44km from Ottawa · 1 site · Lodging · Denholm, QC❄️ Cliffside Cabin at The Off Grid Ark — Cozy Winter Getaway in Western Quebec
If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to a quiet, snow-covered forest — this is your spot. Perched on a west-facing cliff at The Off Grid Ark, our rustic shelter is now fully winter-ready. A whisper-quiet diesel heater, mounted safely outside, keeps the cabin toasty warm all night while you sleep surrounded by nature.
Outside, a propane deck heater makes it easy to enjoy coffee or dinner under the stars. We’ve also added a Cuisinart tabletop propane BBQ, which cooks faster and cleaner than the old jet grill — perfect for winter gloves and quick meals.
We have snowshoes for rent and 10 km of groomed snowshoe trails winding through maple forest, ridges, and lakeshores — the same trails used for Canada’s longest-running snowshoe and trail race series, The Mad Trapper. I’m also hoping to cut a new backcountry ski loop this winter at the top of the escarpment for adventurous guests.
The shelter includes a queen bed with fresh linens and a down duvet, plus space for tents around the firepit if you’d like a group setup. Kids and pets stay free, just leave it like you found it. The covered deck has handcrafted rocking chairs for lingering over sunsets, while your private fire area sits just below — perfect for roasting marshmallows or watching the stars. Hammocks are tucked into quiet corners for lazy afternoons or stargazing at night.
We’re also building a new bunkhouse nearby for families and groups — another step toward making The Ark a year-round destination for outdoor education and adventure.
There’s no electricity or running water, but you’ll have remote-control and desktop LED lights, a Jackery battery bank to keep devices charged, and a Bluetooth speaker for music or podcasts. A cooler, lanterns, jugs of clean well water, and a clean outhouse are provided. Wildlife is plentiful — deer, foxes, loons, and the occasional wolf howl in the distance.
I’ll haul your gear by ATV, so bring what you need and settle in. Come unplug, warm up, and experience the stillness of winter at The Off Grid Ark — where comfort meets true off-grid adventure.