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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Tell me why winter suddenly feels 10x better when there’s a warm latte involved? Same.
This is the season where I’m always searching for the coziest, warmest, cute little coffee shop. Here’s how it goes :
1. find a cute café
2. wear your coziest clothes
3. order something warm and comforting
…repeat until spring.
If you’re also living your “coffee shops are my personality” era, I rounded up some of my favourite cozy cafés across Ontario and I promise, they are all worth going outside for.
👉 Scroll through to see all my picks and save a few for your next winter outing.
And now tell me: what cozy Ontario coffee shop should I add to my next road trip list? I’m always looking for new spots to fall in love with. ❤️☕️
🇫🇷 French version is in the comments!
#ontariocafes #coffeelovers #ontarioadventures #exploreontario
✨ Santa may have a workshop at the North Pole… but I’m convinced he sneaks off to Downtown Oakville on the weekends ✨
Because honestly? This town goes all in on holiday magic! Every Saturday until December 20th, downtown turns into a full-on Christmas village: free hot chocolate, Santa wandering the streets, carolers singing between the shops, twinkle lights everywhere… it’s impossible not to feel the holiday magic.
And if you’re planning to turn this into a full festive getaway, stay at @homewoodsuitesoakville . It’s the perfect home base: cozy, convenient, and just a short drive from all the downtown fun. And right now, enjoy 15% off the best available rate and receive a welcome goodie bag at check-in to kick off your stay with a festive touch.
From gingerbread kits at @blackforestpastryshop , to the coolest Christmas gifts at @thewitchsfix , to @anthropologie adorable ornaments… I basically crossed half my Christmas list off in one afternoon. And obviously I had to stop at @kellysbake , the little Christmas tree cupcake was irresistible. 🎄🧁
I even finished the day warming up at @tabulemiddleasterncuisine , Oakville’s newest Middle Eastern spot, and that Lebanese tea was perfect after a chilly day outside!
If you’re looking for a holiday outing that delivers full cozy-Christmas energy, this is your sign to visit Oakville. 💫
Are you team early Christmas, or team “not until December 1st”? Tell me below! 🎅👇
#VisitOakville #OakvilleOntario #Ontariotravel
Stick season got you feeling a little… meh?
Same. That weird in-between stretch where the leaves are gone but the snow hasn’t committed yet can make everything look a bit grey.
But here’s the thing : boardwalk trails are the perfect cure.
They still feel magical, they photograph beautifully, and they’re the ideal “in-between season” adventure when you want nature without the mud, slush, or sad-looking trees.
So I rounded up my favourite boardwalks across Ontario :the ones that instantly make stick season feel softer, calmer, prettier.
👉 Scroll through for my top picks and save a few for your next weekend outing. And the good news is, these are just as gorgeous under the snow so they can definitely be used later on!
And tell me… what boardwalk should I add to the list next? 🌲🪵💛
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires.
#ExploreOntario #OntarioHikes ##StickSeasonOntario #TravelOntario
I wasn’t really planning on time-travelling… but that’s kind of what happened. 👀🎄
You know when you walk into a place expecting a cute little visit, and suddenly you’re standing there thinking, “Okay wait… how is this so magical?” That was me at Glanmore National Historic Site in Belleville.
I went in knowing they decorate the house in Victorian-era style for the holidays, but honestly, I had no idea how beautiful and detailed it would be.
If you’re anywhere near Belleville this month, go wander through Glanmore for an hour or two!
Save this for your next little holiday adventure ✨If you’ve never experienced a Victorian Christmas… you’re in for such a treat.
What’s one holiday tradition that instantly puts you in a festive mood?
#BellevilleOntario #GlanmoreNationalHistoricSite #VictorianChristmas #VisitBelleville #OntarioAdventures #OntarioTravel
If you think winter in Ontario is all slush and grey skies… you just haven’t booked the right stay yet. ❄️✨
These are 8 of the most unique winter getaways I’ve ever experienced. Cozy cabins, dreamy domes, private spas, waterfalls, and even a renovated train station.
Here are the stays featured in this reel ⤵️
1️⃣ The Baltic by Fort Treehouse
2️⃣ The Hollow Mill
3️⃣ Back Forty Glamping
4️⃣ Anupaya
5️⃣ Clarendon Station
6️⃣ Birchwood Luxury Camping
7️⃣ Aux Box
8️⃣ Camp Haliburton
Save this for your next winter escape, you’re going to need it.
👇 Which one are you booking first?
#ontariostays #wintergetaway #ontariotravel #uniquestays #winterinontario #discoveron
