Posted on

What Do Our Washrooms Look Like?!

What Do Our Washrooms Look Like?!


The most common question we are asked about our off-grid tiny cabins is “what do the bathrooms look like?!” This can be a huge factor in determining whether someone is willing to partake in this particular type of adventure.

As someone who was also nervous about this, I can attest that our bathrooms are comfortable, functional and clean! Definitely better than any camping bathroom experience (and it sure beats going in the woods!).


You may be surprised to know that ALL of our cabins come with an indoor toilet located in a private room INSIDE each cabin. No need to trek outside in inclement weather or bring a flashlight to light your way. These modern waterless composting toilets are operational year-round and require no flush.

But what about smells? Our toilets are equipped with a little built-in toilet fan that is constantly sucking air out of the cabin to keep any smells at bay. Not to worry, toilets are emptied and thoroughly cleaned before your arrival.

What about showers?

Many of our wilderness cabins come equipped with an indoor toilet AND indoor and outdoor shower (showers are typically functional from May 24 weekend to early October – while running water is on for the season). 

If you’ve never experienced showering in a cedar-built shower before, you’re in for a treat! Enjoy a refreshing shower infused with a delicious woodsy cedar scent while using our complimentary eco-friendly Cedar + Sage hair & body products from Oneka. 

Curious about the bathroom set-up in a particular cabin? You can find all this information in our ‘THIS CABIN INCLUDES’ section on each cabin page on our website (when you scroll beneath the gallery of images).

What’s the bathroom set-up in your tents?

Our tents use the same compostable toilet as our cabins but in a shared outdoor comfort area. Tent guests also have access to outdoor showers with HOT water. Our showers also include Cedar + Sage biodegradable shampoo, body wash and conditioner. Scope out the pics below!

All in all, your off-grid wilderness adventure provides a comfortable bathroom experience that doesn’t stink!

Photo credits: IG @vanhallawild

Posted on

Pet-friendly Tiny Cabin Adventures

Pet-friendly Tiny Cabin Adventures!

With pet-friendly accommodations spread out across four regions in Ontario, one of our most common inquiries is about activities that include furry friends. Everything is more fun with a pup! Here are our top recommendations for pet adventures during your tiny cabin stay.

HALIBURTON

With over 400km of all-season hiking and cycling trails, our Cabinscape cabins in Haliburton Forest are perfect for an adventure with your pup. Your dog will love to explore the trails, lakes, roads and public swimming areas on site with you. Depending on their age and fitness level, choose easy, flat walks to more advanced routes.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, visit the Boshkung Smokehouse Restaurant at Haliburton Forest Base Camp. Dogs are welcome in the outside dining area. 

If adventuring off-site, visit Boshkung Brewing Co and Haliburton Brewery too! Dogs are welcome at the breweries and outdoor areas. Afterall, dogs and beer make a good pair! 

Every Saturday, guests can visit the farmers market in Minden where dogs are welcome. There is always a vendor that has delicious dried meats, but also farm fresh bones, pig ears, and other natural treats for pups! 

Book a pet-friendly cabin in Haliburton: Penner, Big Rock, Cove, Moss, Baylight, Bone, Quasi, Pine and Sage cabins.

CALABOGIE

Our cabins in Calabogie are located on the trailhead for a fascinating network of trails that cross over thousands of acres of Crown Land with some of the best hiking in Ontario. Pop a leash on your furry friend to explore pristine pine forests, paddle picturesque waters and find hidden lookouts. 

Cabinscape guests are permitted to use Calabogie Peaks Resorts amenities including public beach and outdoor spaces where pets are welcome!

Pop by Calabogie Brewing for a pint and a snack with your pup pal after a big day of adventure! 

Book Wren and Finch cabins in Calabogie for a pet-friendly escape.


LANARK COUNTY

Lanark County rests at the heart of the Ottawa Valley with charming towns to explore and thrilling outdoor activities which make it an ideal escape with your pup. ALL of our six cabins in Lanark County are pet-friendly! Our cabins are placed in beautiful, rugged and private properties with meandering creeks, bustling rivers and beautiful lakes – a dream for any household pet. 

