If you love nature but had a bad camping experience in a campground that seemed more like a parking lot for tents, “glamping” (i.e., glamorous camping) in a private site might be for you. It’s the perfect dual strategy for campers who aren’t ready to rough it: you get to embrace the outdoors during the day and then spend the night recuperating in comfort for the next day’s adventures. And from lovely lodges to Insta-ready yurts, Ontario is brimming with spectacular glamping destinations. Just be sure to pack your trusty Thermacell Mosquito Repeller, which can create a 15-foot zone of mosquito protection without any spray or odour. Because the last thing you want is to share your luxurious accommodations with the mosquitoes.
Harmony Outdoor Inn in Parry Sound
Parry Sound’s Harmony Outdoor Inn lives up to its harmonious namesake, connecting you with nature through outdoor activities ranging from stand-up paddleboarding on the Seguin River to full-day kayak outings. But most importantly for glampers, its furnished tents feature hypoallergenic pillows, outdoor cedar showers, and cozy decks that overlook the gorgeous natural surroundings.
Bartlett Lodge in Algonquin Park
With king-size beds, four-piece bathrooms, and stately cabins built from squared hemlock logs, Algonquin Provincial Park’s Bartlett Lodge offers luxe accommodations that are more “cottage” than “camp.” But for those looking to dip their toes in the tent experience while still being surrounded by the park’s breathtaking nature and wildlife, Bartlett offers “platform tents” with fabric roofs and walls (but still king-size beds).
Cyprus Lake Yurts
Parks Canada has installed its “OTENTik” yurts in 30 parks throughout Canada, but we’re partial to the ten you’ll find on the shores of Cyprus Lake in Bruce Peninsula National Park. Not only are the turquoise waters of Tobermory’s storied Grotto one of the most curiously beautiful places you’ll find in Ontario, but it’s also a dark-sky preserve, so you’ll be camping under the stars in all their splendour.
Long Point Eco Adventures
An overlooked gem among Great Lakes beach communities, Long Point Bay lies on the north side of Long Point Peninsula, a sandy stretch of beachfront that juts into the warm, shallow waters of Lake Erie. And at Long Point Eco Adventures, you can enjoy those beaches in style, staying in Insta-savvy glamping yurts and cabins like the King Wilderness Suite and the Elite Pod, which feature private bathrooms and fresh daily linens.
Tipi Adventure in Muskoka
If fresh linens and private bathrooms are too frou-frou for you, but you still don’t want to pitch your own tent or pack your own camping equipment, Muskoka’s Tipi Adventure might fill the bill. The futon-furnished tipis sleep up to ten campers with ease, and the pet-friendly grounds feature plenty of hiking, biking, and paddling opportunities.
Pinery Provincial Park Yurts
Southwestern Ontario might not boast the same Group of Seven aesthetic of our northern lakes, but the sunsets that stretch across Lake Huron’s horizon are among the world’s top ten according to National Geographic. And as far as beaches go, you can’t beat a day on the sandy beaches and rolling dunes of Pinery Provincial Park in Grand Bend—especially if you’re retreating to a stylish yurt nestled in a rare oak forest at night.
Luxury Safari Tents in Port Sydney
Not everyone can blend “luxury” with “canvas tents,” but Luxury Safari Tent Glamping at Muskoka’s Cotton Co. Adventures pulls it off in style. With canvas walls opening up to water views and massive decks with teak furniture, you’ll have the perfect place to relax after a day of ATVing on the trails.
Glamping Tents at Northridge Inn in Muskoka
Listed as one of TripAdvisor’s top 25 boutique hotels in Canada, Muskoka’s Northridge Inn is about as far from camping as you can get, but the world-class resort on the southernmost tip of Lake Bernard also features tent suites for guests who crave a little more fresh air. With solar power, Wi-Fi, goose-down duvets, and panoramic views of the lake, the only reminder that you’re camping will be the mosquitoes—unless you’ve packed your Thermacell Mosquito Repeller.
Looking for a more comfortable camping experience? A Thermacell Mosquito Repeller can create a mosquito-free radius for you and your family at the push of a button. Learn more at thermacell.com.