Enjoy A Glorious Dose Of Escapism At Canada's Best Remote Airbnbs

Far away stays

Part of the magic of Canada is its abundance of wide-open spaces. While there’s plenty to see and do in this vast country’s cities, a quintessential Canadian experience should involve getting lost in the glory of nature. These Airbnb rentals offer extreme solitude and a chance to enjoy the wonderful wilderness.

Four Pines cabin, Kawartha Lakes, Ontario

Lose touch with the rest of the world at this tiny lakeside cabin located on a micro-island (now connected to the mainland for added convenience) in the Kawartha Lakes north of Toronto. With one queen bed in the loft and a pull-out downstairs, the wooden cabin is modern and comfortable. There’s no running water, but there is a luxurious solar-heated shower outside so you don't have to rough it too much. Visitors can snuggle up in front of the wood stove or gaze out at the still waters of the lake.

Micro-Element chalet, Lac-Beauport, Québec

Vacationers who like a hefty dose of modern design with their nature retreat will appreciate this super-sized tiny home known as the 'MICA'. Located 25 minutes from Old Québec City, the two-story house is surrounded by rugged boreal forest, which is as picturesque under a blanket of snow in winter as it is in summer. The smartly designed house is roomy enough to accommodate four people, with the upstairs accessible by an indoor ladder or an outdoor staircase.

Rivers Edge cottage, Edgewood, British Columbia

British Columbia’s West Kootenay region is well off the beaten path and this rustic cabin, surrounded by forest and pure lake waters, offers true seclusion. There are no local restaurants nearby, so make sure to stock the place with food before enjoying hiking, fishing and swimming in the lake. The lofted cabin can sleep up to six people and guests are also welcome to indulge in the outdoor sauna, located just a few steps away from the main house. 

Circle D yurt, Ibex Valley, Yukon Territory

Yukon’s Ibex Valley is a hamlet just off the Alaska Highway, about 19 miles (30km) from the city of Whitehorse. This 28-foot (8.5m) yurt looks pretty utilitarian from the outside, but the interior features warm wooden beams, a cozy double bed plus a single, and room to host a yoga or meditation retreat. The yurt sits on a working farm, so guests may see cattle grazing in the field nearby. Beyond the field you'll find a river, which can be crossed with a complimentary canoe.

Lakefront shipping container, Inglis, Manitoba

Canada’s prairies don’t get as much fanfare as the mountains or coasts, but the wide swathes of land in the central part of the country can provide a real sense of retreat. This uniquely modern cabin in Manitoba is situated close to a fantastic year-round fishing lake and amenities like golf courses, but when you’re in the house, you’ll feel a million miles away from the rest of the world. The property sleeps up to eight in three bedrooms and is completely fitted with modern fixtures.

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Private islands, Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls, Ontario

This secluded cabin sits on a private island on the beautiful Lake of the Woods (LOTW) in Western Ontario, straddling the Manitoba border. One of the biggest lakes in North America (after the Great Lakes, of course), LOTW is full of tiny islands populated by birds and other wildlife, as well as remote cabins like this two-bedroom gem. Five guests in total can hop on a boat and sail out to this quiet island to kick back and relax. Boat rentals are available if needed.

Rustic log cabin, Rocky View County, Alberta

Relax among foothills of the Rocky Mountains in this postcard-worthy log cabin near rugged Ghost Lake, Alberta. This historic hut was used as a fur trading post over 100 years ago and it still retains that frontier charm, with animal fur decor, a wood-burning stove and buffalo check bedding. You won’t be living like a pioneer, though – there is a bathroom in the cabin along with enough space for four guests to chill with each other after a hike or a winter skate on the lake.

Waterfront farmhouse retreat, Marmora, Ontario

It’s not often you find a property that offers the laid-back pace of farm life along with calming waterfront views of the Crowe River. This rural lakeside retreat gives visitors plenty to do, with water sports, ping pong, a pool, hiking trails and horseback riding either on-site or a short drive away. The house and pastoral property are big enough for a full family retreat, sleeping up to 22 guests in five bedrooms, with a full kitchen and complete privacy.

