The Taiga Animal Sanctuary

First of all, this is a beautiful property. The land is large, scenic, and peaceful, and the two cows were adorable (though one did swing his head at my boyfriend while being fed, so be cautious). That said, it is very expensive for what you get. The walkways to our room, to the hottub, where you have to park, and to see the cows were insanely icy. We almost fell multiple times. Some salt or sand would have made a big difference just for safety. Amenities were also disappointing. There is a hot tub and shower, but no bath towels — only hand towels. Luckily we brought our own. What’s frustrating is that on other booking sites, photos of this same suite show a queen/king bed with towels folded and laid out. However, because there were only two of us, the host locked the doors to the enclosed bedrooms and left only the open beds accessible, with no bath towels. It felt misleading, Ontop of wanting to charge me if I add people The ice rink was featured in some photos. We visited at the end of February (below freezing), but were told it was closed. I’ve since noticed those rink photos have been removed from Hipcamp. This was upsetting. Firewood was also an issue. It said wood would be provided for the fireplaces, but the pits were snow-covered and empty. The host responded the next morning, and by then we couldn’t use them. I paid $500 for one night for two people as an anniversary present. At that price, I expected much more than what we got. It did not meet my expectations.

Gabrielle D.

3 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2023

Would go back!

With kids ·

The treehouse is so cute! It has a lot of amenities and the property itself is beautiful. I’d definitely recommend and can’t wait to go back. One thing to note - there’s no plumbing so the water is dispensed from a large water dispenser. This didn’t impact us, but I wanted to flag.

Niveen S.

2 reviews

Recommends

· February 2023

Peaceful + Relaxing

With pets ·

This is my second time back at the Taiga’s retreat. Not only is this spot relaxing but it also connects you to nature and all it has to offer. The sauna was a beautiful touch to the spot —I’m sure the host will be seeing me again. 🤭

Bree B.

4 reviews

Recommends

· January 2023

Cute treehouse in the forest!

We stayed in the treehouse for one night and it was really nice! You're right in the forest so it's really peaceful and it feels like you're off the grid. We have everything we needed and a BBQ on the porch which was nice to make dinner on. The sauna is a short few steps away from the treehouse so you can easily run over to it in the winter, it was perfect! We were 3 adults and I thought the couch pulled out but it didn't - but the bed is king size so we had no issue fitting all of us on the bed comfortably!

Biliana G.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· January 2023

This treehouse has it all!

I never thought i'd get a chance to stay in a treehouse as an adult and i gotta say it has been one of my favourite time away from the city. Jennifer has done an amazing job outfitting the place, meticulously addressing all your possible needs during your escape from the busy city life! We cannot believe how cozy this spot is, and it has all the amenities you can imagine (and more!). I still cannot believe this sanctuary is a 40 minute drive away from the city. It provides a tranquil place for you to think and just disconnect for a bit. The animals definitely help relieve all the stress for sure! Jennifer has a special place and we are very lucky she has chosen to share it with all of us. I will be back!

Angelo M.

7 reviews

Recommends

· January 2023

With pets ·

We had a wonderful weekend stay at The Taiga. The weather was not the greatest so we didn't get to do everything we wanted but we enjoyed the hottub and the trails in the woods. We absolutely loved feeding the animals. It would be nice to return in the summer and stay in one of the tents or the tree house. I would highly recommend staying at The Taiga. Quiet, nature and animals!

Jennifer F.

3 years on Hipcamp

Not recommend

· October 2022

Over sold and under delivered

With pets ·

Initially, we thoroughly looking forward to staying at this listing. At 0700 the morning of (oct 6 2022), Jennifer(host) messaged on hipcamp to tell us that the hot tub was not working and would not be available until the 15th of October 2022. A discount for this amenity no longer available was not offered by the host for this inconvenience and we had to fight with her for a 15% discount for letting us know the morning of check-in with an "oh by the way" message. There is no lighting from the "enchanted forest" entrance to the sites or sauna so any late walk to the washrooms is in the dark if you don't bring your own flashlights. The potable water is a garden hose coming from the house stretched across the property to a room directly attached to the cow barn. The kitchen windows vent into the cow pen and there is a door with no handle blocked off with blocks stopping the cows entering the kitchen area. The bathroom... oh goodness this bathroom... taking the term "compostable toilet" to bare bones -- it was a bucket with a toilet seat where you sprinkle wood shavings on top and wash your hands with hand sanitizer... little dollerama lights that barely work and are motion sensored so you end up in the dark, frequently. Our tent looked moldy on the outside, was facing a different direction than the photos, the strings holding the tent up - some were missing. Dollerama lights inside that barely worked. Would not recommend this place.

