While it’s famous for its lovely lakes and hiking trails in the summer, it turns into a magical winter wonderland when the snow falls. Nestled in the beautiful Ottawa Valley, this hidden gem invites you to enjoy outdoor adventures, cozy places to stay, and just the right mix of relaxation and fun. Plus, you’ll find plenty of tasty food options to satisfy your cravings! Whether you’re hitting the slopes or enjoying peaceful, snowy trails, Calabogie has something for everyone to enjoy. Come experience the charm!

How to Get to Calabogie

Located just 1.5 hours west of Ottawa, Calabogie is a scenic drive through snow-covered landscapes.
From Toronto: 4-hour drive via ON-401 and Trans-Canada Hwy.

Where to Stay in Calabogie

Looking for a rustic and secluded experience? Cabinscape offers tiny, eco-friendly cabins surrounded by nature. Perfect for couples or adventurers looking to unplug and enjoy themselves in the winter beauty of Calabogie. These cabins are designed for adventure seekers who appreciate a mix of solitude and nature.

You’ll love using your Cabinscape cabin as a home base for exploring Calabogie! All three cabins are just a quick drive from town, so you can easily enjoy the local vibe. After your outdoor adventures, come back to your cozy spot to relax under the stars on clear nights and warm up by the fire. It's the perfect way to end your day!

Book your winter weekend with Cabinscape - tiny off-grid cabins in beautiful, rugged and private properties that overlook lakes, rivers, meandering creeks and trails — all with varying levels of remoteness to suit your personal adventure style!

Packing Essentials for a Winter Weekend

Packing for a winter weekend at Cabinscape requires a mix of practicality and comfort to make the most of your cozy stay and outdoor adventures. Don’t worry - the cabin is modernized and solar-powered with electricity and heat, and there is a backup generator when solar power is low.

Cabin Comforts

Cozy Wear: Loungewear, slippers, and blankets for unwinding by the fire.
Evening Fun: A good book, board games, or a deck of cards for unplugged entertainment.
Cabin Basics: Fire starters, a headlamp, and a portable phone charger for off-grid convenience.
Snacks and Meals: Pre-made or easy-to-cook meals, as well as your favourite campfire treats like marshmallows or hot chocolate.

Outdoor Gear

Layers: Thermal base layers, fleece sweaters, and a weatherproof jacket to stay warm during outdoor adventures.
Footwear: Waterproof winter boots and extra wool socks to keep your feet warm and dry.
Accessories: Gloves, a toque, and a scarf for cold weather protection.
Outdoor Essentials: A small backpack for day hikes, a thermos for hot drinks, and trekking poles for icy trails.

Things to Do in Calabogie in Winter

Hit the Slopes:

The cabins are located on the forested grounds of Calabogie Peaks Resort, and above the shores of Calabogie Lake near the base of Dickson Mountain. Calabogie Peaks boasts Ontario’s tallest ski hill with 25 trails for all levels. Rent gear or take lessons if you’re new to skiing or snowboarding!

Explore Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking:

Try the Eagle’s Nest Lookout Trail for jaw-dropping views. Bring your camera—it’s Instagram-worthy!
Hike to the summit of Dickson Mountain via the Skywalk Trail, where you can enjoy the highest hiking adventure in the Ottawa Valley, featuring stunning panoramic views of Calabogie Lake, the Lost Valley, and the Madawaska wilderness.
Try snowshoeing Manitou Mountain - a 9 km, moderate hiking/snowshoeing trail passing through pine forests. Along this trail, you will encounter three spectacular mountaintop vistas.

Cross Country Skiing

The Madawaska Nordic Trails offers 18 km of easy-to-moderate hiking trails. These trails are old logging roads that take you through a picturesque forest with many gentle ups and downs.

Thermal Cycle at Somewhere Inn

This was on our list, but unfortunately, we ran out of time. At Somewhere Inn, nothing beats the ultimate reset like a sauna and cold plunge experience. They offer a Finnish-style sauna and a cold plunge pool, which are available to the public as a walk-in experience for a fee of $25.

Where To Eat in Calabogie

Calabogie might be a small town, but it has incredible dining options. Whether you’re craving comfort food, craft brews, or a cozy café vibe, there’s something for everyone. Here are some must-stop spots to check out during your winter weekend:

Calabogie Brewing Co.

Warm up after a day of winter adventures with a happy hour craft beer or a flight at this local favourite. It’s the perfect spot to relax, known for its friendly atmosphere, great brews, and tasty bites. Be sure to try their signature beers, like the Front Porch Kölsch (the raspberry version is also superb!) or the Portage Ale. And don’t miss out on their pizzas! They make the dough from scratch right in-house, and you’ll have a hard time choosing which delicious recipe to try!

Redneck Bistro
This casual eatery is loved for its hearty portions and delicious comfort food. From juicy burgers to poutine and ribs, it’s a great choice for lunch, dinner, or somewhere between. They also have live music nights - contact or stop in and see what’s playing while you’re in Calabogie!

Oh-Ella Café
Start your morning or enjoy a midday pick-me-up at this most charming café. Known for its freshly brewed coffee, baked goods, and light lunch options, Oh-Ella Café is a cozy spot to linger in town. Get it ‘for here’ and enjoy the cozy Instagram-worthy atmosphere.

Neat Coffee Shop (Burnstown)
Just a short drive from Calabogie, Neat Coffee Shop is definitely worth the visit. With its relaxed atmosphere, fantastic coffee, and live music events, it’s a great spot to unwind. Be sure to pair your drink with one of their homemade treats and enjoy the rustic charm of this hidden gem.

Winters in Ontario can be magical, and Calabogie is a perfect example of that charm. While it is often recognized as a summer retreat for its lakes and hiking trails, this hidden gem transforms into a winter wonderland. It offers outdoor adventures, cozy accommodations, and a wonderful balance of relaxation and excitement. Whether you’re there for the skiing or looking for peaceful, snowy trails, Calabogie has something for everyone.

Winter Weekend in Calabogie, Ontario: A Cozy Adventure Escape