Couchsurfing On A Farm In Manitoba

by Safia Miletus · Published August 10, 2017 · Updated November 7, 2017

OK Manitoba, let’s show them that you’re not as boring as they say!

I left my life in early July of 2017 to become a “motorcycle hobo” (for as long as I want?). After 2 weeks of camping across Ontario, and finally making it to Manitoba, I decided I wanted to Couchsurf again! I was originally going to do so because I wanted to visit Winnipeg, but changed my mind last minute as I didn’t feel like being in a big city at the time.

So. Couchsurfing. It’s free! I only managed to only pay for accommodation thrice in 6 months while on my first motorcycle adventure in 2014/15. This was all thanks to a few free camping spots, as well the amazing people of Couchsurfing.com! Through Couchsurfing.com, you can meet people online who will allow you to stay in their home for free. It’s not so much about the free accommodation, it’s more of an amazing way to meet new people when you travel, and get a real “local” experience. Someday when I settle down, I will definitely be a host as a great way to meet interesting people. Some of the people I’ve met on that website have changed my life, so I will definitely be writing a few posts about Couchsurfing in the future 🙂

I actually only sent out one couch request, only because I was interested in meeting this specific host. He lived on a farm in Manitoba and had gone on a motorcycle trip all the way to Argentina once!

First of all… MANITOBA IS NOT BORING! I actually LOVE the flat, straight riding. The sky feels so incredibly open, and I feel unbearably free! The Trans Canada highway is kind of boring in some areas in MB, but other roads are not! The gas is also cheaper than Ontario, and the wind is stronger, but bearable.

To reach this person’s farm, I had to ride on a ton of gravel roads! I don’t really like riding on gravel of course, but as long as I don’t ride too fast, my motorcycle feels steady enough. These gravel roads in the Manitoba farm areas were beautiful, and empty. I LOVE hay bales for some reason. I stopped multiple times to take pictures of the scenery and no cars ever showed up. I lost my phone signal too, but fortunately, my directions are always written on a piece of paper in the clear pocket of my tank bag, and I have a GPS.

I guess I was late because my host actually came out looking for me in his truck. He was making sure I hadn’t “fallen into a ditch” as he put it, lol. I followed him to a house, and was blown away! It was like a wooden mansion. Probably my inner child’s dream place. They had swings, a huge teepee, and playhouse, a pool, a trampoline, and horses! They even had a Weimeraner dog, one of my favorite breeds! I was almost overwhelmed. When it comes to Couchsurfing, it’s not about the accommodation itself, but about the people. I still couldn’t help being impressed. I love it when people put passion into working on their home. My host would even randomly play the piano (beautifully), adding even more awesomeness to the atmosphere.

: I had the option of sleeping in there…

They actually cooked me dinner, something that I never expect of a host. It was the best food I had in a long time, and were also foods that were (mostly) “allowed” on my ketogenic diet. I ate EXTREMELY well while I stayed with them for 3 days. They were some of the best hosts I’ve ever had, which is why I’m writing a whole post about it. I was made to feel so welcome, and my host’s dad even let me hang out in his house while no one was there (to use the wifi!). I find that most hosts trust you being alone in their house, as long as you have enough positive references on your profile, I suppose. I’ve actually had someone give me the key to his condo while he was away for 2 weeks!

So, I had an amazing and relaxing time there. After living in my tent for 2 weeks, this was pure heaven for me. Their neighbor picked some raspberries and gave me an ENTIRE BUCKET, which I managed to inhale within a couple of hours! I’ve never eaten so many berries in my life, and raspberries are one of my favorite foods. I felt like a spoiled little kid.

I finally got to have a proper shower, too. I washed my hair, finally shaved, and then painted my nails by the pool while listening to music. I was able to hang out with my laptop outside and still get a strong wifi signal and access electricity. I love being outside, but still having wifi/electricity access. I was finally able to catch up on a lot of laptop-related stuff in a quiet environment.

I’m not sure what a B&B is like, but I think this was better.

My hosts were amazing people. I was given a tour of the farm and taught a few things, and received plenty of unique and wonderful advice from my motorcycle adventurer host. He also kept saying “don’t listen to me!”, which made me respect his advice even more. He definitely had a very different and deep perspective on motorcycles and travel that was incredibly refreshing. I was very lucky that he took the time to share his knowledge and experience with me. I was even given an adorable mini version of the SAS survival handbook, which I’m now in love with. Mostly because it’s so cute!

My almost-empty gas tank was actually filled before I left. Definitely some of the most thoughtful people I’ve ever met.

What I love about the people of Couchsurfing is how interesting and varied the conversations can get. Traveling changes your perspective on many things in life, and meeting fellow travels just enhances that altogether.