Welcome to Ontario! Covering over one million square kilometres—five times the size of the United Kingdom—Ontario is Canada’s second largest province, known for iconic landmarks such as the CN Tower and the majestic Niagara Falls. But beyond these famous sites, Ontario boasts over 250,000 lakes, 330 provincial parks and 6 national parks, offering a treasure trove of natural beauty that most travellers don’t get a chance to see. The best way to discover these hidden gems? Stay in one of Ontario’s incredible wood cabins.
Why not use your trip to Canada as an excuse to get out of your comfort zone? As you venture into the fragrant pine forests, watch the sun rise over a tranquil lake and listen to the sounds of woodpeckers at work, you’ll truly connect with nature and create lasting memories with your fellow travellers. Imagine a quiet night by the fire, curling up with a good book, roasting marshmallows and chatting until the wee hours of the morning.
Luckily, there are plenty of properties that can provide you with this special experience whatever the season, from winter to summer. Here, the hosts aren’t just accommodating, they’re your personal guides to the best local specialities, hiking trails and secret spots, giving you an authentic taste of the true Canadian experience. Dare to see more of Ontario than just the city life in Toronto!
Anupaya Cabin Co – substainable tourism experiences in Ontario
Tucked away in beautiful Deep River, Ontario, you will find eight eco-friendly cabins (two of which are available to rent year-round) at Anupaya Cabin Co that offer a luxurious yet sustainable retreat, complete with breathtaking views of the Laurentian Mountains across the Ottawa River.
Each beachfront cabin is only steps away from the shallow warm water of the river and is equipped with a canoe and a personal campfire pit for roasting s’mores under the star-filled sky.
Shan and Pete are your hosts at Anupaya and will welcome you with open arms to their comfy cottages and even take you on a tour around the property to discover a sustainable garden, furry friends such as goats and free-range chickens. This only adds to the charm of Anupaya. The lodge has a commercial kitchen which will be serving coffee and baked goods starting this summer.
- Rates: starting at $298 / night
- Location: 5 hours from Toronto and 4 hours from Montreal
- Top things to do in and around Deep River, Ontario: Swisha chutes, located just across the Ontario/Quebec border. It used to be a wood-logging chute back in the late 1800s.
The Baltic at Fort Treehouse Co – one of Ontario’s most unique cabin in the woods
Have you ever dreamed of staying in a treehouse? Perched high in the treetops, Fort Treehouse offers a cosy nook with panoramic views of the surrounding forest just outside of Minden, Ontario.
This private one bedroom, one bathroom retreat was designed and built with sustainability and nature in mind. A wood fired, cedar barrel hot tub and outdoor shower complete the serenity of The Baltic.
Cam and Lauren, your hosts, have created a truly stunning treetop oasis at Fort Treehouse. They’re currently building their second stunning cabin in the forest, with plans for a third already in the works!
- Rates: starting at around $419 / night
- Location: 2.5 hours from Toronto
- Top things to do in and around Minden, Ontario: the cottage towns of Minden and Haliburton as well as their famous ski resorts and the Haliburton Forest Wolf Centre where you can watch a wolf pack from a custom-built observatory
Cottage Creators – cabin in Ontario’s famed Muskoka County
For those travellers craving a taste of traditional Canadian cottage country, look no further than The Waters Edge by Cottage Creators. Located in the famous area of Muskoka, Ontario, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Canadian postcard.
The Waters Edge is one of the most unique stays on this list, as it is perched almost directly over Three Mile Lake. The cottage itself is fully equipped with everything you need for your stay and the most unique features include 2 cozy indoor nets to relax, read a book, or nap, as well as a secret loft bedroom. There is also a gorgeous indoor/outdoor fireplace that you can enjoy from the living room or side patio, year-round.
There’s even a gorgeous outdoor natural gas campfire, as well as a cedar barrel hot tub and tons of water activities to stay busy, including canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.
- Rates: starting at $500 / night
- Location: Muskoka, 2.5 hours from Toronto
- Top things to do in and around Muskoka, Ontario: Take advantage of all the outdoor activities that Muskoka has to offer! Learn to waterski, take a boat cruise or simply enjoy a drink on the patio. You’re in Canadian paradise, enjoy!
