Five years ago, a gentleman named John, a tiny house enthusiast based then in Canmore, noticed Big Calm’s original website and reached out looking for a quiet, beautiful spot to park his 25′ tiny house on wheels, the inaugural Jaunt model from now-defunct builder Zerosquared. He bought the unit specifically to run as a guest-stay and, from afar, he’d identified our nascent project as the unique place to do it.
So while we carved out some space over by the original homesteaders’ cabin, where legacy service hookups were already available, John curated a remarkably thoughtful selection of amenities – from tasteful dishes and quality soaps to a charming picnic table and super-comfy mattress. As it happened, in the upside-down days of Covid, John’s charming blue THoW was on-site even before we were.
The Pocket Getaway at Big Calm, as we called it, opened to guests in April 2021. And since then, it’s been profiled multiple times (in particular, in this Tiny House Giant Journey tour) and has hosted nearly 1000 nightly stays! That’s thousands of guests, young and old, from far and wide – individual travellers seeking solitude, couples finding romance (including at least two engagements!), old friends meeting in the middle, and families exploring a new region on vacation. Our little house in the Valley (noted by BBC Travel as one of the 20 best destinations in the world) is filled with so many deep sleeps and happy memories.
As we mentioned in a similar post in 2023, while we’re proud of the 100+ near-5-star reviews on Airbnband VRBO, it’s the guestbook notes that really capture the essence of the space – both inside and out. Here are some more entries from the past three years…
And for posterity, here are some of the many online reviews…
- Tiny home, big comfort! This is one of the best places we’ve stayed at. This tiny home has all the amenities you need for a comfortable, cozy getaway. Our host greeted us as soon as we arrived, and that simple gesture made us feel so welcome from the start. We can’t wait to come back and see their vision come to life. It’s a wonderful place to relax and appreciate the beauty of the Kootenays!
- Very satisfied with the stay, as it was easy to locate. Would highly recommend for anyone who is looking for a nice getaway!
- Amazing stay and amazing hosts. Felt welcome and safe from the moment I pulled onto the property. Hosts were attentive and truly cared for my well being. This is a very special stay.
- We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Pocket Getaway this weekend!
- We had such an incredible stay at this tiny home! From the moment we arrived, it felt peaceful, cozy, and so thoughtfully put together. Every detail made it feel like a true home away from home from the comfortable bed to the beautiful décor and the little touches throughout the space. We especially appreciated the eco-friendly products provided, including the all-natural dish soap and the Rocky Mountain body and hair care products. Those thoughtful extras really stood out and made our stay feel even more special. The location was the perfect place to relax, unwind, and disconnect from the busyness of everyday life. We left feeling refreshed and already talking about when we can come back!
- Big Calm is something special. A relaxing permaculture retreat nestled in the heart of the Slocan Valley. The tiny home itself is perfect for 1-2 people. Weather was perfect too! Will be back.
- We had a great stay. We used the home as a home base and had great adventures outside each day.
- What a wonderful place. Now, let me make it clear that our travelling experiences revolve largely around our three year old red field golden. If Archer likes it, we usually do as well. This large property is a golden’s dream and the tiny home was just pure fun (although a bit of a challenge for two older partners and a 90 pound dog…I learned to navigate the very cool staircase to the loft bedroom like Gollum from The Lord of the Rings, on all fours). And it’s located in what is now our go to place, the Slocan Valley. What fun!
- We definitely enjoyed this stay. We were visiting on our way through for work. Definitely a lovely location. I would imagine any season. Super remote and secluded, which is nice for anybody who wants to escape the city chaos. Highly recommend! Love the idea of the tiny Home! Very unique!
- It was a lovely & relaxing stay, a perfect mix of seclusion and local activities. The space was well equipped for all my needs and the hosts went above and beyond to make me feel welcomed and appreciated. They also gave some great recommendations of towns and trails in the area to check out.
- I enjoyed my stay in John’s tiny home. The property is beautiful, peaceful and private. The tiny home itself had everything I needed for a comfortable stay. I look forward to staying again in the future.
