Neil Young, the legendary rock icon known for his deeply poetic songwriting and influence across multiple generations of music lovers, has taken a noticeable step back from the limelight in recent years. Once a staple of the Hollywood and music scene in both the U.S. and Canada, Young has chosen a more low-key, nature-immersed lifestyle alongside his wife, acclaimed actress and environmental activist Daryl Hannah.
Now 79 years old, Young appears to be embracing a quieter rhythm of life. While his contributions to music history remain unmatched, his current focus lies in living authentically, surrounded by nature and the simplicity of rural life. He and Hannah, who married in 2018, have spent the last several years alternating between properties in California and Colorado. However, in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the couple made a pivotal and personal move—one that brought Young back to his roots.
Around September 2020, as the world adjusted to lockdowns and travel restrictions, Neil Young and Daryl Hannah made the decision to head north and settle in Canada. They chose a 116-year-old wooden cottage on a lake in Omemee, a picturesque rural town in Ontario. This decision wasn’t just about escaping the virus—it was about reconnecting with the land, history, and peace that Young has long valued. Omemee, notably, holds deep significance for Young; it’s near the town where he spent much of his early childhood and began his journey into music and storytelling.
On his website, the Neil Young Archives, Young shared a heartfelt reflection on their time in Canada. “We winterized it,” he wrote, referring to the charming century-old home. “A 116-year-old wooden beauty, and we stayed almost six months there in Canada near my hometown, where I first had started to go to school.” That period, spent away from the intensity of the entertainment world, offered the couple a refreshing stillness—something they seemed reluctant to give up.
The lakefront cottage became more than just a shelter during uncertain times; it became a sanctuary. Despite their global fame, both Young and Hannah have always been drawn to environmental preservation, sustainable living, and privacy. The decision to remain in Omemee longer than planned speaks volumes about how much the location resonated with them.
Over the years, Neil Young has never shied away from expressing his discomfort with modern celebrity culture. In interviews and through his music, he’s emphasized authenticity over fame. His retreat to the Canadian countryside with Hannah seems to be a natural continuation of that ethos. Whether it’s maintaining a low public profile or advocating for environmental causes, Young remains committed to living in a way that aligns with his values.
Their life in Canada represents not a withdrawal from the world, but rather a return to what matters most—quiet, roots, and connection. While fans may not see Neil Young in the public eye as frequently, his journey into a more secluded lifestyle is a beautiful reminder that even rock legends sometimes just want to go home.