Glen Oro Farms – affordable log cabin rentals in Ontario
Attention horse lovers! Glen Oro Farms promises a unique and memorable stay in the beautiful township of Oro Medonte. This picturesque farm retreat offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature and be part of a large working horse farm.
Accommodation at Glen Oro Farms includes cosy star gazers, geodesic domes nestled in the forest and canvas glamping tents (with modern amenities such as electricity and plumbing). Both types of accommodation propose a tranquil and intimate setting amongst the pine trees. Here guests can relax in style, surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of the forest.
Glen Oro Farm prides itself on providing a rejuvenating environment through restorative practices, namely its bespoke outdoor thermal circuit. Indeed, the wood-burning sauna and cold plunge deep in the woods create a sense of calm for anyone in need of R&R!
- Rates: starting at $275/ night
- Location: 1.5 hours from Toronto
- Top things to do in and around Oro-Medonte, Ontario: Glen Oro farm is within easy access to many amenities including Vëtta Spa, Ontario’s newest Nordic spa, and is only a 15-minute drive to the town of Orillia.
The Eh Frame – the quintessential rustic log cabin experience
With a nod to our true Canadian heritage, the “EH” Frame offers a unique take on the Canadian log cabin in Ontario.
Located just outside of Grafton, the EH” Frame combines classic A-frame features with modern Scandinavian design to create a stylish and cosy retreat that’s perfect for couples or larger groups up to 8 guests.
New to the property is a unique and bespoke thermal cycle including sauna, cold plunge and hot tub, with a beautiful fire pit to relax and nap in after the cycle.
- Rates: starting at $435 / night
- Location: 2 hours from Toronto
- Top things to do in and around Grafton, Ontario: Just minutes from your stay is the roadside attraction called ‘The Big Apple’ in Colborne. Enjoy mini golf and children’s rides as well as a locally famous candy shop and bakery!
On Cabin Time – for a romantic cabin getaway in Ontario
If you’re looking for a taste of the simple life, On Cabin Time is the place to be.
Escape to the sweetest little cabin near Bancrof. On Cabin Time is the quintessential Canadian cabin in the woods, with tall pine trees and a winding drive that leads you to the most cosy and romantic getaway. The cabin’s sleek kitchen features gleaming appliances, perfect for whipping up a delicious meal or sipping a glass of wine while watching the snow fall through floor-to-ceiling windows and a roaring fireplace in the background.
In the summer evenings, grab some popcorn and a blanket and snuggle up in the outdoor cinema, where plush cushions and twinkling lights set the stage for a cinematic experience under the stars.
On Cabin Time feels like home and your hosts, Ashley and Kyle, make sure no stone is left unturned when it comes to curating a blissfully relaxing experience.
- Rates: starting at $317 / night
- Location: 3 hours from Toronto
- Top things to do in and around Bancroft, Ontario: Apsley, a quaint little Ontario summer village as well as The Gut conservation area, which boasts a gorge, rapids and many waterfalls to enjoy.
Tiny Escapes – some of the cutest cabins with hot tubs in Ontario
Tucked away in the woods of Harcourt you will find this stunning tiny home, tucked away from the world. As you enter the driveway you will feel like you are entering your own private retreat. There is a built in Nordic spa with a hot tub, cold plunge and sauna just steps away from your accommodation as well as two fire pits.
The Scandinavian-inspired tiny home is fully equipped with everything you need for a solo or couple’s getaway, including an outdoor shower and romantic loft bedroom.
- Rates: starting at $426 / night
- Location: 3 hours from Toronto
- Top things to do in and around Bancroft, Ontario: The town of Bancroft is a short drive away and is surrounded by classic Canadian backwoods. It’s the perfect place to try a truly Canadian experience like fishing, snowmobiling or even rock climbing on one of the many cliffs in the area. When you’re done exploring, head up to The Eagles Nest for a panoramic view of Bancroft and the surrounding area.
