Starling Cabin

Starling Cabin sits on the forested grounds of Calabogie Peaks Resort, perched above Calabogie Lake at the base of Dickson Mountain. It's one of three near-identical cabins here (alongside Finch and Wren), each on its own lot roughly 200 to 300 metres apart, so there's distance between neighbors even within the resort's reach.

This is a no-frills, off-grid setup built for people who want to be outside more than inside. There's no Wi-Fi, no running water system beyond a basic sink and drinking water, and the toilet is an indoor compost unit. A stovetop, cookware, mini fridge, and basics like salt, pepper, and coffee cover simple meals, while a fire pit, BBQ, and picnic table sit outside for evenings by the water. Two pairs of snowshoes are included for winter visits. Access is by 4WD or a short 300-metre hike in summer, and hike-in only in winter.

The location puts guests close to some of Southern Ontario's best hiking, including the Eagles Nest lookout, plus mountain biking, road cycling, and thousands of acres of Crown land through the Ottawa Valley. In winter, the same trails shift to snowshoeing, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. Swimming and paddling are options in warmer months, right from the cabin's waterfront position. Guests who want more can add a Resort Day Pass for the beach, golf, tennis, spa, and restaurants at Calabogie Peaks.

Starling Cabin sleeps 3, with check-in at 3 pm and check-out at 11 am. Pets aren't allowed. Rates vary by season: summer runs $199 to $239 a night depending on weeknight, weekend, or holiday timing, while winter runs $179 to $219. Booking goes through Cabinscape.