Since 1966
Our Roots
Three generations of hospitality, stewardship, and gathering — on forty acres of Carolinian forest.
A place built on hard work, deep roots, and bringing people together
Fernwood Hills isn't just a venue. It's a forty-acre property in Komoka, Ontario that has been a gathering space for generations. The Mann family has spent decades nurturing both the forest and the people who visit — creating a sanctuary where guests celebrate, reflect, and connect with nature and each other.
Our Story
1966 – 1980s
Planting the seeds
In 1966, 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 where families, church groups, and organizations came for his famous meals and the beauty of the surrounding forest.
1980s – 2000s
Nurturing growth
The campground expanded, gardens were developed, and the focus shifted toward retreats and hospitality. Vern's culinary reputation only grew — his community meals became legendary, drawing visitors from across the region. The forest itself flourished under careful stewardship, with trails winding through the Carolinian woodland.
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, bringing a fresh vision of glamping and nature-based hospitality to Fernwood Hills.
Today
A place for all generations
Today, 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. Whether you're here for your wedding day or a quiet night in the forest, you're part of a story that spans generations.
Stewardship of the forest
Forty acres of protected Carolinian woodland — one of the rarest forest ecosystems in Canada, nurtured and cared for across three generations.
The Forest
Carolinian forest in Southern Ontario
Nestled within forty acres of breathtaking Carolinian woodland, Fernwood Hills offers a setting unlike anywhere else in Ontario. Whether you're planning an intimate wedding, a soul-nourishing retreat, or an unforgettable celebration, this tranquil sanctuary provides the backdrop for memories that last.
Come be part of the story
Book a stay, plan a gathering, or simply walk the trails.