Q&A with Emma Trousdale on Creating Mindful Escapes in Nature
What does it take to bring a vision of nature-driven hospitality to life? For Emma Trousdale, musician, mom, and founder of Forêt Cabins, the journey from idea to reality has not been simple. From navigating zoning battles and financial roadblocks to discovering the perfect piece of land, she’s built more than an eco-friendly escape – she’s created space between the trees where guests can breathe deeply, reconnect with nature, and experience the regenerative power of the forest. Here, Emma shares the inspirations, challenges, and lessons behind Forêt.
Q: What inspired you to start Forêt?
In 2013, I had a serious head injury that left me struggling for years with chronic health issues. Living in Toronto, I kept dreaming of “running away to the forest” believing that nature could somehow heal me. The more I talked to others, the more I realized I wasn’t alone – so many city dwellers shared this longing. Around the same time, I discovered “Getaway House” in the U.S. (now Postcard Cabins) and knew I wanted to create something along the same lines in Canada. The property we chose had an old hunt cabin already on it, so we renovated it and began renting it out as a test case. The positive response from guests inspired us to keep going and Forêt was born.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of this journey?
This journey has been anything but easy – every step, from zoning and financing, has been an uphill battle. But when guests stay and leave heartfelt messages in the guestbook about how transformative their experience was, that’s when I feel the deepest satisfaction. Knowing that people can feel the care we’ve put into every detail makes it all worthwhile.
Overcoming Hurdles, Embracing Nature, & Redefining Travel
Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced?
The first challenge was finding the right property. I spent 18 months searching and learned that unlike in the U.S., we can’t just place tiny cabins on trailers anywhere in Canada. Campground-zoned properties were multimillion-dollar investments, which wasn’t an option. Just as I was losing hope, I found our current site – a 60-acre forest in Muskoka, Ontario with the perfect balance of openness and density, plus a stunning wetland and ridge for the cabins. The moment I stepped onto the land – I just knew it was the right place.
The biggest challenge, though, was the rezoning process. The process took nearly four years, requiring extensive negotiations with the fire department, city council, and planners. In the end, we won unanimous council approval, which was a huge victory.
Q: What made this location the perfect fit?
It has everything I dreamed of. The forest is open yet intimate, with room to breathe between the trees. The ridge creates a natural place for the cabins to perch, as if floating, and the wetland adds to the beauty. It’s 20 minutes from both Huntsville and Bracebridge and sits on a municipally maintained road – practical but secluded. The land has a certain magic to it. I felt it immediately, and I want our guests to experience that same sense of peace.
Photo by Mike RaeNature, Perseverance, & the Art of Escape
Q: What has been key to your success so far?
Perseverance. Most people wouldn’t have pushed through everything I have. Even my own planner told me to give up at one point. But I knew this project was worth fighting for.
Q: What legacy do you hope to leave with Forêt?
I don’t think about legacy in a personal sense, but I do want to create a sustainable model for travel – one that makes a real impact on people’s lives. I want guests to leave feeling recharged and inspired. And more than anything, I want to show my daughters that you can do hard things, that thinking outside the box matters, and that being a visionary is worth the effort.
Thank you, Emma. Readers: stay in the know by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on Instagram.
Photo by Sara Lecappelain