7 Places to go Glamping in Canada
It's (basically) summer, so we know that travelers are looking to get out of town and see new sights. But before taking off on a European adventure, why not literally get out of town for a weekend? There are tons of weekend getaway opportunities all over Canada (where we’re based) and we’ll walk you through some of our favorite spots, whether you’re an artist looking for a few days alone with nature or a busy 9-5’er just looking to unwind.
With roadside motels making a comeback and glamping never going out of style, travelers can rest and relax just outside of home. From cabins and chalets to yurts and tents, there’s something for everyone.
Photo by Daniela Araya on Unsplash
Tucked away in the remote wilderness of British Columbia and bordering the Nimmo Islet, the Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort offers a lush, luxurious escape from reality. The evergreens framing the resort tower over the residents, appearing in the shades of dark emerald green in the day and nearly gold in the setting sun, and the water laps at the docks, the perfect spot for canoeing or paddleboarding.
The resort consists of several separate cabins, with adirondacks out on the porches waiting for visitors. Inside any of the cabins, you’ll find cozy beds and couches, soft, inviting lighting offered by the multitude of windows facing the islet, and luxurious amenities such as local wine with glasses in-room.
hintercabin x
Up in La Conception, Quebec, just a short drive from the Mont-Tremblant ski resort, is hintercabin x. Ultra modern, sleek, and harmonizing eloquently with the surrounding landscape, a minimalist traveler would find themselves more than at home in hintercabin x.
Every component of the experience offered by the proprietors of hintercabin x is carefully thought out and meticulously crafted - everything from the cabin’s design (floor-to-ceiling windows for maximum light, metal beams and wooden floors to evoke the sense of the natural world it resides in) to their coffee selection, offered in partnership with Fellow products. Nothing is overlooked.
Imago Village
Another Quebec spot on the list! Imago offers a range of upscaled yurts, all named after Scandinavian cities. These luxury yurts offer all of the benefits of a camping experience without the hassle - for camping newbies or just folks looking to unwind, Imago Village’s yurts are an excellent way to still feel close to nature, while taking some of the pressure of camping off.
Given its prime location in Saint-David-de-Falardeau, there are a variety of activities that guests at Imago Village can take part in. On the more extreme end of the camping spectrum, guests can enjoy mountain biking, snowmobiling, hiking, or snowshoeing. Otherwise, guests looking for a more relaxed stay can visit the Eternel Spa, drive to the nearby Falardeau Zoo, or enjoy a unique gastronomic experience at the Carcajou Inn.
Somewhere Inn Calabogie
Roadside motels are definitely making a comeback. Ever since Schitt’s Creek hit it big, new motels have been cropping up all over the country, each one more impressive than the last. Nestled in the Ottawa Valley, the Somewhere Inn Calabogie is one of those very takes on the motel concept - a dreamy, cozy retreat where travelers can hike, swim, enjoy an evening by the fire, and take advantage of the many bookable experiences, like wine tasting and yoga.
The rooms are exceptionally charming. Somewhere Inn’s signature green appears throughout the rooms, in potted plants, tiles in the bathroom, lounge chairs, and other hidden places. The motel is evoking that liminal, middle space between luxury getaway and rustic retreat; the touches of neutral colours and materials make the rooms feel natural, but with an understated elegance.
Traveling Light Bed & Breakfast
Go a little further north and you’ll find the Traveling Light Bed & Breakfast, situated in the Yukon between Whitehorse and Carcross. Travelers can satisfy a once-in-a-lifetime experience by staying in a hand crafted Mongolian yurt, or simply reserve one of the cabins if that’s more to your liking. The view cannot be beat: the B&B overlooks a vast forest with mountains rising up where the horizon would be, rolling across the sky.
This spot is perfect for the more outdoorsy traveler; with the lush surrounding wilderness, guests can look forward to canoeing, hiking, cooking outdoors, and taking a swim in the nearby lake. For families with children, there are even a variety of activities offered by the Lorne Mountain Community Centre, such as tennis, cross-country skiing, gardening, and more.
The June Motel
Another hip, trendy motel with two locations in Ontario, the June Motel is a homey, but luxurious take on the roadside motel concept. The motel gives off a ‘golden hour’ vibe, with tawny leather couches, pink wall accents, lush green plants, yellow throws, and super cute wallpaper and wall art. The details feel deliberate, but somehow effortless.
Whether you’re at the Sauble Beach location or in Prince Edward County, guests can stop at the Lobby Bar for chilled rosé and small snacks, or–exclusively at the Sauble Beach motel–guests can visit Heydays for oysters, lobster rolls, or a world class sundae. Plus, yeah, there’s a pool.
Also, did you know this trendy spot was the star of the Netflix show Motel Makeover? If you’re still deliberating on where to spend a weekend getaway, be sure to check out episode 6 of Motel Makeover to learn all about how the June Motel came to be and how it was put together.
The Drake Motor Inn
While the Drake is mainly known for its luxury hotels (and hit songs, pardon the terrible joke), they recently stepped into the roadside motel space and immediately snagged a spot on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2020 Hot List. The Drake Motor Inn knows what it’s doing and does it well - the eclectic combination of colours and retro-modern design are indicative of a designer playing with the motel theme while staying true to the Drake’s roots.
With its proximity to the Drake Devonshire, guests can also stop by their waterfront restaurant and patio at any time (and trust us, the Drake is well known for its food). For anyone that can’t stop by, fret not! The Drake Motor Inn is also the location of the first ever Drake vending machine, where insomniacs wandering the halls can purchase refreshments, candy, snacks, and…camera film (courtesy of the Drake General Store)?
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