Let’s face it, camping isn’t for everyone. Bugs, sleeping on an air mattress and dealing with a leaky tent don’t add up to the ideal vacation for many Canadians. They still love the outdoors, but they prefer something a little more comfortable when winding down at the end of the day.
Enter glamping, the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and luxury. These experiences offer upgraded amenities and resort-style services that you don’t get at a traditional campsite. It’s no wonder glamping is on the rise in Canada, with a market that’s expected to reach more than $388 million CAD by 2030.
From rustic retreats to domed destinations, here are a few unforgettable Canadian glamping getaways you need to experience ASAP.
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Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge – Vancouver Island, BC
Head into the middle of the wilderness on Vancouver Island, where Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge offers 25 safari tents. Visitors can experience the ocean, forest and mountains across a site that encompasses more than 600 acres of wildlife habitat. You may come across black bears, otters, whales and sea lions during a guided experience. Looking for a night in? There’s a healing grounds spa and gourmet dining,; or simply just relax on your deck while taking in the breathtaking views.
Lakeside Luxury Domes – Cape Breton, NS
On Bras d’Or Lake, five lakeside geodesic domes offer a romantic escape with numerous amenities. Enjoy beautiful water views from the dome or accompanying hot tub, walk the beach or rent a kayak or paddleboard. Fishing, hiking, whale-watching and all of the other good things Cape Breton is known for are at your fingertips.
Muskoka Dome – Bracebridge, ON
Eco-luxurious glamping is what you’ll find at the Muskoka Dome, a four-season experience that combines luxury and nature. The private retreat is situated in the heart of the forest, surrounded by a climate-controlled dome that provides romantic views of the stars at night. There are heated floors and towel warmers, plus an array of optional add-ons. Think a DIY oyster bar or massage kit, a photo package or a proposal package for that special day.
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Birchwood Luxury Camping – Port Perry, ON
Looking for a romantic escape? Look no further than Birchwood Luxury Camping, where geodesic domes offer private couples retreats on Scugog Island. On-site massages, yoga packages and locally sourced celebration packages add to the overall luxury. Or you can head into town to experience gourmet food and shopping. Hot tubs, twinkly lights and functioning kitchens seal the deal, whether you stay in the North or South dome.
FlowEdge Riverside Getaway – Elderbank, NS
Approximately 30 minutes from the Halifax airport, this getaway is ideal for both family and romantic retreats. The geodesic domes are spaced out and operate year-round, with all the comforts of a boutique hotel. Think wood-fired cedar hot tubs, rain showers and views galore. The Indigenous-owned property also features hiking trails, customized packages and firepit fun, but without the fuss of an actual tent.
Glamp Good – Winfield, AB
If you’re looking for a true off-the-grid experience where you can reconnect with nature without giving up your simple comforts, Glamp Good has you covered. There are cabins and geodomes to choose from, along with a firefly treehouse cocoon. Each accommodation comes with access to unique amenities like the site’s Nordic spa, eco-toilets and a heated shower house. Plus, the site is home to Alberta’s only floating sauna, set on picturesque Twin Lake.
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Grotto Getaway – Tobermory, ON
If you plan on checking out the famous Grotto in Tobermory or hiking some of the scenic paths in the area, set up at this glamping hot spot in the centre of it all. Outdoor adventure and natural beauty are all around these luxe accommodations, which feature comfy mattresses, private campfires and tons of dining options nearby. You will have to share a bathroom, but considering some of the outhouse alternatives out there, we’d say it’s worth it.
Skyridge Glamping – Kananaskis, AB
A Netherlands couple established this gorgeous retreat in Alberta, where well-being and a balanced lifestyle are everyday goals. The resort features Skybox and Skyglass cabins, each decked out with all the amenities you could think of, from heated floors to stocked kitchens and stunning mountain views. The resort has even partnered with a grocery delivery service to stock your fridge full of goodies, and there’s gear rental to experience every kind of outdoor activity you can think of.
Bel Air Tremblant – Mont Tremblant, QC
Designer domes and pods are at the heart of this resort, where private outdoor spaces and gorgeous views offer a unique but immersive experience. There are hot tubs and saunas along with hiking trails and spa amenities, plus there are all kinds of dining options nearby. (Tremblant’s Old Village is only five minutes away.) The domes are also pet-friendly, making it the purrfect escape.
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Relive Retreat – Priceville, ON
Reconnect with nature by immersing yourself in the beauty of architecture at Relive Retreat, where five unique stays offer distinct experiences. There’s the Dream Capsule glamping pod, which comes with a private fire pit and an equipped outdoor kitchen, two decked-out yurts or two cottage structures to vacation at. Each stay is set among springs, forests and wetlands, so you can hike and explore nature before retreating to your posh accommodations.