- This was the sweetest place off the beaten track but not far from Slocan. While the location is not in town we felt very safe. The kitchen had everything we needed. We were able to get to Valhalla for some great day hikes. I would recommend it for a weekend in the mountains.
- We had such a peaceful and relaxing time at John’s tiny home. The property is very quiet, private and the perfect escape away from the city. I would highly recommend staying here if you’re needing to reset, gather your thoughts or spending quality time with your partner. And dogs are welcome!
- An exceptionally special place that myself and kids enjoyed very much. A truly peaceful, tranquil, and memorable time spent in a fabulous setting with friendly and very welcoming and helpful hosts! A lovely way to spend time in the hidden hills of the outstanding Kootenay region, in addition to its convenient proximity to numerous amenities and places to visit, including the glorious Slocan beaches of the lake and much more! Highly recommend for a genuinely enjoyable and unique experience!
- Had an amazing stay! Recommend it to anyone driving through!
- Had a great stay at the tiny home! Very quiet and peaceful.
- Awesome location and wonderful little accommodation.
- Beautiful home in a beautiful setting. My son and I loved our stay and will definitely be back!
- We loved our stay! My kids really had so much fun playing outside and staying indoors too! The place was clean and easy to find. Thank you hosting us!
- Great mini vacation and introduction to Tiny Home living. Wonderful host. Incredible organic garden. Learned lots and had fun!
- Great stay and experience in the tiny house. Very quiet area and well-kept home. Would visit again! Host was extremely welcoming and nice.
- So cozy. Loved John’s home, and the surrounding area is beautiful!
- Had an amazing time. Beautiful outdoors, and felt like home.
- My friend and I enjoyed our stay at the Tiny Home in the forest. It was a great location; central to the areas we explored. Very quiet … loved the setting, very clean and it had everything we needed. Wonderful to have full size appliances. Also we felt very safe, good lighting outside, and great to be welcomed by Steve. Thank you so much … and the Tiny Home concept … so much better than staying in a sterile hotel/motel.
- Loved the tiny house and surroundings.
- A little tough getting up the hill, especially at night, but a great getaway in the mountains for an affordable price. If you want a step up from camping, but still in the wilderness, its a great choice.
- Gorgeous place, super quiet. I could hear many bird songs, squirrels and no traffic. I had great fun!
- Thank you again for the lovely stay! Place was amazing as always, peace and quiet helped us unwind and get much needed rest 🙂 thank you for the warm welcome and will definitely visit again soon!
- This place is medicine for your nervous system. Gorgeous views, total serenity, and a cozy, well built tiny home. We slept so well and loved exploring the surrounding forest. The hosts were so attentive and responsive. We’ll be back!
- It was our first time staying in a tiny home and we absolutely loved it. Just enough space for everything, budget friendly and was in a private space. Hosts were very accommodating for all our needs.
- Thank you so much for hosting us again! Such a little hidden gem, perfect if you need some peace and quiet to clear your head. Tiny House has everything you need and more! The host responds in a lightning speed if you ever need anything! Can’t wait to be back again to that beautiful place. 🙂
- Place was amazing. It was clean and the property was amazing. A lot of amazing views around the vicinity, and cute towns along the way. Coming from Calgary, the road trip views was amazing so that’s a plus +++. Thank you for taking the time to accommodate us. Cheers!
- Quiet and pleasant.
- Perfectly formed tiny house in a peaceful location. Everything was as described and my dog had lots of space to run around. Very private.
- The hosts exceeded all expectations – their friendliness was overwhelming. Thanks so much for everything and all the best for you!
- I had a lovely time at the Big Calm tiny house! Everything was clean and comfy and the surroundings can not be beat.
- We enjoyed our time at the tiny house! It was clean, and a very functional space. It didn’t feel cramped at all with two of us in there. It is so peaceful and serene, a really beautiful property. Close to great biking, and a nice scenic drive into Nelson if you’re looking for more to do.
- Staying at the tiny house was an amazing experience! It was clean, quiet, and so peaceful. There was a short power outage and Steve came right over with an extra lantern and to make sure we had everything we needed. We would stay here again and recommend this tiny house to anyone looking for a place to stay in the Slocan Valley.
