Alternative Spaces for Your Photo Session | The Wander Resort, Kabin Paudashlake, Back to the Cabin, and A Tree Fort
After putting together the blog post dedicated to my favourite studio spaces in Toronto, I felt that creating a list of my favourite alternative and outdoor spaces was a must, too. Especially considering the mileage I put on my car last year traveling to each of these places; some, a few times over!
What I loved about last year were all the little getaways my couples were going on and how inviting me along became a regular thing. Shooting in new spaces, shooting them on those little getaways, and shooting them in places that they were creating new memories together was so inspiring.
Plus, it sure mixes things up in a great new way. And it’s a great excuse to double up your reason to book a really nice Airbnb or resort when escaping the city.
So, here are a collection of a few places where you can book in, get some R&R and downtime, and use as a beautiful setting for your next couples or lifestyle family session.
Enjoy!
WANDER | THE RESORT
First up is Wander | The Resort. This new, chic resort is located in Prince Edward County, right on the water. It’s made up of a series of little stand-alone cabins in a Nordic design meets County comfort style. Each cabin features fully functioning kitchens stocked with staples, has air conditioning for those warm summer nights and heated floors for those chilly winter days, and offers private outdoor dining and living areas with natural gas fireplaces. Plus, each space has Bluetooth speakers, WiFi, books, and games for the ultimate cozy home-away-from-home vacation. It’s super lovely!
WARKWORTH FARMHOUSE
This restored 19th century farmhouse is amazing. Plus, it’s only an hour and a half drive from Toronto! The house is light-filled and minimalist, located in Northumberland County on 8.5 acres of rolling hills. It has all the charms of an old farmhouse with all the amenities you need in a new home, and is huge—there are tons of rooms, which means all the more space to invite more people up and have some fun! Make sure to book in a stay here for your next family lifestyle or couple’s session and enjoy the peace and quiet of the beautiful countryside while you’re at it.
TREE FORT
I recently stayed at this beautiful tree fort for a little solo getaway and I have to say—I’m obsessed! It honestly might just be one of my most favourite little vacation spots. This place is tiny but mighty and so cool. I mean, it’s a giant tree fort! Plus they have an outdoor shower and a hot tub, and the kitchen is fully functioning so you can cook up a storm while you’re staying. It’s not necessarily kid-friendly for toddlers or little ones that can walk, as the only bedroom is up a ladder, but it’s so cozy and romantic and I would totally encourage a couple’s getaway here (love session, anyone?). However, I did capture this sweet family there with their little babe—it was good timing, as just a year after shooting the below session, their sweet gal is a nonstop busy body!
KABIN PAUDAUSH LAKE
Kabin Paudaush Lake is a regular getaway spot for me, and is only two hours away from Toronto! I’ve yet to go up during the summer, so I can only imagine how incredible it is then. But I can definitely say in the fall and winter it has been totally perfect. It’s super cute and cozy and the sunrises will melt your heart. It’s a newly renovated four bedroom cottage, located at the water’s edge overlooking Lake Paudash. The house features a fireplace, a wood stove, super spacious cathedral ceilings and a full kitchen—with the cutest Smeg fridge and coffee maker! For a summertime lake dip, the water can be accessed from the beachfront or their brand new dock, and for those chilly winter days, there’s an entertainment room with a big TV for movies and bean bag chairs perfect for cozying up. But no matter which season you choose to visit in, any time you go here you’ll be in for a treat.
BACK TO THE CABIN
If you are a sucker for an A-frame, look no further than Back to the Cabin. This place is so sweet and there is nothing better than getting the fire going, the record playing, and cozying up in the king bed in the nook of the A-frame, before waking up in the morning to the sound of the babbling creek and birds chirping outside. I’ve gone here with my family and have photographed a few couples here too. It offers a full kitchen, two separate sleeping spaces, plus a BBQ and fire pit outside. It’s totally delightful and you’ll love it!
