Best Places to Live Off-Grid in Canada
Living off-grid in Canada is becoming increasingly popular as more people look for independence, resilience, and a simpler way of life away from crowded cities and rising utility costs. Whether you’re aiming for a fully self-sufficient homestead or a hybrid lifestyle that combines off-grid systems with occasional access to town services, Canada offers many regions where off-grid living is not only possible—but practical.
📑 Table of Contents
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- What to Consider Before Choosing an Off-Grid Location in Canada
- Top Off-Grid Locations in Canada
- Off-Grid Lodges & Alternative Experiences
- Final Thoughts on Living Off-Grid in Canada
This guide explores some of the best places to live off-grid in Canada, based on climate, access, and long-term livability.
Project Canada
Because Canada is such a vast country with diverse climates, the best place to live off-grid depends on your goals. Some locations are better for growing food, others for renewable energy, winter access, or affordability. Below are some of the most suitable regions in Canada for off-grid living, along with the realities that come with each.
What to Consider Before Choosing an Off-Grid Location in Canada
Before choosing a location, it’s important to understand that off-grid living involves more than disconnecting from utilities.
Important factors to research include:
- Local zoning and land-use bylaws
- Climate and length of the growing season
- Winter access and road maintenance
- Water availability (wells, surface water, rain catchment)
- Renewable energy potential (solar, wind, micro-hydro)
- Distance to supplies, medical care, and community
Some rural municipalities are far more accommodating to off-grid living than others, so researching regulations before purchasing land is essential.
Top Off-Grid Locations in Canada
British Columbia
British Columbia offers some of the most diverse off-grid opportunities in the country, ranging from coastal islands to interior plateaus and mountain regions.
The Cariboo Region
The Cariboo region of central British Columbia is an
The Cariboo Region
example of how off-grid living can balance independence with accessibility. Many rural properties are located within a reasonable driving distance of small towns that provide fuel, groceries, post offices, and basic services—while still allowing homeowners to live completely off-grid.
The region is known for:
- Excellent fishing lakes and rivers
- Abundant wildlife, including deer and moose
- Long summer daylight hours
- Cold but often sunny winters, ideal for solar power
This makes the Cariboo especially appealing for people interested in growing food, harvesting firewood, and relying on renewable energy systems year-round.
Lasqueti Island, British Columbia
A well-known example of off-grid living on the coast is Lasqueti Island, a community that has lived without grid power for decades.
Lasqueti is a small island that is disconnected from the populations and the power grid. It is found between the British Columbia coast and Vancouver Island, the population here ranges from 359 to 379 in recent years.
The Island itself is 21 km long and 5 km wide, to get there you would take a ferry from near Parkville, BC on Vancouver Island. This is a foot passenger ferry only, so if you plan on visiting the Island bring a bike or take a taxi once you get onto the Island.
The weather can be nice there, not as cold are the interior or northern BC, but they do get a lot of rain like most coastal communities.
Freedom Cove is another off-grid example in British Columbia, located near Vancouver Island and built entirely as a floating home.
Alberta
Alberta provides strong opportunities for off-grid living, particularly in regions near the Canadian Rockies.
Foothill and mountain-adjacent areas often offer:
- Fertile soil for growing crops
- Natural wind protection
- Access to surface water
- Strong solar potential
However, not all areas are suitable. Highly regulated and tourist-heavy locations such as Banff and Lake Louise are expensive and restrictive. More realistic off-grid options exist outside major centers like Edmonton and Calgary, where land prices are lower and zoning can be more flexible.
While prairie regions can be productive for farming, winters are harsh and exposed to Arctic winds, making shelter and heating a major consideration.
Maritime Provinces
East coast living, Scott and I have often thought about packing up and heading to Nova Scotia, Newfoundland , or Prince Edward and living off grid there. The islands are quite large with still a relatively low population yet being close to the mainland. The climates there seem to be pretty favorable and warmer compared to most parts of Canada.
Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island offer a very different off-grid experience.
The Maritime provinces appeal to off-grid homesteaders because of:
- Affordable rural land prices
- Moderated coastal temperatures compared to inland Canada
- Good soil in many farming regions
- Established rural communities
Winter storms can be intense, but extreme cold is less common than in central or northern Canada. Employment opportunities may be limited, but for those planning to rely primarily on their land, the Maritimes can be an excellent choice.
Ontario
Ontario offers off-grid potential once you move away from densely populated southern regions.
