What to Know About Living Off The Grid in Quebec 

Quebec can be an excellent province for living off the grid if you have money. However, if you want to live as cheaply as possible, you will be unable to do so in this province. Living off the grid in Quebec means that property and living costs are rather high. On the other hand, local governments provide several attractive incentives and rebates for solar and wind generating systems.

Quebec City is the province’s capital, while Montreal has one of the province’s strongest economies. If you’re interested in living off the grid here, you’ll need to learn French because many people speak French as their first language. In some locations, you will have some challenges if you do not speak French because not many people speak English. Quebec is an economic powerhouse, accounting for around 20% of Canada’s GDP.

Quebec is famed for its thousands of lakes and rivers; there are approximately 500k lakes in this province. However, others claim that if smaller lakes are not classified as lakes are included, the total would be in the millions. Quebec is also the largest producer of maple syrup, accounting for over 70% of the global market. Living off the grid is possible in this province, albeit it can be costly.

The south of Quebec has a relatively high population density, and the cost of purchasing a house and property is exceedingly high. The housing industry is comparable to Ontario in that many foreign investors purchased a large number of properties, driving up prices to the point that normal Canadians cannot afford to buy a house or an apartment.

Should You Live Off Grid in Quebec? 

What’s the Climate in Quebec? 

Quebec has a humid continental climate, with all four seasons present, with summers being hot and winters being frigid. Summer temperatures range between 70 °F and 90 °F (21C and 32C), while winter temperatures range between 23 °F and seven °F ( -5C and -14C ). The high humidity has a significant impact on the local weather, and the weather can often shift dramatically in a couple of hours.

Interested in another province in Canada for living off the grid? I recommend checking out my article on Living Off Grid in New Brunswick.

What Type of Crops are Grown in Quebec? 

In my opinion, Quebec has one of the best climates and mildest weather in the country for crop cultivation. Soybeans, oats, grain maize, maple, nuts, and fruits are the most regularly produced crops here. Quebec is the world’s biggest producer of maple syrup and a leading producer of dairy goods, fruits, berries, and nuts in Canada. You will have no trouble cultivating crops, especially in the south.

What’s Freshwater Availability Like in Quebec? 

Quebec is one of the wettest provinces in the country. Thus it has lots of freshwaters. The average yearly rainfall in Quebec is roughly 43′′ (1100 mm); however, in the northern parts, it can reach 80′′.

What Kind of Wildlife is in Quebec? 

Quebec has many creatures, including white-tailed deer, black bears, caribou, moose, beavers, foxes, chipmunks, porcupines, and seals. Brook trout, walleye, northern pike, Atlantic salmon, lake trout, landlocked salmon, arctic char, and muskellunge can be found in lakes, rivers, and beaches.

If you’re interested in hunting or fishing in Quebec, I recommend understanding the local regulations.

How to Generate Off Grid Power in Quebec? 

Solar power: Because Quebec receives lots of sunlight throughout the year, solar panels will be a breeze to install. This province offers various local incentives for solar energy, including the Heating with Green Power Program and the RenoVert Tax Credit, which is worth up to $10,000. In addition, you can apply for federal programs such as the Renewable Energy Capital Cost Allowance (RCA) and the Canadian Renewable and Conservation Expenses (CRCE).

Wind power: To offset installing a wind turbine, you can take advantage of the RenoVert Tax Credit, the Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) Renewable Energy, and the Canadian Renewable and Conservation Expenses (CRCE).

Does Quebec Have Off Grid Living Laws? 

Living off the grid in Quebec is permitted, and municipal governments provide considerable benefits for renewable energy. Quebec’s education system is seriously one of the best in the country, but if you live off the grid in a remote place, you can still homeschool your children. Local homeschooling rules are fairly rigorous, so follow local authorities’ instructions.

What’s Road Access Like in Quebec? 

Quebec is Canada’s economic center, and the local infrastructure is in good condition. Road access will be fine in the southern portions of the province, but the absence of roads in the northern regions may challenge. In general, if the location where you wish to live off the grid lacks road access, the area is not suitable for living off the grid because the cost of transportation will bankrupt you.

What’s the Cost of Land in Quebec? 

Land and property prices in Quebec are higher than the national average because of the high population density and because this is the richest region in the country. It will be incredibly difficult to find an inexpensive homestead or plot of land near larger cities, yet you may be able to do so with luck.

Looking for a cheaper alternative to live off the grid? Newfoundland and Labrador is a great province in Canada.

What’s the Cost of Living Off Grid in Quebec? 

To put it plainly, the cost of living in Quebec is expensive. Most individuals who live and work in this province have high-paying occupations. If you come from another province or the United States, you will need to save a significant amount of money. The cost of living is not high owing to inaccessibility but rather due to the region’s high population density and economic stability.

What’s the Job Market Like in Quebec? 

The unemployment rate in Quebec is 5.1 percent, significantly lower than the national average of 6.9 percent. The minimum salary is 12.50 CAD, which is comparable to neighboring provinces. Mining, renewable energy, agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, and tourism are the most important industries.

Is Quebec Affected by Natural Disasters? 

Storms, floods, landslides, earthquakes, and wildfires are common in Quebec. Overall, this province is one of the safest when it comes to natural disasters. The most common natural disasters are snow storms. These occur more frequently in the northern portions of the province than in the southern parts.

Can You Live Off Grid in Quebec? 

Living off the grid in Quebec is a paradise, but it will cost you significantly more than other provinces. So many people relocate to this province because of the steady economy. It is more expensive for living off the grid, but if you desire employment security, Quebec may be the place for you.