10/10 Excellent
Eric o.
3 Jun 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cute getaway
Eric o.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Entire home
Off-Grid Skoolie Retreat
Photo gallery for Off-Grid Skoolie Retreat
Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms0+ bathrooms180 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Blaeberry, BC
- Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Center8 min drive
- Golden Skybridge28 min drive
- Kicking Horse Mountain Resort45 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Single Bunk Bed
1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Toilet
Spaces
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
About this property
Off-Grid Skoolie Retreat
🏕️ TRUE OFF-GRID WILDERNESS ADVENTURE - ❌ shower, ❌ WiFi, ❌ cell service, ✅ wildlife encounters guaranteed!
Welcome to Sleepy Bear Skoolie, where you'll experience authentic converted school bus living in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. This isn't glamping - it's real off-grid living with bears, deer, and other forest neighbors as your daily companions.
Perfect For:
✅ Adventure seekers and nature lovers
✅ Digital detox enthusiasts
✅ Wildlife photography
✅ Families with children (bunk beds ideal for kids)
✅ Those who understand "off-grid" means OFF-GRID
✅ Couples + kids seeking unique experiences
⚠️ IMPORTANT: This is a genuine off-grid experience - perfect for adventurous souls seeking digital detox and wildlife encounters. Not suitable for those expecting hotel amenities.
The Space
Your converted school bus sits deep in the Blaeberry wilderness, surrounded by towering mountains and ancient forests. Three private waterfalls await just a few meters away - perfect for that refreshing (and necessary!) wilderness bath.
Sleeping arrangements for up to 4 guests:
- One queen-size bed (comfortable for adults)
- One bunk bed (designed for children - limited headroom makes it tight for adults)
Amenities:
- Outdoor kitchenette with gas stove
- Cozy outdoor dining table and BBQ area
- Ecological composting outhouse
- Solar power for basic lighting only
Wildlife Welcome Committee: Expect daily visits from deer, raccoons, bears, pine martens, and yes, the occasional mouse indoors. This is their home - you're the guest!
PLEASE DO NOT LET YOUR DOG SLEEP ON THE BED.
What "Off-Grid" Really Means
❌ shower facilities - Use our pristine waterfalls and stream for washing (truly refreshing!)
❌ Limited water - 90L tank for cooking only - every drop counts
❌ eElectricity - Solar power for basic lighting only
❌ WiFi or cell service - Complete digital detox zone
❌ Refrigerator - Cooler provided on arrival (bring ice).
✅ Wildlife encounters - Bears, deer, raccoons are your neighbors (bear safety essential!)
🦟 Seasonal mosquitoes - Summer brings bugs! Come prepared with repellent
🐻 Bear Safety (NON-NEGOTIABLE):
- Never leave food, garbage, or pet food outside
- All scented items must be stored indoors
- Carry bear spray when exploring
️🔥 Firewood: Provided for indoor stove only (bring your own for BBQ/campfire)
Wildlife: Mice may visit indoors (you're in the woods!) - part of the authentic experience.
There are no blinds; you will be awakened by the early morning light.
Not Suitable For:
❌ Those expecting hotel amenities
❌ Guests uncomfortable with wildlife
❌ Anyone needing reliable cell service
❌ Visitors wanting daily showers
Book only if you're genuinely excited about wilderness living with all its beautiful challenges!
Welcome to Sleepy Bear Skoolie, where you'll experience authentic converted school bus living in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. This isn't glamping - it's real off-grid living with bears, deer, and other forest neighbors as your daily companions.
Perfect For:
✅ Adventure seekers and nature lovers
✅ Digital detox enthusiasts
✅ Wildlife photography
✅ Families with children (bunk beds ideal for kids)
✅ Those who understand "off-grid" means OFF-GRID
✅ Couples + kids seeking unique experiences
⚠️ IMPORTANT: This is a genuine off-grid experience - perfect for adventurous souls seeking digital detox and wildlife encounters. Not suitable for those expecting hotel amenities.
The Space
Your converted school bus sits deep in the Blaeberry wilderness, surrounded by towering mountains and ancient forests. Three private waterfalls await just a few meters away - perfect for that refreshing (and necessary!) wilderness bath.
Sleeping arrangements for up to 4 guests:
- One queen-size bed (comfortable for adults)
- One bunk bed (designed for children - limited headroom makes it tight for adults)
Amenities:
- Outdoor kitchenette with gas stove
- Cozy outdoor dining table and BBQ area
- Ecological composting outhouse
- Solar power for basic lighting only
Wildlife Welcome Committee: Expect daily visits from deer, raccoons, bears, pine martens, and yes, the occasional mouse indoors. This is their home - you're the guest!
