Ontario has so many iconic places to visit. In this guide, we’ll give you a rundown of the best areas and glamping sites. Rest assured, after reading this, you’ll be ready to press book on your dream Ontario glamping getaway.
What is Glamping?
First things first, let’s take a look at what you can actually expect from glamping in Ontario. Essentially, it is camping but luxury-style. To get a better idea of what it is like you can read about our experience glamping in Big Sur. But to paint a quick picture, you forgo things like sleeping bags and a basic toilet block. Instead, you get things like an indoor washroom, wood-burning stove, and king-size beds. While most glamping sites still offer some canvas element – such as a luxury safari-style tent or tipi – the facilities inside are much more like a luxury hotel room.
Therefore, you get glamping, a.k.a. glamorous camping. It is the perfect mixture for those wanting to experience being closer to nature without sacrificing comfort. Ideal, right?
Now we’ve got a brief definition covered and you are on the same page, let’s get into the good stuff. What are the glamping sites you should know about in Ontario? Where should you head for the ultimate camping trip in provincial parks and prospector tents? Here are our carefully selected top fourteen best places for glamping in Ontario.
1. Fronterra Farm Camp
Address: 240 Country Rd 27, Consecon, ON K0K 1T0, Canada
Fronterra Farm Camp is a beautiful place to go glamping in Ontario. If family-run eco-friendly accommodation is your thing, you’ll love staying at Fronterra Farm Camp. It is almost directly located on the shores of Lake Ontario. It prides itself on allowing guests to relax in a self-sufficient bubble in nature.
Fronterra Farm Camp has 10 canvas prospector tents located in the forest or along the lakefront with private viewing platforms over the marshes. Each has a heated outdoor shower, composting toilet, and private kitchen facilities. The bathing facilities are eco showers with unique ecological products to minimize the environmental impact. Its environmental focus is what really makes Fronterra Farm Camp stand out. The camp is also beautifully located in Prince Edward County, with fantastic access to Lake Ontario.
Sandbanks Provincial Park
This waterfront has the world’s biggest sand dune system and a massive freshwater sand bar. It is where to head if you visit in summer and want a ‘beach’ day.
Try wine tasting at the nearby Norman Hardie Winery. It runs several tours and tasting events just a short distance away.
Where to dine: Strato’s Pizzeria & Mediterranean Grill – for vibrant Greek cuisine full of flavors.
2. Harmony Outdoor Inn
Address: 6 Harmony Lane, Parry Sound, ON P2A 0B1, Canada
If lakeside views sound up your street, Harmony Outdoor Inn is ideal. The Harmony Outdoor Inn is a 3-star resort with a mixture of traditional hotel rooms and glamping tents. Its tents have access to outdoor shower facilities – hot, of course – and each comes with a spacious outdoor deck and overhead canopy. It is camping made ten times more spacious and much more comfortable.
The main draw with the Harmony Outdoor Inn is its gorgeous setting and onsite activities. Located on Mill Lake’s shores, guests have immediate access to tons of water sports and beautiful views. You can rent kayaks and SUPs to get active, explore from the water, or walk the shores.
Guests get access to a communal kitchen, dock, and even a deck dedicated to hammock seating. Harmony Outdoor Inn is closed for renovations in 2024. But the resort location is so beautiful that we had to add it so you can keep it in mind when it reopens.
Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere
This brilliant little charity supports the Georgian Bay area and offers regular activities and talks. You can check the official website and see what aligns with your visit.
North Shore Rugged Hiking Trail
If you fancy a medium-difficulty 2.5km trail, the North Shore Rugged Hiking Trail is a scenic choice. You get stunning views of the bay and reach some hidden pebbled beaches.
Where to dine: Trappers Choice Restaurant – a family-friendly restaurant with snowmobile trail access and a seasonal heated patio.
3. Northern Edge Algonquin
Address: Kawawaymog Lake Algonquin Park, South River, ON P0A 1X0, Canada
Northern Edge Algonquin is a stunning retreat center offering glamping on Ontario on the shores of Kawawaymog Lake. Think misty mornings on wooden docks and days spent enjoying water activities in the sun. It primarily hosts groups of 8 to 30, so if you are looking for a group camping experience, Northern Edge Algonquin is a great bet.
Northern Edge Algonquin is a great place for outdoor adventure and relaxation. The eco-retreat offers yoga sessions, meditations, and meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients. As an extra bonus, it’s also all-inclusive – what is more luxurious than that? Its accommodation is equally impressive, with rustic cabin choices that offer shared or private options.
