Nine Glampsites in Northeastern Ontario You Need To Book Early

by | Feb 8, 2023 | Big Blog, Nature and Outdoors | 0 comments

While it’s cold outside, get cozy and warm up while reading about summer glamping spots you need to reserve right now!

The snow is falling, and I am finalizing my warm-weather travel plans and reserving glampsites. Why? My favourites are booking up fast. The pressure is on; choose a summer escape route and secure the getaway!

To make finding your next great glamping experience in Northeastern Ontario effortless, I’m sharing my list of must visit-sites ahead of time. Then all that’s needed is to plan a menu, find your headlamp, air out the sleeping bags and count down the days till your trip!

 

René Brunelle Provincial Park, Moonbeam

 

If Rustic Cabin 100 at René Brunelle Provincial Park isn’t on your glamping wishlist, it should be! The park’s only roofed accommodation is on Remi Lake’s eastern shore, with an expansive view of the water and spectacular sunsets. Lake access is steps away from the cabin’s front door, or you can head to Campers Beach, the closest of four sandy beaches. A propane fireplace will keep you cozy on cool nights.

Explore a birder’s paradise; the varied tree species play host to various bird species, from woodpeckers to waterfowl. There are several activities for outdoor lovers, from boating too biking on park roads and nearby on Moonbeam Nature Trails, plus fishing and paddling opportunities throughout the park. The office rents motorboats, canoes, kayaks, paddle boats and bikes if you require outdoor gear.

Are you travelling with a four-legged partner? Dogs are allowed in Rustic Cabin 100.

 

Kettle Lakes Provincial Park, Connaught

Kettle Lakes’ rustic cabin, surrounded by Boreal Forest. Photo by Heidi Csernak.

There’s stiff competition for the park’s only roofed accommodation, but I managed to reserve Rustic Cabin 200 at Kettle Lakes Provincial Park for a few wonderful nights last year. The glampsite is separate from the campgrounds so you’re completely immersed in the Boreal Forest and able to unwind, fully indulging in the nature around you.

The cabin sits atop a tiny hill overlooking Irrigation Lake’s private, sandy beach. With a kayak and canoe for the cabin guests’ exclusive use – paddling gear and PFDs are inside the cabin’s screened-in porch – it’s easy to explore your private paddling paradise before discovering the park’s activities! Go birdwatching, hiking, swimming, fishing and boating at one of the kettle lakes in the park. Available equipment rentals allow you to bike on 14 kilometres of cycling trails, plus take a canoe, kayak, SUP, or paddleboat on the water.

 

Wild Exodus, Timmins

On my last trip north, Wild Exodus (one of the most glamorous glamping getaways I’ve ever seen pictured) was fully booked. Otherwise, I would have stayed there! Spread throughout the campground is a selection of accommodations; prospector tents and cabins – with hydro.

Wild Exodus offers food services with locally sourced ingredients. Add breakfast, lunch, or dinner to your stay – or go with the complete meal plan – then choose to eat at your glampsite or dining tent overlooking Kenogamissi! If you’re exploring for the day, arrange to take a trail picnic or a paddler’s shore lunch with you!

Explore at your own pace or join a guided hike. Go paddling or fishing. Relax at your glampsite or enjoy a private pontoon cruise, soaking in the north’s scenery, sipping refreshments and watching the sunset. Have a campfire, and stargaze late into the night.

Don’t wait. Go reserve this luxurious glamping getaway!

 

The Glamping Island – Presidents’ Suites, Temiskaming Shores

An epic glamping getaway is waiting for you on The Glamping Island, owned by President’s Suites. Start with a pontoon ride to bring you to the island, where you’ll stay in one of four prospector tents or a tiny home. Meals are prepared in the communal area in the open-concept outdoor kitchen – read What is Glamping? for other essentials you’ll need to know.

As you wander the island, you’ll find a playground, decks to relax and read by the waterfront, a sauna, and two boat docks – one used for swimming and diving. The island’s east side has a lakeside yoga platform so you can greet the sunrise. The island’s only beach faces west and is perfect for a stunning sunset view. Firewood is provided, so you’ll be ready to cook campfire s’mores once it gets dark.

Explore the five-acre forested island, and hike the trails! Make sure to take advantage of the canoe, kayaks, and paddle-board provided to see the shoreline from the water. Back at your glampsite, swing in your hammock or relax on the deck chairs and listen to the waves. Make sure to enjoy the views of Lake Temiskaming on your way back to the mainland on the return pontoon ride. After two nights – the minimum stay – you’ll wish you’d booked at least one more sleep.

Finlayson Point Provincial Park, Temagami

 

 

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Sit on the private deck’s Adirondack chairs, watch the float planes take off, and land from Lake Temagami at Finlayson Point Provincial Park’s only roofed accommodation: Temagami Cabin. The cabin has a view of a bustling launch point for flights but boaters and paddlers leaving civilization behind for a day or a few in Temagami’s wilderness.

The tongue and groove construction and log furniture give the cabin a cozy charm, as does the electric fireplace. Use the cabin’s canoe, paddles and PFD to launch your adventure. There are two natural sand beaches in the park to swim and play in the water.

Nearby are White Bear Forest and the Temagami Fire Tower if you’re looking for challenging hikes and epic views. Find more ways to explore with bike, kayak and canoe rentals from the park office.

 

Windy Lake Provincial Park, Levack

Swimmers will delight in the 1.5 km sandy shoreline at Windy Lake Provincial Park. It’s also a popular paddling and boating destination. Anglers eager for a bite can cast for Trout, Walleye, Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass. As you hike the park’s only trail, know you’re treading along the rim of a crater from a two billion-year-old meteorite impact. That’s ancient history you’re walking on.

