Since 1966
The Property
Forty acres of protected Carolinian forest in Komoka, Ontario — three generations of family stewardship, ten minutes from London.
The Forest
A sanctuary that has been growing for centuries
Fernwood Hills sits within a protected Carolinian woodland — towering oaks, sugar maples, wild ferns, and a forest floor that shifts with every season. The trails wind through undisturbed land where the only sounds are birdsong, wind through the canopy, and the occasional rustle of deer moving through the understory.
Carolinian forest is one of Canada's rarest ecosystems — learn more from the Government of Ontario.
Find Your Way
Trail Map
Three groomed loops across the property — pick your distance.
Short loop
0.8 km
20 min · Easy
Ridge loop
1.6 km
35 min · Moderate
Full perimeter
2.4 km
55 min · Moderate
Trails & Wildlife
Every trail tells a different story
Maintained paths lead through groves of old-growth oak, along ridgelines with long views of the canopy, and past quiet clearings where wildflowers bloom in spring. Gentle enough for a morning walk, long enough to lose yourself for an afternoon.
White-tailed deer
Seen daily at dawn and dusk, grazing near the cabins and along the forest edge.
Wild turkeys
Foraging in the underbrush, their distinctive calls echo through the trees year-round.
Owls & woodpeckers
Hidden in the canopy — listen for their calls after dark and their rhythmic pecking at first light.
Raccoons, foxes & squirrels
Nocturnal visitors and playful residents, always busy in the undergrowth and canopy.
On the Property
The forest is the activity
🌲 Forest Trails
Three marked trails: Meadow Loop (15 min, easy), Ridge Trail (30 min, moderate), Deep Forest (45 min). Trail maps in your portal.
🦌 Wildlife Watching
Deer, foxes, wild turkeys, herons, and owls. Dawn and dusk are peak hours. The wildlife camera streams 24/7 on YouTube.
🔭 Stargazing
Low light pollution, open sky above the meadow. Best on new moon nights. Check the portal's stargazing forecast for your stay.
🔥 Fire Pit & Woodstove
Firewood provided. The main fire circle is behind the Farmhouse. Each cabin has a wood stove or fireplace.
🧘 Quiet & Reflection
No TVs in the cabins. Hammocks, deck chairs, and real silence. Bring a book.
🐦 Bird Watching
Over 60 species recorded on the property. Spring migration (May) is spectacular.
Live from the Forest
24/7 Wildlife Cam
Watch deer, foxes, owls, and wild turkeys from anywhere in the world. Our live-streamed camera runs day and night.
Food & Farm
Manna by Fernwood Hills
Our in-house farm-to-table kitchen serves cabin guests, retreats, and weddings — rooted in the land around it.
See Food & FarmOur Story
Three generations on forty acres
1966 – 1980s
Planting the seeds
Vern and Frances Humphrey purchased the land with a vision: a welcoming space for community events, meals, and celebrations. Vern, a former army chef with a gift for hospitality, transformed the property into the Picnic Grove — a beloved gathering place for families, church groups, and organizations.
1980s – 2000s
Nurturing growth
The campground expanded, gardens were developed, and the focus shifted toward retreats and hospitality. Vern's culinary reputation grew — his community meals became legendary. The forest itself flourished under careful stewardship.
2013 – Present
A new chapter
After Vern's passing in 2012, Celia and Ron took ownership and began reimagining the space — honoring its legacy while building something new. In 2017, the first tiny cabin stays were introduced.
Today
A place for all generations
Fernwood Hills is a destination for intimate weddings, retreats, wellness getaways, and overnight cabin stays — all rooted in the same spirit of hospitality, community, and connection to nature that Vern and Frances first planted decades ago.
Your Hosts
Ron & Celia
Ron and Celia took over the property in 2013, after Vern's passing. They've spent the years since rebuilding the gardens, restoring the farmhouse, and hand-building the first tiny cabins.
When you book here, Ron or Celia is the person you'll message, the person who cooks your dinner, and the person who'll walk you through the trails. No front desk. No corporate layer. Just them.
A Vern Story
The Sunday Roast That Fed Half of Komoka
“Vern never turned anyone away from the table. If you showed up at the Picnic Grove on a Sunday afternoon — whether you had a reservation, an extra cousin, or just the smell of dinner drifting down the road — he'd pull out another chair. The food was never fancy. It was just real, and there was always enough.”
A story from the Mann family
We're collecting more stories from guests who remember the Picnic Grove era. If you have one, share it with us.
Nearby
Ten minutes from London
Komoka is the gateway — not the destination.
🏞️ Komoka Provincial Park
Ancient limestone formations and the Thames River, 5 minutes away. Hiking and swimming in season.
🎨 London, ON Arts Scene
Museum London, the Grand Theatre, and a thriving local food scene. All within 20 minutes.
🛒 Groceries & Supplies
Sobeys and Loblaws are both within 10 minutes. Stock up before heading in — no convenience store on-site.
🌊 Lake Erie Beaches
Port Stanley is 45 minutes south. Perfect for a half-day trip in summer.
Where to Eat
Three Restaurants We Actually Send People To
Not a generic list. These are where we'd send a friend.
Cozy gastropub
The Village Inn
Byron Village · 10 min drive
Best burger in the area, local beer on tap, and the patio is perfect for summer evenings. We send almost every cabin guest here.
Refined Italian
Abruzzi Ristorante
Downtown London · 20 min drive
Worth the drive for an anniversary or special-occasion dinner. Handmade pasta, serious wine list. Reserve in advance.
New Orleans comfort
Jambalaya
Old East Village · 25 min drive
If you want to make it a full night in London — go before a show at the Grand Theatre. Gumbo, po'boys, and a killer happy hour.
Come walk the trails
Book a cabin and explore the property at your own pace.