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6 Cozy Books for the Perfect Fall Reading Retreat

6 Cozy Books for the Perfect Fall Reading Retreat

Picture this: you’ve escaped the noise of daily life for a secluded cabin in the woods. A campfire is crackling under marshmallows toasting, the scent of fallen leaves hangs in the air, and a warm mug is cradled in your hands. The only thing missing from this perfect scene is the right book. A trip like this calls for a story that matches the peaceful, rustic setting—a truly cozy read that you can get lost in as the hours drift by. That’s why we’ve curated a list of unforgettable cozy books, from heartwarming romances to healing fiction, to pack in your bags for the perfect fall reading retreat.

The Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore

It’s official. The fall season is not complete without three things: a pumpkin spice latte, a vacation to an off-grid cabin with your favourite people, and a new book in the Dream Harbor series.

Set in the small town of Dream Harbor, Laurie Gilmore has spent the last two years introducing us to a loveable cast of characters who we have delighted in watching fall in love over the first four books in the series. With The Gingerbread Bakery we are finally getting the event we’ve been waiting for: a wedding.

Following fan favourite characters Annie and Mac as they begrudgingly work together to prepare for Jeanie and Logan’s big day, this enemies-to-lovers romance proves that the sweetest things are worth the wait.

Learn more and order your copy here

The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn by Valerie Bowman

Now, if you’ve already read the Dream Harbor series and are looking for something that also delivers on those Gilmore Girls vibes, let us introduce you to The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn.

This cozy and sexy romance follows a young event planner who returns to her family’s inn on an apple orchard to help run their Harvest Festival—only to find herself butting heads with the handsome son of the apple orchard’s owners. Featuring forced proximity, found family, opposites attract, and, of course, a pug named Pumpkin who becomes a social media star because he wears pumpkin pjs and is a sucker for any type of human affection, this book is the perfect autumnal escape that is best enjoyed while sitting in an Adirondack chair surrounded by trees with a steaming cup of hot apple cider in hand.

Learn more and order your copy here

Fall I Want by Lyra Parish

While the blankets in your cabin might keep you warm as the weather cools, we guarantee that this fall romance will add an extra layer of heat to those chilly nights by the water.

The first book in the Cozy Creek series has it all: a small town, a billionaire romance, fake dating, forced proximity, and “he falls first”. From the moment you flip open the first page, Lyra Parish sucks you in with her love of the season, making this impossible to put down until its happily ever after finish.

Learn more and order your copy here

The Midnight Bookshop by Amanda James

Adventuring into nature and adventuring into a good book often feels like magic, and The Midnight Bookshop by Amanda James has plenty of it.

With heartfelt reflections on grief, growth, and the stories that shape us, this is a book for book lovers; a book filled with worlds waiting to welcome all those who are looking for the hope that their stories can be rewritten.

We’ve said this before for other books, but we’ll say it again: when you’re booking your next escape to the great outdoors in one of Cabinscape’s cabins or tents, invite a few friends and make sure everyone has this book in hand. It’s tailor-made for book club discussions and will keep the life chats flowing until the embers burn low on your campfire.

Learn more and order your copy here

The Time Hop Coffee Shop by Phaedra Patrick

We’ve talked about escaping into nature and into books, but what if it was your coffee that could help you escape your life and discover a world where everything is always perfect?

In The Time Hop Coffee Shop, Phaedra Patrick tells a story of finding second chances and learning that what you wish for isn’t always what you truly need. In fact, it is the messiness of life and the ability to come out the other side of the dark times that often brings the most meaning and joy to the days ahead.

So the next time you find yourself wondering if things would be better if you lived in a perfect world, brew yourself a big cup of coffee, take a deep breath of fresh autumn air, and snuggle up with this book that will remind you that you are exactly where you were meant to be.

Learn more and order your copy here

Cozy Canada by Maggie Zeng

When you think about Canada, what do you think of? Hiking through the mountains on the west coast? Eating poutine at a local sugar shack? Summer camping trips in Northern Ontario? Skating down the Rideau Canal in the winter? Taking photos in front of Niagara Falls? Whale watching on the east coast? The list may be long, but Montreal-based children’s book illustrator and animator Maggie Zeng did her best to include as many Canadian experiences as possible into a brand-new cozy colouring book for readers all ages.

