Rooted in Nature, Built on Vision: Fort Treehouse’s Journey from Vision to Global Reach

From childhood, treehouses hold a kind of magic that is never fully lost. They spark imagination. adventure, and a sense of escape, no matter your age. 

For Cam and Lauren Green, that fascination turned into something more. What began as an idea rooted in nostalgia and a deep connection to nature evolved into the Haliburton-based Fort Treehouse – a thriving tourism business that has become one of the region’s most compelling visitor experiences. 

Today, their elevated escapes are drawing guests from across Ontario, and increasingly, from around the world.

A Love Story Rooted in the Outdoors

Both originally from the Greater Toronto Area, Cam and Lauren’s connection to Haliburton began long before Fort Treehouse ever existed. As youth, they both attended Camp Wanakita, though it wasn’t until years later, as staff, that their paths truly crossed.

After years apart pursuing careers across Canada, Lauren in creative arts and photography, and Cam working out west before returning to Haliburton full-time, the two eventually ended up in the same place at the same time – Haliburton.

“Cam still came back to Haliburton every summer, and then got a full time management role at Wanakita,” Lauren explained. “I had been in Montreal for seven years but I knew that I could always come back to Haliburton, that it was a safe place to land and there would always be a community.”

In 2010, Lauren and Cam reconnected in Haliburton, but coming back to the small community of Haliburton wasn’t without its challenges. For Lauren, transitioning from city life to rural living came with a big question: what now?

From Question Mark to Vision

It was both Cam and Lauren’s connection to Haliburton that provided the spark that grew into the Fort Treehouse concept. Lauren wondered what it was about Haliburton that drew people back after years and years of distance.

The answer wasn’t obvious at first. But over time, a vision began to take shape, one rooted in simplicity: helping people connect deeply with nature, without distraction.

Not through busy itineraries or activity-packed getaways. But through stillness. Through presence.

That idea evolved into something more tangible: thoughtfully designed spaces that would immerse guests in the natural world, but without compromising comfort. Through the years of operating Fort Treehouse that vision remained their guiding star. 

“We are always circling back to our original vision and what it is we want our guests to feel,” Lauren said. “We focus on maintaining a high level of service, design ethos, sustainability and community.”

Building in the Trees

Long before Fort Treehouse officially launched, Cam had already begun exploring what was possible in treehouse design. In 2016, he attended a sustainable treehouse-building program at Yestermorrow Design/Build School, learning how to build in living trees without harming them, laying the foundation for Fort Treehouse.

Together, the Greens imagined structures that could exist lightly within the forest – as architectural spaces to encourage even the most hesitant outdoor travellers to get into nature.

“We joked they were like little portals for getting people who aren’t into nature, into nature,” Lauren explained. “It’s been really amazing to see the reactions from people who otherwise wouldn’t necessarily venture into a forest.”

The result? Elevated, Scandinavian-inspired treehouses that blend seamlessly into their surroundings while offering a warm, design-forward retreat.

Starting Small to Dream Big

In 2019, the Greens took the leap and registered their business before beginning construction on their first treehouse build: The Baltic. Finished in fall 2020, the single-unit treehouse became more than just a place to stay, it became a testing ground.

“We learned everything from that first build,” Lauren says. “We learned what guests wanted, what worked and what didn’t.”

Originally, the couple had envisioned a large-scale treehouse hotel with multiple units set across a vast landscape, decided to build one accommodation before moving onto a larger scaled project – a move that in hindsight was the best one for them at the time.

Instead of scaling too quickly, they focused on understanding and refining the experience to build a solid foundation for their business that could eventually be grown into something larger. 

“After having the Baltic for a few years we were already looking for another property and expanding on it,” Lauren said. “Everything happened the way it was supposed to.”

From Treehouse to Treehouse Hotel

That clarity they gained through The Baltic naturally led to their next chapter – Hårtwood – a boutique, off-grid treehouse hotel designed to help guests slow down and reconnect with nature. 

Finally, their initial vision for Fort Treehouse was given the chance to reach fruition. After navigating everything from financing challenges to zoning and permitting hurdles, the Greens secured the remote Dahl forest property in 2022, accessible only by snowshoe at the time.

“There wasn’t a single road and we hiked in our snowshoes,” Lauren said. “We thought the elevation was really cool, and we went for it.”

What followed was two years of careful planning, collaboration, and persistence. Rather than building at the scale they had once envisioned, they focused on what was achievable: a smaller collection of thoughtfully designed units that stayed true to their vision.

Today Hårtwood offers three private treehouses and a communal space called The Hydda, blending minimalist architecture with immersive wilderness experiences. It is a design-focused retreat that prioritizes rest, sustainability, and intentional living in a natural setting.

Storytelling and Authenticity

From the beginning, Fort Treehouse has stood out  and attracted media and visitor attention – not just for its architecture, but for its storytelling.

Lauren’s background in photography plays a key role in it appeal and Lauren explained that every image and video is carefully considered, ensuring the brand reflects the experience authentically.

“I care a lot about how we are represented out in the world and try to do it authentically,” Lauren said. “It’s interesting to see that people say our photos are amazing but the real thing is even better.”

For Treehouse’s authenticity extends beyond aesthetics. The Greens have intentionally woven community into their model, by partnering with local businesses, sourcing regional products, and encouraging guests to explore the area.

“Anything I can outsource I do because there are so many talented people who can help,” Lauren said. 

Opening the Door to the World

Fort Treehouse’s next chapter is unfolding beyond Ontario’s borders, as what originally began as organic interest evolved into a bigger opportunity. Thanks in part to COVID, international guests, particularly from Europe, were finding their way to Fort Treehouse’s tucked-away forest escapes.

“We had some organic exposure with a number of international guests coming through early on – Europeans, Switzerland, Germany…it was very cool,” said Lauren.

At the same time, global travel trends were shifting. More travellers were seeking immersive, nature-based experiences, and places that offered both thoughtful design and a genuine connection to the landscape.

Fort Treehouse was a natural fit.

Much of Fort Treehouse’s design inspiration draws from European landscape hotels, spaces that blend architecture and environment seamlessly. Now, they’re welcoming those same travellers into a distinctly Canadian setting.

“We meet European travellers in their standard of design and hospitality, and we also meet them in this rugged adventure independent stay they are looking for, less guided and curated, and with enough for them to explore on their own,” said Lauren.

The Green’s decision to step into the Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization Travel Trade Partnership may not have been part of the original plan, but it aligned perfectly with where they had already arrived organically. 

As they begin working with international partners and attending global travel trade events, Lauren’s goal is clear: to position Fort Treehouse – and Ontario’s Highlands – as a must-visit destination for travellers seeking something truly different.

“I anticipate travel trade will grow our business a lot, and I hope it will sort of become one of the highest grossing pieces of our business,” said Lauren. 

Building Something Bigger Than Themselves

While the brand continues to gain recognition, Lauren is quick to point out that success hasn’t come without challenges. Behind the polished imagery is the reality of all entrepreneurial journeys: long days, tough decisions, and constant uncertainty.

But through it all, one thing has remained consistent: their vision.

For operators and entrepreneurs looking to follow a similar path, Lauren offers simple advice:

“Have a clear vision but don’t try to do it alone or you will drive yourself crazy,” said Lauren. “It’s when you step outside yourself and ask for help that you can actually see the bigger picture.”