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Living off the grid in rural Canada is a dream for many, offering a chance to connect with nature and live sustainably. But how do you make this dream a reality, especially when it comes to staying connected with remote Internet? Let’s walk through the steps, from buying land to setting up your home and ensuring you have all the essentials.

1. Buying Land

The first step is finding the perfect piece of land. Look for properties that are secluded yet accessible, with good soil for gardening and a reliable water source. Multiple listing services and local real estate websites are great places to start. Be sure to check local zoning laws and building regulations to ensure your plans are feasible.

A bird's eye view of an off-grid home

2. Choosing Your Home

You have several options for your off-grid home:

Mini House: Compact and efficient, mini houses are easy to heat and maintain.

Prefab Homes: These are built off-site and assembled on your land, saving time and often money.

Building Company: Hiring a company to build your home can be more expensive but ensures professional quality and the home of your dreams.

Existing Property: Sometimes, buying an existing off-grid property can be the easiest route.

Madeline and Mitchell, of Our Little Outpost found their remote dream - a small cabin on a private lake with 225 acres of forested land in New Brunswick - and renovated it to perfection. And, with their Xplore Internet they are now enjoying rural living while they continue working their big city jobs right from the beauty and comfort of remote Canada.

3. Water Supply

For water, you can drill a well, use a nearby water source, or collect rainwater. A well is the most reliable but can be costly, so it’s worth looking for a property with an existing well. Ensure your water source is clean and sustainable.

4. Internet Connection

Staying connected is crucial, especially in remote areas where there may not be cell phone service. This is where Xplore comes in. As a leader in rural and remote Internet in Canada, Xplore offers reliable and high-speed Internet solutions that keep you connected no matter where you are.

Rick Wilkins of Rufus Lake Outfitters lives on a pristine lakeside paradise north of Kapuskasing, where guests of his hunting camp enjoy the beauty of northern Ontario. Getting connected to Xplore has changed the game for his family and his visitors.

“You used to have to drive an hour and a half, take a bunch of change and put it in a pay phone. You could talk to the moon at that time, but you couldn’t talk to Rufus Lake,” he joked, “Now we’ve got Internet and life is a whole lot nicer. We can communicate with the world.”

With Xplore Internet, Canadians that choose this way of life can stay connected to friends and family, stream video, game, and even work from home. We take the most cutting-edge Internet technology like 5G and LTE delivering speeds up to 100 Mbps, and tailor it into a solution specifically designed for remote areas. Our friendly local installers will go to great lengths to ensure you get connected, even in the most remote corners. Check your address on our website or call us today to see how we can help you stay connected.

5. Home Phone Service

Staying connected isn’t just about the Internet. Xplore also offers reliable home phone services, ensuring you can make and receive calls even in the most remote locations. Whether it’s for keeping in touch with loved ones or handling business calls, our home phone service is a perfect complement to your off-grid lifestyle. Learn more about Xplore Home Phone.

See what Internet options are available to your off-grid home

6. Food Supply

Decide how you want to source your food:

Small Farm: Raising animals and growing crops can make you self-sufficient.

Vegetable Garden: A garden provides fresh produce and is relatively easy to maintain. Look into DIY irrigation systems that help make watering a breeze!

Eggs: Keeping chickens for eggs is a simple way to have a steady food supply.

Trips to Town: If farming isn’t for you, ensure you’re within driving distance of a grocery store.

A man programming solar panels on his off-gird home's roof

7. Off-Grid Electricity

Solar panels are the most popular choice for off-grid electricity. They are sustainable and can be scaled to meet your needs. Other options include wind turbines and micro-hydro systems if you have access to a flowing water source.

8. Emergency Preparedness Plan

Living remotely means being prepared for any situation. Make sure you have an emergency preparedness plan in place. Know where the nearest health facilities are and have a list of emergency contacts. Keep a well-stocked first aid kit and consider taking first aid training. Being prepared ensures peace of mind and safety for you and your family.

9. Security and Monitoring

Security is a top concern for remote properties. Xplore’s Internet services can support security and monitoring systems to help protect your home from theft and other threats. With reliable connectivity, you can monitor your property remotely, receive alerts, and ensure your home is safe even when you’re not there. Check out our blog about Internet-Powered Smart Home Security for more information.

Building an off-grid home in rural Canada is a rewarding journey. With careful planning and the right resources, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a sustainable lifestyle and a reliable Internet connection. Visit Xplore.ca to check your address or call us today to learn more about how we can help you stay connected. Happy building!

See what Internet options are available at your remote home