Adventure seekers know that after a day spent on the road, trail, or water, giving it everything you’ve got, you’re looking for more than just a place to crash. You want an accommodation that’s central to all the activities you are planning, is a little bit edgy and invites you to push yourself just a little bit further with one more escapade.

So when you are planning your next great experience (think whitewater adrenalin, remote ATV rides, or gravel grinding bike rides, for starters) you won’t need to stress about where you’ll lay your head.

Let these 12 spots be your home base for your next outdoor adventure in Ontario’s Highlands.

Cabinscape (Across Ontario’s Highlands)

Perfect for a truly private wilderness escape, the tiny cabins at Cabinscape are tucked away on wild and rugged landscapes, yet close enough to trails and parks for you to explore the region at your leisure. Spend your days out on the trail or water, then relax in one of 20 cabins in Haliburton Highlands and Lanark County.

Call to Adventure: These cabins have been strategically located near the best trails, bodies of water, and other outdoor recreational hotspots. Book one of Cabinscape’s Haliburton Adventures in partnership with Yours Outdoors for activities like rock climbing, mineral tours, brewery tours etc.

Insider's Tip:

Cabinscape books up to four months in advance and open reservations on a revolving monthly basis, at the first of the month.

Pine Brae (Lanark County)

Located near the charming small town of Perth, Pine Brae offers two remote and minimalist cabins tucked away on a 100-acre parcel of land. These cabins offer stunning views of the rugged countryside and are accessed by a hiking trail.

Call to Adventure: You’ll be just a short drive to Big Rideau Lake for paddling and swimming (access available from Rideau Ferry Conservation Area) or Murphys Point Provincial Park for hiking and cycling trails, or Otty Lake for swimming or boating.

Insider's Tip:

With only two cabins to rent at this location you will need to book in advance.

 Provincial and National Parks (Across Ontario’s Highlands)

It goes without saying that spending the night in a national or provincial park means being where outdoor adventure lives. From O-Tentiks to yurts (roofed accommodation) or cabins in provincial parks, these spots will have you slumbering in the heart of the wild places.

Call to Adventure: Hike or bike a trail, swim, and otherwise explore the beauty of these wilderness gems.

Insider's Tip:

Provincial Park campsite registration opens five months in advance, so plan ahead to snag one of these accommodations. You can also book a campsite if that’s more your speed.

Deacon Escarpment (Ottawa Valley)

Just getting to these cabins at Deacon Escarpment will be an adventure until itself! Tuck into one of Deacon Escarpment’s cozy cabins or pods, and enjoy the serenity of the wild after a day pushing yourself outdoors.

Call to Adventure: Explore Deacon Escarpment’s 30-kilometres of trails or book a rafting daytrip with OWL Rafting or Wilderness Tours.

Insider's Tip:

For a hearty breakfast before you head out for the day, make the short drive to Garth’s Kitchen in nearby Killaloe.

Pleasantview Lodge (Frontenac County)

Located just north of the village of Plevna, Pleasantview Lodge offers five waterfront cottages overlooking Brule Lake. Cottages include a screened in porch for you to relax on at the end of a long day filled with outdoor experiences in Frontenac County.

Call to Adventure: Hike one of the private trails right at the lodge or head for the K&P Trailhead, roughly 45 minutes from the lodge, to explore 180 kilometres of multi-use trail surface. Cyclists can challenge themselves on the paved 96-kilomtre Plevna Loop. 

Insider's Tip:

Bring your swimsuit to dive into Brule Lake from the swimming dock.

Harmony Resorts (Haliburton Highlands) 

This resort is made for nature lovers! Located on Benoir Lake, Harmony Resorts is a one-stop spot for adventure, where you can hike, fish, swim, paddle and otherwise enjoy one of the most beautiful areas in Ontario. Choose from glamping in a yurt or sleeping in a cozy cabin before launching your adventure in the great outdoors.

Call to Adventure: Literally right next door to Algonquin Park, there are plenty of opportunities for adventure here. Book a horseback trail ride at South Algonquin Trails or a guided shamanic hike to explore private waterfalls at Spirit of the Waterfalls.

Insider's Tip:

Rent a canoe on-site and travel up the York River to High Falls.

Hush Lodge & Cottages (Ottawa Valley)

Located on beautiful Leve Lake, Hush Lodge is also surrounded by Crown Land where you can hike, ATV, or paddle to your heart’s content. Choose between a rustic cottage or room in the hotel if you want a little more luxury.

Call to Adventure: Hike the Thomas P. Murray trail right from the lodge or explore Crooked Slide Park, just a short drive (or walk or cycle) away.

Insider's Tip:

Borrow one of the lodge’s paddle boats and rowboats to explore the lake.

Winterdance (Haliburton Highlands)

This accommodation offers the place to lay your head and also all the adventure you need in one fantastic location. Winterdance offers a guided hike in to remote cabins tucked into backwoods of Haliburton Highlands. Sleep in a tiny cabin by night and then explore hundreds of acres of wilderness by day.

Call to Adventure: The adventure is at your fingertips with this experience! Explore the area on foot or paddle the nearby lake by canoe.

Insider's Tip:

Breakfast is served to you at your cabin, and a chef prepared meal will hit the spot at the end of a long day in the wild.

Places To Stay