Ottawa is Canada’s capital city and is a vibrant, bustling town to explore! However, if you venture into the outskirts of Ottawa you’ll find there is an abundance of eco-lodges and other sustainable stays to choose from.
Although you may not have running water, electricity, or a flushing toilet in some of these lodges… what you will have is an off-grid experience, recharge your batteries, and marvel at the incredible natural landscapes.
There is an impressive range of eco-stays in Ottawa – whether you want a true, remote experience or a more luxurious take on it, I’ve found the best of the best. In this article, you’ll find the top five eco-lodges in Ottawa and its surrounding areas.
Whether you’re heading to the city with your family, need a long-term retreat, or planning a romantic getaway, I’ve got you covered.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
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Quick Answer: The Best Eco Lodges in Ottawa
- Overall Best Value Eco Lodge in Ottawa – OffGrid Romantic Retreat
- Best Budget Eco Lodge in Ottawa – Rustic Cabin Getaway
- Most Luxurious Eco Lodge in Ottawa – River Eco-Retreat
- Best Eco Lodge for Couples – Off-grid A-frame cabin
- Best Eco Lodge for Families – Cozy Heated Off-Grid Bunkie
OffGrid Romantic Retreat
- > $
- > 2 guests
- > Tiny home cabin in the woods
- > The simple life, secluded and off-grid
Rustic Cabin Getaway
- > $
- > 2 guests
- > Modern one-bed apartment
- > Country setting close to the city
River Eco-Retreat
- > $
- > 2 guests
- > Modern one-bed apartment
- > Country setting close to the city
Off-grid A-frame cabin
- > $$$
- > 2 guests
- > Outdoor shower
- > Close to Perth, Ontario
Cozy Heated Off-Grid Bunkie
- > $$
- > 4 guests
- > Private yurt on waterfront property
- > Ultimate relaxing experience
Staying in an Eco Lodge in Ottawa?
Staying in an eco-lodge when traveling in Canada allows you to enjoy all that the city has to offer whilst traveling more sustainably. Many of the best eco-lodges in Ottawa will offer a stay that is well-managed and eco-friendly, making for an unforgettable trip.
If you want to stay in some of the most unique accommodations in Ottawa, then choosing an eco-lodge will certainly satisfy you. Choose from cozy cottages, decked-out RVs, rustic yurts, treehouses, and more!
What is an Eco Lodge?
An eco-lodge is any accommodation that aims to encourage sustainable living and eco-friendly practices to reduce its footprint as much as possible. Common features include using water-saving toilets, installing solar panels, and making use of alternative and green energy sources.
Aside from helping the planet, eco-lodges are committed to their local communities by supporting small businesses, local guides, and service providers wherever possible. They also make it easy for guests to gain meaningful insights into local heritage and culture. It’s a great option if you’re tossing up where to stay in Ottawa.
Top 5 Eco Lodges in Ottawa
In this list, I’ve put together some of the coolest eco-lodges in Ottawa. I’ve included options to suit a range of traveler types, from solo flyers to couples, and even family vacationers.
1. OffGrid Romantic Retreat | Overall Best Value Eco Lodge in Ottawa
- Price: $223 (2-night stay)
- Address: Blue Sea, Quebec, Canada
To kick us off, I’ve got this gorgeous OffGrid Romantic Retreat. The cabin is tucked away in the gorgeous Blue Sea QC, just a 90-minute drive from Downtown Ottawa. Not only is this cabin ideal for those traveling as a couple but also for nature lovers.
Located on 30 private acres of land, you can wander along the trails, soak in the water views, or even jump on a kayak. Whether you’re there in summer or winter, this cabin provides.
As per the eco-lodge brief, the OffGrid Romantic Retreat pulls through in terms of its sustainability features. This quirky cabin comes with solar power for lighting and a rain-fed outdoor shower (Mother Nature be willing).
Grill up on sausies on the propane BBQ, warm up by the wood-burning stove, or just chill out by the outdoor fire pit. Follow the private nature trail to Lac Long for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Just a heads up: there’s no Wi-Fi, so it’s the perfect excuse to unplug and embrace being off-grid.
