The cast and crew actually lived in the cabins where the film is shot. They had no internet connection or cell service.
The cat, Gibson, belongs to the director, Nick Szostakiwskyj.
Early in the film, when Professor Olsen is being introduced to the team, Francis Manro discusses applying for a grant to the 'SSHRC." This is the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, a Canadian federal funding body that provides grants for research and research training for various projects, research chairs, and postdoctoral fellowships.