Erie Creek Provincial Park - 24 min drive - 18.7 miles
Salmo Park - 24 min drive - 18.3 miles
The Cutter Theatre - 26 min drive - 17.0 miles
Stagleap Provincial Park - 30 min drive - 24.5 miles
Montrose Village Office - 54 min drive - 39.3 miles
Getting around
Trail, BC (YZZ-Trail Regional) - 49 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire cabin to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Best West Kootenay Off-Grid Tiny House
YOUR CEDAR SANCTUARY AWAITS Escape to your own private retreat - a beautifully crafted off-grid tiny house where digital detox meets rustic comfort. Nestled among towering cedars and hemlock, this is where busy minds find peace and adventure-seekers find their basecamp.
THE LAKE EXPERIENCE Just a peaceful 2.5km walk (or quick drive) to Rosebud Lake - a pristine, spring-fed gem that's refreshingly warm and perfect for swimming. This motor-free lake is home to hundreds of friendly turtles and giant dragonflies that keep the mosquitos at bay. Bring your kayak, canoe, or paddleboard for the ultimate serenity. There is a solitary community boat launch for the lake which naturally is a popular spot. It's understood by the locals to Salmo that this is a shared access point, so a friendly hello will have you through to the excellent swimming in no time.
ADVENTURE CENTRAL Your tiny house sits at the heart of incredible year-round recreation: • Summer: Hiking, fishing, canoeing, jet boating on three major rivers (Pend Oreille, Columbia, Kootenay) • Winter: Backcountry and downhill skiing, snowmobiling • Always: Peaceful lake moments and forest walks
LOCATION PERKS: Central to Salmo, Trail, Castlegar, and Nelson, with easy access from Spokane and Creston. The charming Rosebud Mercantile is just a gentle walk away for local eggs, local author books, and simple refreshments.
YOUR COZY RETREAT This new-construction tiny house features: • Warmth: Classic Dickenson Marine propane heater (perfect for two) • Comfort: Twin futon plus extra single mattress for larger parties • Outdoor kitchen: Propane BBQ and two-burner stove • Privacy: Completely secluded among the trees • Essentials: Well water provided, traditional outdoor facilities
What to bring: Your own bedding, flashlight, hand towels and towels for swimming, your favourite camp cooking essentials (i.e. some basics are in play) cooler & ice, and a sense of adventure! This is authentic off-grid living with thoughtful comfort touches.
Hot showers available by request ($5 propane, cash) - or take that refreshing lake dip!
BONUS: GAZEBO SITE AVAILABLE For larger groups, check out our gazebo site with perfect sunrise and sunset views. AND COMING SOON: Bicycles!! I just have to fix them up :)
Ready to unplug and recharge? Your cedar sanctuary is waiting.
The cabin is heated and features a kitchen and a patio, and there's space to spread out with a separate bedroom. Guests can expect to find free WiFi. The cabin also includes a dining table.
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
General
100% renewable energy
Farming classes
Grey water recycling system
Unit size: 234 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Turn off the lights
A friendly reminder to 'pack-it-in and pack-it-out' as there are no garbage or recycling services in this remote area.
Please also leave the sweet tiny house ready for the next guest, just as you found it: dishes clean and put away. Reach out to me at any time as I'm always nearby.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Pets
This property welcomes pets
1 total (50 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
Service animals exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses a grey water recycling system
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18
Property Registration Number H984580618
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
This property uses a grey water recycling system.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a smoke detector.
Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:
Long-term renters welcome.
Frequently asked questions
Will I be able to park at this cabin?
No, there isn't parking at this cabin.
Is this cabin next to a casino?
No, this cabin is not connected to a casino.
Will I find an indoor pool at this cabin?
No, there is no indoor pool at this cabin.
Is Best West Kootenay Off-Grid Tiny House a good place to stay for couples?
Couples staying at this cabin will value amenities like a kitchen, kitchens in some cabins, as well as a firepit.
Does Best West Kootenay Off-Grid Tiny House have a hot tub?
No, this cabin doesn't have a spa tub.
Does this cabin provide breakfast?
No, this cabin doesn't offer breakfast.
Will this cabin allow pets to stay for free?
Although pets can't stay for free, they are welcome at this cabin.