For us, Northern Edge Algonquin really stood out for its all-inclusive and group-tailored experiences. Finding accommodation that caters to such large groups can be challenging. And whether you are planning a relaxing hen do or a large group holiday, that flexibility stands out.
Crystal Cave Mineral Exhibit
This unique museum and shop has thousands of crystals on show. You can learn about crystals and fossils through exhibits and shop for souvenirs.
Winterdance Dog Sledding.
In winter, a visit to Winterdance Dog Sledding is a must. You can go for a bucket list-worthy dog sledding ride through the snow and winter woodland.
Where to dine: Sherri’s Diner – for casual American comfort food in a friendly atmosphere.
4. Bartlett Lodge
Address: Highway 60, KM 23, 7, Algonquin Park, ON P0A 1H0, Canada
Bartlett Lodge is another stunning chic glamping site located within Algonquin Provincial Park. The Lodge has a mixture of cabins and platform tents on its private grounds. For a glamping experience, you should definitely book the latter. These luxury tents each feature a king-sized bed for ultra comfort. Its canvas walls are held in place by beautiful wooden framing. You also get a vast private deck covered by an overhead canopy.
Those staying in the luxury tents access a shared washroom building with hot showers and flush toilets. Inside the tent, you get battery-operated lamps – which feel just that extra bit authentic, like a ‘real’ camping experience.
For us, that authenticity is what makes Bartlett Lodge stand out. It is luxury, but not unrealistic and too far away from the nitty gritty camping experience, as reminded by the battery-powered lights. It is where to go glamping in Ontario if you want to be based in Algonquin Provincial Park and have a glamping experience that still feels adventurous.
This is easily one of the best nearby hiking trails. You’ll wind your way past rivers and up a flight of short – but steep – wooden stairs, emerging with beautiful views over Canisbay Lake. It is a respectable 7.5km and moderate in difficulty.
Only 2.3km as a loop, Peck Lake Trail covers the perimeter of the beautiful Peck Lake and gives you a great insight into Algonquin Provincial Park’s ecology.
Where to dine: Lake of Two Rivers Cafe and Grill: a comfort food cafe and adjoining grocery store.
5. Glen Oro Farm
Address: 2574 Line 10 N, Hawkestone, ON, L0L 1TO, Canada
Glen Oro Farm is a horseback riding stables meets glamping experience. How exciting is that? You can enjoy some of the most elaborately designed glamping tents in Ontario and spend your days on trail rides through surrounding fields and woodland. Glamping in Ontario doesn’t get better than this for adventurous tourists and established equestrians.
Each tent has a private fire pit outside, a wood-burning stove, and king beds inside. The tents range from all-canvas options to stargazer and galaxy gazer options – featuring skylights to admire the night sky. We love the skylights, especially since Ontario can experience the Northern Lights. The luxury tents each have a wood-burning stove, propane BBQ, and fire pit. Even better, they all feature a kitchenette or full kitchen, too.
Glen Oro Farm also has tons of shared facilities, including a cedar barrel sauna where you can book private sessions for free. The onsite trail rides are a huge hit as well. If you are lucky, you might spot bears, coyotes, and foxes on horseback.
Bass Lake Provincial Park
For a lazy afternoon near the water, this park is perfect. You can go for a gentle boating ride, swim, or just enjoy a picnic.
Scout Valley Loop Trail is beautiful if you fancy an approximate 4-kilometer loop through some of Ontario’s prettiest flora. You pass through forests and meadows. And in autumn, the fall foliage is incredibly stunning.
Where to dine: Brewery Bay Food Co is a low-key restaurant with a burger and pizza-style menu.
6. Four Corners Algonquin
Address: 29924 ON-60, Whitney, ON K0J 2M0, Canada
Four Corners Algonquin is one of the best glamping sites on the block. This gorgeous site is located only four miles from the East Gate of Algonquin Park, meaning easy access to famous hiking trails like Bat Lake Trail during the day. Luxury tents include bubble tents for sleeping under the stars, safari tents, authentic pole tents, and novelty ‘tiny homes’. It is a great way to experience the great outdoors with the comfort of luxurious linens and a warming wood stove.
The glamping site covers 90 acres and is totally off-grid. Glampers share a fully accessible comfort station, which includes flush toilets, hot showers, and electric outlets. You won’t be scrambling to create a fire pit menu for your stay either, as there’s a shared kitchen up for grabs each morning.
When you stay at Four Corners Algonquin, you get a comfortable bed, propane BBQ, picnic table, and Muskoka chairs. The site has a brilliant motto, ‘disconnected but not totally unplugged,’ which summarises its glamping experience really well. Four Corners Algonquin has a photovoltaic system that aims to create net zero energy. Its system is so effective that it can offer guests free WiFi.
