These Micro-cabins on a Gorgeous Canadian Island Are the Perfect Off-grid Vacation

There’s a sense of calm that swipes over you the moment you set foot in the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island, as life slows down to a relaxing pace and every breath is filled with fresh Atlantic Canadian air. So there’s no better place to find your own little corner of the island and reset, like at Meridian 63°’s off-the-grid micro-cabins, which opened last fall.

Named for the meridian it sits on, the set of four luxury cabins is located in Strathgartney Provincial Parks off the Trans Canada Highway in Bonshaw, just about a 20-minute drive west of the provincial capital of Charlottetown. 

"Our primary hope is that guests can use their time at Meridian 63° to slow down, relax, and enjoy the outdoors," owner Mike Robertson told Travel + Leisure. "While our cabins offer comfort far beyond traditional camping, we aim to capture that camping vibe without the additional time and effort typically required for setting up camp. We strive to provide everything our guests need, allowing them to maximize their time exploring our beautiful little island."

Each 200-square-foot cabin has floor-to-ceiling windows and a solar battery for lighting and device charging. The living area has a loveseat, ottoman, chair, cooler, and side tables, while the utility area has a sink. The lofted sleep area is accessible by a ladder and opens up to a queen mattress from the Canadian brand Endy.

A picnic table and firepit with a cooking grill sits just outside, while the shared space includes a guest house with a restroom with spacious rainfall showers, plus a kitchen with a fridge, stove, sink, and cooking essentials, plus coffee, tea, and hot cocoa. 

What makes its location so unique is its prime spot right inside the provincial park. "This part of PEI is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts," Robertson said, noting that Brookvale Nordic Centre is nearby. "We have the privilege of being surrounded by 25 kilometers [about 15.5 miles] of single-track trails, just steps from the cabin doors. What sets us apart is our ability to provide off-grid accommodations for all seasons, catering to hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snowshoeing, and the increasingly popular activity of fat biking."

Meridian 63° has a particular affinity toward exploring nature on two wheels since it started as a mountain biking lessons and tour company before expanding into the accommodations — and still encourages guests to take wheels out for a spin.

As a lifelong resident of PEI, Robertson grew up in "a traditional fishing and farming family," before moving into tourism two decades ago. "I've had a connection with Strathgartney Park since the 1990s when I began mountain biking and camping in the area," he said. "Over the years, my fondness for this place has only deepened."

Even now, he's taken by the beauty of the region. "What truly makes this location special is the breathtaking view overlooking the PEI countryside and West River," he added. "It's a memorable experience to witness both sunrise and sunset from the cabin decks or catch a glimpse of cruise ships departing from Charlottetown harbor at night."

And visitors agree. One wrote in the guest book, "Needed a space to come to and recharge and reflect. This was perfect," while another wrote, "The accommodations were truly lovely." A family with an 11-month-old and dog noted, "A disconnected from our devices getaway was exactly what we wanted...thank you for creating such a lovely place to visit. So many family memories were made."

That's exactly Robertson's goal. "Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, we aim to offer a memorable experience for all our guests," he said.