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2. Rustic Cabin Getaway | Best Budget Eco Lodge in Ottawa
- Price: $166 (2-night stay)
- Address: Lanark Highlands, Ontario, Canada
If you’re looking for an eco-lodge where you can get back to basics without breaking the bank, this Rustic Cabin Getaway is ideal. Less than an hour’s drive from Ottawa and 25 minutes from Calabogie, you’ll be a perfect mix of off-grid but close enough to town if you need it.
Not only is the cabin itself affordable, but there are plenty of budget-friendly activities to do while you’re here like cooking over the open fire, stargazing, or swimming in the lake nearby. There are hiking trails, skiing, and snowmobiling on your doorstep – so no matter the season, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy!
Located on over 3.5 acres of forest, the cabin offers both space and privacy. You can stay in the cabin or even opt to camp outside for a few bucks less! This eco-getaway has no phone reception, wifi, electricity, or running water… so you’re really going to get that off-grid feel.
Guests are required to bring their own drinking water, so figure out how much you’ll need before setting off. You don’t want to have to drive into town if you get thirsty! There is a rain barrel and an outhouse, along with a wood stove to heat the cabin and a BBQ for cooking. This Airbnb makes traveling sustainably easy!
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View on Osprey View on REI3. River Eco-Retreat | Most Luxurious Eco Lodge in Ottawa
- Price: $243 (2-night stay)
- Address: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
This River Eco-Retreat is a perfect blend of sustainability and comfort. It is tucked away in a serene spot offering up privacy and peaceful vibes – however, you’ll also be just a 25-minute drive from Downtown Ottawa. The property features solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient appliances. You can also charge your electric vehicle here too.
The interiors have been crafted from natural, sustainable materials that create a cozy atmosphere. Relax in the lush gardens, cook up a feed on the shared BBQ, or just soak in the surrounding landscape. The sunrises here from here are 10/10.
There are grocery stores, cafes, pharmacy restaurants, and banks within just a five-minute drive or a 25-minute walk. There is also a farmer’s market on Sundays between May and October! This is a cool place to visit in Ottawa.
There are also three hiking trails that you can go on straight from your doorstep.
4. Off-grid A-frame cabin | Best Eco Lodge for Couples
- Price: $137
- Address: Perth, Ontario, Canada
The Hemlock Cabin is a sustainable retreat just minutes from historic Perth, Ontario (a neighboring town to Ottawa). Located on over 160 acres of private, natural forest, this off-grid cabin is the ideal place to escape the busyness of life.
The cabin provides lake access for kayaking and canoeing, and year-round trails for hiking, snowshoeing, and exploring. If you fancy yourself a bit of an adventurer, you’ll want to check this place out.
The cabin is designed for minimal environmental impact, with wood stove heat and solar power. The space is ideally designed for two, with a queen bed in the loft and a pull-out couch for extra guests. The cabin has an outhouse for bathroom use and an outdoor shower available in summer. The property is Wi-Fi-free to ensure a true connection with nature, but don’t worry – if you really need to post an Insta story, the phone service is decent 😉
5. Cozy Heated Off-Grid Bunkie | Best Eco Lodge for Families
- Price: $62
- Address: Lanark, Ontario, Canada
This Cozy Heated Off-Grid Bunkie is the perfect place to stay to be surrounded by nature and disconnect from the busy world with your friends or family. The cabin is run off solar and comes equipped with a composting toilet and potable water.
There are farm animals to hang out with (which is ideal for the kids) and 88 acres of forest to explore! The cabin is perfect for big groups of families with a queen bed, a double bed, and two twin beds – you’ll just need to bring your own bedding.
As part of the farm, you’ll see cows, chickens, dogs, and a cute lil cat. The bunkie overlooks a pond which has a kayak and paddle boat available for us. There are also plenty of walking trails nearby. Whether you want to chill out and relax in nature, or get out exploring – there is a little something for everyone.
