Glamorous camping–now often called ‘glamping’–is a hot trend in Canada. Glamping can be a great staycation option for people more comfortable with a luxury vacation, yet who still want to enjoy the rustic outdoors.
While the term may be new (‘glamping’ was officially added to the Oxford English dictionary in 2016), the concept dates back as far as the 6th century with the Buryat Mongolian innovation of ‘yurts’.
Glamping is much more than Yurts though, and the options are as varied as the types of trees in the forest. Everything from tents to treehouses!
We’ve rounded up a few of the most luxurious and memorable glamping options to satisfy your need for a pampered vacation and your desire to get out in the woods.
Free Spirit Spheres- Vancouver Island, BC
It would be hard to get more unique than this; spherical treehouses! Suspended by ropes, these works of art blend into the forest allowing you to completely immerse yourself in the majesty of this West Coast forest.
Free Spirit is also perfectly located on the Island with easy access to almost any type of adventure you could think of. Everything from kayaking to zip-lining, and a great variety of local restaurants and shopping for when you’re not knee-deep in a wilderness adventure.
The Northridge Inn & Resort- Sundridge, ON
This gorgeous Muskoka property on Lake Bernard has not one but two amazing glamping options. You have a choice of their impressive tent suite, with goose-down duvets, wi-fi, and a private fire pit; or in a stunning vintage Airstream trailer outfitted with everything you could want. Both options are right by the water giving you a full experience of nature and relaxation.
If you venture off the resort, the area of Sundridge has a wide variety of restaurants and shopping. There’s also a local distillery to visit, and the majestic High Rock Lookout Park for a picnic, a swim, or some fishing.
Entre Cîmes et Racines – East-Bolton, Québec
At Entre Cîmes et Racines there’s a wide range of accommodations to choose from but there’s one in particular that intrigues us every time. If you’re a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien, how could you refuse an opportunity to stay in a Hobbit house?
What better place to relax by the fire, surrounded by the sounds of the forest, and lose yourself in your favourite book. All of their eco-lodges are stocked with the necessary basics and the kitchens are also fully equipped to allow you to make your favourite meals.
Tin Poppy Retreat – Salmon Arm, B.C.
Be prepared to fall in love with this beautiful West Coast retreat, the Tin Poppy Cabin. Originally a 32-foot 1953 Caravan, the structure built around it has turned this solar-powered cabin into a truly unique getaway destination. With all the comforts of home and a practically endless list of things to do in the area, you may never want to leave. There’s the Enderby Cliffs Provincial Park, some of the best fishing on the Shuswap River, local festivals, and even a winery close by! Truly something for everyone.
East Coast Glamping – Halifax, N.S.
Imagine being able to lie on your bed and look up at the stars with virtually no light pollution spoiling the view! This Sky-Bubble in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia has an 11 foot clear dome allowing you to completely lose yourself in the night sky. There’s a choice of a couple’s or family-sized dome, and also a heated ‘sky-cabin’ for year-round cosmic adventures. When you’re not in the stars, you can visit the Glenwood Provincial Park, enjoy some kayaking or fishing, and visit the local craft brewery.
With the warmer weather around the corner, it’s a perfect time to start planning your summer adventures. Glamping may just be the perfect new activity for you to try this year, and an outstanding way to see, enjoy and be a part of the diversity of nature that Canada has to offer from coast to coast.