Experience the Rideau Valley Conservation land at our Mica and Rhya cabins, the Fall River at our Juniper cabin and the Tay-Havelock rail trail on-site at our Ember cabin. This is a perfect trail for dogs that love to fetch as there is lots of space to run and only light foot traffic.

For pup-friendly eats and treats, visit the Cardinal Cafe in Sharbot Lake for some homemade puppy treats and yummy snacks for humans too! Coutts Coffee Roastery & Cafe in Perth allows pups on their patios to go with their artisanal coffee and baked goods. CC’s on the Rideau is a beautiful spot right on the water for lunch and dinner where pets are permitted. 

Visit Ember, Juniper, Mica, Rhya, Joni and Mason cabins in Lanark County.

KAWARTHAS

Our Kawarthas location is the newest that has opened to pups! Meander through the 10km of on-site trails through the meadows with your pup. Take a day trip to Fenelon Falls where pups are permitted on the patio at Murphy’s Lockside Pub & Patio. Nearby Balsam Lake Provincial Park has a dog beach and some really beautiful trails to explore together. 

Due to the safety risks at our Kawarthas site including deep water and steep cliffs, we suggest keeping your dog leashed on-site. 

Book Stonecrop Cabin & Woodrush Cabin in Kawarthas for a pet-friendly getaway.


Photo Credits:
Main Header: @heyhollychase
Header #2:  @mumfordthetoller
Haliburton Image: @wynniethedingo
Calabogie Image: @thematthewlai
Lanark Image: @archerthefrenchie
Gallery Images: @caredunton, @theemightyquinn, @pennynpanda, @chrisandnicole__

Posted on

Call Me Mother Nature: Pride 2022

Call Me Mother Nature: Pride 2022


The connection between the LGBTQ2S community and nature is rooted in history.

It’s Pride month in Ontario, and for the first time in two years, we’re able to celebrate with one another in person, in ways that for some may seem like a distant memory from “the before times” (2019 calling), with parades, parties and close proximity body contact. 

Pride as an event is a real moment for us to connect with one another, to take up space and celebrate the strength, diversity and power of the queer community. It’s so important to so many of us that we are able to come together and unite, but with all the festivities and socializing it can be easy to get caught up and find yourself a little run down and burnt out. Just as important is taking time to connect with yourself and those closest to you, and what better place to do just that than wrapped in the restorative arms of mother nature herself.

Queer connection to nature is in our gay DNA. The original rainbow pride flag, first raised in San Fransico in 1978, was designed by artist and activist Gilbert Baker as “a natural flag” that “comes from the sky.” The flag’s orange stripe represents healing, the yellow sunlight, and the green… nature. It makes sense, then, that some of North America’s most historic and iconic queer spaces are themselves situated in or around nature. Provincetown, Fire Island and, here in Ontario, Hanlan’s Point, all have a history of offering sanctuary for LGBTQ2S people to gather and feel safe, nestled in the natural world. 

In Canada, we’re privileged to live amongst some of the world’s most breathtaking natural landscapes, many of which are only a short drive from our most densely populated urban centres. These natural spaces have plenty to offer, from recreation to beauty, adventure to education; but perhaps the most significant offering the natural world can provide is the opportunity for us to balance out our frequently (or for some consistently) hectic queer lives with some much needed “me time.” 

For some, connecting with themselves and with nature can be just as fulfilling and empowering as connecting on the dancefloor. A restorative immersion into the natural world – even for just a couple of days – can help us recover from stress or excessive Pride partying, can allow us to unplug and take a break from socials and screen time, and can provide a calming space for us to reconnect with ourselves and our identity as queer individuals.

Those less inclined to get outside in more remote landscapes may be missing out on the healing power of nature, which can help us to find balance, inspiration and even community. For anyone new to or inexperienced with camping or outdoor adventure, rentals like those offered by Cabinscape can offer an easy-going entry point with many of the comforts of home – and some extra special comforts as well (heated outdoor showers anyone?*). Go alone or with a partner for full relaxation mode, or if you’re into groups, go big and celebrate with several of your nearest and dearest. 