Vineyard vacation stay, Port Williams, Nova Scotia

What could be more romantic than spending a vacation surrounded by beautifully maintained vineyards in Nova Scotia’s famous Annapolis Valley? This barn-like house sits right in the middle of a working winery, letting visitors get a look at a rural winemaking process as they enjoy an east coast trip. The fully-furnished barn is cozy – it only sleeps two, making for a romantic getaway for wine lovers.

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Log chalet, Sainte-Béatrix, Québec

Up to 14 people can kick back near the remote waters of Lake Emmanuel at this storybook-like woodland lodge. The house’s wood decor and large-scale rustic furniture blend seamlessly into the dense forest surroundings in southern Québec. In between peaceful wildlife-watching walks through the forest, guests can create memories with tournaments at the pool table or unwind in the all-weather outdoor spa.

Aurora Lodge houseboat, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

You can’t get much more off-grid than staying in a houseboat in the wilds of the Northwest Territories. In summer, this two-bedroom rental is accessible by a short hike followed by a canoe ride, whereas in winter you can drive over the ice right to the front door. Guests get to enjoy the full main floor (the owners live upstairs and will be onsite) and complete access to outdoor decks to enjoy lake views or, in winter, to watch the Northern Lights do their thing.

Peace cabin, Ucluelet, British Columbia

Connect with Canada’s west coast at this private cabin just off the Ucluelet Inlet on Vancouver Island. Near the rawness of the open Pacific Ocean and only five minutes from town, this wooded property is surrounded by forest – so much so that guests are asked not to leave food on the grill unattended since it could attract bears! It’s all worth it, since you get to wake up in one of the two bedrooms with a full view of old-growth trees and wild birds.

Secluded cabin, Rodney, Ontario

This retreat in southwestern Ontario sits atop a bluff with a panoramic view of the vast Lake Erie, one of the enormous Great Lakes. You won’t get direct lake access, but you do get that unbeatable vista, as well as the solitude of 12 acres of robust forest and a large outdoor hot tub, as well as a wood-burning stove inside. The small studio cabin can sleep up to four people, but would also make for a perfect venue for a quiet remote workspace.

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Salt Spray Landing cottage, York Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador

All of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador is fairly remote relative to the rest of North America, but this homey cottage on the island’s southwest shore offers even more room to breathe. On the shore of the Bay of Islands, the views from the house are incredible, especially in the evening when guests can sit by the fire pit and watch the sun go down. One bedroom and three beds (including a bunk bed) makes this one big enough for five people on a family getaway.

Family cabin with sauna, Nelson, British Columbia

The city of Nelson in the heart of BC tends to attract nature lovers and people who are generally looking to get away from the trappings of big city life. Fir, cedar and elm trees surround this rural wood one-bedroom cabin, which is big enough to house four people. There’s a deck that looks out onto Kootenay Lake, but the real selling point is a private, wood-burning, barrel-style sauna located just steps away from the cabin.

Treehouse cabin, Sacré-Coeur, Québec

Located east of Québec City and just across the St Lawrence from Maine, Sacré-Coeur is a municipality on Saguenay Fjord, an area known for its remarkable biodiversity. Up to four guests can sleep like the many birds in the area in this cute and ultra-cozy cabin in the trees. It’s fitted with picture windows so guests can make the most of their bird’s-eye view. The cabin is open year-round, though in winter visitors have to make do without running water. 

Sunset studio cottage, Afton Station, Nova Scotia

Journey down a gravel road and along a beach causeway to access this cottage on a tiny island off the coast of Nova Scotia’s Antigonish County. The studio home can technically sleep three, but it’s even better as a solo retreat for an artist or writer or as a romantic getaway for a couple. It’s not fancy, but it’s incredibly quiet and close to the water, making it a great place to breathe in the clean ocean air.

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Hobbit house, Kootenays, British Columbia

This house might feel like it’s in Middle Earth, but it’s actually deep in BC’s Kootenays region. The unique two-person property is cavernous, with an authentic and impressively well-executed hobbit theme. Living among the hobbits is an off-grid experience with no TV or Wi-Fi, and the closest town is about a half hour away. Outside, you’ll be able to enjoy swathes of hiking trails and a wildlife-rich backcountry to explore. 

