Off Grid Living in Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island is located in eastern Canada, near Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. In Canada, it is one of the best provinces for living off grid. Although it has the highest population density, Prince Edward Island is Canada’s smallest province. The majority of Canada’s provinces are rather large, and a considerable portion of them is undisturbed wilderness; nevertheless, Prince Edward Island contains some wilderness, but the majority of the island is controlled by cities, towns, and many farms.

Prince Edward Island is undoubtedly one of the greatest provinces for off grid living; the entire island has a rural vibe. There are plenty of alternatives for growing crops, and local governments provide large solar and wind power systems incentives. On the other side, property and living costs are higher than the national average. In some locations, daily life can be exceedingly expensive.

Off the grid living in Prince Edward Island is unlike any other province in Canada; it is similar to living in Kentucky. This province is classified as rural, owing to the high population density in such a tiny area. Prince Edward Island has roughly 157k people, and there are no cities with more than 100k persons in this province.

The province has a rural air to it, and from an off grid living standpoint, this island provides all you need. However, the living expense may be slightly greater than in adjacent provinces.

Should You Live Off Grid in Prince Edward Island? 

What’s the Climate Like? 

Summers on Prince Edward Island are moderate, whereas winters are typically below freezing and cold. Summer temperatures average around 67 °F (19 °C), while winter temperatures average around 19 °F (-7 °C). The maritime environment is quite humid, which means frequent rains in the summer and frequent snowfall in the winter. Furthermore, excessive humidity contributes to the formation of black ice on the roads.

If you’re looking for something with a similar climate, I recommend checking out Oregon.

What are the Best Crops to Grow on Prince Edward Island? 

The climate on Prince Edward Island is ideal for growing various crops such as potatoes, corn, barley, oats, blueberries, , soybeanscranberries, strawberries, haskap, apples, and various vegetables. Poultry, hogs, beef cattle, and dairy products are regularly grown livestock. Some regions will have greenhouses, although a greenhouse is not required for the most regularly produced crops.

What’s Freshwater Availability Like? 

The average yearly rainfall on Prince Edward Island is roughly 35′′ (890 mm), and the average yearly snowfall is around 114′′. ( 290 cm). Despite being the smallest province in the country, it has various rivers and lakes.

Here’s how you can collect freshwater when living off grid.

What Type of Wildlife Does Prince Edward Island Have? 

The majority of fauna on Prince Edward Island is comprised of birds, which have been nesting on the island for thousands of years. Beavers, snow hares, foxes, raccoons, minks, Canada goose, ducks, and the rare wild hog are the most prevalent creatures on the island. Freshwater and saltwater fish species include brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, Atlantic salmon, striped bass, Atlantic cod, and bluefin tuna.

For any hunting or fishing, you should update yourself on local permits and regulations.

How Can You Generate Off Grid Power on the Island? 

Solar power: Many homesteads and villages use solar panels to power their dwellings. EfficiencyPEI, Home Insulation Rebates, and the EfficiencyPEI Home Energy Low-Income Program are just a few solar incentive programs available in this province. Simply applying to one of the incentive programs allows you to insulate your home and install a solar power system. In addition, you can apply for the Solar Cash Incentive program, which can be used in addition to a refund.

Wind power: The maritime climate is ideal for generating power with wind turbines, yet they are not prevalent on the island because local governments prefer to offer solar power incentives.

Does Prince Edward Island Have Off Grid Laws? 

Living off the grid is permitted in Prince Edward Island, and many local settlements do so. Local governments also assist with significant incentive programs, though certain criteria exist. Homeschooling rules are fairly lax. Some would argue that it is far too lax because there is no control.

What’s Road Access Like? 

Because of its modest size, Prince Edward Island has no difficulty with road access. It has roads across the islands and trails built on old railways. Still, it drives carefully in the winter because excessive humidity can cause ice to form in some locations.

What’s the Price of Off Grid Land in Prince Edward Island?

Although this is a unique region in Canada, no other province can compete with it regarding land prices. It was once considered a luxury hideaway. In some sections, it still is, so if you want to buy land or property, you should generally avoid these locations.

What’s the Cost of Living Off Grid in Prince Edward Island? 

The cost of living is also slightly greater than the national average; as an island, this province lacks road connections to adjacent provinces, which raises the cost of living because everything must be carried or flown in. Beneficially, the cost of living has not risen significantly, as it has in some northern regions where some towns have to wait weeks for supplies.

What’s the Job Market on Prince Edward Island? 

The unemployment rate in Prince Edward Island is roughly 7-8 percent; however, this figure varies greatly due to seasonal workers in the agriculture business. The minimum payment is $12.85 per hour, which is much higher than the minimum wage in surrounding provinces. Agriculture, commercial fishing, healthcare, aerospace manufacturing, renewable energy, and tourism are the most important businesses.

Are there Natural Disasters on Prince Edward Island?

Floods, storms, blizzards, and hurricanes are the most common natural catastrophes. Overall, Prince Edward Island is a relatively safe province, though blizzards can continue for days in the winter.

Can You Live Off Grid in Prince Edward Island?

Prince Edward Island has everything you need for off grid life, including plenty of arable lands, government assistance with renewable energy, and an overall nice rural vibe. However, the caost of living is higher than in adjacent provinces. However, the standard of living in this province cannot be compared to that of New Brunswick.

One of the best places for off grid living in Tennessee in the United States. You can read more about it here.