Discover Camp Haliburton, a luxury cottage stay with lake access, panoramic views, and a forest-view sauna. The perfect Ontario getaway for all seasons.
The road curved through the trees, gravel crunching under my tires, and I knew I was almost there. A few more turns, and the forest suddenly opened up to reveal it: Camp Haliburton. Perched above the lake with its clean lines and big windows, the cottage looked like it had been waiting just for me.
Stepping inside, the world outside felt instantly far away. The kind of far where emails don’t matter, and time slows down to match the rhythm of the woods. Coffee on the deck tasted richer, the view stretching endlessly over the water. At night, the crackle of the fire replaced any need for background noise.
It wasn’t long before I realized Camp Haliburton isn’t just a place to stay, it’s a place to pause, to breathe, and to remember how good it feels to really disconnect.
Don’t forget to check out all of my Ontario blog posts to make the most of your adventures!
About Camp Haliburton
Camp Haliburton is more than just a cottage, it’s an escape carved out of the Haliburton Highlands, where modern design meets the rugged beauty of Ontario’s lake country. Built to feel both stylish and welcoming, it’s the kind of place that looks as good in your photos as it feels in person.
The cottage is designed with simplicity in mind: clean lines, natural wood, and wide windows that pull the forest and lake views right into the living space. It sleeps four comfortably with two queen bedrooms and has everything you need for a cozy stay : a fully stocked kitchen, 1.5 bathrooms, and plenty of space to unwind indoors or out.
What sets Camp apart is the balance it strikes between rustic charm and modern comfort. A propane stove and electric heating keep it warm through the colder months, while in summer the airy design invites you to live as much outdoors as in. Step outside and you’ll find decks that catch the morning sun, a BBQ and firepit perfect for slow evenings, and private lake access just down the hill.
It’s not an over-the-top luxury resort, it’s something better. A place that feels intentional, personal, and perfectly in tune with its surroundings.
The Stay: What Makes Camp Haliburton Special
Inside the Cottage
Step through the door and you’re greeted by a space that’s both modern and cozy. The open layout, high ceilings, and big windows let the forest spill right into the living room, making you feel connected to nature even when you’re indoors. Clean lines, natural wood, and thoughtful details create a calming atmosphere, the kind of place where you can curl up with a book, linger over dinner, or simply enjoy the quiet.
With two queen bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen, the cottage has everything you need for an easy and comfortable stay. It’s not flashy luxury, it’s intentional design that makes you feel at home while still offering a touch of retreat-like elegance.
Outside the Cottage
Outside is where Camp Haliburton really shines. From the cottage deck, all you see are tall trees, their colors shifting with every season. Just beyond, one of the most photogenic stairways in Ontario winds its way downhill through the forest. Perfectly framed for photos, it leads you straight to the lake, a calm spot for swims in summer or a quiet backdrop for winter walks.
The outdoor spaces make it easy to slow down: decks for lounging, a BBQ and firepit for gathering, and the highlight, a forest-view sauna. Tucked among the trees with wide windows looking out into the woods, it’s the kind of spot where you lose track of time as the outside world fades away.
My Experience at Camp Haliburton
The moment I arrived, I felt the shift. The forest wrapped around the cottage like a blanket, and for a weekend, it felt like I had stepped into a quieter world. Mornings were my favorite, waking up with the soft light pouring in through the windows, coffee in hand, and nothing but the sound of the wind in the trees. It was the kind of slow start you don’t realize you’ve been craving until you finally have it.
The forest views made the cottage feel tucked away and private, but it was the journey down to the lake that became a ritual. Every time I walked the long staircase framed by the trees, I had to pause to take it in. It’s not just a way to get to the water, it’s an experience on its own, and honestly, one of the most photogenic spots I’ve come across in Ontario.
Afternoons were spent outside, wrapped in the stillness of the woods. The sauna quickly became my happy place, sitting in the warm, cedar-scented air, watching the light shift through the branches. By the time I stepped back out into the cool forest air, it felt like a full reset.
Evenings at Camp Haliburton were all about slowing down. Lighting the firepit, cooking simple meals, and watching the stars come out one by one. It was the kind of stay where time didn’t feel measured in hours, but in moments, and each one left me with a sense of calm I didn’t want to leave behind.
THE DETAILS
Price | Starting at 450$ a night (2 nights minimum)
Reservation | Book your stay here.
Things to Do Around Haliburton
As much as I loved cozying up in the cottage, part of the magic of Camp Haliburton is how close it is to everything the Highlands have to offer. The area is known for its trails, lakes, and charming little town spots that make it easy to blend adventure with relaxation.
You can head out for a hike through the rolling forests, rent a kayak or paddleboard to spend more time on the water, or explore Haliburton Village with its coffee shops, local restaurants, and art studios. No matter the season, there’s always something nearby that makes the trip feel even more complete.
Read more // Don’t forget to check out my post on what to do in Haliburton. It’ll has all the details to help you plan the perfect add-ons to your Camp Haliburton stay.
What to Know Before You Go
Before you pack your bags for Camp Haliburton, here are a few things that will make your stay even smoother:
- Booking & Availability
Camp Haliburton is a popular spot, especially during peak summer and fall weekends. If you’re planning a getaway during those seasons, it’s best to book well in advance. Winter stays are just as magical, with the added bonus of snow-covered trails and a cozy atmosphere indoors. - Best Time of Year
Every season here has its charm. In summer, the lake becomes your playground with swimming and paddleboarding. Fall brings some of the most beautiful colors in Ontario right outside your window. Winter transforms the cottage into a snowy retreat, perfect for fireside evenings and sauna sessions. Spring is quiet, with fresh greenery and fewer crowds. - What to Pack
Bring layers, no matter the season, the Highlands can surprise you with cool mornings and evenings. Don’t forget swimsuits for summer lake dips, warm gear for winter walks, and of course, a good camera (you’ll want photos of that staircase down to the lake). - Who It’s For
Camp Haliburton is perfect for couples looking for a romantic escape, friends planning a weekend away, or even families who want a mix of comfort and outdoor adventure. It’s also a dream for anyone who loves photography, the forest views, the stairs, the sauna, and the lake are endlessly inspiring.
