GLORY OF GLAMPING
Embracing nature
There's no need to suffer through a night in a soggy tent to experience getting back to nature. Glamping, a portmanteau of glamour and camping, is an easy way to enjoy the great outdoors — without doing all the heavy lifting. For those ready to amp up their next camping trip, here's a range of cross-canada options sure to please both nature lovers and urbanites.
Before heading out, check current COVID restrictions with the local government and glamp-site.
WESTERN CANADA
Snowforest, Mount Revelstoke National Park's newest campground, boasts three Microcube units opening this summer. Microcubes are tiny, wooden cabins with an entire wall made of windows, bringing the outdoors in. Inside, there's just enough room for a double bed, table and chairs. From Snowforest, you're only two kilometres away from Revelstoke, and are perfectly positioned to explore both Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks.
While you can bed down in an OTENTIK at Astotin Lake Campground within Alberta's Elk Island National Park, a 15-minute drive from the park boundary lies a private campground brimming with glamping options. At Elk Island Retreat, glampers can choose between a yurt, geo-dome, teepee or rustic cabin. Take full advantage of being within Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve in the more private Dark Sky Dome, an ideal spot to peer into the cosmos. Take it to the next level by adding on a charcuterie board and wine to your reservation.
Situated on the doorstep of Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba's Northgate region has been around for awhile. But over the past two years, the community has banded together to develop more infrastructure. After hitting the expanded, multi-use trail system along the escarpment, outdoor adventurers can spend the night in a newly built Micro Cabin. The all-season cabins are equipped with furniture, beds and decks, but no kitchens. Private showers and shared washrooms are on-site.
ONTARIO AND QUEBEC
Who says glamping needs to be on dry land? While technically a
houseboat, Le Boat feels more like a cosy yacht. The luxury vessel sleeps five to seven guests in one to three bedrooms — creating the perfect travel bubble for cruising down the Rideau Canal. Drop anchor in anywhere along the 200-kilometre stretch of waterway, spending your days sussing out historic villages or swimming off the docks. No previous boating experience is required, but a comprehensive lesson before setting sail is included.
Ôasis, tear drop-shaped pods sitting upon either stilts or a deck, are a new addition to Parks Canada's camping roster. The main level consists of a convertible table/bed with a hammock loft suspended above. There's no room for a kitchen, but you didn't come glamping to slave over a stove, not when an outdoor cooking fireplace and barbecue are at your disposal.
Available at Quebec's Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, glampers can spot whales and puffins, and admire outcroppings.
Meanwhile, Ôasis dwellers in Ontario's Trent-severn Waterway can take in incredible waterfront views at its two locations along Lock 9 and Lock 10.
ATLANTIC CANADA
The OG of geo domes, Ridgeback Lodge, has been operating outside of Saint John well before glamping was officially a thing. Their Dream Domes come equipped with a wood fired hot tub and are winterized. Cielo Glamping Maritime is another choice option in New Brunswick, with five fully equipped domes overlooking the ocean in Haut-shippagan. With an oyster bay mere steps from your dome, glampers can participate in a SUP 'n Shuck experience, paddling out to St. Simon Bay before slurping back their treasures.
If being on the water makes your heart go pitter patter, you'll love Nova Scotia's Ketch Cottage. Anchored along the banks of the Lahave River, the air-conditioned, floating cottage allows dwellers to
soak up river life with its kayaks and 200-square-foot deck — perfect for fishing. From here, it's only a 30-minute drive to Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where, finger's crossed, Bluenose centennial celebrations will be taking place.
The sea shanties on the northeastern tip of Prince Edward Island certainly aren't crudely built shacks. No, the cosy cabins at Shanty Stay were hand-built using the island's white cedar. Not only do they smell heavenly, they're equipped with a double bed, private bathroom and fridge, but no kitchen. Situated steps from Confederation Trail in Souris, it's easy to head out on foot to find sustenance in this charming seaside town.
Those with sensory processing needs will find a safe haven in Gros Morne National Park. Working with the Autism Society, Newfoundland and Labrador, Parks Canada has kitted out the Rustic Cabin in Berry Hill with sensory-aware items that families may
find hard to travel with. The cabin also comes with a covered porch, bunk beds, wood stove and furniture. Campers need only bring their cooking equipment, bedding and sense of adventure.
YUKON
Located at Haines Junction, the gateway to Kluane National Park, the quarters at Mount Logan Ecolodge range from luxury lodge rooms to yurts to a refurbished school bus. This summer, barrel cabins and a “Yukon-glam” wall tent will open. Looking similar in appearance to a Finnish sauna, barrel cabins sport panoramic views, a small kitchen, electric heat and an indoor pump shower. The glam wall tent boasts two levels, a compost toilet and simple kitchen facilities. Guests can take advantage of the outdoor hot tub, sauna and massage services.