Winter camping can be very intimidating—you have to battle freezing temperatures, heavy winds, and deep snow. Though some outdoor enthusiasts relish the challenge of extreme weather, most of us would rather not fuss with tarps and air mattresses when it’s below zero.
That being said, we also don’t want to miss out on the good parts of winter adventures—hiking in the crisp, fresh air, exploring white forest wonderlands, and snuggling up with loved ones at the end of the day to keep warm. So how can we experience the best of winter camping without the pain of winter tenting? Yurts have become a popular alternative for those interested in camping year-round. Here are some campsites that offer yurt rentals throughout the whole year.
McGregor Point Provincial Park
This park has 16 yurts available for reservation in the Birch Boulevard section of the campgrounds. MacGregor Point is known as a birding hotspot so take the opportunity to view some birds and even feed a few while you’re there. The park also has lots of snowshoeing trails and a beautiful 400-metre skating rink that winds right through the trees and lights up at night. More info: www.ontarioparks.com
Kilarney Provincial Park
There are six yurts at Kilarney that come with the standard amenities as well as a food storage shelter to keep bears away from your campsite. Be advised that there is no vehicle access to the Kilarney yurts. In winter, campers have access to one toboggan to pull their gear from the main parking lot. Take advantage of some great backcountry cross-country skiing opportunities or go on a guided excursion to the Kilarney observatory. More info: www.ontarioparks.com
Quetico Provincial Park
Quetico has two yurts on the Chippewa campgrounds, but you need to book at least seven days in advance. Hit the Dawson Trail for some skiing or snowshoeing and ogle at the scenic background of towering cliffs and spruce forests. If you’re camping with the family, plan your trip around Frosty February—an annual event that promotes winter recreation. More info: www.ontarioparks.com
Algonquin Provincial Park
Ontario’s oldest provincial park has seven yurts available at Mew Lake campgrounds. You can bring two vehicles on site, which makes it a great option for friends and family who are coming in from a different location. Strap on your skis and explore the popular trails or book a dogsledding experience with one of the local providers. More info: www.ontarioparks.com
Pinery Provincial Park
There are 10 yurts at Silent Lake, but only 6 are available for winter booking and only three are wired for electricity. The other three are equipped with a woodstove and include firewood in the price of the rental. They could provide a cozy old-fashioned experience. Head out on any of the colour-coded cross-country ski loops, which are great for family journeys, or try your hand at ice fishing on the lake. More info: www.ontarioparks.ca
Silent Lake Provincial Park
There are 10 yurts at Silent Lake, but only six are available for winter booking and only three are wired for electricity. The other three are equipped with a woodstove and include firewood in the price of the rental, if you’re looking for a cozy old-fashioned experience. Head out on any of the colour-coded cross-country ski loops, which are great for family journeys, or try your hand at ice fishing on the lake. More info: www.ontarioparks.ca
Windy Lake Provincial Park
Every winter the campground roads at Windy Lake are transformed into cross-country ski trails, so the four yurts available for rent are not accessible by car. The park does, however, provide you with a sleigh to transport your gear as you ski, snowshoe, or walk the trail to your accommodations. And with all of the accommodations located trailside, it’s a quick step out the door to winter recreation! More info: www.ontarioparks.ca
Parc National Du Mont-Tremblant
The five winter yurts in Mont Tremblant are located by L’Assomption River in a secluded, tranquil section of the park. It’s the oldest and largest National park in Quebec’s network and offers great winter hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing opportunities. There are 40 different mammal species that live in the wilderness so you prepare for a cool animal encounter. More info: www.sepaq.com
Parc National du Bic
Located by the shore in the St. Lawrence Estuary, Bic has eight yurts in the Ile-aux-Amours sector and now three yurts in the Tombolo sector. Wildlife watching is a popular pastime in the park and you should be on the lookout for white-tailed deer, birds of prey, and seals on the shoreline. For a fun and unusual activity, stop by the front desk and rent a kicksled to ride over the packed snow. The park also rents out Ski-vels which attach to wheelchairs so mobility-impaired campers can enjoy the trails as well. More info: www.sepaq.com
Parc National De La Jacques-Cartier
Located just 30 minutes outside of Quebec City, Jacques-Cartier has five yurts for rent. The park is nestled in a mountain range dotted with deep valleys, including the spectacular glacial valley Vallee de la Jacque-Cartier, which makes for some incredible campsite views. There are tons of snowshoeing and skiing trails to choose from as well as a brand new toboggan hill that the kids will be enamored with. More info: www.sepeq.com
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