Looking for a unique place to stay in Muskoka? This Aux Box review covers everything you need to know about this sleek, modern cabin retreat, what it looks like inside, what to do nearby, and why it’s perfect for a cozy nature escape.
I’ve stayed in a lot of cabins. But this one was different.
Tucked in the forest near Huntsville, Aux Box isn’t your typical rustic retreat, it’s a modern, beautifully designed cabin built from a refurbished shipping container. Minimalist, warm, and perfectly thought-out. The kind of space that makes you pause the second you step in, because somehow it feels like it was made just for you.
I booked this stay in early spring, craving a bit of quiet and something that felt a little special. And Aux Box delivered. Mornings started with a coffee in hand, curled up by the floor-to-ceiling windows watching the forest slowly wake up. Afternoons meant alternating between cold plunges in the private barrel tub and warming up in the cedar sauna, yes, there’s a full private Nordic spa setup right outside your door.
I’ve been dreaming of going back ever since.
In this blog post, I’m sharing everything you need to know about staying at Aux Box: what to expect inside and out, what makes this place stand out from other cabin stays, and why it might just be your next go-to Ontario escape.
Don’t forget to check out all of my Ontario blog posts to make the most of your adventures!
Why choose Aux Box for your next stay in Muskoka
Inside the Cabin: Small Space, Big Vibes
Stepping into Aux Box feels like walking into a design magazine, but one that just so happens to be tucked away in the woods.
The cabin may be small (just 215 square feet), but it’s incredibly well thought-out. Every inch serves a purpose, and nothing feels cramped or cluttered. The layout is open and fluid, with clean lines and a warm, modern aesthetic. Natural light floods the space thanks to the large floor-to-ceiling windows that face the forest, so even when you’re indoors, you still feel connected to the outdoors.
The main living space includes a comfy queen-sized bed with soft linens and a built-in shelf nook, perfect for your morning coffee or late-night read. There’s a small but functional kitchenette equipped with the essentials—mini fridge, hot plate, kettle, and a French press for your slow mornings. And the heated floors? A cozy bonus, especially on cool Muskoka mornings.
The bathroom is sleek and surprisingly spacious for a tiny home setup. You’ve got a full walk-in shower, warm wood accents, and thoughtfully placed lighting that makes the whole space feel calming and spa-like.
But maybe the best part? There’s nothing extra. It’s minimalist without being cold, everything you need, nothing you don’t. It invites you to slow down, unplug (if you want to), and just enjoy being there.
Outdoors at Aux Box: Your Own Private Spa in the Woods
What makes Aux Box truly unforgettable isn’t just what’s inside, it’s what’s waiting for you just outside the door.
Step onto the spacious private deck and you’ll immediately feel the shift. The quiet hush of the forest, the scent of pine, the sunlight dancing through the trees: it’s the kind of setting that makes you exhale without even realizing you were holding your breath.
The highlight? Your own private Nordic spa experience.
Set just a few steps from the cabin, you’ll find a wood-fired hot tub and cedar barrel sauna nestled into the trees. It’s beautifully simple and entirely yours. In the morning, you can sip coffee in the sauna with the forest waking up around you. In the evening, hop between the hot tub and cold plunge while the stars start to peek through the canopy. There’s something wildly luxurious about having this entire setup all to yourself, no other guests, no schedule, no shared change rooms.
There’s also a small fire pit area where you can roast marshmallows or just sit back and let the flames crackle while you listen to the wind through the trees. And because the Aux Box is set on a larger forested property, you still get that feeling of space and privacy while knowing town isn’t too far away if you need anything.
It’s the kind of place where time slows down. Where you don’t feel the need to scroll or check your email. Where your biggest decision of the day might be: sauna first, or hot tub?
THE DETAILS
Price | Starting at 588$ a night
Reservation | Book your stay here.
What to Do Nearby
One of the best parts about staying at Aux Box is how easy it is to explore some of Muskoka’s best spots without sacrificing that peaceful, off-grid feeling. Located between Huntsville and Bracebridge, this cozy retreat is right in the heart of cottage country and there’s plenty to do if you feel like venturing out.
If you head north, Huntsville is a charming town known for its artsy vibe, local boutiques, and waterfront views. You’ll find great coffee shops, scenic walks, and access to outdoor adventures. I shared all my favourite spots in this blog post: What to Do in Huntsville, Muskoka.
To the south, Bracebridge offers a mix of history, waterfalls, and cozy small-town charm. Think local markets, cute cafés, and views of the iconic Bracebridge Falls. My full guide is here: What to Do in Bracebridge, Ontario.
