I’ll be the first to admit it—winter is not my season.

As soon as the cold weather sets in, I daydream and plan warmer vacations with beaches and palm trees. But when my outdoorsy friends suggested a remote winter weekend in Haliburton, I decided to give it a chance. If I were ever to embrace winter, it would have to be in the best possible setting. That’s exactly what I found at the off-grid waterfront Cabinscape on Dog Lake in Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve.

Located in Haliburton Forest, this off-grid Cabinscape is a place that forces you to slow down, breathe in the crisp winter air, and exist in the moment. The cabin is completely off-grid yet fully equipped with all the essentials—a heater for warmth, a propane stove for cooking, and even solar power for the little luxuries. The backup generator ensured our cabin stayed warm, making all the difference in our comfort. It had everything we needed to be cozy.

Getting to the cabin was an adventure in itself. As of mid-December, access is by hike-in, snowmobile, or ATV. The 4km trek to the cabin was a beautiful, snowy hike—considered moderately challenging but rewarding. However, for those who prefer a more effortless arrival, like I did, Cabinscape offers a complimentary shuttle service for check-in and check-out, meaning you don’t have to hike unless you want to.

About Cabinscape Haliburton

The five us stayed in the Cove and Quasi Cabins. These cabins are approximately 300 meters apart, and Quasi Cabin is on its own private lake. Each Cabinscape offers a fully equipped off-grid experience with:

Shuttle Service – Complimentary check-in and check-out shuttles during winter months. Book in advance.
Drinking Water – Provided for guests.
Full Amenities Cabin – Equipped with a propane stove, mini-fridge, heater, backup generator, solar power, and kitchen essentials. Along with olive oil, salt, pepper, coffee, and sugar.
Plus! An in-door toilet.

Assemble Your Bagel Board

The real brunch MVP - and the easiest brunch to make brunch everyone will love.

Bagels of your choice
Fresh veggies (tomatoes, cucumber, green onion, red onion)
Hot pickled peppers
Roasted red peppers
Cream cheese (and any others you’d like)
Smoked salmon
Avocado
Bacon (if desired!)

Cut up all the veggies and assemble them on a cutting board. Add the smoked salmon and bacon. Slice and toast the bagels. Grab your plates and start building!

Packing List: What to Bring

Clothing for Outdoor Adventures – Layered, insulated, and waterproof gear for snowshoeing, hiking, and ice fishing.
Cozy Cabin Comforts – Slippers, a warm blanket, and comfortable lounge clothes for evenings inside.
Bedding & Linens: Pillows, blankets, duvert, sleeping bag - whichever is your preference for sleeping.
Food & Snacks – Ingredients for easy-to-make meals, plus treats like s’mores, mulled wine, and hot apple cider. There is a full kitchen and a mini-fridge.
Headlamp or Flashlight – Essential for moving around outside after dark.
Portable Charger – While the cabin has solar power, it’s good to have a backup.

The Key to Loving Winter: Comfort & Good Company

My biggest concern was being unbearably cold - I get cold way too fast and take forever to warm up. What made this trip enjoyable was the balance of outdoor adventure and indoor coziness—a comfortable cabin to return to after being outside made all the difference.

I will add that surrounding yourself with the right people also helps. My friends, seasoned winter adventurers, made sure we had everything we needed and turned what could have been just a cold weekend into one of my favourite winter experiences.

Spending time in a Cabinscape cabin was a completely different way to experience winter. Instead of dreading the cold, I started to embrace it.

Snowshoeing & Hiking—They provide snowshoes, making exploring the area fun. It was peaceful, with just the sound of snow crunching underfoot and the occasional sight of deer tracks leading into the trees.
Ice Fishing & Campfire Cooking – Ann spent her part day trying her luck at ice fishing and fortunately caught the biggest brook trout I have ever seen. Followed by making a fire and indulging in some delicious, savory s’mores—an unexpected but perfect and fun winter treat.
Outdoor Fires & Cozy Drinks – After a day outdoors, we warmed up by an evening fire, sipping mulled wine and apple cider while soaking in the peaceful winter atmosphere. I can’t forget to mention the evening tobogganing. Riley had brought toboggans, and it was both terrifying and hilarious watching the group fly down this hill!

Would I Do It Again?

Surprisingly, yes. This weekend made me realize that winter doesn’t have to be about enduring the cold—it can actually be something to enjoy. Getting outside can look and feel different for everyone. As much as I love spending the day outside, I know I need and like having the amenities of a cozy cabin afterward.

Cabinscape really does provide an incredible winter experience. The peacefulness of the off-grid cabin, the beauty of the snow-covered forest, and the feeling of slowing down for a weekend made this experience unforgettable.

So, if you’re like me—someone who usually runs from winter—consider giving it a chance in the right setting. This cabin in Haliburton was the perfect place to embrace the season, if only for a weekend. And who knows? I just might be back next year.

Winter Cabin Getaway in Ontario: Cabinscape