Although it’s small, it does have air conditioning, heating, an indoor toilet, and outhouse access. A jug of drinking water and a rain barrel handle the water needs.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Eco-Lodges and Sustainable Stays in Ottawa
Here are a few more incredible options to check out in Ottawa if you’re wanting to travel sustainably:
Winter Glamping @ Bûcheron Bergère (4 seasons)
- Price: $108
- Address: Le Haut-Saint-Laurent, Quebec, Canada
This Winter Glamping @ Bûcheron Bergère is a unique, sustainable adventure! As per the name, Glamping, you’ll be staying in a tent tucked away on the edge of a 100-year-old maple grove. Oh, and you’ll be treated to incredible 180-degree views of the Adirondacks. The view from your balcony is top-notch for sunrise and sunset and to marvel at the starry skies.
If it’s cold and dark, you can cozy up by the glass slow-burning fireplace to keep you warm and provide some light. You can cook for yourself with the outdoor equipment provided or savor a locally sourced meal delivered right to your tent door… I know which option I’d be going for 😉
The glamping site uses recycled materials from old farm buildings! Without electricity or running water, you know this spot is going to have minimal environmental impact. However, you’ll want to make sure you pack headlamps, slippers, and other essentials to ensure you have a comfy stay.
Glamping Cabin at Balderson Blueberries
- Price: $174 (2-night stay)
- Address: Balderson, Ontario, Canada
This rustic, adults-only cabin, tucked away behind the Balderson Blueberries farm is perfect for anyone needing to get back to nature and recharge.
The cabin has a classic wooden interior and comes with a heritage woodstove, so you know you’ll be snug as a bug in a rug during your stay. The cabin has a queen bed in the living area, another in the loft, and an extra futon bed on the porch (if needed).
With no hydro, running water, or indoor plumbing – you really get to embrace nature and the charm of an outhouse! There is a cooler, briquette grill, and a Coleman camping stove – so you have all you need for a comfy stay here.
You won’t get bored here – you can take a stroll, go fishing, swim, kayak, or even hike Foley Mountain! Its location is perfect for a weekend trip to Ottawa.
White Pine Acres
- Price: $89
- Address: Lanark, Ontario, Canada
Wine Pine Acres is in a beautiful, off-grid location by a pond surrounded by 50 acres of mature, impressive white pines. The cabin is fully insulated and comes with a propane fireplace and stove. It also has a firepit for beautiful evenings, and a gas BBQ for you to whip up some food – or maybe even BBQ up that fish that you catch 😉
The cabin is battery-powered with solar lights and charging. It has been constructed with timber framed from local cedar boards… which is pretty damn cool if you ask me.
There are 3 km of groomed trails nearby and many other hiking opportunities within a mere 10-minute drive. Oh, and in the winter, there is even a sauna available!
Cabin in the Woods
- Price: $264 (2-night stay)
- Address: Perth, Ontario, Canada
This quiet cabin in the woods offers a sustainable escape. With no running water or electricity, you’ll enjoy a truly off-grid, eco-experience. The cabin has an airtight wood stove for warmth and a propane stove for you to cook with. Water, lanterns, wood, and a small generator to charge your phone are provided by your host.
The cabin is equipped with bedding, towels, kitchen essentials, and an outdoor fire pit. There is a cleared hiking or snowshoe trail beyond the cabin, not to mention it is perched on 100 acres of land waiting for you to explore!
FAQs About Ottawa’s Eco-lodges
Here are the most commonly asked questions about eco-lodges in Ottawa, Canada.
What To Pack For Ottawa
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Eco Lodge stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Getting Insured BEFORE Traveling to Ottawa
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Ottawa.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on the Best Eco Lodges in Ottawa
Ottawa city center and the surrounding countryside offer visitors a wide variety of things to see and do. Whether you choose to visit in the summer or head to the countryside in the colder months for some skiing or snowshoeing, Ottawa is a bountiful destination year-round.
Deciding where to stay will offer up a diversity of options which includes some of the best eco-lodges in Ottawa. These unique accommodation options will not only give you a memorable experience, but one that is gentler on the environment too.
If you’re still unsure, I’d recommend going for my top overall pick for the best eco-lodge in Ottawa, OffGrid Romantic Retreat.
- tCheck out our Backpacking Canada guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Use our Where to Stay in Ottawa guide to plan your adventure.
- Backpackers and frugal travelers can use our budget travel guide.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of the Canada.
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