Whether you want to spend your day hiking, shopping, grabbing lunch by the water, or just driving scenic roads, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of a weekend here. And at the end of the day, you get to return to your private spa in the woods : win-win.
Final Thoughts : Why stay at Aux Box?
Staying at Aux Box felt like pressing pause on the chaos of everyday life. There’s something about waking up in the woods, making coffee in a beautifully designed space, and slipping into your own private Nordic spa that just hits differently.
This stay is proof that you don’t need to drive hours off the grid or sacrifice comfort for quiet. With Huntsville and Bracebridge just a short drive away, you can enjoy the best of Muskoka – outdoor adventures, cozy cafés, and small-town charm – while retreating to your own modern hideaway in the forest.
If you’re looking for a weekend escape that feels both grounding and elevated, Aux Box delivers.
* P.S. I was invited by Aux Box for this stay but all opinions (and obsessions) are 100% mine!
READ ABOUT MORE OF MY FAVORITE ONTARIO STAYS HERE!
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I went to Peterborough for the first time last summer not really knowing what to expect.
I came back with a full camera card, a butter tart problem, and a list of things I didn’t have time to do that I’m already planning to go back for.
That’s the thing about this region… Every corner has something that makes you stop and pull over. Every person you meet seems genuinely happy you came. There’s a warmth to the Kawarthas that I wasn’t expecting and that I haven’t stopped thinking about since.
I’ve been recommending it to everyone who asks me where to go in Ontario this summer. And nobody has come back disappointed.
Save this and add it to your summer list. You won’t regret it. 🔖
Have you been to Peterborough and the Kawarthas before? What did I miss? 👇🏻
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#peterborough #kawarthas #exploreontario #ontariotravel #trentsevernwaterway
There are towns in Ontario that surprise you. And then there is Kincardine.
The first time I walked along the harbour I genuinely had to remind myself I was still in Ontario. Something about the lighthouse, the boats, the way the light hits the water in the evening reminded me of back home (I’m a New Brunswick girl!). It has this east coast energy that you just don’t expect to find on Lake Huron.
This guide has everything you need to plan your visit : the beaches, the restaurants, where to stay, and the sunset tradition that has been happening quietly in this town for decades and that I think everyone in Ontario deserves to witness at least once.
Swipe through and save this one.
Have you ever been to Kincardine? Is it going on your list this summer 👇
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#kincardine #exploreontario #ontariotravel #lakehuron #brucecounty ontariobeach
Pitch me a better summer than this. I’ll wait. 🌊
Ontario summer really does hit different when you actually lean into it. A nd if you’re trying to make the most of yours, you’re in the right place.
I’ve got you covered all summer long. Follow along and let’s make it a good one.
Which day are you claiming first? 👇
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires.
#ontariosummer #exploreontario #ontariotravel
I’ll be honest, Peterborough wasn’t on my radar for a long time. It’s one of those places you drive past on your way to a cottage, always meaning to stop, never quite doing it. 🌿
Then I actually stopped.
And now I keep going back.
There’s something about this part of Ontario that feels like it hasn’t been packaged for tourists yet. A small city with a real downtown, surrounded by lakes and forests and history that goes back thousands of years.
Scroll through and I’ll show you exactly how I’d spend a first visit, from the first coffee of the morning to the sunset that completely blew me away!
Some of it will surprise you. Some of it will make you hungry. And at least one slide is going to make you say « wait, that exists in Ontario?! » 🙌
Save this before your next road trip north, you’re going to want it.
👇 Have you ever been to Peterborough? I’ll be back in that area in the Fall so tell me what I missed?
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#Peterborough #Kawarthas #OntarioTravel #ExploreOntario #VisitOntario
I’ve driven this loop more times than I can count and every single time I find something new to love about it.
It starts just outside Ottawa and winds through some of the most underrated corners of Eastern Ontario.
The thing about this road trip is that it doesn’t ask much of you. You don’t need to plan weeks in advance or drive for hours to feel like you’ve actually gotten away. You just need a long weekend, a full tank of gas, and a willingness to slow down.
I’ve been piecing this route together for years, adding stops, swapping others out, finding the spots that are worth the detour and the ones that aren’t. This is the version I keep coming back to. The one I send to friends when they ask where to go. The one that made me fall in love with Eastern Ontario all over again.
Every stop is in the reel. Save this and start planning.
Have you done any of these stops before? Drop the ones you’ve been to below 👇
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#ottawa #ottawatravel #ottawaweekend #easternontario #ontarioroadtrip
