Ontario has little hidden gems scattered throughout it. One such little gem is Sterling, ON. It is a small little town about 2hrs away from Toronto and we found the perfect little cabin in the woods here called The Love Nature Shack! The place is secluded enough to make you feel like you are the only one around but not unsafe. If you do not have experience spending time in the forest alone, this could be a perfect starter for you.

The Experience

We stayed there from Sept 3rd to 5th in 2022 and had an awesome time! The drive down was easy and comfortable. We made several stops along the way to check out cute towns and stopped at Rice Lake for lunch. Once we reached the property, we parked at the designated stop and carried our food and backpacks down to the cottage. The well-marked path was easy to find. The lush green canopy greeted us, and there was a small clearing where the cottage was located. We spent our days walking in the forest, finding all manner of different mushrooms, great food cooked on the open flame, and some greater company. The little cottage can feel a bit tight for some people but is perfect for a couple or a group of 4 friends. We will be going back for sure!

The place is designed to make you spend time outdoors. If you are looking for a full kitchen, running water, fuzzy towels, and Netflix, this isn’t the place for you. Having said that, I would urge you to give it a try. If you are not quite ready to go camping but would like a more intimate experience with nature and a taste of simpler living, then this is the perfect place for you. The cabin itself is small but very comfortable and the beds are big and cozy. The string lights add to the charm of the woody little cabin and are sure to give you all the romantic vibes(plan accordingly *wink*). Grab a book, fill a cooler with food, and drinks, and get ready to spend some time in the forest!

Drive down from Toronto. This Airbnb is a quick 2-2.5hr drive from Toronto and the roads are beautiful. Pro Tip: Give the highways a miss and use the regional roads instead to really get the views and enjoy the drive.

Stop at Rice Lake for some fun and a quick lunch break. Make it a picnic or grab a bite at one of the restaurants and cafes lining Rice lake. We grabbed lunch at the Rhino’s Roadhouse.

If you need access to EV charging stations, you can find ones near Port Hope, which is about mid-way into the drive, and at Wallbridge which is very close to your final destination.

You can book this secluded little Airbnb by clicking here and this one is a definite favourite for us. If you are looking for a quick getaway from the city and are craving some time in nature but are not ready to commit to full-blown camping, this is truly a find.

Best Time to Visit – Fall, once the insect activity dies down
Pet-friendly
Can accommodate up to 4 people
There is a well-maintained outhouse
Use electricity responsibly, please
Use the firewood! It gets pretty dark in there and the fire also helps in keeping the insects at bay
The cabin is a short walk through the forest from the parking area
The owner generally provides a buggy to help with your cooler and any luggage but pack light
Explore the forest, there are tons to see
Keep your ears peeled for the sounds of different animals(Rooster, Coyotes, Owls, Birds)
Don’t forget to ring the little bell inside the shack. You’ll love it!
The network is spotty at best once you get to the cabin
There is no TV or entertainment unit – this is by design. It caters to your need to get close to nature and the screens and loudspeakers have been forfeited to give you an authentic experience.
The forest floor can be a little wet and muddy. Wear covered shoes. Leave the sandals and flip-flops at home.
Flashlights are provided, but I would recommend carrying your own
If you are booking this place for spring-summer, carry bug spray. It’s a forest-covered area, bugs are unavoidable.
Dispose of your leftovers and waste responsibly, there are animals in the area
We did not see running water when we stayed there, but ample water is provided for all your needs.

If you are looking to spend some time in the middle of a forest, in a quaint little cottage, filling your days and nights relaxing your body and mind and spending your evenings gathered around a crackling fire sharing stories or a special moment with someone then this trip and The Love Nature Shack is for you! Bring out the spooky stories, guitars, and food for a fun night or simply sit by the fire and enjoy the sounds of the woods. I promise you, the wood speaks to those who listen.