Huntsville's Forest of Light 

by Jay Richardson 

This year, that magic has a name: Forest of Light. It’s an immersive illuminated trail that winds roughly a kilometre through Sandhill’s fields, gardens and forest — a curated night walk where art, light and nature do all the talking.

For those who are wondering what to actually do up here in December — beyond hockey, skiing and negotiating whose turn it is to put wood in the stove — this is one experience I’d happily build a whole winter weekend around.

What Is Forest of Light?

Think of Forest of Light as a winter evening art walk woven through towering trees and garden paths.
You arrive at Sandhill Nursery and follow a one-kilometre loop that leads you through a curated series of illuminated installations. Some sections are whimsical and playful; others are surprisingly introspective, inviting you to slow down, breathe in the cold air and simply look. The trail reflects the seasons of life and time, with clocks, light sculptures and soundscapes layered into the natural setting.

 
It’s not a “rush through and tick the box” kind of attraction. It’s meant to be walked slowly — preferably with someone you like very much, a warm drink in hand and no particular schedule.
Dress as you would for a winter lake walk: proper boots, warm coat, hat, gloves. The path is outdoors and lit, but you are very much in the elements, which is precisely the point.

Why It’s Perfect for My Cottage People

My clients are busy, successful and used to experiences that have been carefully thought through. When they come north they’re not looking for crowds and chaos; they want space, beauty and the feeling that their time is being well spent.

Forest of Light ticks all those boxes:
• It’s immersive, not overwhelming. No flashing carnival lights or loudspeakers barking instructions. Just an artful, atmospheric walk that honours the forest rather than fighting it.
• It’s photogenic without being gimmicky. Yes, you’ll get lovely photos for Instagram if you’d like them — but the experience doesn’t depend on selfies. It’s equally satisfying to tuck your phone away and just be present.
• It works for couples, families and extended “cottage guest” weekends. It’s gentle enough for children and grandparents but layered enough to keep adults fully engaged.
• It’s five minutes from Huntsville for dinner and a glass of wine. You can easily pair Forest of Light with a meal in Huntsville and make a full evening of it.

For those of you testing the idea of using your Lake of Bays or Huntsville cottage year-round, this is exactly the kind of shoulder-season activity that makes winter ownership feel worthwhile.

Start at Sandhill, Stay for the Evening

Sandhill has become one of Muskoka’s go-to destinations for seasonal experiences and winter is no exception. Their Everything Christmas showroom is already a tradition for many of my clients who like to curate a more elevated, natural holiday look at the cottage — think fresh greens, textured wreaths, lanterns, and simple, beautiful pieces that don’t scream “mall décor.”

 
Before or after your walk, you can warm up at The Rusty Rake Café on site for something hot to drink and a bite to eat, then head into town for dinner or back to the cottage to put your feet up by the fire.

My suggestion for an  evening out:
1. Arrive late afternoon
Check in at the cottage or your hotel, light a few candles and change into proper winter layers. This is not the night for thin city boots.
2. Early dinner in Huntsville
Enjoy a relaxed meal downtown — something leisurely, where you don’t feel rushed. Leave enough time to drive to Sandhill for your pre-booked time slot.
3. Forest of Light after dark
Walk the trail slowly.
4. Nightcap back at the cottage
End the evening with hot chocolate or a glass of wine, feet up, the glow of the Christmas tree reflecting in the window. That’s the moment your investment in cottage life really lands.

Making It a Full Muskoka Weekend

You can easily turn Forest of Light into the anchor for a December weekend:
• Night one: Arrive, settle in, Forest of Light.
• Day two: Lazy morning, brunch in Huntsville, a wander through local shops, perhaps a stop at one of the Christmas markets or outdoor activities if the weather cooperates.
• Night two: Simple dinner at the cottage, board games, maybe a quiet drive to see Christmas lights in town. Huntsville Christmas lights this year are absolutely amazing!
• Day three: Slow pack-up, a final walk to the dock and back to the city with that “we really needed this” feeling.

For my clients who are still in the “researching” phase of buying in Muskoka or Lake of Bays, a weekend like this is invaluable. You’re not just scrolling listings online — you’re testing the drive, the winter roads, the feeling of the place at night and whether this is somewhere you can genuinely imagine building your family’s traditions.

A New Kind of Winter Tradition

Muskoka has always done summer beautifully: boat rides, long dock days and lingering sunsets. Winter, for many years, was something cottage owners simply endured. Experiences like Forest of Light are changing that narrative.
They give us reasons to bundle up and go out after dark; to experience the forest in a more contemplative way; to see Huntsville and Lake of Bays as four-season communities rather than “summer only” destinations.

If you already own here, put Forest of Light on your December list and invite friends or family up for a weekend. If you’re still thinking about a purchase, consider this your homework assignment: come up, walk the forest and see how Muskoka feels when the trees are glowing and the snow squeaks under your boots.

And if you’d like help choosing a cottage that truly works year-round — from road access and winter services to the layout that best suits holiday hosting — that’s where I come in. I'm excited to bring you "home" to Muskoka.

Jay Richardson