What Full-Time Cabin Life is Really Like
Most Canadians have at one point or another, daydreamed about what it would be like to move up to a cabin full-time and escape the city for good. For most, a daydream it stays. But what would it really be like to live full-time at the cabin?
We've asked a few owners we know and read about the perspectives of people who’ve made the move online - families, couples, and solo workers who've made the leap for full-time lakefront, mountain, or off-grid living.
Here’s what we learned: the pros, the cons, and the in-betweens of living at the cabin full-time.
The Perks of Cabin Life
The Outdoors Is Your Backyard
From evening walks up a quiet road to dirt-road ATV rides after work, nature isn’t just nearby; it’s part of every day life. One full-time cabin owner wrote that when work stress hits, he just steps onto the deck and stares into the woods. “It’s like hitting reset.”
Healthier Habits, Naturally.
Between chopping wood, building things, and tending large gardens, life becomes more physical. “I sit at a desk all day,” one person said, “but all the chores keep me in shape.” Others mentioned saving big and living healthier by growing their own vegetables in the summer.
Work From Anywhere
Thanks to the rise of remote jobs and satellite internet, working from the cabin is more possible than ever. Several folks reported they’d shifted to fully remote roles, making the cabin lifestyle not only possible, but enjoyable. No commute, lunches by the lake, and the flexibility to embrace solitude.
Less Noise, More Connection.
Many talked about a deeper sense of peace. No sirens. No traffic. Fewer distractions. One new cabin resident described it as “more helpful people, slower pace, more meaningful moments.”
The Challenges No One Tells You About
It’s Constant Maintenance
Cabin life means becoming your own handyman. Heating, firewood, frozen pipes, mice in the pantry - these come up a lot. Finding good tradespeople can be tough and booking them is often a months-long wait. “Life is just constant chores,” one owner shared bluntly.
Distance Affects Everything
Grocery runs? A 3-hour round trip. School and after-school activities? Better plan ahead. Date night? Be ready to drive. “You have to be so intentional,” one mom shared. “Even playdates take serious planning.”
Isolation Can Creep In
Especially for those without kids or working from home, the solitude can feel overwhelming. “Most days I don’t leave the property or speak to anyone but my husband,” one person shared. That’s not uncommon. Cabin fever is real, especially when you're alone from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the dead of winter.
School and Kid-Friendliness Vary Widely
Some rural areas offer bus routes and tight-knit communities. Others, not so much. One parent felt conflicted about raising kids where “there’s so little for them to do” and where rural mindsets sometimes clashed with their values. Others, however, found the extra space and outdoor freedom made up for it.
Shared Workspaces = Shared Soundtracks
In smaller cabins, if two people work remotely, things get tricky. One couple described the stress of simultaneous Zoom calls in tight quarters. Noise-cancelling headsets helped, as did an honest conversation about boundaries and quiet time.
So... Is It Worth It?
Nearly everyone we heard from said the same thing:
It’s not for everyone. But for us, it’s worth it.
You have to weigh what matters most to you. If you’re looking for less clutter, more nature, and don’t mind the work and planning that comes with it, cabin life can be immensely rewarding.
But it’s not the “easy life.” It’s the intentional life.
If you're okay with giving up convenience for calm, chaos for chores, and screen time for starlight, full time cabin living just might be for you
