Quebec is located in the eastern parts of Canada, this is the biggest province in Canada. Currently, the population is around 8.5 million people and this province has 6 cities with a population above 100k residents. The biggest cities in Quebec are Montreal with 3.5 million population, followed by Quebec City 705k, Ottawa – Gatineau 280k, Sherbrooke 140k, Trois-Rivières 114k, and Chicoutimi – Jonquière with 104k residents.
Quebec can be a great province for off grid living, provided that you have money, on the other hand, if you want to live as frugally as possible then you will not be able to do it in this province. Quebec is leading Canada’s economy, which means that the cost of property, and the cost of living are fairly high. On the other hand, the local authorities offer several generous incentives and rebates both for solar and wind power systems.
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Quebec’s capital city is Quebec City, and Montreal has one of the strongest economies in the province. If you are planning to move here to live off the grid then you will have to learn French, as most people in this province speak French as their primary language. In some areas, you will have some difficulties if you do not speak French as not a lot of people speak English. Quebec is an economic hub, and around 20% of Canada’s GDP comes from this province.
Quebec is famous for the thousands of lakes and rivers, in fact, there are around 500k lakes in this province, although some argue that if you take into consideration the smaller lakes which are not actually categorized as lakes the number would be in the millions. Quebec is also the main provider of maple syrup, around 70% of the global market is supplied by this province. Living off the grid in this province is possible although it can get somewhat expensive.
Quebec has a fairly high population density in the south, and the cost of buying a house and property is extremely high. The housing sector is similar to Ontario, a lot of foreign investors bought a lot of properties thus driving the prices up and the average Canadian can not afford to buy a house or an apartment. If you want to compare this province to its western neighbor then check out my recent article Off grid living in Ontario ( The Heartland Province ).
Off Grid Living In Quebec
Nestled in the heart of Eastern Canada, Quebec offers a captivating landscape and a unique cultural blend that sets the stage for off-grid living. With its vast forests, majestic mountains, and picturesque countryside, this province provides an ideal setting for individuals seeking a self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyle. Off-grid living in Quebec involves embracing renewable energy sources such as solar power, wind turbines, and hydroelectric systems, harnessing the province’s abundant natural resources.
Additionally, Quebec’s rich agricultural heritage and commitment to local food production create an environment conducive to organic gardening, small-scale farming, and homesteading. The province’s strong sense of community and preservation of traditional practices also contribute to a supportive network for off-grid enthusiasts.
Climate
For the most part, Quebec has a humid continental type climate, all 4 seasons are present, summers tend to be hot and the winters tend to be cold. The average summertime temperatures are between 70 °F and 90 °F ( 21C and 32C ), and the average winter temperatures are between 23 °F and 7 °F ( -5C and -14C ). The high humidity plays a major role in the local weather, and often the weather can change drastically in a matter of hours. If you want to compare this province to a state then check out my recent article Off grid living in Missouri ( The Show-Me State ).
Crops
Quebec has one of the best climates and the mildest weather for growing crops in the country. The most commonly grown crops here are soybeans, oats, corn for grain, maple, nuts, and fruits. Quebec is the world-leading producer of maple syrup, and it is one of Canada’s leading producers of dairy products, fruits, berries, and nuts. Generally speaking, you will have no problem growing crops, especially in the southern parts. If you want to take a look at a province that has a lower cost of living and population density then check out my recent article Off grid living in Saskatchewan ( Canada’s Breadbasket ).
Freshwater Availability
Quebec has plenty of fresh water, it is one of the wettest provinces in the country. You will have no problem finding groundwater or topwater, just be careful in the southern regions where animal farms are as the runoff from them could contaminate the groundwater. The average yearly rainfall in Quebec is around 43″ ( 1100 mm ), in the northern regions the average yearly rainfall can get as high as 80″.
Wildlife
Quebec has a lot of animals like white-tailed deer, black bears, caribou, moose, beavers, foxes, chipmunks, porcupines, and seals. In the local lakes, rivers, and coastlines you will find brook trout, walleye, Atlantic salmon, northern pike, lake trout, landlocked salmon, arctic char, and muskellunge. You will need a fishing license both for freshwater and saltwater fishing https://www.quebec.ca/en/tourism-and-recreation/sporting-and-outdoor-activities/fishing-rules/fishing-licence/.
Generating Power Off The Grid
- Solar power: Quebec gets plenty of sunshine throughout the year, and you will have an easy time generating power with solar panels. This province has several local incentives for solar power like the Heating with Green Power, and the RenoVert Tax Credit which is around 20% and up to $10 000. In addition to this, you can also apply for federal programs like the Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) Renewable Energy and the Canadian Renewable and Conservation Expenses (CRCE).
- Wind power: For setting up a wind turbine you can use the RenoVert Tax Credit, Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) Renewable Energy, and the Canadian Renewable and Conservation Expenses (CRCE) to reduce your costs.
Off Grid Laws
Living off the grid in Quebec is legal, and the local authorities offer generous incentives for renewable energy. Quebec’s education system is one of the best in the country, although you can still homeschool your children if you live off the grid in a remote area. The local homeschooling laws are fairly strict so make sure to follow the recommendations of the local authorities.
Road Access
Quebec is Canada’s economic powerhouse and the local infrastructure is fairly well maintained. In the southern parts of the province, you will have no issue with road access, but the lack of roads in the northern parts might become problematic. Generally speaking, if the area where you want to live off the grid doesn’t have road access and you will have to fly in everything, then this area is not good for off grid living as the cost of transportation will get you broke.
Price Of Land
The price of land and property in Quebec is higher than the national average, not only due to the high population density but also because this is the richest region in the entire country. Near the bigger cities, you will find it extremely difficult to buy a cheap homestead or a plot of land, although with some luck you could do it.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in Quebec is high, and that is putting it mildly. Most people who live and work in this province have fairly high-paying jobs, so if you come from another province or from the US then you will have to save up quite a bit. The good news is that the cost of living is not high due to inaccessibility but due to the high population density, and due to the economic stability of the region.
Jobs
Quebec’s unemployment rate is at 5.1% which is well below the national average of 6.9%. The minimum wage is 12.50 CAD which is around the same as in the neighboring provinces. The biggest industries are mining, agriculture, forestry, renewable energy, manufacturing, and tourism.
Natural Disasters
Quebec is prone to storms, floods, landslides, earthquakes, and wildfires. Overall when it comes to natural disasters this province is one of the safest ones, the most commonly occurring natural disasters are storms, although these are more frequent in the northern parts of the province than in the southern parts.
Key Takeaways
- Off-grid living is permitted in Quebec, allowing individuals to live independently without relying on traditional utilities.
- There may be specific regulations and permits to consider when living off-grid in Quebec, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with local laws.
- The cost of living off the grid in Quebec can vary depending on factors such as location, property size, and the type of systems and infrastructure chosen. Conducting thorough research and planning is essential to determine the most suitable and cost-effective off-grid living approach in Quebec.
