Keeping with the theme of travelling domestically within Canada this summer, it is time for another unique stay, this time a tiny container house in Toronto!
That’s right, for this city escape we didn’t actually have to leave the Greater Toronto Area. Sam and I packed our bags and drove across the city for the easiest getaway ever, where we spent two days hiking, roasting marshmallows, and star-gazing.
I can hardly believe this was only 50 minutes from home!
Tiny Container House in Toronto
The place we chose was a shipping container turned tiny home tucked into a little pocket of greenery in Scarborough, not too far from the Toronto Zoo and Rouge National Urban Park.
The interior of the tiny home was very much open concept. On one end, there was a queen-sized bed pushed right up against a large circular window that looked out into the woods. There were two smaller windows on either side of the bed that provided some airflow – much needed in the middle of summer!
This tiny home had a wood-burning stove that we didn’t turn on, but it’d be ideal for stays during the cooler months. There was a small seating area with folding chairs that we moved outdoors to the deck, and we also had a mini kitchen area with a foot-pump sink.
On the opposite end of the container house we had the bathroom, which consisted of a compost toilet. There was no shower, but it’s not a big deal if you’re just doing an overnight stay.
Outdoors, we had a camping-style propane grill and a spacious counter for food prep. Then, further down the property, there was an outdoor seating area around a fire pit, perfect for roasting marshmallows and making s’mores.
Once again, I found this tiny container house listed on AirBnB, so if you’re looking for a city getaway in the Toronto area, check it out!
Day 1
3:00 pm Arriving at the tiny house
This tiny home is set on a rather large property so we parked up front by the main house and then rolled our supplies in a little wagon through the forest and over to our tiny home.
5:30 pm Grilling burgers for dinner
By the time we had settled into the tiny house, it was almost dinner time, so we got cooking. As usual, we kept our meal pretty simple opting for a camping-style dinner.
I bought some bacon and cheddar cheeseburgers at the market, so we grilled those, added some aged cheddar cheese on top, and then swapped the traditional burger buns for some naan.
No toppings, no condiments, but it was oh-so-good!
Afterwards, Sam sadly asked, “you only brought two?”
We both could’ve had seconds.
7:00 pm Roasting marshmallows around the fire
I packed a s’mores kit because, as you know, no camping trip would be complete without roasting some marshmallows around the fire and then getting your fingers sticky assembling ooey-gooey s’mores.
This was a fun way to spend the evening and the smoke kept the mosquitoes away so we were able to linger awhile.
10:15 pm Stargazing and spotting the Big Dipper
The coolest thing about this tiny container house stay was being able to see the stars at night! It never got completely dark since we were in the city and there’s always a bit of light pollution, but it was dark enough to see the Big Dipper right from bed. That was a nice surprise.
Day 2
9:30 am Enjoying a tasty breakfast in nature
Breakfast the next morning was enjoyed out in the yard. Again, I kept it super simple with no cooking involved. We had some muffins, banana, and blackberries, and that was all we needed to get going.
10:30 am Hiking in Rouge National Urban Park
Sam and I love a good hike, so that morning we drove over to Rouge National Urban Park to tackle some of the trails. The park was just a 6-minute drive from the tiny container house and there was free parking on the street at the north trailhead right on Zoo Road.
We decided to hike the Vista Trail, which is 1.5 kilometres one way. This trail takes you to a two-level viewing platform where you can see the cliffs – apparently, it’s especially popular in the fall when you can peep the autumn foliage.
Most of the hike was through the forest; the only reminder that we were in the city was when we hit the ‘hydro corridor’.
You can view a list of the various hiking trails at Rouge National Urban Park here.
12:30 pm Grabbing some burgers for lunch
We were feeling pretty hungry after all that hiking and there weren’t any food options at the park, so we drove to the nearest plaza where we found a little burger joint. We ended up at Paul’s Breakfast & Burgers where we each ordered a burger and fries and proceeded to devour those in the parking lot.
