One of the few properties with a dedicated outdoor firepit.
1 bedroom0+ bathroomsSleeps 4
Popular amenities
Onsite parking available
Dogs and cats allowed
Kitchen
Firepit
Garden
Fireplace
Explore the area
Blaeberry, BC
Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Center
Place, Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Center
7 min drive
Burges James Gadsden Provincial Park
Place, Burges James Gadsden Provincial Park
15 min drive
Edelweiss Village
Place, Edelweiss Village
26 min drive
Rooms & beds
1 bedroom (sleeps 4)
Bedroom 1
2 Queen Beds and 2 Double Beds
1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Toilet
Spaces
Kitchen
Number of living rooms
Outdoor play area
Garden
About this property
Off-Grid Skoolie Retreat
🏔️ 150 acres of private wilderness in the Blaeberry Valley, 20 min from Golden. Iconic renovated yellow school bus nestled in the forest with mountain views — a unique and unforgettable experience for the whole family. Three private waterfalls accessible via a private trail. Thomson Falls and several well-known trails less than 3 km away. Direct vehicle access. Authentic wildlife and the Canadian Rockies as your playground.
The space
The Sleepy Bear Skoolie — a real converted school bus, set deep in old-growth forest, woken by morning light and the sound of the nearby river.
Sleeping for 4 people:
1 Queen bed
1 bunk bed (ideal for kids — narrower for adults)
Equipment:
Outdoor kitchenette with gas stove
Outdoor table and BBQ area
90L water tank for cooking
Solar lighting
Cooler provided (bring your own ice)
Outdoor composting toilet
The private waterfalls steps away also serve as a natural swimming hole.
No WiFi, no cell service, no shower, no curtains — just the forest, the river and the starry sky.
Other things to note
What "off-grid forest skoolie" actually means:
❌ No shower or traditional plumbing
❌ No refrigerator — cooler provided
❌ No WiFi or cell service
❌ No curtains — morning light comes in early
💧 Water limited to 90L tank for cooking only
☀️ Minimal solar lighting
Wildlife & bear safety:
You are staying in active wildlife habitat. The following rules are mandatory:
No food or waste left outside
Scented items stored at all times
Bear spray strongly recommended
⚠️ The Skoolie lives and breathes with the surrounding forest. Small four-legged visitors occasionally make an appearance. If you need a sterile and controlled environment, this is not your place. If you love raw, authentic nature — welcome home.
Mosquitoes possible in summer — bring repellent.
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Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 99 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number PM341175202
Property # 4482306vb
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
About the area
Golden
Golden is home to Off-Grid Skoolie Retreat. 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. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing, snowboarding and skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling.
Blaeberry, BC
What's nearby
Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Center - 7 min drive - 3.7 km
Burges James Gadsden Provincial Park - 15 min drive - 7.4 km
Edelweiss Village - 26 min drive - 21.7 km
Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge - 27 min drive - 23.5 km
Golden Skybridge - 29 min drive - 25.5 km
Frequently asked questions
Is Off-Grid Skoolie Retreat pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 99 kg per pet.
How much is parking at Off-Grid Skoolie Retreat?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Off-Grid Skoolie Retreat?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Off-Grid Skoolie Retreat?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
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.
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