entry as a tourist!
- When planning a WWOOF stay, if you are a visitor, limit each stay with a single host to no more than 4 weeks.
- If you want to stay longer with the same farm (> 4 weeks), you’ll need a work permit.
- Always check with your host whether their farm is considered “non-commercial” under Canadian rules.
- When you enter as a tourist, emphasize that your main reason for travel is tourism, you have to have other plans for most of your time in Canada. E.g. travel, visits to family and friends.
- Be cautious at the border: if you mention the word “work”, even in the context of unpaid “farm work”, the border officer may interpret it as unauthorized employment and could refuse you entry.
>Here< are the official instructions that government officials must follow and check.
What do I need if I want to stay and work longer on a farm?
As mentioned above, you need a work permit for longer stays. If you fall in love with Canada and want to stay longer or earn money, consider applying for a Working Holiday Visa through the International Experience Canada (IEC) Program.
In this program, young travellers (aged 18–35, depending on your country) can live, travel, and work in Canada for up to 1–2 years. With this work permit, you can WWOOF as long as you like, take paid farm jobs, or work in other fields such as hospitality or tourism.
The IEC is available to citizens of 36 partner countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Japan, and many others.
Why farm work is a smart choice for IEC Working Holiday participants
If you’re arriving or are already in Canada on an IEC work permit, such as a Working Holiday, farm work can be one of the best ways to make the most of your time, especially when you’re still figuring out your next steps.
For many travellers, finding a job right away in a new country can take time. While you search for work in your preferred field, seasonal farm jobs help you save on rent and living costs. Many farms provide free or low-cost accommodation, and usually include meals. This setup allows you to save a significant amount on rent and food, which can otherwise take up a big part of your budget in cities like Vancouver or Toronto.
How to protect yourself as a volunteer
- It’s not a job. WWOOFing is a voluntary exchange, not paid employment.
- Clarify duties. Before committing, ask your host how many hours per day you’ll be helping and what tasks you’ll be doing.
- Know your rights. You are not required to perform full-time work in exchange for accommodation.
- Speak up if something feels wrong. If you feel exploited or uncomfortable, leave. Also report that host to the platform you used, they take host misconduct seriously.
Many travellers get taken advantage of and tell themselves, “I can handle it…” — but you should never tolerate unsafe or unfair conditions. If you ever feel uncomfortable, threatened, or unsafe on a farm or at any workplace, insist on leaving immediately. No one can force you to stay.
If a farm refuses to let you leave, call 911.
Red flags that are absolutely unacceptable
This information is not just for farms — it applies to any job, paid or unpaid, in Canada.
No agency or employer has special connections with immigration authorities. Nevertheless, many may try to intimidate you with threats of deportation or fines—but these warnings are purely meant to scare you.
If you ever face forced labor, unsafe working conditions, or illegal practices, you should report the employer or host to the government. By taking action, you not only protect yourself but also help prevent future travellers from experiencing the same difficulties.
It is illegal if a farm or employer:
- Makes you work 10–12 hours per day in exchange for food and accommodation
- Pays below minimum wage if you’re working for money — even if they provide free lodging
- Houses you in poor or unsafe conditions
- Provides only one or two meals a day instead of three
- Threatens, bullies, or verbally abuses you
- Threatens to report you to immigration to intimidate you
- Takes your passport
⚠️ If a host or employer demands your passport, this is a serious warning sign. It is illegal in Canada to hold someone’s passport, and the government punishes this heavily.
If you experience exploitation, unsafe conditions, or illegal practices while volunteering or working in Canada, you can report it confidentially and anonymously:
Service Canada Confidential Tip Line:
1‑866‑602‑9448
You can leave a message and share your concerns. All calls are taken seriously and investigated to protect your rights.
In addition to calling, you can also submit a written report online. Click here to file a report
Don’t hesitate to report abuse — your call can protect you and help prevent others from facing the same situation.