If the ‘ber months have you and your little ones huddling inside and exploring your creativity, you need this 100% Canadian book and all of the coloured markers, pencils, and crayons you can get your hands on.

Learn more and order your copy now

So, as you pack your bags for your autumn escape, don’t forget to leave room for one—or two—of these cozy reads. Whether you’re curled up by the fire, listening to the rain tap against your cabin windows, or sipping cider under the stars, the right book will make your getaway even more magical. After all, there’s no better way to embrace the season than by letting a good story carry you away.

Written by Kristina Jagger with Harper Collins Canada

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Fall Attractions Around Our Cabins

Fall Attractions Around Our Cabins

Celebrate the season with a cozy CABINSCAPE escape and discover the best of autumn right outside your cabin door. From pumpkin patches and apple orchards to farmers’ markets brimming with seasonal treats, our cabins are surrounded by the perfect fall finds.

Haliburton

Enjoy breathtaking views on a Canopy Tour of Haliburton Forest while staying at our 11 cabins located right on site. Walk through the autumn treetops for views from 10–20 meters above the ground. At over half a kilometre long, this is the longest canopy boardwalk of its kind in the world! Once your feet are back on solid ground, set off on the 400 km of all-season trails for a close-up look at the changing colours—whether you prefer a leisurely forest walk or a more adventurous hike.

Looking for more fall thrills? Head to Sir Sam’s Ski / Ride for a scenic chairlift journey over rolling hills painted in reds, golds, and oranges. For a cozy break, browse treasures at Castle Café & Antiques while sipping on a warm drink. And don’t forget to check out the fall calendar at Yours Outdoors—offering unique seasonal activities like Wolf Experiences, Foraging Workshops, and Rock Hounding. Wherever you turn, autumn adventures are waiting.


Calabogie

Take in the season from new heights with a Fall Colours Chairlift Ride at Calabogie Peaks. Glide up the mountain for sweeping views of the fiery treetops below—then hike down or ride the chair back to the base for a picture-perfect autumn outing.

Once you’re back on the ground, there’s no shortage of local fall adventures to enjoy. Start your morning with a cozy latte at El La Café, then sip and savour local vintages at KIN Vineyards. For something more adventurous, saddle up at Rosehill Ranch for a scenic horseback ride through colourful forest trails. And to round out your day, head to Calabogie Brewing Company to sample seasonal craft beers inspired by the region. With so many ways to celebrate the harvest season, Calabogie is a must for your autumn getaway.


Kawarthas

Just 10 minutes from your cabin, Balsam Lake Provincial Park offers a network of trails and cycling routes that wind through vibrant fall foliage—perfect for nature walks or a refreshing ride. But the autumn fun doesn’t stop there.

Celebrate the season at The Roost Farm, or get lost in the family-friendly corn maze and pumpkin patch at McQuaid’s Country Market. For a taste of the local harvest, sip handcrafted wines at Cheeky Duck Vineyard or enjoy crisp ciders and fruit wines at Applewood Farm & Winery. And when it’s time to slow down, head to the White Cottage Café for a cozy coffee and a sweet treat. With so many fall finds nearby, your Kawarthas cabin stay is brimming with seasonal adventure.


Lanark County

During your stay at our Lanark County cabins, be sure to explore the region’s rich harvest flavours and small-town charm. The Perth Farmer’s Market runs until Thanksgiving weekend (October 11th), offering local produce, home-baked pies, pastries, and live music—perfect for stocking up before a cozy cabin feast or a picnic along the Tay River.

While in town, satisfy your sweet tooth at Perth Chocolate Works, then continue your tasting journey with handcrafted spirits at Top Shelf Distillery or award-winning wines at River House Vineyard & Winery. For a comforting coffee stop, cozy up at the Cardinal Café, and don’t miss the legendary Balderson Village Cheese Store for artisanal cheeses and local delicacies. To round out your autumn adventure, head to Rosetta Hills, where rolling landscapes, friendly alpacas, and brilliant fall colours create a picture-perfect backdrop.