We love the attitude towards sustainable energy at Four Corners Algonquin, and its genius, effective photovoltaic system is what won it its spot on this guide. The bubble tents are also impressive, especially since Algonquin is a Northern Lights sighting spot.
Galeairy Lake Memorial Park
This scenic lake for a morning walk has a military gun and cenotaph paying respects to fallen soldiers. It is only a few minute’s drive away and a perfect addition to your itinerary.
Algonquin Logging Museum is located just within the provincial park boundaries and has outdoor exhibits on the region’s logging history. There’s also a 1.3km trail you can complete.
Where to dine: Bongopix Tavern – for pub-style grub and Algonquin’s only nightlife spot.
7. Homegrown Hideaway
Address: 524 St John’s Rd E, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2, Canada
Homegrown Hideaway is family-owned and run, which is a lovely touch when searching for glamping accommodations in Ontario. The site is situated just outside Port Dover – close enough to take advantage of its tourist attractions and amenities, yet far enough to enjoy some remoteness for a romantic getaway. The atmosphere is minimal fuss, with just unique-looking glamping tents in beautiful scenery. If you want a wholesome vibe, Homegrown Hideaway is your choice. Its homely, serene quality is what caught our eye.
All the tents are made from Canadian raw materials sourced as locally as possible. The tents all have a queen-sized bed, and some feature a couple’s outdoor shower. You can access a shared kitchen and outdoor washroom building with hot showers and flush toilets.
The 17 acres of family land produce its own fruit and vegetables, which you can add to your stay with a ‘rustic comfort package.’ You also get direct access to the Lynn River for swimming and fishing. Homegrown Hideaway is definitely best suited to summer.
Lynn River Falls is a beautiful spot to hike to, and you can join the trail on the property. It is an easy trail, and you just follow the river path.
Port Dover Harbour Museum
If you want a more traditional sightseeing experience, you can head to the Port Dover Harbour Museum. This teaches you about local history and offers various special events and exhibitions.
Where to dine: Knechtel’s on the Public Beach offers comfort-style fish and chips with hot dogs and ice creams.
8. The Glamping Island
Address: 620 Lakeshore Rd, S Farr Island on Lake Temiskaming, Haileybury, ON, P0J 1K0, Canada
How does luxury camping on a remote island in Lake Timiskaming sound? The lake marks the border between Ontario and Quebec, and you can enjoy island life off the mainland shore. It is one of Ontario’s most unusual places to go glamping – which is why it just had to make the list.
The island site is 5 acres and has only six accommodation choices, so book ahead to avoid places being full. There are two luxury tents, three cabins, plus a novelty tiny home. Each comes with a private waterfront deck and a solar-powered light system that also let’s you charge your phone. The private hammocks and fire pits are another nice touch.
For the best experience, we’d book one of the prospector tents. The rest of the island is yours to explore, too, with a network of hiking trails and viewpoints over the water. There are also plenty of water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. You get shared access to a communal kitchen with all the necessary cooking facilities. Remember that instead of a freezer, you have an ice box stocked continuously with fresh ice, so be mindful of what food you bring.
Waterfront Boardwalk Trail
This beautiful boardwalk stretches along part of the Lake Timiskaming shores, starting in New Liskeard. If you fancy a mainland walk with views of the island, not from the island, the Waterfront Boardwalk Trail is a great shout.
To sightsee more traditionally, you can check out the Bunker Military Museum on the mainland. It has hundreds of artifacts and tons to learn.
Where to dine: Kingsway Restaurant – a Chinese restaurant to cure your cravings after a few days of embracing island life.
9. Lungovita Beach Retreat
Address: 225 Country Rd, 50 E, Harrow, ON N0R 1G0, Canada
How does adults-only glamping in Ontario sound? Lungovita Beach Retreat is one of the only adults-only glamping accommodations in the province. It offers beautiful geo dome tents overlooking the water and retreat bookings. You get access to a 16-acre private property in the middle of the Essex County wine country – dreamy. Check out the mixture of single and multi-day retreats, which include yoga and self-love retreats.
If you want a more organized experience and love the sound of retreat packages, a stay at the Lungovita Beach Retreat is one of the most rewarding glamping experiences in Ontario. Aside from the gorgeous accommodations and inclusions of your chosen retreat, you can access many facilities and amenities. These include year-round hot tubs and saunas, a saltwater pool, a hammock section, a meditation section, and onsite massages. It doesn’t get much more luxurious than Lungovita Beach Retreat, which earned it a place in this guide. We like that it offers such a stand-out luxury experience. The geo domes even have AC.