1:15 pm Visiting Rouge Beach Park
After lunch, we decided we wanted to do a bit more hiking so we drove down to Rouge Beach Park, which is part of Rouge National Urban Park.
This is where the Rouge River flows into Lake Ontario and it feels so far removed from the city. There’s a boardwalk through a beautiful section of marshland where you can see herons as well as smaller birds hopping across the lily pads.
There were people out canoeing, kayaking, biking, jogging and just enjoying the beginning of summer out on the Waterfront Trail.
4:30 pm Time for an afternoon snack
We then drove back to the tiny container house but it was way too hot to be indoors in the middle of the afternoon. We decided to combat the heat with some cool drinks on the patio and some guacamole and tortilla chips.
8:00 pm Hanging around the campfire
That evening we enjoyed a little reading session around the campfire. Whenever Sam and I have a mutual interest in a book, we read it together by taking turns reading aloud to each other. Any other couples do that?!
Day 3
9:30 am Packing up and heading home!
And just like that, our little weekend getaway was over and it was time to drive back home. I’m always amazed at how refreshed I feel after just two days away doing something a little different from my normal routine. In our case, Sam and I spend a lot of time working in front of our computers, so getting to do a bit of hiking and treating ourselves to unusual accommodations is a great way to reset.
This was a really fun tiny house stay and I’d recommend it to anyone who lives in Toronto and is looking for a nature escape without having to drive very far.
For a little more travel inspiration, you can check out some other unique stays we’ve done just outside Toronto including this off-grid cabin stay in Schomberg and this cozy tiny cabin getaway in Glen Huron.
Why Tiny Stays Work: Reflections, Tips & Inspiration for Your Own Mini Toronto Escape
The Tiny House Advantage: Big Experience, Small Footprint
Why tiny houses work for city escapes:
- Less time inside, more time outside: When you only have what you need, it’s natural to take advantage of the outdoors—hiking, reading, or just staring up at the stars.
- Closer connection with nature: With that giant circular window framing the forest, we woke to the sound of birds instead of traffic. Bonus: the wildflowers made the “backyard” feel like a secret garden.
- Easy to unplug: Limited WiFi and no TV nudged us to put away our screens. Instead, we played cards, read aloud, and actually had conversations (remember those?).
- Eco-conscious vibes: Most container stays use reclaimed materials, off-grid energy, composting toilets, and minimal water, making you think twice about what you really need. It’s sustainability in practice, not just in theory.
How to Make the Most of Your Tiny House Stay
1. Pack Light, Pack Smart
I know I say this for every trip, but with a tiny house, it really matters! Here’s what I’d bring next time:
- Layers: Even in summer, nights can be cool—pack a hoodie or light jacket.
- Headlamp or flashlight: For nighttime trips to the loo or late-night marshmallow runs.
- Bug spray: Forest stays in Ontario = mosquitoes.
- Reusable water bottles: Fewer plastic bottles, more hydration.
- Simple snacks & meal kits: Think easy grilling, picnic-style lunches, and s’mores supplies. No need to haul the whole pantry.
2. Embrace the (Tiny) Kitchen
With a mini kitchen and an outdoor grill, you get to flex your “camp chef” muscles! We kept it simple—burgers, muffins, fruit—but you could easily do kebabs, veggie skewers, or even foil-wrapped campfire potatoes. If you’re feeling ambitious, pre-make pancake batter for an outdoor breakfast.
3. Enjoy Screen-Free Time
Tiny house living is the perfect excuse to put away your phone. Bring:
- A deck of cards or travel-sized games
- A favorite paperback or Kindle (bonus points for reading aloud)
- A journal to jot down your city escape thoughts
4. Set the Mood with Lighting
String lights, lanterns, or even just a handful of tea lights can totally transform the tiny home after dark. We brought a couple of battery-powered lanterns, and the soft glow made everything feel magical.
5. Take Your Morning Slow
Wake up with the sun, make coffee, and enjoy a slow breakfast outdoors. There’s something about sipping your morning brew with forest views and not a single Zoom call in sight!