No matter which CABINSCAPE destination you choose, autumn’s magic is right outside your door. From colourful trails and canopy walks to pumpkin patches, wineries, and cozy cafés, each of our cabin locations offers a front-row seat to the season’s best.

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Must-Read Fall Books for Kids

Child on Cabin Bunk Bed

Fall Into Reading: Books to Share with Your Kids This Season

As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, fall is the perfect time to slow down and connect as a family. Cozy up with picture books for little ones or chapter books for middle graders—reading together sparks imagination and creates lasting memories. Penguin Random House Canada has a delightful roundup of new reads perfect for your next cabin getaway or quiet evening at home.


The Newest Gnome
by Lauren Soloy

A gorgeous homage to nature, beauty, mindfulness and community, The Newest Gnome is a stroll through a special and strange yet ultimately familiar place first introduced in Soloy’s picture book The Hidden World of Gnomes. Grolly Maru is The Pocket’s newest inhabitant. They are learning all about their new home and all the things the gnomes do to care for it. But what will their job be? As each gnome shares their role in The Pocket, Grolly is less and less sure about what they should do. But by the light of the full moon, inspiration strikes and Grolly finds their place.

Learn more and order your copy here


The One About The Blackbird
by Melanie Florence and Matt James


A gorgeous picture book about the connections created through music, and how music can reach loved ones with dementia. A young boy learns to play guitar from his grandfather, and the one about the blackbird is their favorite song. Years later, the boy visits his grandfather, and while his grandfather doesn’t recognize him, now grown-up, he does still remember how to hold a guitar. A beautiful full circle moment ensues when the boy plays his grandfather their favorite song.

Learn more and order your copy here


Lena the Chicken (But Really a Dinosaur!)
by Linda Bailey and K-Fai Steele


Lena lives in a chicken coop, and she looks a lot like a chicken. But deep down, she’s convinced that she’s a . . . DINOSAUR! The people on the farm are also baffled . . . except for little Madeline, who thinks Lena has personality. And then, when a dastardly weasel turns up and threatens the coop, Lena’s fearful family chickens out. It’s up to Lena to unleash her inner dinosaur like never before — to save the coop and show this silly bunch of chickens how to stand up for themselves. And when Madeline’s science fair project shows that chickens are the closest living relatives in the world to dinosaurs, Lena’s family finally begins to see Lena’s point. The book includes a die-cut cover and back matter about how chickens (and all other birds) are the living descendants of dinosaurs.

Learn more and order your copy here




Robot Island

by Cary Fagan


Forced into stealing valuable books (Little Women, Great Expectations) from a rich widow, Willis takes refuge on an abandoned island with a town populated by robots in this new middle-grade novel by acclaimed writer Cary Fagan. What is the connection between Mrs. Shorthouse and Robot Island? And when Willis turns on the electricity and the robots of Robot Island come to life, will they turn out to be friends or enemies?

Learn more and order your copy here


Invisible: The (Sort of) True Story of Me and My Hidden Disease

by David Soren


From the Canadian director of the Captain Underpants movie and Turbo comes a heavily illustrated middle-grade novel that captures the rollercoaster ride of growing up with an invisible disability. JJ Sugar was only eight years old when he discovered that he could really draw. After winning a citywide poster design contest, his dream of becoming an animator was born. Unfortunately for JJ, that same year, he also discovered his curse—he had Crohn’s disease. JJ was suddenly no longer alone on the exam table. Sitting next to him was a giant, sarcastic, leather-wearing CREATURE: Norm, the not-so-invisible embodiment of JJ’s chronic disease. And Norm seems bent on ruining his life.

Learn more and order your copy here


The Amazing Generation

by Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price

Jonathan Haidt’s blockbuster book, The Anxious Generation, has sparked a global conversation about the effects of smartphones and social media on young people’s development, and has inspired millions of parents, teachers, and leaders to take action. Now, Haidt and Catherine Price, author of the bestselling How to Break Up with Your Phone, have teamed up to create a new book that speaks directly to kids and early teens. Their goal? To empower young people to stand up for themselves by choosing a life not dominated by screens. Written for nine- to twelve-year-olds—and relevant whether or not they already have smartphones or social media accounts—this engaging guide is packed with surprising facts, a graphic novel, interactive challenges, secrets that tech leaders don’t want kids to know, and real-life anecdotes from young adults who regret getting smartphones at a young age and want to help the next generation avoid making the same mistakes. But this isn’t just a book about what not to do. It’s a bold, optimistic, and practical guide to growing into your most authentic, confident, and adventurous self. Readers won’t just discover how to avoid becoming the next Anxious Generation. They’ll learn how to become amazing.