Does this cabin have connecting rooms?
No, this cabin doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.
How close is the airport from this cabin?
The closest major airport to this cabin is Trail, BC (YZZ-Trail Regional), which is about 15.2 mi away. Another top airport is Castlegar, BC (YCG), which is around 25.5 mi away.
Are there rooms with balconies at Best West Kootenay Off-Grid Tiny House?
Yes, every cabin at Best West Kootenay Off-Grid Tiny House comes with a deck.
Reviews
Best West Kootenay Off-Grid Tiny House Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
9.0/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 7 out of 7 reviews
10 - Excellent
7
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 7 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 7 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 7 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 7 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Duncan M.
Sep 3, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Exactly as it seems. It was quiet, out of the way, and just gorgeous. Loved it and would totally recommend
Duncan M.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kait B.
Aug 12, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
My husband and I were desperately seeking a quiet escape for the weekend and this place was perfect! Phil was so helpful and friendly with any questions we had before and during our stay. We very much enjoyed our morning coffee from the gazebo lookout! Also highly recommend this spot for dog owners, especially if they are reactive (like mine), and need a safe place without strangers and noise. The privacy of this location was perfect. Wifi was available but only if you walked halfway to the main house. Kitchen supplies are limited so i'd suggest bringing your own essentials as well as extra items like a cutting board, good knife, hand towels, garbage bags, and wet wipes. Mosquitos weren't horrible but all of us did come home with some bites even with using bug spray. We tried going to the lake in the afternoon but the shoreline spots are limited and were already occupied.
Kait B.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Renee K.
Jun 18, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Property was great and so was Phil! Enjoyed our time there. Highly recommend for a quiet getaway!
Renee K.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Nikolas H.
May 4, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely little cabin!
Phill was an incredible responsive host with a lovely tiny house. We loved sitting out on the patio and enjoying nature the property is quiet and the cabin is surrounded by trees. There are tons of hikes within driving distance and the area was incredible to explore.
Nikolas H.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Aliasgar K.
Apr 22, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Must Visit. Exceptional!
My Husband and I stayed 2 nights at Phil's property. Must try if you are looking to unwind from the City's hustling life. We were warmly welcomed by Phil at the Cabin and were provided help whenever needed during our stay. The winner of this stay was the gazebo made atop, breathtaking views to enjoy while sipping tea. Will visit again to explore turtles at Rosebud Lake, however cooking meals and unwinding with a good read or a game of scrabble will leave you with almost no time to think about your devices. Kudos!
Aliasgar K.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Nicola M.
Apr 12, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
A perfect off-grid getaway
As Nelson locals, this was the perfect weekend escape. My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed our crisp, sunny, April stay in Phil's hand-built tiny home. It was exactly what we were looking for; a humble abode, nestled in the trees, and a surrounding area to explore. Phil was very welcoming and made himself readily available in case we needed anything. Any answers to questions you may have are well-written in his detailed description. We would like to return to check out Rosebud Lake when it’s warmer and see all of the turtles! Thanks again, Phil. Hope to see you again!
This property was just as quiet and close to nature as we had hoped. Even with a music festival running for three days 2 km up the road, we heard nothing, the tiny house being in a deep dip.
We had a beautiful deer and small black bear visit over the course of our stay. There is a viewing platform level with the tops of the fir trees up the steep hillside. We enjoyed a couple of the books provided by Phil in the cabin.
As the amenities are intended to be basic, we would recommend taking any camping comforts you enjoy. We were glad we had the screen tent, for example, so we could comfortably sit outside at any time, and a collapsible sink for personal hygiene. There is no bathroom in the house, but you can ask Phil for a hot shower somewhere nearer to his house. We didn't. We used our collapsible sink, wet wipes, and the showers at the hot springs in Ainsworth.
The kitchen outdoors is a double ring run off propane, and there is a propane barbecue. About propane, you can operate a propane fire pit, even during a fire ban, if you take one along with you to enjoy after dark.
One last thing. There is no cell reception at the property, ever. But you can choose to go into Salmo (about twenty minutes away), or some other town, to use your data to connect with others and the internet. Or you can take the opportunity to enjoy a total break from these things.
We badly needed to relax and pretty much do nothing but be, so this little break was perfect for us.