Discover Canada from Our Farm.

Trip Launch to Canada is a 12-week volunteer experience at Rice Lake Farms in Ontario. You live on the farm, contribute to meaningful projects, meet people from around the world, and use your time here as a starting point for exploring Canada.

No experience needed but we like to know if you are relatively physically capable and you may be required to lift up to 15kg

To volunteer on the farm you will need a Canadian Working Holiday Visa. You are generally required to be 18 to 35 years old, have a valid passport and at least $2,500 CAD in accessible funds. You will also need health/medical insurance. Apply for your Canadian visa at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/iec/about.html

You may help with practical organic-farm tasks such as planting, weeding, harvesting, garden care, food preparation, maintenance, and other seasonal projects. Tasks vary with the season and the farm's needs, and you'll receive an orientation before you begin.

Volunteers generally work about 5 hours a day, Monday to Friday. Weekends and free time are available for rest, local activities, and exploring the region.

The program provides 3 meals a day as part of the volunteer arrangement. Specific arrangements and dietary requirements can be catered for and discussed before your arrival.

You stay at Rice Lake Farms in shared volunteer accommodation. It is a simple, social farm setting rather than a hotel, so bring a flexible attitude and be prepared to share spaces with other volunteers.

We ask volunteers be available for 12 weeks if possible. We run Spring session from March 1 to May 31. And we run our Summer session from June 1 to September 10

There is no fee. You work 25 hours a week on the farm in exchange for accommodation and meals. You will need to pay your own way for any activities and services required beyond that

Plan for international flights, travel insurance, immigration or work-authorisation costs where applicable, personal spending, local transportation, activities, and any travel you do before or after the program.

Yes. The schedule gives you free time outside your farm hours, including weekends, to explore Rice Lake, nearby towns, lakes, forests, trails, and other parts of Ontario.

The program does not guarantee a job after your placement, but the experience, practical skills, and connections you gain can help you plan your next step. Any work you take must follow Canadian immigration and work-authorisation rules.

The GO train travels from Toronto to Peterborough. From Peterborough we may be able to assist you with a ride to the farm, or we will arrange another way to help you get to the farm safe and stress free

The farm is in a rural area, so transportation needs planning. Local trips may involve lifts, shared rides, public transportation from nearby towns, or organised outings. The host team can help you understand the available options.

Toronto is about 120 kilometres from Rice Lake Farms. Your host team can help you plan the route, which may involve a lift to a nearby transport connection and onward travel by bus or train.

Often, yes. Many volunteers make friends during the program and continue travelling together afterward. Travel plans are personal, so coordinate directly with other volunteers and make sure your documents and budget support your plans.

Bring comfortable clothes for outdoor farm work, sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots, weather-appropriate layers, work gloves, personal toiletries, medications, travel documents, and any items you need for shared accommodation. Pack for changing Canadian weather.

Start by expressing your interest through the application or contact form. Share your preferred session, background, and why you would like to join. The team will review your information and explain the next steps.

The team will contact you with program information, availability, fees, requirements, and application steps. You can ask questions, choose a suitable session, and continue with the formal application if the program is a good fit.