It’s the middle of the winter, and sometimes I feel like the only one not flying south, but this time I’m not feeling the FOMO because this February we took a quick road trip to Silent Lake Provincial Park. Ontario Park’s hidden gem located in Ontario’s Highlands; close to home but mentally far away. Keep reading to find learn more about our Ontario Parks Winter Cabin adventure. Maybe you’ll find yourself here?

Back To The Basics With Ontario Parks Winter Cabin

Sometimes all we need is to let loose mentally; it doesn’t matter if your budget cannot stretch a flight and all-inclusive down South. We’re parenting hard over here. It’s a hockey season after all which not only keeps us busy but our budget is tight. Since our family of six loves to take road trips, travel often, and we’re not afraid to get outside no matter the season, a cabin nestled in the woods was exactly what we needed at this moment in time. I’m not sure how the universe aligned it to happen, but we carved out two nights and three days during hockey playoffs for a much need road trip! And right now as I reflect I’m incredibly grateful we make it possible.

Find Yourself Here: Silent Lake Provincial Park

Silent Lake Provincial Park is located just outside of Bancroft, just over an hour from Lindsay, Ontario and a hop skip and a jump from GTA, Toronto, and surrounding areas. The Winter season at Silent Lake Provincial Park starts in mid-December until mid-March when their roofed accommodations and yurts are available for winter camping. Our rustic one-room cabin in the woods was just what we needed to bring life back to the basics. Our Ontario Parks Winter Cabin Roofed accommodations include a queen bed and double/single bunk bed, simple, but everything you need for a mental break from the daily grind.

The cabins are spotless which is always my biggest worry when choosing accommodations. It’s also nice to know the high-quality mattresses provided us with a comfortable night’s sleep, no lumps or bumps. The rustic wood isn’t the only touch making Ontario Park’s cabins cozy; they are equipped with electric baseboard heating and a propane fireplace which gave off a nice amount of heat during the cold winter nights. Reminder: Make sure you bring your bedding and pillows.

All Ontario Parks Winter Cabin features a kitchenette with a microwave, mini fridge, kettle, counter space, and storage. There is a dining table and five chairs inside for meals, a game of cards or doodle time.

Outside you’ll find a gas barbecue and picnic table for the summer months, or the winter BBQ warrior.

Tip: To keep our getaway simple I prepared a slow cooker pre-cooked at home with pulled pork and a tray of homemade baked beans which I warmed on the outside BBQ. Keeping it simple was the whole goal of our winter getaway!

We stayed in Silent Lake Provincial Park’s Cabin #210, located on a corner with two lake views and one of the closest cabins to the bathrooms. But not too close that it feels like your perched on the highway. The locations of the cabins at Silent Lake Provincial Park have had a lot of thought put into them. I’d call cabin #210 a premium lot during the winter months due to its lot size, location, and secluded feeling.

Plus, the sunset view from our Ontario Parks Winter Cabin was spectacular!

“Footprints from the neighbors we never saw.” 

It’s also good to note that site Silent Lake cabin #210 is wheelchair accessible.

Healthy Parks, Healthy People

The research is clear; spending time in nature improves our physical, mental and social well-being. In my opinion, if Doctor’s wrote prescriptions for their patient to spend time in nature, I’m sure we’d have a happier and less depressed people going about their day. I mean during and after our getaway to Ontario Parks I was refreshed, much calmer and our kids were free to be kids just like kids should be.

“Just living is not enough. One must breathe in nature, explore, discover, and run wild.” 

Besides my commitments of work, we were utterly unconnected during our getaway, enjoying the pure sounds of nature, we hiked and went snowshoeing.

And most importantly we enjoyed the social interaction of each other and nature.

There were times when the kids played in the snow I just sat listening to the quiet language of nature and got out my Nikon to capture the moment.

Who needs a sled or toboggan when you’ve got a belly?

Sometimes all you need is fresh air and a hug to clear your mind.

Winter hiking tip: Bring sunflower seeds for the big kids. Our big kids love filling their pockets and the mindful moments it brings naturally when they crack the seeds.

“Our time at Silent Lake Provincial Park was exactly what we needed. It’s hard to believe this was the first time we discovered Silent Lake and winter camping. Ontario Park’s are quiet in the middle of the winter with only 10 rustic cabins at Silent Lake Provincial Park it felt like we were the only ones there. It was so nice to have the space to run and the quiet sounds of nature surrounding you. I see many more winter trips to Ontario Park’s in our future, of course with my family, but it also would be soul-searching to be locked up in a cabin in the middle of the woods in solitude, with a good book in hand and a journal.” 

What does a winter getaway look like for your family?

Learn more about Ontario Parks here: www.OntarioParks.com

Thank you, for reading In R Dream Canadian Blog.

Thank you, Ontario Parks for the invite. As always, these are our opinions and this, and all reviews are written with honesty from our heart.