Cabin Fever

Embrace Hamilton’s great outdoors by booking a stay at one of the new Valens Lake Conservation Area cabins.

If you like the idea of camping but don’t actually like the part that involves sleeping on the ground in a tent, the good folks at the Hamilton Conservation Authority have just the solution. They recently announced that the popular Valens Lake Conservation Area now has eight delightfully rustic cabins available to rent, all year round. In case you’ve been living under a rock, Valens Lake in Flamborough is a 300-hectare mecca for campers, hikers, anglers, and outdoor lovers alike and boasts more than 10 kilometres of hiking and walking trails, 225 camp sites and a picturesque swimming area complete with sandy beach. With the launch of the all-season Drumlin cabins – with names like Canada goose, swan, owl and loon – camping has become glamping and while not quite five-star accommodations, the new cabins can sleep as many as six people and come in three layouts, complete with kitchenette with sink and fridge, mattresses, flush toilets, propane BBQ and baseboard heating so you can keep warm during the winter months. In addition to being located in a stunning conservation area overlooking the lake, all the cabins feature pine walls, ceilings, and log furniture for that authentic “great outdoors” vibe. Rates start at $135 (plus HST) a night and there’s a two-night minimum with a 14-night maximum. Dogs are not allowed, nor is alcohol and you must be 25 years old to book. For reservations, visit conservationhamilton.ca/cabins