Glamping–“Glamorous Camping” in Ontario

Guest blogger Trish Manning is a tourism industry consultant based in Muskoka.  She specializes in sustainable outdoor adventure product development and marketing, business planning and economic development.  She is a well-respected workshop facilitator, speaker and writer.

Although a relatively new trend in Canada and the United States, glamping has provided people a comfortable and luxurious way to experience the wonders of the great outdoors in Africa, Thailand and many other countries for decades.

Glamping combines the best of both worlds – exciting outdoor activities such as wildlife viewing, hiking, paddling, cycling, etc. with the luxury of a comfortable sleeping area and in many cases, full-course meals and guiding services.

Sleeping areas vary from well-appointed, pre-pitched platform tents toteepees to yurts. Glamping is for people who want to experience nature – but with all the comforts of home.

Here’s some of what Ontario has to offer:

Bartlett Lodge “Tent and Breakfast”, Algonquin Park

Bartlett Lodge brings back old time Algonquin Park accommodation for those looking for a vacation experience with a difference.  A Tent and Breakfast Stay includes a night in one of our new resort platform tents. Think of it as a cabin with a casual roof.

Each tent is fully furnished with a king size bed and an inside seating area, as well as a deck.  The king size bed can be converted to two single beds. Battery operated lamps provide safe soft lighting. Complete towel and bedding service is included. A new washroom building, with showers, is adjacent to the tents. The crowning touch is a deluxe breakfast in the Lodge Dining Room.  Certainly a novel way to experience Algonquin resort accommodation in a historical sense without giving up some of the current comforts you’d expect at a resort.

Glamping in the Canadian Boreal Forest with Wild Exodus, Timmins

Experience an all-inclusive upscale camping and luxury adventure vacation in Canada’s boreal forest.  Enjoy excellent meals and comfortable sleeping accommodations while learning about the boreal forest, its evolution and man’s impact on it.

Glamping with the Misabi Adventure Company, Temagami

Experience eco-friendly, comfortable camping in the rugged wilderness of the Temagami region, the world’s last great pine wilderness.  Enjoy scrumptious meals, the wonders of nature and learn about Native traditions on this fully serviced experience.

Glamping at Nature’s Harmony, Mattawa Voyageur Country

This unique glamping site offers a fully-furnished canvas tent on a raised platform in its own secluded wilderness setting. The glamping tent is equipped with beds, couch, table and shelves for storage. The site also has a large deck with a screened in gazebo and Muskoka chairs to lounge in.  There is an outdoor fire pit area with benches and composting toilet next to the site. The outdoor eco-showers are located close to the main lodge.

Glamping at Northern Edge Algonquin, South River

Nestled on a hillside surrounded by the lush greenery of the forest at the edge of Algonquin Park, these clean and dry wood and canvas structures offer a chance to sleep in the fresh forest air.  With feather duvets and colourful sheets, it truly is glamourous camping.  See the photo library of canvas cabin accommodations.

Teepee Glamping – Spirit Island Adventures, Manitoulin Island

Spirit Island Adventures, part of the Great Spirit Circle Trail, will treat you with hospitality that reaches back centuries. With a rich storied history, crystal clear waters, and the vibrant culture of the Anishnabek people, let Spirit Island Adventures be your hosts to discover the powers of the ‘M’NidooM’Niss’.

Premium Teepee sites are outfitted with apple strip wood flooring, twin or king beds w/ plush duvets and 500 thread count sheet sets, Obusforme® pillows, buffalo hides and furs, lounge chairs, and a memorable experience unfounded anywhere else.

Wilderness Suites Luxury Glamping at Long Point Eco Adventures

Wilderness Suites provides the comforts of home with views, sounds and sensations seldom, if ever, experienced elsewhere in the world! Tastefully furnished to create an authentic and relaxed atmosphere, the decor has been picked to match with local tastes and history.

Overlooking the amazing view of Long Point Bay, you can do as much (ziplining, mountain biking, star gazing and more) or as little as you want but we hope you don’t just stay in bed! Come and experience the comfort of home in the heart of the wilderness in Norfolk County, Ontario Canada.  Glamping with adventure on your doorstep!

Yurts at Bruce Peninsula National Park, Tobermory

The ten yurts along the shore of Cyprus Lake offer campers a new and unique experience.

After enjoying hiking, birdwatching and other adventures in the Park, gaze up at the starry sky though the skylight dome as you drift off to sleep in a comfortable bed.

Yurts in Ontario Parks

Eleven Ontario Parks offer yurt accommodations.  These semi-permanent canvas structures provide comfortable sleeping and relaxation areas.  Yurts are located at:  Algonquin Park, Bon Echo, Bronte Creek, Charleston Lake, Killarney, MacGregor Point, Pancake Bay, Pinery, Quetico, Silent Lake and Windy Lake.

Have you giving glamping a try? Which do you prefer – camping or glamping?