Rural and northern areas provide:
- Forested land for firewood and building materials
- Lakes and streams for water access
- Small communities with basic services
As you move farther north, winters become colder and access more remote, but land prices are often more affordable. With careful location selection, Ontario can support a successful off-grid lifestyle.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Yellowknife represents one of the most extreme off-grid environments in Canada. Long, dark winters and extremely cold temperatures make daily life challenging, but residents are rewarded with remarkable natural beauty and some of the best Northern Lights viewing in the world.
This region is not for everyone, but it demonstrates that off-grid living is possible even in harsh northern climates with the right preparation and mindset.
Off-Grid Lodges & Alternative Experiences
Blachford Lake Lodge
For those curious about off-grid living without full commitment, Blachford Lake Lodge offers a luxury off-grid experience. The lodge operates independently of public utilities while providing modern comforts and access to spectacular aurora borealis displays.
Final Thoughts on Living Off-Grid in Canada
Living off-grid in Canada is less about escaping society and more about choosing a deliberate, self-reliant way of life. From rural British Columbia to the Maritime provinces and the far North, Canada offers a wide range of environments that support off-grid living—each with its own challenges and rewards.
No location is perfect. Climate, regulations, and access all require compromise. But with realistic expectations and careful planning, off-grid living can provide peace, independence, and a deeper connection to the land and seasons.
Gentle Disclaimer
Local zoning laws, land-use regulations, and building codes vary widely across Canada. Always confirm municipal requirements before purchasing property or building off-grid systems.
Updated Feb 2026
© 2020 – 2026, Teresa. All rights reserved.
I am from Canada and I have to second this article. There are so many great places to live off the grid in Canada. It’s a massive country with more wilderness than most countries out there. There are choices here too… you can live off grid close to civilization, or you can be quite out there on your own. Plenty of beautiful locations too. Keep in mind, however, that weather can be harsh in the winter, in some parts of the country, so it’s best to do your research before making a choice. But there are plenty of places where the winters can be mild as well.
it is a beautiful country we live in. Our off grid place gets cold winters, not as cold as years ago but we still get some -30 or more days, and need to dress warm. Lots of snow, so have to plow that too. The south has milder climates where they get little to no snow. Thanks for your comments.
I follow the Tiny house movement enthusiastically, to my husbands amusement. I’m also very interested in the earthship movement. I live in Australia but my kids and grandkids are in New Zealand. I’d love to try some kind of off grid house there as a second home. It would probably have to be a tiny house because earthships don’t do so well in wet climates. These days off grid doesn’t seem hard especially in a temperate climate like New Zealand. Canada’s colder regions would be more challenging but I’ve seen people doing it. So not impossible :)👍🏻
Hi,
The topic we are discussing here is Best places to live Off-Grid in Canada. I am impressed by people that take a chance do live off-grid!. I could not see myself without my creature comforts. Lovely images lost to view on your site, which I found interesting.
Thanks again for the idea, that there are people that actually live off-grid, and love it, could I?.
I was interested in your article about Best Places to Live Off-grid in Canada as a Canadian living across Canada. The locations you recommend are not too remote, with access to towns or cities which makes sense unless your a true survivalist. It would be great to learn more about the best types of buildings, tools, equipment, and resources one would need to live off grid, particularly in the colder northern regions of Canada. Thanks.
Hi Larry, yes check back as I’ll be adding about the buildings, tools and equipment soon. One that I have up is Firewood Log Splitter andOff Grid Tools
Hello . Im new to this living off the Grid but i has been thinking hard about doing so for a long time now . Also the fact now that im about to be evicted from my place if living im convinced im wanting to do this now . Please help a fella out with info an locations on bieng able to make this gappen . Thxs in advance an much respect
Sorry for the misspelling
My self and my husband are looking for an off grid community to live in in BC Canada. We have a fifth wheel we live in and have been looking for like minds to live and share with.
Hi Sandra have you check out Lasqueti Island, also I believe there is a place on Vancouver island. I notice lately where we are in the interior of BC more and more people are moving up and buying a piece of land and putting their RV’s on it. It’s great for the summer, but they will need something warmer for the winter months. Best of luck to you.
Great article, I have been looking at places to move to for awhile. I have lived off grid but at my age would like to have a small home with more land than I can get down south LOL. Anyone have any ideas about some of the small towns in BC that are welcoming, I live just off Vancouver Island right now. Thanks.
The interior of BC is still relatively affordable with places that have a bit of land. The winters are colder than the Island, but if you don’t mind dealing with that and a bit of snow.