Welcome to The Off Grid Ark Journal - a behind-the-scenes look at life on our 164-acre off-grid property in the Outaouais.
From building cabins and milling lumber to hosting outdoor education groups and boiling maple syrup, this is where I share the real work, lessons, and stories from life at The Ark.
Whether you’re curious about off-grid systems, outdoor education, or just living a little closer to the land, you’ll find it all here — one project at a time.
Mike Caldwell Published on: 10/02/2026Why The Off Grid Ark shifted from a traditional bunkhouse to neurodivergent parent–youth adventure weekends, and what this change makes possible.
The newest blog entries appear first, so if you don't want to "skip to the end" scroll back through the entries to find the "origin story" and work your way through to follow the story from beginning to now.
Mike CaldwellA winter build update from The Off Grid Ark in Western Quebec: eight walls up, deep snow, a dropped ATV track, and real progress on the new Cliffside Camp bunkhouse.
Mike CaldwellAn honest look at building the off-grid bunkhouse as winter arrived early at The Off Grid Ark. From milling hardwood floors to hauling lumber in snow, here’s how the project pushes forward and why it matters for future outdoor education programs.
Mike CaldwellA day at The Off Grid Ark turns into an honest reflection on killing a squirrel, cooking it with respect, and what it means to eat meat in a modern world.
Mike CaldwellEarly November at The Off Grid Ark means battery swaps, wood stacking, and winter prep for the horses before the first snow settles in.
“New stories posted every week (or so....) — follow along as The Ark grows and evolves.”
🏕️ About the Author
Mike Caldwell is the founder of The Off Grid Ark, a 164-acre off-grid property in Western Quebec where he's built multiple businesses, hosts outdoor education programs, and shares life close to the land.
A retired paramedic and lifelong outdoorsman, Mike also rescues dogs and organizes The Mad Trapper, Canada’s longest-running trail and snowshoe race series. His work blends adventure, sustainability, and storytelling — inspiring others to live more intentionally and closer to nature.