Fancy wine tasting? This winery is just a 10-minute bike ride or a 15-minute walk away. It also offers lunch experiences.
Colchester Harbour and Beach
Next up, we have a spacious beach and quiet marina. This is ideal if you want to visit the small town of Colchester and get your culture fix of the day before heading to the beach.
Where to dine: Colchester Bar & Grill – for a burger-style menu and grilled dishes in the middle of town.
10. Pit Stop 518
Address: 1734 ON-518, Kearney, ON P0A 1MO, Canada
So we covered adults-only glamping in Ontario, but what about luxury camping in a yurt? This glamping site is located in the Almaguin Highlands and has impressive Mongolian yurts. Whether you are interested in Mongolian culture and history or want to experience a different, more novelty side to standard camping, Pit Stop 518 certainly shakes things up. So, of course, we had to give it a spot.
Each yurt has a private outhouse toilet, a wood-burning stove, and a kitchenette. There’s also a picnic table and a portable 1000-watt power with AC and USB ports. Shower facilities are $10 per person per stay and are offered in a main building.
The yurts themselves are situated on a 3-acre flower meadow. Guests can enjoy an onsite cafe open for breakfast and lunch from Tuesday to Saturday. You can even opt-in for a food delivery package, where the site organizes food to be dropped off at your yurt door.
The nearby town of Kearney is pretty much a lake town, surrounded by four different lakes. This is an ideal glamping site for anyone who loves fishing and water activities. As an extra thing to note, Pit Stop 518 is also pet-friendly.
Rent a kayak from Algonquin Base Camp
A fantastic activity from Pit Stop 518 is renting a kayak from Algonquin Base Camp and exploring the lake from the water. Hassard Lake is beautiful, and you could even bring a picnic.
Another fantastic thing to do nearby is to hike to Brook’s Fall, a pretty waterfall near Pit Stop 518. You just follow the short trail from Deer Lake Road.
Where to dine: Fork on Main – for sandwiches and burgers.
11. Alabaster Acres
Address: 18692 Hurontario St, Caledon Village, ON L7K 0Y1, Canada
Alabaster Acres is a stunning example of camping in luxury. The site is within 100 acres of private farmland, with a beautiful collection of three luxury tents set in their clearings. It is only a short hour’s drive from Toronto, which has already earned some brownie points for snagging a place in this guide. You can easily fly into Toronto, renting a car to reach Alabaster Acres and its gorgeous glamping tents.
You have three tent choices: the Copper Retreat, Gunmetal Getaway, and Platinum Hideout. Each has its own slightly different package and aesthetic. Every tent includes a king-sized bed, kitchenette, heated mattress, wood stove, mini bridge, Bluetooth speaker, battery-operated lighting, and cooking equipment. Alabaster Acres retains a quiet, intimate allure with only three glamping accommodations. It is nice that you’ll have many trails around the private acreage. And the same goes for shared facilities like the outdoor shower block and library.
If you want to go glamping in Ontario to somewhere that feels rustic and intimate, Alabaster Acres is the best choice. We love how private it feels.
Visit Island Lake Conservation Area
Near the neighboring town of Orangeville, the Island Lake Conservation Area is a beautiful place for a walk. The area contains an 820-acre lake with adjoining wetlands and forests. Better yet, treat yourself to some water activities. You can rent kayaks, canoes, and fishing gear.
Hike through Forks of the Credit Provincial Park
A stroll is the perfect way to spend a morning, and Forks of the Credit Provincial Park is gorgeous. You’ll need to make a reservation beforehand, but your organization is rewarded tenfold with waterfalls and forest views.
Where to dine: Inaka Japanese Restaurant – for a family-friendly, authentic Japanese meal.
12. Long Point Eco Adventures Resort
Address: 1730 Front Rd, Turkey Point, ON N0E 1P0, Canada
Long Point Eco Adventures has some of the best glamping in Ontario. Just check out the Wilderness Suite glamping accommodations. These canvas mansions are fit for kings – and will be an exciting base for a few days. Each has a mini fridge, fan, heater, and heated blanket. The luxury camping tents are pet-friendly, and they even have WiFi. Long Point Eco Adventures Resort is just impressive. Its Wilderness Suites tick all the boxes, so we’ve added it to this guide.
Long Point Eco Adventures is located on the shores of Lake Erie. While it may feel like a secluded retreat, it is actually less than a 2.5-hour drive from Toronto. It is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to add a glamping experience to a Toronto city break and Niagara Falls-centered trip. This was another big consideration point for us; its location is so convenient.
