At Off-Grid Skoolie Retreat, you'll be 2.5 km (1.5 mi) from Northern Lights Wildlife Wolf Center and 6.6 km (4.1 mi) from Burges James Gadsden Provincial Park.
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
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
Pets are welcome
Only dogs and cats are allowed
Maximum 1 (weight limit: 218 lb per pet)
Service animals are exempt from fees.
Children and extra beds
This property does not 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
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
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in all accommodation.
Property Registration Number PM341175202
Property is also known as
837063
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free airport shuttle available at Off-Grid Skoolie Retreat?
No, Off-Grid Skoolie Retreat does not offer an airport shuttle service.
How much does it cost to stay at Off-Grid Skoolie Retreat?
As of 20 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Off-Grid Skoolie Retreat on 21 May 2026 start from NZ$255, 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.
What time are check-in & check-out at Off-Grid Skoolie Retreat?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.
Off-Grid Skoolie Retreat Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers 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.
17 Oct 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.
11 Sept 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
12 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Abuja
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Eric o.
3 Jun 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.