PLEASE DO NOT LET YOUR DOG SLEEP ON THE BED.
What "Off-Grid" Really Means
❌ shower facilities - Use our pristine waterfalls and stream for washing (truly refreshing!)
❌ Limited water - 90L tank for cooking only - every drop counts
❌ eElectricity - Solar power for basic lighting only
❌ WiFi or cell service - Complete digital detox zone
❌ Refrigerator - Cooler provided on arrival (bring ice).
✅ Wildlife encounters - Bears, deer, raccoons are your neighbors (bear safety essential!)
🦟 Seasonal mosquitoes - Summer brings bugs! Come prepared with repellent
🐻 Bear Safety (NON-NEGOTIABLE):
- Never leave food, garbage, or pet food outside
- All scented items must be stored indoors
- Carry bear spray when exploring
️🔥 Firewood: Provided for indoor stove only (bring your own for BBQ/campfire)
Wildlife: Mice may visit indoors (you're in the woods!) - part of the authentic experience.
There are no blinds; you will be awakened by the early morning light.
Not Suitable For:
❌ Those expecting hotel amenities
❌ Guests uncomfortable with wildlife
❌ Anyone needing reliable cell service
❌ Visitors wanting daily showers
Book only if you're genuinely excited about wilderness living with all its beautiful challenges!
Property manager
Gaelle Minisini
Premier Host
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Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Parking available
Mountain view
Fireplace
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House Rules
Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed: less than 10 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
Property Registration Number PM341175202
About the area
Golden
Located in Golden, Off-Grid Skoolie Retreat is in a rural area and on a river. Golden Skybridge and Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Burges James Gadsden Provincial Park and Marl Creek Provincial Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Blaeberry, BC
What's nearby
- Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Center - 8 min drive - 4.1 km
- Edelweiss Village - 25 min drive - 20.7 km
- Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge - 27 min drive - 22.8 km
- Golden Skybridge - 28 min drive - 23.8 km
- Kicking Horse Mountain Resort - 45 min drive - 35.9 km
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
About the host
Hosted by Gaelle Minisini
In 2021, a group of friends, all deeply rooted in the Blaeberry region of the Canadian Rockies, embarked on a shared adventure. Driven by our love for the mountains, the outdoors, and a desire to live more sustainably, we acquired a beautiful piece of land with a vision of creating an off-grid haven. We’re a diverse group, united by a passion for eco-conscious living and a desire to share the unique beauty of our home with others. This project is more than just a business; it’s a reflection of our collective dream to live in harmony with nature and create a space where others can do the same.
To bring our vision to life, we’ve established a short-term rental experience that allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the tranquility and wildness of the Blaeberry Valley. We’re passionate about sharing the joys of off-grid living, offering a chance to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the natural world. Our lodgings provide a peaceful retreat where you can escape the pressures of daily life, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and experience the quiet solitude that only the Rockies can offer. We invite you to be part of our journey and discover the transformative power of the Blaeberry.
To bring our vision to life, we’ve established a short-term rental experience that allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the tranquility and wildness of the Blaeberry Valley. We’re passionate about sharing the joys of off-grid living, offering a chance to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the natural world. Our lodgings provide a peaceful retreat where you can escape the pressures of daily life, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and experience the quiet solitude that only the Rockies can offer. We invite you to be part of our journey and discover the transformative power of the Blaeberry.
Why they chose this property
We chose the Blaeberry because it's a true escape. If you're looking for a place to disconnect from the stress of everyday life and immerse yourself in nature, this is it. The neighborhood is a haven for wildlife, with stunning natural features like waterfalls and the beautiful Blaeberry River. We cherish the peace, quiet, and the feeling of being surrounded by wilderness. Plus, you're just 15 minutes from Golden's amenities and a short drive to world-class national parks (Banff, Yoho, and Glacier). What we enjoy most is the sense of tranquility and the incredible natural beauty that surrounds us.
What makes this property unique
What sets our property apart is the sheer scale of natural beauty. With 150 acres of private forest to explore, you'll feel like you've stepped into your own nature reserve. Hedberg Creek winds its way through the property, inviting you to discover hidden corners and peaceful spots. And for waterfall enthusiasts, we have a stunning waterfall right on the property, with two more within easy walking distance. This isn't just a place to stay; it's an adventure waiting to unfold.
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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