There’s something about winter that makes people spiral into two very different ways:

1. “Book me a one-way ticket somewhere with palm trees immediately.”
2. “Hand me a blanket, a mug, and let me become one with the snow.”

Now listen — I understand the siren call of sunshine. I, too, fantasize about sundresses and not having to wear seventeen layers just to check the mail. But there is something wildly romantic about choosing winter instead of running from it.

This past weekend, I had the absolute pleasure of the perfect winter escape at Mink Mountain — and no, I did not step foot in an airport, remove my boots for security, or pay $14 for a sad sandwich.

And honestly? It was better. There’s magic in staying close. Picture this: You’re along the shore of Lake Superior, mountains rising quietly behind you, snow tucked into every tree branch like nature decided to redecorate in white.

And here’s the kicker — it’s only 40 minutes outside of the city. A getaway without the logistical gymnastics. No packing anxiety. No travel delays. Just you, a short drive, and a weekend that feels like you pressed reset on your whole nervous system.

We stayed in the Blue Jay Haven cabin and let me tell you — “cabin” does not do it justice. This was luxury-meets-woodland-dream. Big kitchen. Massive windows pouring in that winter sun. A fireplace that practically whispers, “Cancel your plans.” A hot tub outside, surrounded by snow. Trails waiting just beyond the door.

It’s the kind of place that makes you reconsider your entire life plan and briefly Google, “How hard is it to become a forest woman?”

We went into this weekend with zero plans. None. No itinerary. No timed reservations. No “productive” goals. Just sleep. Peace. Quiet. Repeat. And I cannot recommend this enough.

Winter, to me, is a teacher. It reminds us to slow down. To plant our feet. To breathe deeper. To get cozy instead of chaotic. In a world obsessed with constant output, choosing stillness feels rebellious.

So, what did we do?

• Hot tubbed while snowflakes fell
• Cooked simple, delicious meals
• Poured mimosas and wine with zero sense of urgency
• Drank coffee while watching the sunrise over Lake Superior
• Sat by the fire
• Slept
• Napped after sleeping
• Slept again just to prove a point

It was groundbreaking stuff.

I know — by February (or let’s be honest, January 3rd), winter can start to feel long. The novelty wears off. The boots feel heavy. The snowbanks look personal. But maybe winter isn’t something to survive. Maybe it’s something to lean into.

There’s a quiet confidence in loving the snow. In admitting you enjoy the cold air in your lungs. In saying, “Actually, I don’t hate this.” God forbid a girl says she likes winter.

Yes, I feel the pull of spring. I cannot wait for sundresses and patio season drinking a fun drink, and that first warm breeze that feels like a promise. But I also deeply love winter — the softness, the stillness, the forced pause.

And a cabin weekend like this? It doesn’t just cure the winter blues. It makes you grateful for the season in the first place. You don’t need a plane to get away. We sometimes forget that “escape” doesn’t have to mean international travel. It can mean:

• A cabin 40 minutes from home.
• A weekend without notifications.
• A hot tub under the stars.
• A sunrise you didn’t rush past.

If you’re feeling the winter blues creeping in, consider booking a cabin weekend away. Choose cozy. Choose quiet. Choose somewhere that lets you hear yourself think again.

Blue Jay Haven is officially a new personal favourite of mine — and the kind of place that reminds you rest is not lazy. It’s necessary.

So, this is your sign.

• Stay close
• Slow down
• Let winter do what it’s meant to do

And maybe — just maybe — fall in love with it a little bit.