When I'm travelling, I love to meet local people, explore new foods and experiences, and get off the beaten path. Surfing is a great way to do this. Similarly, when hosting I love the reciprocal relationship of spending time with my guests and showing them the neat bits of community that they have chosen to visit.

I am a fun-loving, outgoing professional originating in Hamilton, Ontario. My husband and I made the leap to the great Yukon in summer 2017, and have since moved for work down to Coquitlam. Coquitlam is a big change from the slow place of Dawson, but I can't wait to learn about this great place together with like-minded adventurers! I like to learn and explore, and take part in thought provoking conversations. I am known to climb things and will never turn down an adventure. I like to make new friends and try new food, and learn languages. I am known to read an entire book in one day while sitting at the park. I am a dancer and a hiker, and love being in nature. I try to make the world a better place by smiling and by respecting the environment. I love the culture exchange of surfing - meeting new people, having great conversations, sharing meals and activities, etc. For example, one of my guests was a farmer and we spent a lovely afternoon in the sun repotting my zucchini plants. My philosophy is to always say yes to a new adventure, even it seems scary. You never know how it might help you learn and grow.

Important to note that we recently had a baby! He was born at the end of August 2020. We are open to hosting despite this life change, though things might look a little different now. We ask that you only request to stay with us if you accept and understand that a baby has an unpredictable schedule ;) He's usually happy and lovely, but that of course is not a guarantee. We hope soon to try to surf again as a family of three once he is a bit older!! :)

NOTE: When hosting and surfing, I am almost always accompanied by my husband, Tyler. You will note in my references that many of them are ‘joint’ and speak to both of us; this is because we mostly surf and host together using this profile. However, if you’d like more detailed information on Tyler specifically, please click here to view his profile: https://www.couchsurfing.com/people/tyler-arsenault . Thanks :)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have been hosted by a few others in my travels and I love to pay it forward. I still enjoy surfing as well, though we haven't tried with the baby just yet. I am the type of surfer that brings along a cheery attitude, flexibility, willingness to share conversations, meals, and time spent. I am happy to share with you stories about life in the far north, as well as helping with chores such as dishes, food shopping, and the like. I love to host people who share this same mentality.

Interests

I am huge on traveling and exploring. I love hiking and geocaching, and love to do this wherever my travels take me. I love to explore the culture and heritage of the places I travel, by visiting museums, and heritage sites as well as visiting natural areas such as conservation areas nature reserves, or just the beaches, forests, and hiking trails. Life is a great adventure if you know where to look. I also love knitting, ballet and contemporary dance, and I always have a book in my bag.

• culture
• books
• singing
• dancing
• ballet dancing
• environment
• dining
• traveling
• socializing
• music
• guitar
• hiking
• surfing
• languages
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

Absolutely anything and everything. Recommend an awesome title and I will give it a try.

Music is usually folk-y and alt rock for example: Lumineers, Brand New, First Aid Kit, Against Me, Blind Pilot, Bright Eyes, Neon Trees, Of Monsters and Men

I don't watch many movies, but some examples of shows are: House of Cards, Once Upon a Time, Riverdale, Gotham, Series of Unfortunate Events, Dexter, Walking Dead, Suits, Game of Thrones

Books are usually American Literature, but I'm always interested in reading indigenous & foreign literature as well. Some examples of favourites: A Thousand Splendid Suns, Book of Negroes, Fates & Furies, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, Middlesex, We Need New Names

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

-Started a new life 6000km from home. Twice, in opposite directions :P
-Dogsledding on Christmas Eve in -40C
-Road trip from Ontario to Yukon
-Slept in the Sahara Desert
-Backcountry camping in the arctic tundra
-Watched the northern lights from my front porch
- Stood on the Athabasca Glacier
-Geology field work in the Bahamas

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm a great geocacher and all-around outdoorsy person. I love to share that with others. If you stay with me we can go hiking or even camping and I can show you the amazing nature of the Yukon. I love knowledge sharing, so show me what you're good at and we can learn from each other. I am happy to share cooking, I can teach you to knit, I have been dancing and doing yoga for a while now, so I can share some good stretches and beginner yoga poses. Above all, I always want to share good conversations and memories with hosts and guests!

What I Can Share with Hosts

I will always help with cooking, cleaning, shopping, etc. As needed to make our time together as easy as possible. I know how this feels from the other side. I have hosted quite a bit over the last year (considering the small and remote place I live). Because of this I understand what things make good surfers: for example friendliness, helping around the house, flexibility in timing, spending time together. I hope to be a good surfer to continue the spirit of CS.

Countries I’ve Visited

Bahamas, Belgium, Canada, Cuba, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Mexico, Morocco, Panama, Scotland, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada, United Kingdom, United States