The park’s two Rustic Cabins feature a kitchenette with a microwave, mini fridge, coffee maker, kettle and a little counter space. Brew your morning coffee to sip while taking in the view from the screened-in front porch. Outside is a BBQ for cooking and celebrating summer, eating at the picnic table. Make some hot chocolate, sit at the picnic table and roast marshmallows on the campfire. When the night’s chill chases you indoors, a propane fireplace will warm you up and keep the cabin toasty.

The Yurts are furnished with tables, chairs, and lighting. There’s no kitchenette but an electrical outlet to plug in a bring-your-own-kettle for boiling water – cooking in the yurts is prohibited. Outside is a firepit, picnic table and propane BBQ to prepare food.

Are you travelling with a four-legged partner? Dogs are allowed in Cabin 201!

 

 

Manitoulin Eco Park, Tehkummah

 

If you’re looking for a quiet family getaway to relax and reconnect with nature, look no further than Manitoulin Eco Park. On the 268-acre property, there are hiking trails, a playground, a ninja obstacle course, and a mini putt near the main office. It’s the only place you’ll get wifi or a decent cell signal, but you came to disconnect, right?

 If you dreamt about making s’mores over a crackling fire, select a glampsite in the forest and enjoy the seclusion. The Forest Bunkies are tucked between the trees, and the Deluxe Tipis are in sunny clearings spaced around the woodland ponds. If you book a tipi stay, you’ll receive training on tending the indoor fire, keeping comfortable and adjusting airflow.

In the park’s open field, you’ll find the cozy couple’s Milky Way Cabin and the larger Stargazing Cabin – both have incredible views of the stars above in the Dark Sky Preserve. No white lights or campfires are allowed in the dark sky area – only red light is permissible.

Are you travelling with a four-legged partner? Friendly dogs are welcome. You may encounter the park’s resident dogs, cats, chickens and other animals. Please inquire when booking!

 

Killarney Provincial Park, Killarney

Cabin 138 is at the end of the road, surrounded by trees.

The park’s beauty is enough of a draw on its own without adding the lure of glampsites in the park, but why not? Especially when you can choose between Killarney Provincial Park’s rustic cabins or walk-in yurts to wake up in comfort before starting the day’s adventure. From hiking on popular trails and exploring the coastline to swimming and paddling at George Lake, you know the day will be full of activities.

If you like to rough it just a little, know you’ll rest easy in a cabin or yurt when the lure of a campfire calls you back to the glampsite. Rustic Cabins 137 and 138 have a screened-in front porch and more small luxuries, such as wood furniture and a propane fireplace, compared to the metal bunk beds and electric heat of the walk-in Yurts, but at the end of the day, it won’t matter as long as there’s a warm bed waiting.

Are you travelling with a four-legged partner? Dogs are allowed in Yurt 6!

 

Nature’s Harmony, Mattawa

 

It’s time to find the simpler pleasures in life at Nature’s Harmony off-grid getaway, relaxing in the wilderness and marvelling at the Laurentian Mountains’ beautiful landscape. There’s no cell service, so expect an entirely disconnected experience. Year-round, this is the perfect escape for finding new energy.

All seven glamping accommodations have their charms, from the Pacific Yurt’s 800 square feet of space and high ceilings to the traditional Mongolian Yurt that is beautifully decorated, including paintings created by a local family in Mongolia. The Big Dipper Dome and Little Dipper Dome have giant windows for expansive views of the surrounding landscape. There’s also a Glamping Tent, the Shamayim Cabin, and the Ma’ayan Chalet for larger groups.

You may catch glimpses of wildlife while birdwatching, hiking and biking on over 25 km of trails with varying lengths and difficulties. Wind your way through old-growth forests, woodlands and pine plantations, cross creeks, traverse sand pits and take on steep ascents to reach viewpoints of the northern vistas.

After exploring the trails, it’s time to cool off at Bang’s Bay. Swim or relax on the floating docks and soak in the summer sun’s heat. Take a canoe, kayak or SUP to paddle around the bay or connect to the Ottawa River. Other amenities include a kid’s playground with a zip line and hammocks – which you’ll also find hanging at each accommodation! Don’t forget the sauna and the onsite cold water spring – you can see it pour out at the source!

Make some s’mores over the fire pit while you stargaze; if the conditions are right, you may even get a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Are you travelling with your four-legged partner? Nature’s Harmony is dog friendly!

 

Don’t Forget!

  • COOK: Pack your cooking gear! Only Farr Island, Nature’s Harmony and Manitoulin Eco Park have kitchens stocked with basic necessities, so make sure to bring the pots, pans, and utensils, plus any other food preparation and serving dishes you might need.
  • EAT: You’ll need to plan a menu and pack food for every trip, except Wild Exodus and their meal options.
  • SNACK: Pack fresh fruits, tasty snacks, and electrolyte drinks! Having easy treats to eat will keep you outside having fun longer, and you’ll be ready to pack a picnic should the mood strike!
  • S’MORES: Don’t leave home without these campfire essentials – and your firestarter kit!
  • SLEEP: Pack your sheets, sleeping bag and pillow! Check glampsites for your preferences – choose from mattresses to bunks and queen-size beds.

About Heidi Csernak

Heidi is a nature photographer who fell in love with Northeastern Ontario’s wild charms after her first time exploring the region. She likes to wander the trails at a snail’s pace, enjoys birdwatching - and lets the current carry her kayak to watch the scenery passing by. Fun Fact: Heidi has an insatiable hunger for hamburgers.