Emma K.

2 reviews

Recommends

· October 2022

Luna tent was so cozy! We had a good time and blankets were provided. Even though firewood was not available on site and the hot tub was not open. This nature retreat gives you an opportunity to disconnect from the world even if it's just for a small amount of time.

Valeria C.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2022

With pets ·

Nice and private and the sauna was lovely!

Marnie M.

2 reviews

Recommends

· September 2022

Great place, very quiet the tent was very clean and comfortable! Amenities are also good! The place is super clean and had lots of areas were you can relax. I really had a great time

Victor G.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2022

With kids ·

Absolutely perfect experience! Amenities are set up in a private and peaceful way giving each guest their own space. My children LOVED Mr Rumba the pig and the cows but the chickens may have been the hit of the trip! We will definitely be back, it was beautiful and so perfect for us. Thank you!!

Valinda H.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2022

The Taiga was a beautiful retreat! My girlfriend and I stayed in the Cedar Tent. The lot was amazing with a lot of privacy, surrounded by tall trees and the sounds of nature. It rained while for a couple of nights while we were there, but that did not dampen our time! The Tent stayed nice and dry, and to sleep with the sound of the rain beading off of the Yurt was dreamlike! From the lovely walking trails, to the garden, to the animals, to the many seating areas, this place is truly a gem, and I would highly recommend to anyone looking to escape and get reacquainted with themselves and nature! Thank you!

Justin S.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2022

Best trip of my life

This place is amazing. My girlfriend and I stayed 2 nights in the Luna tent and it was beautiful, exactly like the pictures. The sauna was wonderful and the land was well taken care of. They have everything needed for a great stay. It rained the whole second day yet we still had a great time. And than there’s the animals. They are so precious, kind and loving. Dora and Roc (the cows) are big fluffy babies and stole my heart, Tee, El and Cee (the chickens) were so friendly and warm up to people easily. And than there’s Mr. Rumba (the pig)….words cannot express how wonderful he is. He is the new love of my life, he is the cutest, sweetest, kindest boy. He made the trip unforgettable and he really does love belly rubs! If you’re on the fence, don’t be, it’s worth it. We’ll definitely be coming back!

Gabi M.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2022

Peaceful forest escape

This is such a tranquil spot! The forest trails were beautiful and I loved the added touches of fairy lights and hammocks along the pathways. The tent kept me nice and cozy all night. I stayed in the Luna tent but would likely pick the other one if I go back as it’s closer to the washroom. The animals were so sweet and the garden was beautiful.

Renee D.

4 reviews

Recommends

· August 2022

Beautiful property, lovely details

Lovely place to spend a couple of nights. We stayed in the luxurious apartment as the glamping tents and tree hut were already booked, and we had everything we needed, including wifi. The animals were so sweet, and the forest trails, seating areas + other details of the property so well taken care of. Jennifer made sure we had everything we needed. Absolutely recommend staying here! We will be back. Love from Amsterdam, Jasper & Ivy

Ivy D.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2022

Beautiful and quiet stay!

I loved getting to camp here in a yurt! There are only two of them so it’s a much more personable stay. Plus waking up and having breakfast with the rescue cows and piggy made it extra special!

Sophia R.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2022

Glamping Experience!

The host is super accommodating and friendly. I would recommend this site to anyone who is looking to reconnect with nature.

Bree B.

4 reviews

Recommends

· August 2022

Everything was just the like the pictures and Jennifer was very quick with responding to any of my questions. Tent was spacious and bed was comfy. Make sure to bring bug spray and flashlights. Overall relaxing time.

Rebecca L.

3 years on Hipcamp

Mixed feelings

· August 2022

Overall was good. A few more things could help like fan in the tents, electricity for phone charging..and a little bigger hot plate or stove in kitchen.

