Life in McBride: A Cozy Workaway Experience with Amazing Hosts and Scenic Adventures
Days Filled with Cuddles and Country Life
October 24th–2nd of November
My Workaway stay in McBride has been delightful, filled with cozy moments, helpful chores, and the joys of small-town life. Much of my time is spent cuddling with Bess, a 12-week-old puppy with endless energy.
Bess
Doug, my host, has shared fascinating stories of his hunting experiences and his efforts to protect cattle from wolves, which have been known to prey on livestock here. Without hunters like Doug, local farmers could lose up to 40 animals each year. It’s a true community effort to live alongside nature here.
Doug showing off his hunt and different foods and a bear.
Samantha is an incredible cook, crafting meals from Doug’s fresh-caught game, creating unforgettable meals every night.
A Day in the Life: Chicken Coop Duties and Park Hangouts
Sunday, October 27th
Today was a fulfilling day with some farm chores. I tackled the chicken coop, cleaning out old bedding and adding fresh mulch and shavings. Although it’s autumn and egg production is slowing, there’s still enough to go around.
Cleaning the chicken coop
In the afternoon, I joined Max for a trip to the park, enjoying a slushy and the cool weather. Later, Samantha made Yorkshire pudding with moose heart—a real treat, though I couldn’t eat the pudding. The kids here really don’t realize they’re dining at a five-star kitchen every night! And Amy makes the best snowball cookies, even egg free!
Thrift Shops, Libraries, and a Taste of McBride
Tuesday, October 29th
Samantha and I visited McBride’s charity shop today to donate clothes, followed by a stop at the library where I met a wonderful woman. I grabbed lunch at "Welcome Home," a cozy café known for its sarcasm-laden atmosphere and quirky gift shop. I tried a Reuben sandwich for the first time—a local favorite, though I wasn’t quite sold on it. After wandering around town, I took a leisurely walk back, enjoying the peacefulness of McBride.
McBride 😄
Halloween in McBride: Trick-or-Treat and Community Fun
Thursday, October 31st
Halloween has been a big event here, especially for Max, who brought a huge pillow case, insisting he’d fill it! We joined the festivities in the town center, walking from house to house, admiring the spooky decorations and friendly locals gathered around bonfires offering hot dogs. Even the police handed out treats, and downtown stores joined the fun. The highlight was meeting at the park for hot chocolate and fireworks, creating the perfect end to a festive evening.
Halloween in McBride
Last Days in McBride: Yard Prep and a Wintery Farewell
Friday, November 1st
As my departure date nears, I helped prepare the yard for winter. Samantha’s new trimmer helped get the job done much quicker than my makeshift hand-clipping! For dinner, we had delicious homemade hunter burgers, reminding me just how much I’ll miss Samantha’s cooking. I allso filled up the shelves with firewood.
Saturday, November 2nd
With snow on the ground, Doug drove me to the train station for my next adventure. After saying goodbye to Samantha at the Elks Club, I boarded the train to Jasper. I’ve booked a hostel with great reviews and made plans to meet some online friends for dinner and karaoke—an exciting way to kick off the next leg of my journey.
Living in McBride has been an unforgettable experience filled with kind people, gorgeous landscapes, and the joy of country life. From quiet mornings with deer to community gatherings and amazing home-cooked meals, I’ll cherish my time here and hope to return one day.
The view from the house I stayed in.