Whatever your colour of the rainbow, this Pride month and the summer to follow, take time to get out and get green… and orange, and yellow

*heated outdoor showers available at select cabins during summer months only.

Written by Bill Alexander
Location: Bone cabin, Haliburton
Images: Bill Alexander & Brian Wilson
Flag Image: Weho Times (Photo by James McNamara, courtesy of Paul Langlotz)

Posted on

Grilled Veggie Skewers Recipe

Grilled Veggie Skewers Recipe

Nothing is better than a tasty, healthy fireside meal! Try these Grilled Veggie Skewers on the campfire at your next Cabinscape adventure. Great compliment as a side dish or a whole vegetarian/vegan meal. Customize your skewers by trying your favourite veggies. You can also use the BBQ or stovetop if a campfire is not readily available. Cut the veggies before you go if you won’t have a cutting board handy.

Grilled Veggie Skewers

All you need (2 servings):

2 Bell peppers: red, yellow, orange [Qty 2 of each bell peppers]
2 Zucchini
2 Large red onion
Mushrooms [227 g of small mushrooms]
1 garlic – minced
Cilantro – minced
Ground black pepper
Salt
1/3 Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar

Directions:

1. Soak at least 12 skewers in water for approximately 15 minutes. 

  • This will allow the moisture from the skewers to evaporate before the wood starts to burn
  • Please note that the total number of skewers will depend on the size of your vegetables


2. Chop all the vegetables so are approximately equal in size and shape.

  • Peel the red onion, slice it in half and chop each half into thirds
  • Chop each bell peppers into 1-inch by 1-inch
  • Slice the zucchini into rounds
  • Slice the mushrooms into 1-inch by 1-inch


3. Prepare the garlic herb sauce in a bowl.

  • Add 1/3 teaspoon of olive oil
  • Add ¼ of balsamic vinegar
  • Add the minced garlic
  • Add the minced cilantro
  • Add a pinch of salt 
  • Add the ground black pepper

4. Whisk together for about 1 to 2 minutes.

  • Depending on your preference, you can brush your veggie skewers with the garlic herb sauce before placing them on the grill OR brush the veggie skewers with the garlic herb sauce when they are on the grill.

5. Once your veggie skewers are prepared. Start your campfire.
Make sure the firewood is placed flat in the fire pit
so you can place the grill easily.

6. Add the veggie skewers on the grill for approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Since this is a campfire, the veggie skewers will soften and brown quicker. 

7. Remove the veggie skewers and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Enjoy!

Pictures and recipe by @foodtraveleisure on Instagram

Posted on

Shakshuka Recipe

Shakshuka Recipe

With main ingredients including eggs and tomato, this meal can be served at any time of the day. Easy to make on a campfire or stovetop. You can measure out the spices so you have the exact amount ready on the go. Enjoy Shakshuka at your next Cabinscape getaway!

Shakshuka Recipe

All you need:

1 medium-sized onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
Olive oil
1 large red bell pepper (chopped)
1 can of crushed tomatoes (About 800 g)
1 can of tomato paste
1 teaspoon chilli powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Chilli flakes (Spice is optional)
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt
Ground black pepper
6 eggs
Cilantro (chopped for garnish)
Feta cheese (crumbled)
Pita bread (Optional)

Directions:

1. Add olive oil to a pan. Wait about 2-3 minutes until heated and
add diced onions. Wait roughly 5 minutes until soft.

2. Add minced garlic and wait 2-3 minutes until brown,
then add chopped red bell pepper. Wait roughly
5 minutes until pepper softens.

3. Add 1 tablespoon tomato paste and 1 can
of crushed tomato to your mixture.

4. Stir continuously for about 10-15 minutes. Take a spoon and
create empty pockets of space. Place cracked open eggs
in the pockets.