Nidhi W.

3 reviews

Recommends

· August 2022

Camping with pets

With pets ·

Loved our stay .. great area to walk around and great place for pets around tents to be off leash and run around.

Nidhi W.

3 reviews

Recommends

· July 2022

A serene place, a beautiful tent and beautifully set up place. Beautifully created kitchen and showers. Sauna and Hot tub just made it all better! Best place to spend some time in the nature. All the instructions given are clear and helpful. Amazing and friendly hosts!

Anju J.

3 reviews

Recommends

· July 2022

With kids ·

We loved our experience at the Taiga! The tent was beautiful, the scenery was so peaceful, and we loved seeing and petting all the animals! It was a fantastic couple of days to disconnect and enjoy nature. My daughter is already talking about "next time we come back".

Ashley R.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2022

This was a great nature escape that is accessible from the city. We enjoyed our time away in the tent and on the premises. The sauna and hot tub were lovely, as were the helpful hosts!

Monica S.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2022

Little slice of heaven!

Loved glamping on Jen and Leos property! There property is a little slice heaven away from the busy city. The tent was beautifully decorated that made for a very comfortable stay. There were lots of animals to see for example there adorable super friendly chickens named T,L,&C!!! Fun fact! I had no idea how soft chickens actually were LOL. There is sauna, hot tub, and brand new tree house! That I’m most definitely going to be returning to experience. Thank you both for your great hospitality and look forward to being back soon.

Lia L.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2022

Taiga Tent Luna

Loved the Luna tent! It was a really good experience overall!

Riya A.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2022

Amazing and comfortable getaway!

Group trip ·

My partner and I spent an incredible overnight stay at The Taiga's basement unit. The basement stay was absolutely incredible - it is an expansive 2 bedroom home with a newly renovated, superbly well stocked kitchen, a great living spaces, and a beautiful expansive bathroom. As many reviews have mentioned already - this space is the perfect getaway - no matter the season you're visiting, you're guaranteed to have a wonderful time! We visited in the Spring with our corgi Limone and spent most of our time outside enjoying the trails, open field, and animals. Jennifer and Leo kindly permits dogs to enjoy the trails and property off-leash if well-behaved and let us tell you, Limone LOVED the forest trails and meeting Mr. Rumba (the sweet rescue pig that lives on the property) and the cows! By the way, there are hammocks and seats galore. During our exploration I swear we counted over 15+ hammocks, swing chairs, lounge chairs, along the property. If you're visiting without a dog, I highly recommend visiting the front garden just past their volleyball/ice rink field where the chickens are. With 2 glamping tents, an upcoming treehouse, and the basement unit there's plenty of options to choose from. Would highly recommend! Jennifer was most accommodating and very hospitable. The best part is you dont have to drive long hours to visit this sanctuary and escape the city - just a little over an hour drive from Toronto!

Angelo M.

7 reviews

Recommends

· May 2022

This is a must visit place. Such a relaxing weekend we had. Jennifer is such an Amazing and responsive host. Everything was just so perfect

Jashanpreet K.

2 reviews

Recommends

· October 2021

Romantic and relaxing!

The Taiga was everything we hoped for our anniversary, even with the heavy rain for the first couple hours. Luckily, Jenny and Leo drove us and all our supplies, to our site, in her fantastic new Polaris. The tent site was absolutely beautiful, made even more so with all the leaves falling! Inside the tent, it was comfy, spacious and most importantly, completely dry! The addition of a small propane or kerosene heater for cooler/wetter times would be a bonus but we were fine without, thanks to additional blankets that were provided in the tent,and a sleeping bag that we brought with us. Overall, the experience was amazing and so restorative! We will definitely be back again next summer and can't wait!! Thanks again Jenny and Leo!

Susan S.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2021

The Perfect & Peaceful Getaway

Spent a night here for our anniversary and it was the perfect relaxing and romantic getaway we had hoped for. Visiting with the rescue highland cattle was the highlight of our trip. But the games, trails, hot tub and peacefulness of the campsite made the entire experience amazing. Would definitely recommend visiting this property if you are looking to relax, reconnect and rewind.

Vanessa H.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2021

Perfect Getaway!