- 10/10 would recommend! Tiny House was spotless clean! You will find all the necessities you need to cook some dinner or clean around. Super comfy mattress gave us much needed sleep and serene surroundings gave us rest from all the hustle and bustle we wanted to escape. Thank you again John, it was a pleasure!
- As long as you drive a vehicle that can make it up a rocky dirt road then this is an amazing option! Very quiet and secluded. The tiny home was in even bigger in person and fit my 2 friends and I comfortably! All the pans, dishes etc that we needed to cook for ourselves was provided which we utilized.
- Great spot, everything you needed. Will be back!
- Very peaceful and beautiful spot!
- Great hosts, we enjoyed our time there.
- Rustic on the property and luxury on the inside! So easy to relax in nature with all the amenities to feel comfortable. The shower was amazing. Also loved the lighting and the super comfy bed!
- Such a lovely home in the mountains! Can’t believe that something tiny can have everything that we needed ☺️ it has all the basic necessities and more. Everything was very well stocked and thought of. My family enjoyed this vacation so much. My toddler loved playing in and out of the home, and my husband and I were mesmerized looking at the very starry skies once night fell. We also were able to meet Steve on one of our walks around the property; what a very nice gentleman he is. Will definitely go back and will definitely recommend this gem to our family and friends.
- Lovely tiny home! Cute, clean and cozy. Friendly hosts, beautiful location, wild turkeys! What’s not to like?! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would love to visit again!
- The Pocket Getaway was absolutely wonderful! Great scenery, wonderful hosts, and everything you could want in a tiny house. Place was spotless, kitchen well stocked, and the little added pluses made put stay amazing.
- So happy to have been back at big calm! Such a great spot to get away and have some time with less distractions. Near so many great places that we used it as our home base for our adventures!!! Check everything out near by! Just such an amazing stay every time!
- Such a beautiful location and charming little home! Definitely the perfect place to spend our 25th! Fun adventures in the area and super quiet setting. Really neat experiencing a real tiny home!
- Great experience!
- We thoroughly enjoyed our retreat at Big Calm’s tiny house! It was our first experience with this kind of a place and it did not disappoint. Upon arriving after an 8 hour drive, we opened the door to a clean, bright and wonderfully cool (it was hot out!) interior. I was pleasantly surprised with how open, large and comfortable the home felt, even for three of us (myself and my 12 and 18yo). All instructions were clear and easy to follow. The only thing that would have made it perfect is a stream or lake nearby – but that’s not a dealbreaker! After our tiny home experience, I’m totally inspired to consider owning my own tiny home. Thank you for the opportunity to stay at your place – we will be back!
- This place is a gem. Loved the location, beautiful tiny home. Extremely comfortable.
It was a great experience staying there. Great hosts and very responsive! - Great place for a getaway work retreat. Very private and comfortable to stay at – there is everything you need!
- A tiny house in the mountains, with a great view. Quiet and relaxing.
- Amazing place to stay! Love the location!
- This tiny home is absolutely beautiful and in a majestic nature setting! I loved the privacy and total peace and quiet. The bed was one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept in. John was really responsive with messaging and Steve and Abby were very friendly and helpful. I will cherish the experience of this stay, it really is a special place.
- The big calm was a fantastic fun little place. John was very accommodating, friendly, and made us feel welcomed. The area was very quiet and we felt relaxed the whole time. The outdoor firepit was my favourite part of the evening, and waking up to the scenic beauty of the landscape with a cup of coffee. If you are passing through and need a place to stay, this is the prefect getaway.
- We really enjoyed our stay at Big Calm’s tiny house. It was our first time in a tiny house and we really loved the experience. The building was incredibly modern, clean, tidy and functional. We would highly recommend this Airbnb to others who want spend time in a tiny house in a very unique location.
- A very remote and quiet place. A peaceful retreat from the big city. The hosts were very nice and helpful. We really enjoyed staying there and recommend to anyone that is looking to be off the grid. Very comfortable bed and clean little house. Location was close to all the sites we wanted to see. Such a beautiful area to explore.
- 5 stars all around. This place was perfect to decompress. Lovely space to connect with nature and find some balance. The tiny house almost didn’t feel like a tiny house at all, the design was done perfectly.
