If you don’t want to give up outdoor adventures, but aren’t interested in waking up in a lumpy sack on the ground, or blowing up a big inflatable mattress, it might be time to switch to glamour camping, otherwise known as “glamping.” Luxury huts and tents have popped up in wilderness resorts and on campgrounds across the country, and are becoming an increasingly popular choice for those looking to commune with nature and still get a good night’s sleep. How else are you going to have enough energy to hike that trail, portage over the river, or paddle down the lake?
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, British Columbia
Photo courtesy of wildretreat.com
You’ll find Clayoquot on nearly every glamping list, because this wilderness resort is a pioneer in high-end outdoor sleeping. The remote luxury resort can only be accessed by seaplane, and is about a three-hour flight from Tofino. Once there, you can stay in one of Clayoquot’s roomy, white-canvas tents, which are built on raised wooden platforms. Tucked away in the rainforest, all of the resort’s Deluxe Outpost tents are connected by a cedar boardwalk and furnished with a queen-sized bed or two single beds, propane wood stoves, antique dressers and tea tables, opulent rugs, and oil lamps. When nature calls, there are private flush toilets located right outside.
Rockwater Secret Cove Resort, British Columbia
Photo courtesy of rockwatersecretcoveresort.com
The Tenthouse Suites at Rockwater Sea Cove Resort are perched high above the rocky coast of Secret Cove, part of British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast, a nearly 200-kilometre stretch north of Vancouver that’s filled with tiny coastal communities. Each of these elegant suites is equipped with a king-sized bed, full bath, and indoor dining area. The large windows that line the front of the white canvas tents look out to the spacious wood decks, which are filled with comfortable patio furniture that provide breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean—especially at sunset. If it weren’t already obvious, these romantic accommodations are made for couples, which means that no pets or children are allowed in the tents.
Sundance Lodges, Alberta
Photo courtesy of guaranteerv.com
Located just west of Calgary in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the accommodations at Alberta’s Sundance Lodges aren’t just comfortable places to stay, they’re also filled with character. Sleep in one of Sundance’s Sioux canvas tipis, which are hand-painted in traditional native style. On the inside there’s just enough for a comfortable and dry night’s sleep: a wooden floor, a bed frame with a foam mattress, and a small kerosene heater and lantern. If you step outside to the private campsite, you’ll find a picnic table, a fire pit with a half grill, and a whole lot of wildlife.
Flora Bora Forest Lodging, Saskatchewan
Photo courtesy of florabora.ca
No matter what time of year it is, you can camp with Flora Bora Forest Lodging, which is just a short distance from Prince Albert National Park. At this site you’ll find two uniquely decorated yurts surrounded by 30 acres of forest. What’s a yurt you ask? While this style of shelter was traditionally used by nomadic herdsman from the East, more modern versions—made with durable fabric, insulation, and a sturdy frame—are now found in Western culture. Both of the yurts at Flora Bora sleep four people and are equipped with a full kitchen and bathroom, so you can wake up well-rested and cook a big breakfast before hitting the nature trails right outside your door.
Long Point Eco-Adventures, Ontario
Photo courtesy of thisbeautifuldayblog.com
The Wilderness Suites at Long Point Eco-Adventures were inspired by the resort owner’s experience climbing Africa’s Mount Kilimanjaro. They might look modest from the outside, but these unique suites are tastefully furnished with king or queen beds, and are equipped with hardwood floors, sliding glass doors, electricity, running water, flush toilets, and mini fridges. There’s also private outdoor showers attached to each suite and large decks out front. So while there’s tons to do at Long Point, from zip-lining and canopy tours to fishing and mountain biking, it might be tough to pull yourself away from your suite.
Yurts, Parcs Q
Photo courtesy of sepaq.com
Like the Yurts at Flora Bora, these ones allow you to camp comfortably year-round. There are now 25 yurts available for rent in the Parcs Quebéc network, which includes Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier, Parc national du Bic, and Parc national du Mont-Tremblant. No matter where you stay, you’ll be treated to hardwood floors, a fridge and toaster oven, a dining table, and a few single beds. The round canvas tent is also fitted with multiple windows, so you can enjoy views of the surrounding landscape, and a small skylight for a little nighttime stargazing. But the best part? The yurts are heated with a wood-burning stove. Now there’s something you won’t find in a traditional tent!
oTENTik Tents, National Parks
Photo courtesy of pc.gc.ca
A cross between a tent and a rustic cabin, Parks Canada’s oTENTik Tents are a new and luxurious way to experience our national parks. From the flattop mountains of Newfoundland’s Gros Morne National Park to the meadows of Manitoba’s Riding Mountain National Park, oTENTik Tents can be found in parks across the country. If you don’t want to spend all of your time setting up or tearing down your site, these cozy accommodations are ready upon arrival, and each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire pit. Inside, you’ll find three comfortable beds, which can accommodate up to six people, making it the perfect option if you’re bringing along the kids.
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