Explore some of the most breathtaking old-growth hardwood and cedar forest in Ontario. Red pine, cedar, jack pine, untouched Canadian wilderness and stunning fall foliage. Deer, porcupine, foxes, blue jays, cardinals, chipmunks, hummingbirds, heron. My forest loft is located in the middle of a large thousand-acre forest, overlooking a valley, surrounded by tall cedars and maples.
Two clear ponds are a 10-minute walk away from the barn and are great for swimming during the summer months. Freija is an extremely private 100 acre bird, wildlife, and stargazing sanctuary bordering a 350-acre conservation area. Endless maintained trails on varying terrain both on property and adjacent forest. My forest loft features everything needed for a comfortable stay, including an Amish-made queen-size bed, large harvest table, shower, woodstove, composting toilet, hot water, Wi-Fi and a small kitchenette with utensils.
You will also find everything you need for your outdoor adventure: an outdoor fire pit, firewood, a powerful propane BBQ, equipment like walking sticks, snowshoes, bicycles, your own basketball court and net and more.
For a full outdoor experience you can open up the walls during the warmer months and enjoy your dinner under the stars. Bring your friends (pets allowed) and spend time hiking, birdwatching, canoeing on the pond and enjoying Canadian and Ontario nature in its purest, most magical form. Follow iamfreija on Instagram for latest updates and more photos. You have access to the loft, nearby trails, ponds and canoe. An outdoor fire pit is available for you to use outside, along with the adventure equipment and two bicycles.
Hosts live on the property in a house located nearby. They are available as needed to provide additional firewood, assistance and friendly advice, otherwise you are on your own to enjoy the forest.
Explore the beautiful and historical West Grey county. Historical sites and towns, mills, waterfalls, local and seasonal organic produce, antique shops, crafts, canoe and hiking trails and farms, Amish neighbourhood, local baking, fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling. Area offers unparalleled stargazing opportunities as one of darkest Ontario regions, especially in colder months of the year.
Located 1.5 hours from the Tobermory and the world-famous Grotto, and 1 hour away from Collingwood (Blue Mountain) location offers plenty of great opportunities for day trips. 0.5 hour away from Owen Sound. 2 hours away from Toronto. 1 hour away from Blue Mountain. 1.5 hours away from Bruce Peninsula and the Grotto. Easy and picturesque drive from Toronto year-around and no Cottage Country traffic. Ample parking on property.
Designated as an Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI), Kinghurst Forest is a special place that offers a rare glimpse into Ontario’s natural past. Adjacent 371-hectare (916 acres) Kinghurst Forest Nature Reserve contains a remarkable, mature maple-beech forest that is a rare example of pre-settlement woodlands in southern Ontario. Here you can see some of the most breathtaking old-growth hardwood forest in Ontario (only one of seven remaining outside of Algonquin Park).
My forest is abundant with wildlife including deer, porcupine, foxes, blue jays, cardinals, chipmunks, hummingbirds, heron and others. The upland forest is dominated by sugar maple, with patches of beech, cedar and hemlock throughout. Endless trails on varying terrain offer plentiful opportunities for birdwatching, camping, canoeing on the ponds. Many of the trees are 250 to 300 years old, tower over 30 meters high, and clearly show the vertical stratification characteristic of a true, old-growth forest. A spectacular show of wildflowers greets visitors in the spring, as do provincially rare plants such as Hart’s-tongue fern.
A simple act of taking a walk in a forest like this one is good for you! A form of preventative therapy called “forest bathing” or Shinrin-yoku has proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce stress hormone production, boost the immune system, and improve overall feelings of wellbeing. Founded in 2016, Freija is locally-owned and operated by a Canadian adventure company specializing in personalized retreats and unique experiences with emphasis on science education and nature conservation. Visit our website or Instagram for more details.