Besides its nearby attractions and cool tents, Long Point Eco Adventures has a winter observatory, zipline tours, and water activities. Long Point Eco Adventures is perfect if you want a resort feel for activities. There’s even an onsite restaurant if you prefer something other than fire pit cooking.
Go wine tasting at Burning Kiln Winery
Who doesn’t love wine tasting? Burning Kiln Winery is a short distance from the glamping site and runs regular tasting experiences.
Turkey Point Provincial Park
If you like mountain biking, this is the park for you. It has some great biking trails and suitably hairy sections for those wanting a challenge. There’s also a beach and plenty of hiking trails.
Where to dine: The Jetty Bar and Grill is an iconic blue-painted restaurant serving predominantly seafood with waterfront views.
13. Nature’s Harmony Ecolodge
Address: 574 Snake Creek Rd, Mattawa ON P0H 1V0, Canada
If you are thinking more of a holiday for big kids, aka adults, Nature’s Harmony Ecolodge is a fun choice. The ‘lodge’ comprises a range of tents and cabins, including a geodesic dome, a stereotypical glamping tent, a levitation tent, a Mongolian yurt, and a Pacific Yurt option – which sleeps up to six guests. Nature’s Harmony Lodge is fun first.
It has plenty of novelty accommodation and activity equipment rentals like paddle boards and skis. In winter, you can enjoy snow tubing, snowshoeing, skating, and relaxing in a wood-fired sauna. In summer, there are over 25km of trails, swimming opportunities galore, berry picking, star gazing, and paddle-boarding. We like how action-packed a stay at Nature’s Harmony Ecolodge is.
While the tent options don’t have private kitchens or bathing facilities, you get communal eco showers, composting toilets, and BBQ facilities. You can also eat nearby at surrounding restaurants. Nature’s Harmony Ecolodge is set overlooking the Laurentian Mountains but is just a 15-minute drive from the town of Mattawa.
This museum is excellent for learning more about indigenous culture and history in the region. It also touches on the natural history of the Algonquin area.
Fancy going skiing? If you are visiting in the right season, why not head for a ski session or two in the Laurentian Mountains? There are 15 runs in total.
Where to dine: The Moon Cafe is a pretty cafe with upscale breakfast and lunch options.
14. Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat
Address: 141 Mercer Ln, Grafton, ON K0K 2G0, Canada
Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat is stunning. This retreat is set in Northumberland County, just 90 minutes from Toronto. It is ideal for anyone flying to Ontario and offers a boutique take on the glamping experience. Forget sleeping bags, and instead picture mood lighting and in-tent en-suites.
You could book a treetop tent with a huge covered balcony. This option shares communal cooking facilities and a hot tub with two other treetop tents – creating a community in the sky. Or, you can keep things on the ground with a deluxe, mini, junior, or traditional safari tent stay. All have a bohemian meet classic Canadian prospector tent aesthetic.
For us, it is that boutique quality that sets Whispering Springs apart. The chunky cut wooden furnishings and crisp white lines are gorgeous. And the care to create such different experiences really shows a step beyond the usual mile.
Aside from the accommodation options, Whispering Springs has a saltwater pool, a spring-fed pond with resident turtles and otters, a cedar barrel sauna, and over 4km of hiking trails. There’s also a la carte restaurant onsite and a rota of wellness activities like outdoor yoga and fire meditation classes.
Nawautin Nature Sanctuary
This 5-hectare natural wildlife sanctuary is a haven for animal residents like deer, foxes, and beavers. We’d suggest an evening or early morning visit to spot the most animals.
Cobourg is a scenic town on Lake Ontario. You can stop by its public beach as an easy detour from Whispering Springs, taking just 25 minutes by car.
Where to dine: Triple O’s Colborne – to try a classic Canadian burger chain with super speed service.
Why We Love Glamping in Ontario
Glamping in Ontario is incredible, thanks to its beautiful parks and attention to detail in its glamping accommodations. You have everything from solar-powered lighting to hot tub facilities. And you could enjoy immersing yourself in nature in Northumberland County or Prince Edward County – the glamping sites are generously spread across the province. Any of the top 14 will treat you to a beautiful stay, and we hope you’ve found a few favorites.
Before you rush off, remember to check out some other exciting things to do in Ontario. Glamping in Ontario is just the tip of the iceberg. We have a complete guide on the most thrilling things to do, as well as things to do specifically in Hamilton and Blue Mountain. Our recommendation? Hang around Ontario a bit and taste its wilderness and city culture. Head to Northern Ontario and Southern Ontario; soak up as much of the province as possible. Ontario is home to nearly 40% of Canada’s population, and you’ll want more than a few days to see why.
