Taylor Kitsch, the 43-year-old Canadian actor, has found solace and a renewed sense of purpose in the mountains of Bozeman, Montana. After living in Austin, Texas for over 15 years, Kitsch relocated to Montana in 2021, seeking a deeper connection with nature and a simpler way of life.
Kitsch’s move was driven by a longing for the tranquility and beauty of the wilderness. “Honestly, it’s like, I love wildlife photography and I miss the mountains. I miss the seasons,” he shared in an interview. He sold his “dream home” in Austin to embrace a more minimalist lifestyle in Montana.
The vast landscapes and quiet solitude of Montana have provided Kitsch with a sense of peace he hadn’t experienced in the bustling city. “It brings a lot more peace being in the wild, in the wilderness, a lot more quiet, and it reminds me of home a lot more,” he explained. Being outdoors, surrounded by nature, allows Kitsch to recharge and reconnect with his roots.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(737×252:739×254)/Taylor-Kitsch-attends-the-29th-Annual-Critics-Choice-Awards-011725-a799a531199d444faf25e417d20f77b5.jpg)
Following intense projects like the Netflix drama “Painkiller” and the Western series “American Primeval,” Kitsch finds rejuvenation in escaping to the backcountry. He enjoys driving his “adventure van” into remote areas, indulging in wildlife photography and fly fishing. These activities offer him a necessary respite from the demands of his acting career. “You need a breath and there’s no better place for me to take that breath,” Kitsch stated.
While acknowledging fond memories of Austin, particularly time spent on Lake Austin, Kitsch admits he doesn’t miss the Texas heat. He traded wake surfing and sunset boat rides for the serene beauty of the Montana wilderness.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749×0:751×2)/taylorkitsch-sisterShelby-4e705389e9284d0c908198e439bbccf4.jpg)
Kitsch’s move to Montana has also sparked a new philanthropic endeavor. Inspired by his sister Shelby Kitsch-Best’s journey to sobriety, he is developing a nature retreat for the sober community. The retreat will provide a peaceful environment for individuals seeking recovery and reconnection with nature. “I didn’t even know sober escapes existed until I had the crash course with my sis. I was like, ‘Man, it sounds incredible to offer people a chance to reconnect in nature and slow things down,’ ” Kitsch shared.
Kitsch envisions the retreat as a sanctuary for veterans and children as well. He hopes to create a space where individuals can find solace and healing through hiking, fishing, writing, reading, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the natural surroundings. The retreat will offer a variety of activities and opportunities for personal reflection and growth. “You want to go hike, fish, hang out, do nothing, write, read, anything? It’s is all up there for you,” he said. Kitsch’s Montana retreat promises to be a haven for those seeking peace and renewal.
“American Primeval” is currently streaming on Netflix.
