Located 1.5 mi (2.5 km) from Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Center, Off-Grid Skoolie Retreat is within a 15-minute drive of Burges James Gadsden Provincial Park.
What's nearby
Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Center - 7 min drive - 2.3 miles
Burges James Gadsden Provincial Park - 15 min drive - 4.8 miles
Edelweiss Village - 23 min drive - 12.7 miles
Kicking Horse Pedestrian Bridge - 24 min drive - 14.0 miles
Golden Skybridge - 26 min drive - 14.4 miles
Restaurants
Tim Hortons - 14 min drive
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.
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
This property welcomes pets
Dogs and cats only
1 total (218 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
Service animals exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
This property doesn't allow children
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
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector
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: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Property Registration Number PM341175202
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.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector.
Property is also known as
837063
Frequently asked questions
Does Off-Grid Skoolie Retreat feature a casino at the property?
No, Off-Grid Skoolie Retreat doesn't have a casino.
How much does it cost to stay at Off-Grid Skoolie Retreat?
As of Apr 23, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Off-Grid Skoolie Retreat on May 24, 2026 start from $149, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Does Off-Grid Skoolie Retreat have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?
No, Off-Grid Skoolie Retreat doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.
Will Off-Grid Skoolie Retreat allow pets to stay for free?
Although cats and dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at Off-Grid Skoolie Retreat.
Off-Grid Skoolie Retreat Reviews
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.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 4 out of 4 reviews
10 - Excellent
4
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 4 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 4 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 4 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 4 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Luther Y.
Oct 17, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great area, great amenities, owners put a lot of thought and care in making the space great
Luther Y.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Chelsey B.
Sep 11, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
If you are looking for a place to stay off the beaten path and want to be close to nature, then the school bus is for you! We wanted a once and a lifetime experience while we explore the Rockies and surrounding areas without having to break the bank, it was a perfect spot that was around a lot of what we were looking to do and see. Sure it got toasty in the bus when it got warm, but that didn’t bother us at all.Any time we had an issue, we reached out to the hosts, and they were very quick with replies even with being in the middle of the woods.I also recommend checking out the Rocky Buffalo ranch that is not too far to see Chester Jr.
Chelsey B.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Abuja
Aug 12, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Abuja
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Eric o.
Jun 3, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Cute getaway
We had an awesome time staying here and exploring the area. The host was kind and very knowledgeable. I definitely recommend staying here.