- A lovely stay in a lovely place.
- A unique and wonderful experience in this Tiny Home. It is in a great location to explore the natural beauty of interior BC or to have a quiet getaway. Kitchen was well equipped and hosts were responsive. Thanks.
- The Tiny home was very well laid out and the dogs were happy to run around the large grassy area in front. The owners responded to questions very quickly and everything was clean and well stocked. My sister and I had a great stay.
- We loved the Tiny Home and appreciated the information on the property and the plans they were working on to develop more Tiny Homes. It was great to be off the map and in the natural surroundings but with all the comforts of 5 star! Highly recommend.
- The “Pocket Getaway” was our Perfect Getaway! A slice of heaven in the forest, this Tiny Home had us living in simplicity and tranquility for a few days. Its efficient and beautifully designed space, it contained everything we needed. The hosts went above and beyond to accommodate us, and were generous with their time and energy. They even assisted with a small project (i.e surprise marriage proposal) and it capped off an outstanding weekend. Highly recommended to any nature seekers, anyone looking to disconnect and/or experience a Tiny Home.
- This was the most well appointed Airbnb I’ve ever been to. Everything you could need was there. The tiny home was clean, cozy and completely functional for us (two adults and one kid). Would recommend.
- Your property was everything we needed! The tiny home was so cozy, clean, and the A/C was amazing. It came well equipped in all aspects, kitchen, and bathroom. The Rocky Mountain Soup was a very nice touch. Check-in was super simple. Steve greeted us shortly after we arrived and informed us of everything we needed to know and was super friendly. We truly loved how remote the location was!! Also need to thank these host for being very accommodating and kind. I would definitely book this property again. Thank you!!!
- The Tiny House was even better than expected! Beautiful, quiet setting and very easy to find with the instructions and signage on the drive up. Great internet connection if you need to work. Loved the fully stocked Rocky Mountain Soap Company products for use. Steve and Abby are incredibly friendly and welcoming, and even took the time to give me a tour of their unique property with mountain views and trails to explore. Looking forward to seeing Big Calm develop over the next few years and would definitely stay again!
- Perfect get-away location for our anniversary. Very quiet and tucked in the woods.
Everything is as described and the AC was great to escape the hot summer heat.
The kitchen and bathroom have everything you’d need, the couch can turn into a bed.
Excellent cozy stay. - This was a very cute and secluded cabin in the woods. Great kitchen to make meals. Perfect for working and relaxing, little living space has a desk and a couch. Most comfortable bed I have slept on in a while!
- Perfect getaway in the woods. Everything you need for a remote getaway with all the comfort. Highly recommended. The area of Slocan is one of the most beautiful in the Kootenays.
- Great stay! Everything you need to enjoy a peaceful relaxing getaway. Very comfortable bed. Very well maintained property. They thought of everything! Would highly recommend a stay at “The Pocket Gateway”!
- We had a perfect stay in Big Calm Tiny House. The remote location is beautiful and the house has everything you need, even bells and bear spray if you’re going into the woods. The road to get to the house was just improved and we had no problem at all getting there. Communication with John (the house owner) and Steve (the landowner) was very easy. Steve showed us around on his property and told about his ambitions for the land. We would definitely recommend this stay, thanks John and Steve!
- Clean, cozy tiny house, just what we expected and more! We had everything we needed during our stay. The Big Calm homestead is a precious gem of solitude in nature, can’t wait to be back!
- We had a lovely time on our first tiny home stay. The land was beautiful and the hosts very welcoming and kind. It was a one of a kind experience we recommend for anyone who loves nature and sustainable living. 🙂
- One of the most beautiful properties I’ve ever experienced on Airbnb, this really takes glamping to a whole new level. The hosts were truly incredible, I have nothing but amazing things to say about this property and the experience. The perfect place to unplug (or stay plugged in, the Starlink internet is super reliable) and reset mentally. I will definitely be visiting again.
- The tiny house is so well designed, the kitchen is practical, shower is spacious with good pressure and hot water on demand, Location is great and the hosts are kind and helpful. We stayed 4 nights and enjoyed all of it.
