It’s become quite difficult to disconnect from our rapidly modernizing world. But that hasn’t stopped people from living as far away from it all as possible in remote locations. Canada is home to many people and communities who opt to stay disconnected and live self-sufficiently.
The number of eco-friendly options for travellers is increasing. More restaurants, resorts, and tour companies are adopting sustainable practices. Some have even transformed their off-grid plots into guesthouses, lodges, and resorts. There are even more eco-hostels popping up than ever before. If it sounds like this could spark a little joy to your life, check out these great Canadian destinations.
Freedom Cove, British Columbia
In Tofino, a floating home called Freedom Cove was created from reclaimed materials and features outdoor deck spaces and a glass-covered fishing hole. The abode is vibrant teal and magenta after fireweed, the first flower to appear after a forest fire, is considered a symbol of regeneration.
Lesqueti Island, British Columbia
The island of Lasqueti is located off the coast of British Columbia in Canada and is accessible only by boat or passenger-only ferry. Those looking to soak in peace and quiet can find rustic and charming accommodation like the historic Teapot House or Squitty Bay Bed and Breakfast. For a truly immersive experience, consider a Workaway holiday where you stay with a local and get a true glimpse of their off-grid living.
Blachford Lake Lodge, Yellowknife
Yellowknife is the capital of the Northwest Territories, an area first colonized by gold prospectors in the 1930s. The lakeside shacks and dwellings they built on the edge of Slave Lake have been repurposed by a small off-grid community. Blachford Lake Lodge gets its power from solar panels, a wind turbine, a generator, and five battery sets.
Mason Cabin, Ontario
The Mason Cabin is an off-grid cabin named after the famous Canadian naturalist and canoeing icon Bill Mason. In the winter, grab skis or snowshoes and take advantage of wilderness trails that snake through forest, meadow, and beaver ponds. All Mason Cabin amenities — whether the cabin heaters and outdoor bar — run on solar power or propane.
Roofs of the World
These treehouse dwellings in Quebec’s Laurentian Mountains offer fresh-air comfort in a natural setting. If heights aren’t your thing, there’s also a Hobbit hole, Mongolian yurt, and North American Tipi.
Algonquin Eco-Lodge
Algonquin Eco-Lodge is a new eco-lodge for those seeking “wilderness comfort for those wishing to savour the outdoors without having to rough it”. The lodge runs purely on micro-hydro electricity from their very own waterfall and won the 2012 Ontario Tourism Sustainable Tourism Award.
Shobac
Shobac Cabins on the rugged Nova Scotia coast are the perfect setting to write a novel or simply get away from it all. Each cottage has a distinct design and is uniquely positioned to afford the best views — including one with a bathtub that looks out to sea.