5. Wait 10-15 minutes, add cilantro for garnish and crumbled feta cheese.

6. Serve with pita bread and ENJOY!

BONUS! Summer Spritz Recipe

All you need:

3 oz Aperol
3 oz Prosecco
1 oz club soda
Orange (sliced)
Ice

Directions:

1. Add ice to a wine glass. Pour approximately 3 oz of Aperol.
Fill about one-third of the wine glass. Then add 3 oz of Prosecco.

2. Add 1 oz of club soda or Sprite (this step is optional to make the drink less bitter – don’t skip if you like a sweeter taste)

3. Add a slice of orange. Enjoy!

Pictures and recipe by @foodtraveleisure on Instagram

Posted on

French Toast Recipe

French Toast Recipe

During your Cabinscape getaway, you’ll wake up in the wilderness with the sounds of nature. Compliment the peaceful morning wakeups with a delicious breakfast like this French Toast recipe! Can be made on the campfire or on our cabin stovetops. Pair it with coffee or your favourite morning beverage.

French Toast Recipe

All you need:

2 large eggs
2/3 Cup Milk
1 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
¼ Teaspoon of ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Butter
6 slices of white bread
Vegetable oil
Maple Syrup
Blueberries (or your choice of preferred berries/fruit)

Directions:

1. Add the following ingredients to a bowl:

  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 2/3 Cup of Milk
  • 1 Teaspoon of Artificial Vanilla Extract
  • ¼ Teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 Tablespoon of butter
  • Pinch of Salt

2. Continuously mix the ingredients.

3. Heat up a frying pan (on medium heat) and
add oil and butter. Wait a few minutes for the butter
to melt.

4. Take one slice of bread at a time and soak it into your mix.

5. Add the soaked slice to the pan and flip accordingly until each side is brown.

6. Serve onto a plate and add Maple syrup, butter, and blueberries. Enjoy!

Pictures and recipe by @foodtraveleisure on Instagram

Posted on

Staycation Tax Credit

How to Use Your Staycation Tax Credit

Did you know the Ontario Government is giving your family up to $2,000 in a Staycation Tax Credit to travel locally?

Now is the perfect time to plan the tiny cabin adventure of your dreams!

Our HST number is 717259097RT0001.

The Ontario Staycation Tax Credit aims to encourage Ontarians to discover their province and help local businesses recover from the global pandemic. A stay at Cabinscape between January 1st and December 31st, 2022 is eligible for the tax credit (if you live in Ontario).

The program will provide a 20% tax refund for accommodation expenses of up to $2,000 for spouses, common-law partners, or eligible children or $1,000 for individuals. That equates to a $400 / $200 tax credit applied to your 2022 income tax return.

How can you claim your tax credit? Your tax credit is claimed on your 2022 Personal Income Tax submission. You must keep your Cabinscape order confirmation (receipt) from your booking to submit with your taxes.

Take advantage of your tax credit at one of our 30+ cabins in Ontario scattered across the Kawarthas, Muskoka, Haliburton, Lanark County and Calabogie regions – many cabins are lakefront and pet/family-friendly. Our ecologically-sound accommodations focus on wilderness adventures and provide guests an opportunity to disconnect in nature.

We look forward to hosting you and your family for a year-round staycation experience! 

Our HST Number is 717259097RT0001.

Photo Credits:
Main Header – IG @vareels
Cabin Image – IG: @denimshoots
Third Image –  IG: @explorewithkress

Posted on

Things to bring

Your Cabinscape Essential Packing List 

How to prepare for a tiny cabin adventure?

Sometimes the most difficult part of taking a trip is knowing what to pack. At Cabinscape, we make the process of packing for your adventure as simple as possible.

Read on for our essential packing list for your tiny cabin travels!


THINGS TO BRING:


Your favourite food & drink

Our tiny cabins in the woods come equipped with everything you’ll need to prepare your own home-cooked meals. All kitchens include a gas stovetop, mini-fridge, stovetop toaster, kettle and french press. There’s also a propane BBQ and fire pit outside available for year-round use.