- The tiny house experience was amazing – beautiful place and landscape, very functional house and super clean! I spend a bit of time with Steve, who owns the land. He generously shared about his (and his wife) vision of a tiny house community. Would recommend 110%!
- We spent 3 nights at the property, and enjoyed our stay very much. The tiny house is very modern and very well equipped, everything is extremely clean and very nice. It is located by the forest, in a very quiet environment. We will come back without hesitation!
- Very cute tiny house! There were turkeys walking around, which was a beautiful surprise:)
- Waking up to the quiet serenity of the forest, in a perfectly chic tiny house, is an experience like no other. If you don’t mind being a bit further from the hustle bustle of the town, this is a perfect little getaway.
- My time at the pocket getaway was relaxing and enjoyable! The kitchen had everything I needed to cook good meals, the wifi worked well so I could watch movies on my laptop, and the bed was really comfortable. There were plenty of cupboards for my clothes and luggage and the shower was bigger than I expected for a tiny house!
- We didn’t have a long stay, however the tiny house was super comfy and cute. Very private, peaceful location. Will definitely stay again if in the area!
- Lovely little home away from it all. Really close to Slocan which is a super cute little stay. Enjoyed it very much and would love to come back one day.
- Cozy, Quite, clean, peaceful, surrounded by nature. Very relaxing stay, with lots of forest hike trails which we had to ourselves.
- The location was awesome! Super peaceful, and an amazing place to spend a couple of nights 🙂 My friend and I really enjoyed our stay and the hosts were super nice.
- Great little place! The host was very responsive and the cabin had everything you need for a comfortable stay!
- This property is everything one can dream for! It’s secluded, easy to reach & lovely to stay! We loved this tiny home & can’t wait to be back!
- Great stay at the Tiny House. Had everything we needed. Was pleasantly surprise at the size of the shower. Definitely room for two.
- It’s just like the pictures! Beautiful, quiet and secluded. Great place to get away from a busy life and just take in nature. No cell service but the wifi was awesome!
- What a wonderful ‘little’ adventure! There were three adults traveling this trip, and the space worked out so well for our needs. It was a great opportunity to explore a tiny house property and considering we were planning on camping/tenting this trip, this felt like ‘glamping’ :). And the AC was quite the bonus…and extremely effective. Lovely place and wonderful amenities- very well maintained and appointed. If you don’t know the area, be sure to check out the Slocan river, and we highly recommend floating the river (warm weather obviously). It was fabulous to be embraced in the quiet of wilderness, and a bit of a thrill to see a glimpse of a black bear traipsing through the woods ;). All topped off with a very exciting and easy to view thunder/lightning storm. Just magical!
- A wonderful location, nestled in the woods. We saw lots of wildlife.
- This tiny house get-a-way is exactly as described. If you are looking for a private and quiet retreat, then this pocket house will fit the bill. The house comes equipped with everything I could have reasonably wanted to utilize on my weekend away. The modern design is aesthetically pleasing, cozy and comfortable. It was my first time staying in a tiny and I was pleasantly surprised at how spacious it felt. I found the bed and other furniture to be comfortable and the hosts provided important and useful information about the house itself and the surrounding areas. Steve and Abby were warm and welcoming and I felt confident knowing that I could reach out to them if I had any questions. The sounds of the birds and the wild turkey visitors made morning coffee outside a delight.
- I really enjoyed my stay at this beautiful tiny home! If you are looking for a relaxing getaway from society, this place is perfect! I loved the area and it’s off the beaten path feel. It was a part of BC that I had never visited, but I will definitely be back again. There are plenty of trails and places to visit in the area. The nearby town of Slocan is an absolute gem. I was not expecting to find such a scenic little town hiding behind those trees. I also loved the house! It was extremely well done. It was the perfect little nest for a relaxing retreat. The bathroom and kitchen were much larger and more accommodating than I was expecting. The kitchen was extremely well stocked with all the gear necessary to make anything you’d reasonably want. And the high ceilings and large windows of the living room made it a beautiful space to pass the day reading and relaxing with hot drink. The property itself offered beautiful views and smells and was very interesting. There is a large area to explore (we found a little cave!) and although there is a home relatively close by it felt like we had complete privacy for the entire stay. I will definitely be back again!
