10 Great Places to Go Glamping in Canada
Want to explore the great outdoors, but can't bear the thought of "roughing it"? These luxurious wilderness retreats combine the best of both worlds!
Glamping in Canada
Camping is a Canadian rite of passage, but you don’t have to endure a weekend in a leaky tent to get the gist of it. The emerging trend of glamping—a hybrid of glamour and camping—brings luxurious accommodations to the great outdoors, and an opportunity to enjoy the wilderness without compromising on comfort. Here are 10 destinations—one in each province—that offer some of the best glamping in Canada.
Unwind in the wild woods of B.C.
Getting back to nature without giving up your creature comforts is exactly what Camp Moose Trail, located near Golden, B.C., is all about. Each canvas tent dotting the leafy property come equipped with a queen-sized log bed, linens and a wood-burning stove. You’ll get to know the other campers as a communal campfire and kitchen space harkens back to the days of sharing an alpine hut. Meanwhile, a wood-burning cedar hot tub and pizza oven ensure an elevated camping experience (not to mention the envy of your friends).
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Take time off in a tipi in Alberta
Situated in Alberta’s stunning Kananaskis Country, Sundance by Basecamp offers riverside views from hand-painted Sioux tipis and trapper’s tents. Each campsite includes wood-frame beds, a fire pit and picnic table. Mere steps away, you’ll have access to hot showers, washrooms, volleyball and badminton areas, plus a horseshoe pit. Don’t sweat the packing, either: You can rent supplies such as bedding, towels, cooking utensils and camp stoves. The on-site Trading Post is stocked with basic groceries, ice, firewood, propane and—most importantly—ice cream.
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Go glamping at a winery in Saskatchewan
At Camp Wolf Willow, glampers can choose between fully-appointed wooden tents or spacious, safari-style canvas models. Each tent comes furnished with a variety of bed options, plus a picnic table, fire pit and grill outside. Situated on a winery overlooking the South Saskatchewan River, guests can indulge in wine tasting between bouts of berry-picking and exploring the onsite trails. Afterwards, you can cool off in the river or relax on its sandy shores. Don’t feel like cooking? A canteen serves up gourmet hot dogs, picnic fixings and pizza.
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Doze in a dome in Manitoba
Moonlit Canopy offers geodesic domes perched on the slopes of Pleasant Valley, an hour south of Brandon and two hours west of Winnipeg. Pelican Lake is but a short walk away, and the glamping domes are technically located on the Pleasant Valley Golf Club, making it totally possible to play 18-holes amid the stately oaks. Come nightfall, snuggle up inside your dome and put on some vinyl records while playing classic board games—both are on-hand. Each of the 500 square foot domes come furnished with a full kitchen, gas fireplace and private hot tub on the deck.
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Spend the night in a treehouse in Ontario
Those who weren’t lucky enough to have a treehouse in their backyard as a kid can get a taste of that experience—with an extra dose of luxury—in Ontario’s Haliburton Highlands. Fort Treehouse Co.’s The Baltic is an intimate abode that includes a kitchen, propane fireplace and full bath. Windows on every side of the structure break down the distinction between indoors and out. Eventually, however, you will want to venture outside to access the incredible tree canopy shower, fire pit and cedar wood hot tub.
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Live it up like a Viking in Quebec
Immerse yourself in Viking culture at the newly-constructed Viking Village Hóp in Québec’s Charlevoix region. Single- and double-themed tents that can accommodate up to eight people (perfect for families) transport guests into the world of those fierce Nordic conquerors. For the full Viking experience, cook meals over a fire pit cauldron—although the communal kitchen is an option as well. With more than 80 acres of land to explore, there’s plenty to do, including axe throwing, strolling along the mythological trail and playing Viking-themed games. You’ll have to bring your own bedding and dishes, but the horned helmet is entirely optional.
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Bed down in a bubble in New Brunswick
It’s not hard to feel at one with nature inside the spherical domes at Maple Brook Retreat. Situated 20-minutes from Moncton, along the lobster rich waters of the Northumberland Strait, these transparent-roofed bubbles are ideal for stargazing and cozying up to watch the leaves dance in the wind. Each bubble comes equipped with a queen bed, sofa bed and cot, making them ideal for families. With lights, electricity, a space heater and fan at your disposal, you’ll be cozy no matter the weather. To ensure you float off to sleep, take advantage of the outdoor hot tub and sauna before bed.
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Snooze where the sea meets the sky in Nova Scotia
You’ll feel like you’re perched at the edge of the earth when resting your head at Archer’s Edge. Set upon a ridge overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence on Cape Breton Island, these glamping domes offer unobstructed views of the sea. Naturally, the beach is just steps away, while forest trails guide you to scenic lookouts. There are bikes you can borrow to explore the Celtic Shores Coastal Trail, plus secluded hammocks to discover in the woods. Each self-contained dome comes kitted out with a washroom, kitchenette and queen-size bed.
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Grab 40 winks in a wine barrel in PEI
The charming fishing village of Murray Harbour is an intoxicating spot that really pours it on for wine lovers. An hour away from Charlottetown at Nellie’s Landing Marina, you’ll find a few floating wine barrels just waiting for you to tumble into. Rest assured, these heavenly scented cedar barrels are big enough to sport a double bed, and there’s a generously sized window overlooking the marina. You’ll have AC and a flat screen inside, along with your own private tiki bar (yes, you read that right) and mini-fridge outdoors.
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Fall asleep inside a futuristic pod in Newfoundland
Situated a stone’s throw from the Atlantic Ocean in Terra Nova National Park, the teardrop-shaped Ôasis pods are funky yet functional. On the main level, the dining table converts into a bed for two, and a suspended loft hammock fits one to two more glampers. Terra Nova is Newfoundland’s only Dark Sky Preserve, which means you can expect some epic stargazing thanks to the exceptionally dark skies. And with over 200 kilometres of waterways to explore, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to paddle along both the rugged coastline and tranquil lakes. Kayaking and boat tours are offered from the visitors’ centre by a local operator.
Now that you know where to find the best glamping in Canada, check out 10 national parks every Canadian needs to visit.