Weekend Meal Blueprint
| Meal | Ingredients to Pre-Pack | Prep Time | Why it Worked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday Dinner | Pre-formed bacon-cheddar patties, naan, sliced aged cheddar | 10 min | One-pan grill, no plates needed—fold into naan like a taco. |
| Campfire Dessert | Marshmallows, chocolate squares, graham crackers | 5 min | S’mores, obviously. |
| Saturday Breakfast | Bakery muffins, bananas, pre-washed berries | 0 min | Zero dishes, eaten on the deck. |
| Trail Lunch | PB&J wraps, trail mix, canned sparkling water | 3 min | Stuff in daypack; no cooler required. |
| Afternoon Snack | Avocados, lime, tortilla chips | 5 min | Mash ‘n’ munch while reading. |
| Saturday Dinner | Chicken souvlaki skewers (marinated), store-bought Greek salad kit, pita | 12 min | Grill + toss salad; minimal clean-up. |
| Sunday Breakfast | Instant oatmeal packs, handful cranberries, maple syrup travel tube | 5 min | Add kettle-water, warm and filling. |
Exploring Near the Tiny House: Nature Without Leaving Toronto
Ideas for your own tiny house adventure in Toronto:
- Try a new trail each day: With so many paths weaving through Rouge Park, you could hike, jog, or cycle a different one every time. In autumn, the foliage is spectacular.
- Spot wildlife: Bring binoculars if you’re into birdwatching—Rouge Park is home to herons, turtles, deer, and all sorts of songbirds.
- Go paddling: Rouge Beach Park offers a launch spot for kayaks and canoes. Bring your own or rent nearby.
- Join a guided program: Check the Rouge National Urban Park website for seasonal events, from guided nature walks to Indigenous heritage tours.
- Picnic by the water: The Waterfront Trail is dotted with scenic spots. Pack a blanket, some cheese and crackers, and enjoy a lakeside lunch.
Sustainable Tiny Living: Takeaways for Home
- Do more with less: We noticed how much stuff we didn’t need—how less really can be more.
- Get creative with storage: Hooks, shelves, under-bed bins—tiny living makes you a storage wizard.
- Reimagine “home” as an experience: A cozy atmosphere, time together, good food, and fresh air matter more than square footage or fancy extras.
- Embrace outdoor living: A fire pit, string lights, and a couple of folding chairs can turn even a small backyard into a nightly escape.
FAQ: Your Tiny House Toronto Questions Answered
Q: Is it really private?
A: Absolutely. Our tiny home was tucked away from the main house, and with all the trees and wildflowers, it felt like our own slice of forest.
Q: What about bathrooms and showers?
A: The composting toilet worked great (no weird smells!). No shower on-site, but for a short stay you’ll be fine. Pack face wipes and plan to shower at home after.
Q: Is it good for families?
A: For couples or solo travelers, it’s perfect. With kids, just check the sleeping setup—some tiny homes have bunk beds or lofts.
Q: How do you find these places?
A: We used Airbnb, searching “tiny house” or “container home” near Toronto. They’re popping up everywhere!
Wow this place looks amazing for a 1 night stay and its great how well they have used such a small place. I wish I could get a getaway weekend like this very soon.
What an awesome adventure! Staying in a tiny home made from a shipping container amidst all that nature without going too far is seriously cool. I love the simplicity of the open-concept interior, especially with that queen-sized bed right by the circular window overlooking the woods. It must have been magical to wake up to such a view! And the fact that it’s equipped with a wood-burning stove makes it even cozier for stays during cooler months.
I’m curious, did you come across any wildlife during your stay, like some curious forest creatures? And how did the hiking in Rouge National Urban Park compare to other outdoor adventures you’ve had?
Thanks for sharing your wonderful journey with us! Your experience has me daydreaming about my own tiny house escape, not too far from home.
Cheers,
Femi.