Learn more and order your copy here

Dragonborn
by Struan Murray

There is a secret world of dragons that lurks at the edges of our own. But dragons also live among us. These Slumberers have been human for so long they have forgotten their true selves—until something awakens the dragon within. Twelve-year-old Alex Evans is about to wake up. Ever since her father’s death, Alex’s overprotective mother has smothered her with unbreakable rules and unspoken fears. Feeling trapped, Alex’s frustration has become too big to hide away. Burning inside, she erupts into a fierce, fiery roar. A new school and a new life await Alex on the legendary island of Skralla, one of the last surviving dragon havens. There, she will train alongside other young dragons who are wild, untamed, and—unlike Alex—skilled at transforming and embracing their dragons within. As dark factions begin to rise, Alex finds herself in a race to unlock her long-dormant power before Drak Midna, the greatest dragon of all, rises again to wage war against the human world.

Learn more and order your copy here

Discover your next cozy family read this fall with these new releases from Penguin Random House Canada—perfect for making autumn moments together even more memorable.

Books provided by Penguin Random House Canada

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Fall Cabin Getaway Must-Haves

Kaya Cabin Fall Header

Fall Cabin Getaway Must-Haves

Fall in Ontario is pure magic—fiery forests, crisp air, and the restorative quiet of nature. At CABINSCAPE, it’s our favourite season to unplug and soak it all in. Whether you’re road-tripping to one of our off-grid cabins or settling in for a cozy weekend, here are our fall must-haves for the perfect getaway.

Cabin-Friendly Comfort Foods 

Nothing says fall like hearty, home-cooked meals. Think easy one-pot dishes you can make on the stovetop—soups, chili, or pasta. Don’t forget the campfire classics: s’mores, and roasted marshmallows.

Warm & Cozy Layers

Autumn weather can be unpredictable—sunny afternoons, chilly mornings, and brisk evenings by the fire. Pack lots of layers: flannels, thermal leggings, chunky knit sweaters, and of course, extra socks are always a good idea.

Seasonal Drinks 

Bring along a thermos for hot cider, mulled wine, or pumpkin spice lattes (bonus points if you make your own with local apples or pumpkin purée). They’ll taste extra cozy when sipped fireside under the stars.

Entertainment, Unplugged

Part of the beauty of our off-grid escapes is the chance to disconnect. Bring a good book, a journal, or a deck of cards. A portable speaker with a pre-downloaded fall playlist can also set the mood—perfect for sipping cider on the deck.

Cabin Comforts

While our cabins come stocked with the essentials, a few extra touches go a long way: battery-powered fairy lights, a cozy blanket for star-gazing, and your favourite fall-scented candle (think cinnamon, apple, or cedarwood).

Fall Adventure Essentials

While our cabins come stocked with the essentials, a few extra touches go a long way: battery-powered fairy lights, a cozy blanket for star-gazing, and your favourite fall-scented candle (think cinnamon, apple, or cedarwood).

Camera (or Just Your Eyes) 

You’ll want to capture the golden light, misty mornings, and vibrant forest colours. Whether it’s your DSLR, phone, or simply just slowing down to take it all in, the memories will be worth keeping.

Stargazing Staples

Cool, crisp fall nights make for some of the clearest skies of the year. Pack a blanket, thermos, and maybe even a star map or stargazing app. Away from city lights, you’ll be amazed at how many constellations, shooting stars, and even the Milky Way you can spot.

The takeaway?

Fall is about slowing down, cozying up, and enjoying the simple beauty of the season. Our tiny cabins are designed to help you do just that—whether you’re hiking fiery trails, cooking comfort food, or stargazing with a hot drink in hand.

So pack your flannels, your favourite snacks, and your fall must-haves—your autumn adventure at CABINSCAP awaits.