British Columbia is a vast province of snow-capped mountains, rugged wilderness, and winding back roads. There is forever a place you can discover; a place you can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life, from social media, from work, from all of it, and just be. Breathe in the rich scents of the earth and the pine trees in any of these twenty-five ‘off the grid’ destinations. The only thing you need to bring? Your soul!
1. Crooked Lake Resort
Address: 2225 6700 Forest Service Rd
Phone: 250-984-1307
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2. Sombrio Beach, Vancouver Island
If you are seeking peace and contentment you may want to consider coming to Sombrio Beach located on the West coast of Vancouver Island. This long stretch of beach was once home to a fully functioning commune of hippies who lived completely off the grid and raised families on the rocky shores- and surfed! If you come here for your getaway you might just find yourself having a conversation with one of those original commune members and gain an up-close and personal insight into what it was like to truly live disconnected from technology and society but connected to the earth and sea.
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3. Jedediah Island Marine Provincial Park
A sanctuary for kayakers and off the grid campers. Jedediah Island is one of thirty islands with rich ecosystems; on land, you will discover mature tree species as well as evidence of previous human settlement. The protected shores and coves make for safe destinations for marine life. Bring your cameras instead of your phones to snap some incredible pictures of your adventure! Tip: consider camping on the east side of the island during peak times (summer months) for a bit more privacy from other campers and kayakers.
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4. Squitty Bay Oceanfront Bed & Breakfast, Gulf Islands
Just because you want to ‘get off the grid’ doesn’t mean you want to rough it in the BC wilderness. If you prefer some of the comforts of home it’s still possible to disconnect and enjoy your vacation off the grid here at Squitty Bay, a prime Eco-tourist destination of the Gulf Islands. You will stay in a self-contained cabin with a view of the Strait of Georgia. The amenities are simple but efficient. The real payoff is in where you are. Explore the area by going for a hike or walking along the rocky shore while listening to the waves whisper and rush up the beach. Rise early to catch a dazzling sunrise and remember to breathe and be in the moment as the moon makes its appearance over the ocean. This is a popular destination for those seeking a more romantic off the grid getaway.
Phone: 250-951-6390
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5. Sechart Lodge, Vancouver Island
Have you ever considered doing an off the grid trip with a group? Perhaps you want to go with family or friends but not everyone in your group is keen on the idea of spending their nights in a tent or their days in a kayak. Book your group getaway at Sechart Lodge; enjoy the comfortable accommodations and friendly staff while staying in a place with history all around you from its origins in 1905, when the lodge was opened by the Pacific Whaling Company. Spend your evenings around the fire listening to live music (guests are more than welcome to bring their own instruments and jam along with the entertainment) or getting cozy inside with a good book. Dine with other guests from all over the world. Explore the rocky shores or set sail on the Lady Rose Marine on a day trip to Bamfield, a quaint sheltered coastal village.
Address: 5425 Argyle Street, Port Alberni
Phone: 250-723-8313
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6. Freedom Cove, Tofino
This is an off the grid artist’s dream. If you’re passionate about sustainable living this is also the getaway for you! This Freedom Cove getaway has been coined as “magical living on a floating world”, and that’s the truth! Living on the island are artists Catherine and Wayne Adams. They will be there to welcome you aboard their floating magical home when you arrive by boat, from which point you will explore their home- and their biggest art project. Follow hidden pathways and explore the buildings, and don’t forget to check out the lighthouse shower! This getaway location will make you feel like you’ve been transported to another world. How much more off the grid can you get than that?
Address: 390 Main St, Tofino
Phone: 250.725.3435
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7. Nipika Mountain Resort (Eco Resort)
Become one with the beautiful landscape around you at Nipika Mountain Resort. This property takes pride on their eco-friendly approach to providing a top-rated resort in sustainable and non-consumptive ways. Depending on the season you visit, enjoy the afternoons cross country skiing. If the weather is warm go hiking, canoeing, or biking! There is something for everyone at this family-friendly off the grid location.
