Looking for an off-grid experience? Skip the norm and immerse yourself in nature and education.  

Nestled in the rolling hills of the Cowichan Valley on southern Vancouver Island, O.U.R. Ecovillage (One United Resource) is more than just a place — it’s a living, breathing experiment in sustainable living, ecological design, and community connection.

For over two decades, O.U.R. Ecovillage has stood as a model for regenerative living — where people come together to learn, build, and grow in harmony with the earth. Whether you come for a weekend retreat, a hands-on workshop, or a deeper residential experience, every visit is an invitation to reconnect with the land, yourself, and others.

About the Village

Founded in 1999, O.U.R. Ecovillage was created to inspire a new way of living — one rooted in collaboration, sustainability, and education. Spread across 25 acres of protected forest and farmland, the village includes organic gardens, food forests, natural buildings, and shared spaces that embody the values of respect, resilience, and regeneration.

The land is home to a collective of educators, artisans, families, and volunteers — all working together to model sustainable systems that can be replicated anywhere.

What You’ll Experience

O.U.R. Ecovillage offers a unique mix of hands-on learning and mindful living. Whether you’re a traveler, student, or seeker, there’s something deeply grounding about being part of this intentional community.

Workshops & Programs

• Natural Building & Permaculture Design – Learn the art of cob, strawbale, and earth architecture.

• Eco-Resilience & Regenerative Design – Explore systems for sustainable food, water, and energy use.

• Educational Retreats & Residencies – Stay, learn, and live the principles of ecological design.
  

Daily Life at the Village

• Help harvest from the gardens or cook in the community kitchen.

• Wander forest trails and meet others drawn to simple, meaningful living.

• Take part in community meals, evening fires, and storytelling circles.

O.U.R. Ecovillage regularly hosts events like Earth Week Celebrations, women’s gatherings, and eco-innovation showcases — blending education, creativity, and community action.

Sustainable Living in Action

Every aspect of O.U.R. Ecovillage demonstrates low-impact living. From composting toilets and greywater systems to solar energy and rainwater harvesting, the community showcases what it means to live lightly on the earth.

Their eco-buildings, including cob cottages and strawbale homes, are beautifully handcrafted — combining artistry with environmental consciousness. These natural structures aren’t just sustainable — they’re soul-nourishing spaces that remind you of what home can feel like.

Because at O.U.R. Ecovillage, you don’t just learn about sustainability — you live it.
You’ll leave feeling more grounded, inspired, and equipped to bring regenerative ideas back into your own life, no matter where you live.

Visitors often describe their time here as transformative — a reminder that slowing down, sharing meals, and getting your hands in the soil can change how you see the world.

How to Get There

• Location: 1565 Baldy Mountain Road, Shawnigan Lake, BC

• From Victoria: ~45 minutes north via Hwy 1

• From Nanaimo: ~1 hour south via Hwy 1
  

There’s parking on-site, and carpooling is encouraged to minimize environmental impact.

Stay Options

Depending on the season, you can:

• Camp under the stars in your own tent or camper.

• Stay in one of the natural cob or strawbale cottages.

• Join as a volunteer or participant in a live-work exchange program.
  

Expect simple, off-grid accommodations — peaceful, rustic, and surrounded by the sounds of the forest.

Respecting the Land

O.U.R. Ecovillage is located on the unceded territories of the Quw’utsun (Cowichan) peoples.
The community works closely with Indigenous elders and local stewards to honor the land’s heritage and weave cultural learning into every aspect of their work.

Visitors are encouraged to come with humility and respect — to listen, learn, and contribute with open hearts.

O.U.R. Ecovillage isn’t a tourist stop — it’s a place of transformation. It’s where people gather to build new stories of sustainability, belonging, and hope. Whether you’re planting seeds, mixing cob, or simply walking the land, you’ll feel it — the sense that we really can grow a better world together.