No need to bring any cookware. We provide all the essentials – cutlery, cups, plates, pots, pans, cooking utensils, and some handy extras like a corkscrew and can opener.

We also provide food basics like tea, coffee, sugar, flour, salt, pepper and olive oil. All you need to bring is your favourite food and drink!

If you’re feeling fancy, consider adding-on one of our locally-crafted food kits to your stay.

Bedding

Did you know an average washing cycle of 10 kg consumes at least 50 litres of water and about 1.2 kWh of electricity? As a low-impact, off-grid and ecologically-sound cabin, we ask guests to bring their own towels, sheets, pillows, pillowcases and blankets.

Flashlight or headlamp

Our cabins are located in off-the-beaten-path locations with little to no artificial light. While cabins are outfitted with indoor and outdoor solar-powered lights, bringing an extra flashlight or headlamp can really come in handy – especially when building a fire or navigating our property at night.

Firewood

A cabin getaway isn’t complete without a campfire. Firewood can be purchased at most local gas stations and grocery stores en route. We provide an axe at all our cabins; guests are welcome to collect and chop any deadwood lying around.

Lighters

Lighters are a camping staple and useful for starting campfires, gas stovetops, and providing light when needed! We keep lighters on hand in our cabins but sometimes these little guys go missing. To be safe, bring your own fire starter.

Bug repellent

Depending on the season, you’re bound to encounter bugs of all sorts in the wilderness. Guests should come prepared with bug spray and proper protective attire.

Practical clothing

Good hiking boots and warm clothing are essential for a Canadian winter but consider warm clothing for summer trips, too. Be sure to bring some warmer items like comfy sweaters, socks, hats and slippers – you’ll be thankful you did.

In need of essential cozy cabin attire? Consider sporting one of our Cabinscape hoodies and toques for your stay!


Photo Credits:
First & Last – IG @vanhallawild  
Fire photo -IG @deanheliotis 

Posted on

Haliburton Adventures

Haliburton Adventures

Available exclusively at our Haliburton Forest cabins

Whether you are burning to learn something new or want to explore every corner of the Haliburton Highlands, the team at Haliburton Forest has got you covered. Browse below to learn more about our guests’ favourite seasonal offerings, or explore a full list of available activities here: https://www.haliburtonforest.com/things-to-do/.

Winter 2024/2025

Available for December, January & February reservations
Ice Climbing (mid-January to early-March only)

Take advantage of the winter weather on this icy half day adventure! No experience necessary, as this is an experience geared towards beginners looking to get a taste of what this sport has to offer. Learn the basics and how to safely take a swing at ice climbing. This experience is very physical and requires good level of fitness. All equipment is provided (boots, crampons, helmets, harnesses, ice tools) along with transportation from Base Camp to the ice wall.

Please keep in mind, this activity is weather and condition dependent, so tours may be rescheduled or cancelled if major storms are predicted or if the ice wall conditions deteriorate.

Dinner with Wolves

Experience the magic of Haliburton Forest’s resident wolf pack in an intimate and personal way. This experience includes 2 hours of private access to the Wolf Centre during which a 3-course dinner catered by Truss Foodworks will be served.

Guests will enjoy their dinner in the main observation room, where the wolves are visible just outside the windows.

This meal includes a salad starter, steak dinner and dessert. Alternate protein options are
available based on dietary restrictions. Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.

Guided Snowmobile Tour (January to early-March)

Known as “Ontario’s snowmobiling wonderland” with over 400 km of well developed and carefully maintained snowmobile and winter ATV trails, Haliburton Forest is considered to be one of the Top 10 snowmobiling destinations in North America. Take advantage of the wooded trails and winter escape by joining an experienced sledder for a 4 or 6 hour long trek along the trails. Rental sled included (note: one sled is shared for two guests from the same party) & lunch provided.

Guests need to bring their own winter clothing, mitts, and boots. Helmets provided.

Spring 2024

Available for March, April & May reservations
Haliburton Maple Tasting (March & April only)

Make your way to Haliburton Forest Base Camp for a sap and tap experience like no other! This tour takes place steps away from your cabin, and gives you a true taste of maple magic. Hike through the Forest’s sugar bush, peek inside the rustic sugar shake and take away interesting insights from the impressive journey from sap to syrup, all while tasting various local maple products.

