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 matured into a sophisticated vision. What began as their shared passions for thoughtful design, landscape-responsive architecture, and a profound respect for nature evolved into the Haliburton-based Fort Treehouse Co. – a new hospitality 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 they co-founded Fort Treehouse Co. As teens, they both attended Camp Wanakita, and after years apart pursuing careers across Canada –– Lauren in creative arts and photography, and Cam working out west as a millworker –– they both returned as staff in 2010. This is when their paths truly merged.

“Cam continued to return to  Haliburton every summer before eventually transitioning into a  full time management role at Wanakita,” Lauren explained. “I lived  in Montreal for seven years, but those early summers at Camp Wanakita ultimately drew me back to a lifestyle defined by the nature. I was looking for a change and trying to figure out what I wanted to do next, and I knew Haliburton would be a welcoming place to land."

From Question Mark to Vision

Cam and Lauren’s shared love for the outdoors, rooted to Haliburton, sparked their desire to build a lifestyle surrounded by nature. This realization, combined with their entrepreneurial spirit, inspired the Fort Treehouse concept. Lauren began to wonder what would draw people back to Haliburton , just as it had drawn them back.

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, without compromising comfort. Through the years,  that vision has remained their guiding star for Fort Treehouse Co. 

Building in the Trees

Long before Fort Treehouse officially launched, Cam was 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, Lauren and Cam imagined structures that could exist lightly within the forest – as architectural spaces to encourage even the most hesitant outdoor travellers to get into nature.

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

“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.”

Starting Small to Dream Big

In 2019, Lauren and Cam 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 said. “We learned what guests wanted, what worked and what didn’t.”

They focused on understanding and refining the guest experience to build a solid foundation for a business that could eventually grow to include more accommodations and a communal spot for guests and the community to gather together 

“After operating the Baltic for a couple of years we were ready to look for another property and expand on the concept,” Lauren said. “Everything happened the way it was supposed to.”

From Treehouse to Treehouse Hotel

The clarity Lauren and Cam gained from hosting guests at The Baltic naturally led to their next chapter – Hårtwood – an off-grid treehouse hotel designed to help guests  reconnect with nature, whether they are seeking rest or a more rugged engagement with the outdoors.

With a bit of luck, they found the ideal location in 2022. After navigating everything from financing challenges to zoning and permitting hurdles, Cam and Lauren  secured a 15-acre property that borders the remote Dahl forest, a 500-acre protected parcel through which the Burnt River flows. At the time, it wasn’t accessible by car, but the couple immediately saw the potential.

“There wasn’t a single road; we hiked in on snowshoes,” Lauren said. “ We thought the elevations and topography was really interesting, and the trees looked promising for building treehouses, so we decided to go for it."

What followed was two years of careful planning, collaboration, and persistence. They focused on creating a small collection  of  accommodations  that stayed true to their vision and hired Toronto-based architecture firm studio ksa to create striking treehouse designs that intervene lightly with the forest

Today Hårtwood offers three private treehouses and a communal space called The Hydda that serves as the property’s social heart, with a coffee and wine bar plus fireside seating area. Blending architecture with immersive wilderness experiences, the design-focused retreat promotes a model of hospitality that prioritizes quality over quantity, fostering connection, reflection, and meaningful engagement with place. 

Storytelling and Authenticity

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

Lauren’s background in photography plays a key role in its 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 represent ourselves in the world .,” Lauren said. “Something we hear frequently is how beautiful our photography is, yet seeing it is even more impressive in real life.”

This attention to authenticity extends beyond aesthetics. Lauren and Cam have intentionally woven community into their model, partnering with local businesses, sourcing regional products, and encouraging guests to explore the area.

“I outsource as much as possible. There are so many talented people in the community and beyond who can help us deliver even better results,” Lauren said. 

Opening the Door to the World

Fort Treehouse’s appeal is already attracting international guests who are finding their way to Fort Treehouse’s tucked-away forest escapes.

“We had guests coming through from Europe, Switzerland, Germany. It’s been a very cool experience to see the project resonate so far from home,” said Lauren.

Influenced in part by the pandemic and a growing interest in wellness-focused getaways, global travel trends are shifting. More travellers are seeking immersive, nature-based experiences, and places that offer both thoughtful design and a genuine connection to the landscape.

Fort Treehouse is a natural fit.

“We meet the high design and hospitality standards of our European travelers while offering a rugged, independent experience that taps into the romanticism of the Canadian wilderness. Though we can offer curated itineraries, our guests are often most eager to set out and explore the landscape on their own terms,” said Lauren.

Lauren and Cam’s decision to step into the Ontario’s Highlands Tourism Organization Travel Trade Partnership 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, there is so much value in expanding to these markets. We're excited to see where it takes us,” 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 learning.

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:

“Maintain a clear vision, but don’t attempt to carry it all alone – you’ll only burn yourself out,” Lauren advised. “It’s only when you step back and lean on others that you gain the perspective needed to see the bigger picture."