Living Off Grid in New Brunswick (Here’s What to Know)

New Brunswick is a decent province for living off grid because the cost of living and property are not prohibitively expensive, and the local economy is quite strong. You can also cultivate your own food, and the local government provides many incentives for sustainable energy. On the other hand, the local temperature is definitely not ideal for off-grid living. However, if you come from the northern US or one of the northern provinces, you should be fine.

New Brunswick is in eastern Canada that was among the first to be settled by the French. It has two official languages, French and English, and schools and colleges provide instruction in both. Even if you don’t speak French, you’ll be OK because most of the population is multilingual. The population of New Brunswick is approximately 780k people, and it has begun to rise modestly in recent years.

From an off-grid living standpoint, this province can be a true paradise; in fact, in recent years, many individuals have moved to smaller towns and cities, particularly those coming from the capital of Ottawa. New Brunswick is a border province situated close to Maine, which benefits the local economy. 500 years before America was found, this province was among the first to be explored by Vikings.

Should You Live Off Grid in New Brunswick? 

What’s the Climate in New Brunswick? 

The climate in New Brunswick is humid continental, which means that summers are hot and winters are cold. The weather can be erratic and exceedingly humid because the sea is to the south and east of New Brunswick. The typical summer temperature is between 68F and 85F (20C and 30C). In contrast, the average winter temperature is below freezing and can drop as low as -22 °F (-30 °C) when the arctic winds blow.

Interested in a similar province for off grid living? I recommend checking out my Complete Guide to Living Off Grid in Nova Scotia.

What Type of Crops Can You Grow in New Brunswick? 

Corn for grain, canola, cranberries, blueberries, hay, and potatoes are the most regularly cultivated crops in New Brunswick. The local temperature isn’t ideal for crop cultivation. Therefore if you want to cultivate your own food in this region, you’ll need to build a greenhouse. The most fertile fields are generally found in this province’s southwestern parts.

What’s Freshwater Availability Like in New Brunswick? 

This province has an abundance of freshwater due to its humid continental climate. The average yearly rainfall is the greatest in the country, at roughly 46 inches. The average yearly snowfall is also significant, at around 150′′ (3800 mm), albeit most of the snowfall falls in the province’s northern sections.

What Type of Wildlife is Found in New Brunswick? 

Seals, moose, deer, whales, black bears, foxes, coyotes, and bobcats are among the most prevalent animals in New Brunswick. American shad, brook trout, burbot, lake whitefish, muskellunge, white perch, Atlantic sturgeon, blueback herring, Atlantic cod, and white hake are the most common fish found in this province.

Make sure you check local regulations and permits before you hunt or fish in your area.

How do you Generate Off Grid Power in New Brunswick? 

Solar energy: New Brunswick receives a lot of sunlight, especially during the summer. This province also provides many rebates and incentives for solar power, including the New Home Energy Savings Program and the Total Home Energy Savings Program offered to Énergie NB Power, with pricing varying by location. You can also take advantage of the Federal Tax Provision for Clean Energy Equipment.

Wind power: People prefer wind turbines in some regions, especially along the shore. Local governments also provide incentives for wind power installations, such as the Federal Tax Provision for Clean Energy Equipment and the THESP.

What’s Road Access Like in New Brunswick?

Road access in New Brunswick is slightly better than in surrounding provinces. However, the population density is relatively low, as is the province’s size, making moving around relatively easy. New Brunswick has roads across the province, except in some remote northern parts.

Does New Brunswick Have Off Grid Laws?

Living off grid in New Brunswick is legal, and for many residents, it is a way of life. Although you can homeschool your children in New Brunswick, the education system is one of the best in the country. However, you must read the homeschooling legislation carefully because they are severe.

What’s the Cost of Off Grid Land in New Brunswick? 

The price of land is slightly greater than the national average near the larger cities. However, it drops dramatically in the northern areas of the province. The good news is that there are many people living off grid in this province, so with luck, you should be capable of finding a suitable off grid location for less than the market price.

What’s the Cost of Living in New Brunswick? 

The cost of living is comparable to the national average, and some would argue that it is even low. When it comes to roads and transportation, New Brunswick has a favorable geographic location; most locations have road access. This makes the cost of importing items not too expensive. Because this is a border province, many businesses in this area primarily focus on exporting locally created things.

What’s the Job Market Like in New Brunswick? 

Currently, the unemployment rate is around 7.9 percent, higher than the national average of 6.9 percent. The minimum wage is $11.50, which is comparable to neighboring provinces. Real estate, public administration, manufacturing, healthcare, construction, finance, transportation, fishing, trade, and tourism are the most important industries.

Do Natural Disasters Happen in New Brunswick?

Earthquakes, wildfires, tornadoes, storms, hurricanes, floods, and flash floods are the most prevalent natural catastrophes in New Brunswick. Floods are the most prevalent natural disasters because the tide in New Brunswick is one of the highest in the country, forcing rivers to move upstream when the tide is high.

Can You Live Off Grid in New Brunswick? 

Overall, New Brunswick is an excellent spot for living off the grid because the summer climate is the best in the country for producing crops. You can fish in freshwater and saltwater. The cost of living is slightly greater in larger cities; however, living near a smaller city or town will significantly reduce the cost of living.

If you’re looking for an alternative to New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island is another great province for off grid living.