Lost in Ontario: Glamping in an Airbnb A-frame near Algonquin Park

Picture it: A cozy, peaceful A-frame cabin – totally removed from the city and surrounded by dense forest – greeting you after a long, therapeutic hike in Algonquin Park. You light up the wood fireplace, make a cup of coffee, and enjoy the peace and quiet of the cabin. What's not to love?

I'm a sucker for an A-frame cabin. I find them so aesthetically beautiful. There’s just something about this iconic 1970s-style triangular structure tucked away in the woods that draws me in. Just like a pair of black Wayfarer Ray Bans, A-frame cabins stand the test of time.

So, when I discovered this cabin on Airbnb, I just knew I had to check it out. It did not disappoint. With a beautiful wood finish, set against a backdrop of the forest, this cabin also had chopped firewood lining the railings, which added to its rustic exterior. This A-frame is 100% picture-perfect and ready for its Cottage Life magazine close-up.

Located only 30 minutes south of Algonquin Park, the cabin came equipped with a fireplace, a BBQ, and a fire pit (s’mores anybody?). The inside of the A-frame was lined with amazing-smelling cedar paneling and reclaimed barn boards. There was a comfortable bed, complete with the iconic Hudson’s Bay wool blanket, and a cool little loft office area located up a short ladder.

Off the grid. Just the bare essentials. Total quiet. This A-frame cabin was just what the doctor ordered to cure these lockdown blues. 

Some people like to get active when they are camping (or, glamping in this case!) while others really just like to take it easy and chill. I always enjoy getting outdoors and experiencing nature around me, and this rental is the perfect place to do so. It is on a large 28-acre property, with 1600ft of waterfront access just a short two-minute walk away. 

At the waterfront, a canoe waits for you at a private dock. It’s perfect for spending some time out on the lake with some cold drinks. The water is fairly shallow if you want to swim, but you can also take the canoe out to the middle of the lake where there is a floating dock to hang out at.  It’s an incredible way to spend the day!

Besides canoeing, swimming, or just enjoying the lake, there are also a number of hiking options, leaving right from the front door. And, if you end up booking this cabin during the winter, the hosts provide snowshoes for guests to get out and explore the trails in Algonquin Park.

Food is such an important part of any getaway for me – heck, who am I kidding? Food is an important part of life! We made sure to stock up on all the good stuff, and on the first night we barbequed some amazing steaks, paired with grilled fiddle heads and potatoes on the side. On the second night we had BBQ chicken and some grilled zucchini. So delicious!  

There is no kitchen facility in the cabin because the goal is to have all the perks of camping in a rustic outdoor environment, but with some comfort and luxury in the A-frame cabin. Keep this in mind when you’re preparing for your trip… BBQ meals are the way to go!

For the most part, we spent our days out on the dock, where we could jump in and enjoy the refreshing cold water as a break from laying out in the sun. We brought food and drinks out to the floating dock, and pretty quickly established a routine: drink, swim, eat snacks, sunbathe. Repeat all day. I can’t think of a more relaxing way to spend a few days.

At night, we made a campfire and roasted marshmallows, just enjoying each other’s company and the serenity of being outside under the stars.

After a day in the sun, that bed felt so good to climb into – I was pretty glad we opted for the glamping option instead of trying to catch some sleep in a sleeping bag and deflating air mattress while camping in a tent! The A-frame provided the perfect level of comfort for this little retreat in the forest.

All in all, it was the perfect glamping getaway. If you’re looking for a place to chill out, get away from every day life, and just take a breather, I cannot recommend this place enough!

You know me – I’m always looking for somewhere else to explore and get lost in! So, make sure to drop any recommendations on must-visit Airbnb’s down in the comments below.