Our Guide to Pup-Friendly Winter Adventures
Winter in Ontario offers a magical backdrop for outdoor adventures—and what’s better than enjoying it with your furry companion by your side? CABINSCAPE’s off-grid cabins provide the perfect home base for exploring Ontario’s winter landscapes with your pup. With 20+ dog-friendly cabins spread across four regions, there are plenty of opportunities to bond with your four-legged friend this winter season.
Haliburton
For a winter getaway packed with adventure and cozy vibes, Our Haliburton Forest cabins and the surrounding area offer plenty of dog-friendly experiences to keep both you and your pup happy! Boasting over 400 km of trails to explore, it’s the ultimate destination for hiking with your pup. Snowshoes are included with your cabin stay, or bring along your cross-country skis. Looking for something a little more low-key? Take a short drive (about 25 minutes) to the Haliburton Sculpture Forest, where you can stroll with your pup through a snow-dusted gallery of over 40 outdoor art installations.
When you’re ready to relax, head to Haliburton Highlands Brewing to enjoy their pup-friendly patio and off-leash dog area, or Boshkung Brewing Co. for their enclosed, dog-friendly patio (25 and 35 minutes away, respectively). The perfect spots to unwind with a locally brewed beer while your pup chills by your side.
Whether you’re trekking through snowy trails or relaxing with your pup & a pint, Haliburton is brimming with winter fun for you and your furry travel buddy!
Visit our pup-friendly cabins in Haliburton: Bone, Baylight, Penner, Pine, Moss, Sage, Big Rock, Cove & Quasi cabins
Calabogie
If you’re looking for the perfect winter escape with your dog, Our Wren & Finch cabins offer the perfect pet-friendly location. Nestled on the forested grounds of the Calabogie Peaks Resort, your and your pup can enjoy access to scenic hiking trails, a pet-friendly waterfront, and lots of open outdoor space where leashed pups are welcome. A day pass is required to access the resort’s amenities, and can be purchased by visiting their front desk. Snowshoes are included with your cabin stay, so you and your dog can explore the nearby winter trails together.
Looking for more adventure? Check out Calabogie’s extensive trail system, including the iconic Eagle’s Nest Lookout.
After your adventures, take a break at Oh-El-La Café (just 5 minutes away) for a coffee, or relax with a pint on the dog-friendly patio at Calabogie Brewing Co. (10 minutes away).
Calabogie offers the perfect mix of outdoor exploration and cozy local spots to enjoy with your furry companion!
Lanark County
For a winter adventure full of snowy trails and charming local vibes, our cabins in Lanark County have plenty to offer for you and your pup! Start your day at Murphy’s Point Provincial Park, just a 10-minute drive from our Mica & Rhya cabins. With several groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy some quality time outdoors with your furry friend.
After a morning on the trails, head to the picturesque town of Perth for a stroll. At Perth Brewery, you can kick back with a cold craft beer on their dog-friendly patio, then stop by the shop to grab some branded merch for your pup as a fun memento of your winter getaway. After relaxing at the brewery, head over to the Tay River Pathway, an easy 1.5 km loop perfect for a leisurely stroll with your dog, where you can enjoy peaceful river views and the charm of Perth’s historic downtown.
While you’re in the area, check out the Tay Havelock Trail, a 22 km multi-use trail perfect for snowshoeing, hiking, or skiing—best of all, it’s right near our Ember and Juniper cabins, making it an easy adventure to tackle straight from your doorstep. Pro tip: ATVs are permitted on this trail, so always keep your pup leashed and stay aware of passing riders.
For guests staying at our Mason cabin, you’ll have easy access to a network of serene on-site trails to explore with your pup. With plenty of woodland scenery and fresh winter air, it’s the perfect spot for a quiet walk or snowshoe trek—just be sure to keep your dog leashed at all times to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing!
Visiting our Joni cabin? Be sure to stop by the neighbouring Cartwright Springs Brewery for a frosty winter pint. Pups are permitted on their patio.
Did you know? We welcome dogs at all 6 of our Lanark County cabins!
Want to make your winter getaway extra special? Check out our Cabin Chaser Package! A pup-friendly road trip adventure featuring two mystery cabin stays and suggested stops and activities along the way. It’s the ultimate experience for adventurous travelers and their dogs who love a little surprise!
Kawartha Lakes
Our Kawarthas cabins are a perfect base for dog-friendly winter adventures. Start your day with a snowshoe trek on the on-site trails, enjoying the quiet of the surrounding forest before heading out to explore nearby parks. Just 10 minutes away, Balsam Lake Provincial Park offers scenic winter trails through snow-covered woods and along the lake’s shoreline—pups are welcome on-leash, making it an easy and beautiful spot to stretch your legs. For something a bit different, take a short drive to Carden Alvar Provincial Park, where the open, flat landscape is perfect for peaceful winter walks and wildlife spotting.
Looking for a little local history? The Kirkfield Lift Lock, just minutes from the cabins, offers a unique winter outing. Bundle up and stroll around this impressive landmark—the second-highest lift lock in the world—while your pup takes in the sights and smells of the frozen Trent-Severn Waterway. If you’re up for a longer adventure, head 30 minutes south to Ken Reid Conservation Area, where multiple dog-friendly trails wind through serene forests and wetlands.
After a day of exploring, there’s nothing better than heading back to your cozy cabin, warming up by the bonfire, and relaxing with your pup at your side!
Visit our pup-friendly cabins in the Kawarthas: Woodrush & Stonecrop cabins.
Dog-Friendly Tips for Off-Grid Adventures:
- Keep Your Pup Warm:
Bring a doggy coat or sweater, especially for short-haired breeds, and ensure they have a cozy spot to rest in the cabin. CABINSCAPE cabins are heated, but extra blankets for your pup are always a good idea. - Protect Their Paws:
Use paw wax or booties to prevent ice buildup and salt irritation on your pup’s paws. In off-grid areas, trails may not be salted, but icy patches can still be rough on their feet. - Stay Hydrated:
Even in cold weather, dogs can get dehydrated. Bring a portable water bowl for hikes, and make sure they have access to fresh water in the cabin.
Pro tip: While running water is turned off for the winter season, we provide 40L of potable water for drinking & washing up during your stay!
A winter escape to a CABINSCAPE cabin is the perfect way to enjoy Ontario’s snowy season with your pup. From scenic hikes to cozy evenings by the fire, there’s no shortage of adventures to be had. Whether you’re planning a multi-cabin road trip with the Cabin Chaser Package or simply looking for a serene retreat in nature, our dog-friendly cabins have everything you need for a memorable winter getaway.
So, bundle up, pack those extra blankets, and let the adventure begin!
Photo Credits: Samantha Giorgi, Courtney Fischer, The Organic Moment, Jocelyn Kivell