This experience is designed specifically for adults, as you will be tasting various maple grades, types, and varieties in true terroir fashion. Bring your sweet tooth, because after the tour you’ll head over to the Haliburton Forest Cookhouse for a fresh stack of fluffy pancakes made onsite, with freshly tapped maple syrup drizzled on top. And a maple flavoured alcoholic (or non-alcoholic) beverage.

Each adult guest will receive 50% off same day purchases of Haliburton Forest maple syrup.  This experience is approximately 2 hours.  

Make Your Own Paddle

In this unique and artistic adventure, you’ll get a chance to witness the plan of the paddle, from start to finish. Join skilled woodworker Corey Pietryszyn for a detailed tour of the Haliburton Forest Paddleshop, learning about the art, science, and beauty of paddle craftsmanship. After workshop tour, you’ll get a chance to add your unique laser engraving to a paddle of your own; a usable piece of art that will hold the memories of the day!

If you have a design in mind, please bring it along and you can try to get it laser engraved.

This memorable experience includes guidance, direction, laser engraving, and two unique and usable paddles for you to bring on your next adventure!

Summer 2024

Available for June, July, August & September reservations
Clay Target Shooting

This guided experience allows a wide range of participants (ages 16+) – including those without their Canadian firearms license – to participate in the shooting of moving clay targets under the direct supervision of a trained guide (i.e. Range Safety Officer).

The course consists of one open practice station and a ten-station forested course.  

Whether you have always wanted to try clay target shooting, a.k.a. trapshooting, hone your skills or are a championship shooter this course promises to delight. No experience required!

We provide everything you will need to enjoy the activity. 

Includes 4 hours of instruction and gear. No experience required.

Canopy Tour

Explore the incredible foliage of the Haliburton Highlands on this exclusive trek through the treetops of Haliburton Forest. On this guided tour, you’ll have the privilege of wandering in the canopy 10-20 metres above the ground, exploring the wilderness with a trained naturalist, who will identify birds, trees, plants, and animals along your journey. At over half a kilometre long (the longest canopy boardwalk of its kind in the world), you’ll be sure to see some wildlife and a spectacular view of the changing foliage.

Trips include: A scenic drive through the private forest, paddling a canoe across a wilderness lake, a guided stroll along the Pelaw River Rapids & the canopy tour itself, high among the treetops.

Autumn 2024

Available for September October & November reservations
Fall Colors Canopy Tour

Explore the incredible fall colors of the Haliburton Highlands on this exclusive trek through the treetops of Haliburton Forest. On this guided tour, you’ll have the privilege of wandering in the canopy 10-20 metres above the ground, exploring the wilderness with a trained naturalist, who will identify birds, trees, plants, and animals along your journey. At over half a kilometre long (the longest canopy boardwalk of its kind in the world), you’ll be sure to see some wildlife and a spectacular view of the changing foliage. Available until October 14th, 2024.

Clay Target Shooting

This guided experience allows a wide range of participants (ages 16+) – including those without their Canadian firearms license – to participate in the shooting of moving clay targets under the direct supervision of a trained guide (i.e. Range Safety Officer).

The course consists of one open practice station and a ten-station forested course.  

Whether you have always wanted to try clay target shooting, a.k.a. trapshooting, hone your skills or are a championship shooter this course promises to delight. No experience required!

We provide everything you will need to enjoy the activity. Includes 4 hours of instruction and gear. No experience required.

Dinner with Wolves

Experience the magic of Haliburton Forest’s resident wolf pack in an intimate and personal way. This experience includes 2 hours of private access to the Wolf Centre during which a 3-course dinner catered by Truss Foodworks will be served.

Guests will enjoy their dinner in the main observation room, where the wolves are visible just outside the windows.

This meal includes a salad starter, steak dinner and dessert. Alternate protein options are
available based on dietary restrictions. Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.