Red barn loft, MacGregor, Manitoba

Live the prairie farm life (for the short term, at least) at this picture-perfect red barn in the heart of Manitoba agriculture country. It looks rustic from the outside, but the interior of this barn is fully renovated and sleeps six with lots of room for hanging out and family-style dining. Outside you’ll find relaxing farmland that serves as an excellent homebase for just relaxing or exploring Manitoba’s intriguing small towns.

Luxury eco-dome, Montague, Prince Edward Island

Located on PEI’s southeastern shore, this unique dome accommodation is surrounded by quiet woods and is adjacent to a private beach with access to kayaking, hiking and space for lounging. The beautifully decorated and surprisingly luxurious dome is just big enough for two. When you’re not outside enjoying the calming nature of the island, you can gaze at it from the inside through the skylight and pretty window panels or from the bubbles of the outdoor Jacuzzi.

Private cottage, Cochrane, Alberta

In close proximity to both Alberta ranch country and the majestic Rocky Mountains, is this little cottage near the town of Cochrane, just west of Calgary. The town is easily accessible by car – or even better, bicycle – but visitors will also want to spend time on the property, enjoying the grasslands and still waters of Jumping Pound Creek. The intimate cottage just sleeps two on a comfy king-sized bed with a small kitchen and an electric fireplace.

Island cabin, Nym Island, Ontario

Nym Island sits on its namesake lake in remote western Ontario. Located at the gateway to Quetico Park, this raw wilderness is favored by canoeists who want to immerse themselves in a quintessential central-Canadian adventure. This private six-person cabin is appropriately rustic with voyageur-inspired details and a lakefront fire pit and private dock, perfect for watching the sunset or the impossibly dark night sky.

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Oceanfront tiny home, Jordan River, British Columbia

This tiny house certainly is on the small side, but it’s worth snuggling up to enjoy the spectacular ocean views from the south shores of Vancouver Island. Built in a traditional tiny-house-style with a lofted bed for two and an outdoor shower, the property is designed to get guests outside. With a sun deck and outdoor fire pit, there’s lots of outdoor space to enjoy the stunning scenery when you’re not out hiking, surfing or fishing.

Little house in the woods, Canning, Nova Scotia

This adorable house in the middle of the woods in Nova Scotia is made for a peaceful getaway. The cabin is perfectly situated in a 20-acre patch of forest off Baxter’s Harbour and just a little over half a mile (1km) from the extraordinary tides of the Bay of Fundy. The house only sleeps two people (though more can squeeze in with sleeping bags) and it is quite rudimentary, with no running water.

Wood cabin, Castor, Alberta

This unpolished wooden cabin is a sight to behold as you approach it on the flat grasslands near Castor, eastern Alberta. It’s a quiet place to do some bird watching and take long walks under the big prairie sky or to hunker down inside and watch some movies. The cabin comfortably sleeps up to six guests in three bedrooms and includes a kitchen as well as an indoor wood-burning fireplace.

Magundy getaway, Faro, Yukon Territory

Explore the romance of Yukon and get completely off-grid at this classic wood cabin, near the town of Faro, not far from a now-abandoned mineral mine. Surrounded by 10 acres of sky-high forest, the cabin has a true middle-of-nowhere feel in its spot near the Magundy River. Available year-round, up to three guests can cozy up inside between hikes or snowshoe trips along forest trails. You may even see the Northern Lights and try ice fishing during the winter.

Rustic cabin, Galiano Island, British Columbia

This sweet little cabin is a perfect base for exploring serene Galiano Island, part of the cluster of Southern Gulf Islands opposite Vancouver. Accessible by ferry, Galiano is a lushly forested paradise that is home to only a few restaurants and shops, along with other secluded homes. The round lofted cabin sleeps four and offers pristine views of the forest, plus easy access to pebble beach trails. Prepare to go off-grid – there’s no Wi-Fi or mobile signal in or around the property.

Sugar Bear Cove cabin, Shirley, British Columbia

This cool a-frame wooden house is big enough for six members of a family or group of friends who want to really get away from it all. Shirley is situated on the south coast of Vancouver Island, about 45 minutes from Victoria. The cabin has its own private beach on the Strait of Juan de Fuca and is accessed through a private gate that leads to 10 acres of wild coastal land. If that’s not enough, there’s even a little treehouse on the property to escape to for some real alone time.

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