Experience jungle travel in Canada.

If asked about one of the most enjoyable experiences when visiting European or American countries, I would unhesitatingly say visiting ancient villages, suburban areas, or even venturing into the forest to learn about local culture and admire the beauty of nature.

Mùa đông trong rừng ở Muskoka — Winter in the forest in Muskoka

The forest is located near the ancient village of Rosseau.

After arriving in Canada, my husband and I chose to visit a small forest in Muskoka – a town in Ontario, about a two-hour drive from Toronto. Canadian winter lasts until March, with most cities covered in snow, and many areas experiencing temperatures as low as -30 or -40 degrees Celsius. Since we arrived in Muskoka in February, it was still cold, around -5 to -10 degrees Celsius, but the snow made Muskoka look like a fairytale land with many frozen lakes, and occasionally, beautiful houses and villas along the lakeside. We booked a house near the old village of Rosseau – a place with many beautiful wooden houses that look like something out of a cartoon.

Căn nhà nhìn từ bên ngoài — The house as seen from the outside.

In my experience, booking a house on Airbnb is always a good idea because it provides the most up-to-date reviews from previous renters. You can also check the popularity of the property and the reputation of the host. The house I booked was located on a large estate in a very old place with architecture and interior design largely preserved from the day it was built. Rental prices are cheaper in winter than in summer, ranging from $100 to $200 per night.

Nội thất trong nhà rất vintage và hầu như được giữ nguyên từ ngày mới xây — The interior of the house is very vintage and has been largely preserved since the day it was built.

Khung cảnh lãng mãn từ căn nhà nhìn ra một vùng tuyết trắng — A romantic view from the house overlooking a snow-covered landscape.

Watching the sunrise in the forest

Watching the sunrise in the early morning in the forest is a truly delightful experience. While snow blankets the towering pine trees, the tranquil atmosphere is only occasionally disturbed by the sounds of the horse farm nearby. At this time, my husband busily brews hot tea and plays jazz piano music, creating a warm and romantic ambiance.

Những góc nhỏ xinh xắn trong căn nhà — Charming little corners in the house

Buổi sáng trong rừng thích hợp nhâm nhi một tách trà nóng — A morning in the forest is perfect for sipping a hot cup of tea.

We wandered around the house, visited the stables, burned firewood to keep warm, read books, listened to music, cooked, and secretly thought about returning to the forest next spring to enjoy this tranquil, peaceful, and happy atmosphere.

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Looking for a traditional local breakfast?

Since I knew I'd have to drive a long distance to find groceries, I prepared some supplies like meat, vegetables, fruit, bread, and wine bought from Toronto in case it got too cold or there were no amenities nearby. However, for those who enjoy exploring the area, you can bring some equipment to try ice fishing or skiing like the locals.

The next day we drove around to the old village of Rosseau and discovered many restaurants where we could have breakfast, and old grocery stores that were open, mostly run by elderly people.

Nhà hàng nơi chúng mình dùng bữa sáng — The restaurant where we had breakfast.

The traditional Canadian breakfast we had at a local restaurant included: poached eggs with asparagus and hollandaise sauce, and beefsteak with fried eggs and toast, both served with french fries.

Bữa sáng truyền thống Canada tại một nhà hàng bản địa — A traditional Canadian breakfast at a local restaurant.

We went to buy some food for lunch and dinner; the store had lots of fresh produce transported from the city. We also didn't forget to buy some firewood from a grocery store that's been around since 1874.

Một tiệm tạp hóa địa phương trong làng mở cửa từ năm 1874 — A local grocery store in the village has been open since 1874.

In the evening, we had wood-fired chicken, pan-fried scallops wrapped in bacon, fruit, and hot tea. We listened to Michael Buble's music and gathered around the warm fireplace.

In this tranquil setting, I've been thinking a lot about Canadian vacation culture. Traveling isn't just about experiencing new places, but also about spending more time with loved ones. Therefore, even though it's nestled in the forest and lacks many amenities, many families still choose to buy a house here so they have a place to spend weekends or holidays together.

Goodbye Muskoka, looking forward to spring… so I can return to the forest!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Author Bui Thu Thao is a culinary expert and food blogger who brings the Finedining concept and the spirit of home cooking closer to Vietnamese people through her blog, Art Kitchen Studio. Art Kitchen Studio is not just an online food blog; it also regularly organizes offline activities connecting international and domestic chefs, food & lifestyle bloggers, and the food-loving community through cooking recipes and professional culinary exchange events.

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