Final Thoughts : My stay at Camp Haliburton
Staying at Camp Haliburton felt like pressing pause on the noise of everyday life. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t try too hard, it simply invites you to slow down, to notice the small details, and to enjoy the quiet beauty of the forest around you. From mornings spent with coffee and stillness, to afternoons wandering down the staircase to the lake, to evenings in the sauna or by the firepit, every moment here felt intentional.
Camp Haliburton isn’t just a cottage stay, it’s an experience. One that leaves you rested, inspired, and already planning your next visit before you’ve even packed up the car.
If you’re searching for a retreat that blends nature, comfort, and a little bit of magic, you’ll find it here.
* P.S. I was invited by Camp Haliburton for this stay but all opinions (and obsessions) are 100% mine!
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Some places you visit and forget about a week later. And then there are the ones that stay with you.
I had never heard of the Phantom Piper before I went to Kincardine. Someone mentioned it in passing – « there’s this thing with a piper and a lighthouse at sunset » – and I filed it away as something to maybe check out if I had time.
I had time. And I am so glad I did.
I’m not going to tell you too much because I think this is one of those experiences that deserves to be felt rather than described. What I will say is that I stood there on the shore of Lake Huron as the sun went down and the pipes started playing and something about the whole thing – the water, the light, the sound carrying across the harbour – just got me.
This summer marks a milestone anniversary of a tradition that has been happening in this small Ontario town since the 1990s. And if you ask me, that’s reason enough to finally make the trip.
This year the Phantom Piper will run every day of the week (except for Saturdays) from 1 July to 31 August.
Have you ever witnessed the Phantom Piper?
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#kincardine #phantompiper #exploreontario #ontariotravel #ontariobucketlist
If someone asked you to name an Ontario weekend getaway right now, Lanark County probably wouldn’t be the first thing that came to mind. Maybe not even the fifth. And honestly, that’s exactly why I want to talk about it.
It sits right between Ottawa and Kingston. About hour from either city. And somehow, most people drive right past it without ever stopping. I did too, for years.
Then I actually went. And I’ve been recommending it to everyone since.
Because what’s here is the kind of thing you don’t expect to find so close to home. A thermal spa tucked into the forest. A restaurant with one of the best patios in Ontario. A town that looks like it was designed for a Hallmark movie. Rivers and lakes that beg to be paddled. A treehouse on a peninsula with water on every side. And enough charm per square kilometre to make you feel like you’ve properly gotten away, even if you were home by Sunday night.
Lanark County is the weekend getaway that’s been right there the whole time. Swipe through for everything you need to plan it.
Have you been to Lanark County before? Is it going on your list this summer 👇
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#lanarkcounty #ontariogetaway #exploreontario #ontariotravel #ottawaweekend
When I walk into a space for the first time, I’m not really looking at the room. I’m looking at the light.
Where it comes in. How it moves through the curtains. What it does at 7am versus 4pm. That’s what tells me what kind of story I’m going to be able to tell.
Closs Crossing gave me a lot to work with.
The morning light through the treehouse windows. The deck faced east so the sunrise came in early and golden, through the trees, catching the string lights just right. By late afternoon the whole property turned amber. The hot tub at sunset, the hammock in the trees, the still water reflecting everything back, I was basically chasing light from one corner of this property to the other and I didn’t want to stop.
The interiors were just as beautiful. Every room had its own personality: the wallpaper, the vintage furniture, the carefully chosen details that tell you the people behind this place genuinely care about how it feels to be here. That kind of intentionality shows up in photos. You can’t fake it.
This is the kind of property that makes my job feel less like work.
If you own a cottage, a rental property or a stay and you’re looking for someone to capture it, this is what I do. Feel free to reach out. 🌿
Which shot is your favourite? 👇
A huge thank you to my friend @melina.e.l.i.a.s for helping me capture this one, some shots just need a second set of hands and she was the best person to have behind the lens. 🤍
Thank you to @closscrossing for hosting me.
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#closscrossing #lanarkcounty #ontariophotographer #travelphotography
Ontario is big. Like, really big. And most of us end up visiting the same handful of cities on repeat, which honestly makes sense because they’re great.
But this province has so many towns and cities that fly completely under the radar and I have been on a mission to find them.
Some of these I stumbled across by accident. Some were recommended by people who clearly had very good taste. And a few of them genuinely surprised me in ways I didn’t expect.
Swipe through and tell me how many you’ve actually been to. I have a feeling most of you will surprise yourselves.
Drop a number below : how many have you visited? 👇
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#exploreontario #ontariotravel #ontariotowns #ontariocities #canadatravel
Muskoka. Algonquin. Haliburton.
Three of Ontario’s most beautiful regions, and most people visit them separately, on different trips, in different summers. But do them together as one loop and something clicks. It just makes sense. And it is so good.
363 kilometres of waterfalls, lakes, hikes with, wildlife encounters you’ll be talking about for years. And some of the most beautiful stays in Ontario tucked right along the route.
Save this, summer fills up fast and this loop deserves a spot on your calendar.
Have you done this loop before? What was you favourite stop?
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#muskoka #algonquin #haliburton #ontarioroadtrip #exploreontario