Address: 9200 Settlers Road, Kootenay National Park
Phone: 250-342-6516
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8. Tantalus View Retreat
Address: 451 Swift Creek Forest Service Road, Squamish
Phone: 250-634-1442
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9. Wildwood Cabin
Come find this cabin nestled in the dense mixed Wildwood forest. There is no TV here. No telephone. No way to hear the daily news that consumes our thoughts all day long. The only morning news you’ll hear and see here is the sun rising over the lake over which your cabin looks and the birds chirping in the trees all around you. Enjoy your private sandy beach at the edge of a trout-filled lake. Relax, unwind, and recharge at this tranquil eco-friendly resort.
Address: 6047 Lang Road (Mayook Valley), Wardner
Phone: 250-429-3050
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10. Hiellen Longhouse Village, Haida Gwaii
Here you will stay in traditional Haida wooden longhouses nestled in the forest on Haida Gwaii land. There is no room for cell phones and internet connection when you’re steps away from crabbing or clam-digging on North Beach. This village consists of seven cabins and is pet friendly, so feel free to bring your furry companion along to explore the wilderness that will be all around you on this off the grid retreat!
Phone: 250-626-3337
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11. Mountain Trek Fitness Retreat and Health Spa
Upon arriving at this beautiful lodge near Ainsworth Hot springs guests are asked to put their smartphones away: the focus here is on nature and reconnecting with oneself. This getaway is off the grid and there is something for everyone whether you’re looking for a spa getaway, cuisine retreat, or fitness focused adventure. The retreat is serious about there not being any TV’s, radios, or news media on site so guests can focus on their spirit and soul. Upon returning home you will be rejuvenated and ready to conquer whatever mountains lay ahead of you!
Address: 3800 North Street, Ainsworth Hot Springs
Phone: 800-661-5161
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12. Caverhill Fly Fishing Lodge
Is a getaway not complete for you unless there is the promise of serene lakes, canoes, and the telltale whisper of casting your line? Rest assured. We see you. Caverhill Fly Fishing Lodge invites you to come stay in their off the grid lodge that is only accessible by boat. Enjoy days outdoors breathing in the fresh air and living in the moment. No phone screens will be vying for your attention here. Tip: Fishing season is June through September.
Address: Barriere
Phone: 866-672-9806
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13. The Flow Wilderness Retreat
The perfect combination of luxury and rejuvenation can be found at Flow Wilderness Retreat, an “off the grid glamping adventure”. Your base location, complete with a cozy cabin, cedar-wood-fire hot tub, hammocks and hot showers, is the perfect place to come back to in the evenings after exploring the surrounding marine parks. Sit down to three course gourmet dinners served with wine every evening as you eagerly anticipate the day ahead. Detox, unwind, and be fully present as you indulge in a luxury kayaking tour. You’ll be daydreaming about it for months after you leave and telling everyone you know to try it out!!
Address: PO Box 706, Quathiaski Cove
Phone: 888-435-2925
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14. Out There – Off Leash
Out There is the perfect place to disconnect and unwind in nature. It is perhaps the most private location on the list because it’s on its very own private island! Yes, you read that right. Stay in the Yurt Room (seriously, this one is cool), Tree House, or Tent Cabin on this island where bohemian boudoir meets glamping in this off the grid oasis. To top it off this retreat is family owned and eco friendly. You can’t go wrong!
Address: East Point Islet, Nelson Island, Sunshine Coast
Phone: 604-740-1691
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15. Anuttara
Address: Nass Valley
Phone: 250-999-9182
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16. The Valdes Island Shack
This little cabin is truly a diamond in the rough. It was built within five weeks and designed to withstand the intense weather the region receives practically year round. However, the design does not compromise the views, which is what this off the grid getaway is all about. Soak up the sunshine and the views in your remote cabin. Don’t compromise on accommodations; it might be small, but it’s luxurious and complete with your own private sun deck with a soaking tub!
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17. Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures
Strap into your life jackets because Kingfisher Wilderness Adventures is the premier destination in Canada, and perhaps the world, for sea kayaking. Choose between Base Camp kayaking tours (4 days and 3 nights) where you set out on the water in the mornings for a life changing tour. Or opt in for the more challenging option: an expedition. The expeditions range from 5 to 15 days in length, and you don’t return to your same camp. There is something new to see with every new day. If you really want to immerse yourself in the rugged coastlines, ocean, wilderness, marine and land life, this is the tour for you! Come prepared to get a little wet and leave with a new sense of wonder.