- Genuinely did not want to leave this place. The tiny home, the quality amenities, and the whole surrounding area really met & surpassed expectations. The tiny home itself has a really smart and liveable layout. In the kitchen and bathroom, you have all the space you need, while the bedroom loft and living area are the perfect cozy spaces (the pullout couch is versatile and makes the best nest type area to watch a movie or curl up and read a book!). The property feels very private and off the beaten path, but you’re also close enough to a scattering of cute, scenic towns that have all the necessities. This tiny home is the perfect place if you’re looking for a quiet and cozy stay (I literally had some of the best sleeps of my adult life here) with beautiful views and outdoor adventure potential, without the kitschy, touristy vibe you get in some other BC areas!
- This is a fun way to experience Tiny House living. The area is great for outdoor enthusiasts or someone looking for quiet nature.
- Great tiny home, very clean and peaceful! Perfect for a weekend getaway.
- I absolutely loved my stay. I definitely will be coming back!
- It was an awesome space!! Great view!!
- Very peaceful and clean. Had everything we needed.
- An unusual spot, in a very quiet and peaceful location. Nature surrounds you. The little house is nice. Air conditioning and everything you need for a good stay. You won’t miss a thing.
- So calm and lovely to get out of dodge. Great host.
- Excellent airbnb! Will be back.
- Well stocked getaway that was clean.
- Best stay in the Kootenays hands down!
- Just like we imagined. The concept looks very thoughtful. Everything was very clean and maintained.
- This little house was a great place to get away to. The hosts were there when we arrived and introduced themselves and guided us where to park for our stay. I liked that it was close to Slocan and yet far enough away to enjoy the peace and quiet. Lots of birds, butterflies and all was in bloom. The House was a very clean and welcoming. Had all the amneties that we needed for the weekend. Would recomend this to anyone looking for a very clean and quiet place.
- Amazing spot. Would definitely stay again.
- Very quiet, peaceful house with all you need for a restful stay.
- We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in the tiny house. Kitchen is well equipped, nice size fridge, and lovely propertyview out the large windows. We had a fire one night, which was great, enjoyed the peaceful surroundings with easy access to Slocan, about 10 minutes away. We cycled the Rail Trail and enjoyed exploring the interesting villages close by.
- Peaceful and tranquil. We had a lovely stay. The tiny home has everything you want, comfortable bed and heavenly shower with soap and shampoo provided. Steve and Abby were excellent hosts and even provided a fire pit for us to enjoy. Would highly recommend this property.
- Tiny homes may not be for everyone, but if you do it you’re curious, this one is a must stay! The property lived up to its billing as a comfortable space for two with everything you’ll need to decompress including a kitchen stocked with tools and spices, soft towels and environmentally friendly cleaning products and a comfy bed in the loft. The property is peaceful and surrounded by nature (deer walked right past the house). Directions were very clear making it easy to find. The host greeted is upon arrival and provided further information was provided to make our staff more pleasant. Internet was reliable.
- Beautiful property tucked away. Perfect little getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. The tiny home is perfect for two people, and an amazing property.
- The Pocket Getaway is a beautiful & peaceful escape. The property hosts are kind and welcoming, and were available if we needed anything. The tiny house had everything we needed in terms of space, and had all of the kitchen and bathroom essentials provided. The area is absolutely gorgeous, and we had wealth of outdoor adventures while staying here. We couldn’t be happier with our stay, and we look forward to coming back to the Pocket Getaway soon!
- Was perfect for us!
Alas, all good things must come to an end. Life moved John farther east and, this summer, he chose to sell his beloved THoW. Despite being attracted by the special set and setting we had cultivated here over the last half decade, the new owner has unfortunately chosen to take it elsewhere to do her own thing with it. We’ll miss the little guy. It fit so perfectly in its nook at the end of our long driveway, next to the quirky old forest sauna, and overlooking Big Calm’s burgeoning garden. We’ll especially miss John & Casey as business partners and the parade of wonderful visitors their lovely tiny home attracted.