Address: 1790A Campbell Way, Port McNeill
Phone: 866-546-4347
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18. The Wilderness Resort & Retreat
The Wilderness Resort is exactly how it sounds: wild. Come seek the adventure that awaits you and your partner, or your family. Indulge in delicious food or early morning yoga in the sunshine at the tip of Crawley Point. The secluded serenity of this location will fill your soul with fresh air and stillness. Disconnect and settle into nature. It’s waiting for you.
Address: 4444 Cawley Point (Storm Bay), Sechelt, West Minister District
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19. Radius Retreat
Radius Retreat offers a true off the grid sustainable experience by offering guests yurt accommodations in the Columbia Valley. All yurt lighting is solar powered, and their thoughtful designs were intended to connect their guests to the wilderness as much as possible at the edge of the Canadian Rockies.
Address: 7058 Hwy 95, Radium Hot Springs
Phone: 403-636-0343
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20. Cabana Desolation Eco Resort
Being off the grid doesn’t stop this resort from serving authentic and inspiring local cuisine. Come prepared to have a marvelous dining experience as well as disconnecting from normal life and immersing yourself in nature. Cabana prides itself on connecting its guests with the important things and helping them step away from the things in every day life that might be weighing heavily on their spirit. Wake to the sounds of birds chirping outside your cabin and the ocean lapping at the shores; to top it off you’ll have freshly brewed coffee delivered right to your door in the morning! Cabana has their priorities straight!
Address: 10676 Crowther Road, Powell River
Phone: 866-617-4444
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21. Emerald Lake Lodge, Yoho National Park
Address: P.O. Box 10, Field
Phone: 800-663-6336
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22. Echo Valley Ranch and Spa
Everything at Echo Valley Ranch is exactly as it is supposed to be. Breathe in, breathe out, and soak in the views that surround you on this secluded ranch instead of getting caught up staring at a TV screen watching your favorite movie. Connect with new friends instead of your smart phone, and with your chin up and your senses alert, you’ll spot all the things the surrounding wild has to offer: soaring bald eagles and mama bears with their cubs are just the tip of the ice berg here.
Address: 10635 Jesmond Road, Clinton
Phone: 800-253-8831
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23. Stoltz Bluff Eco Retreat
True sustainability meets peace and comfort at Stoltz Bluff Eco Retreat. The philosophy here is a good one: provide a sustainable vacation spot that is an easy choice for people to feel good about. You might leave this resort feeling inspired and ready to apply some of their techniques and ways to your own life upon returning home. According to previous guests the views and the resort itself are nothing short of magical. Tip: Get the best value by visiting during the low season, October 1- May 30.
Phone: 250-686-6288
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24. Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort
Set your soul on fire in the rugged British Columbian heartland where horses and adventure meet at this family owned luxury lodge and guest ranch. Arrive by four wheel drive vehicles on gravel roads to discover the off the grid location, or fly in on a six person bush plane from Vancouver. This destination is ideal for multi generation adventure travel, family or romantic getaways.
Address: Eagan Bonaparte Forest Service Rd #3700, Thompson-Nicola E
Phone: 250-395-6541
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25. Nuk Tessli Cabin Centre
Only accessible by plane, Nuk Tessli is a cabin centre in British Columbia’s back country wilderness. Hiking adventures will lead you into the surrounding wilderness, lakes, and glaciers. Take a guided hike or explore on your own; there is nobody on the trails to run into. It’s just you and the vast expanse of BC’s backyard. Come back to base at the end of a long day to enjoy a glass of wine or a dip in the hot tub to soothe muscles that earned a nice hot soak.
Address: P.O. Box 143, Nimpo Lake
Phone: 778-766-3487
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With as many options as this, British Columbia has something to offer each and every kind of traveller seeking an ‘off the grid’ getaway experience. Whether you desire every day modern comforts or would prefer to dive into an authentic off the grid location is up to you. Once that decision is made all you have to worry about is getting there. The rejuvenation you crave will find you!
Great list but You left one of the best wilderness lodges off your list, I know you can’t list them all but hey you missed a very good one. West Coast Wilderness Lodge