If you’re looking to scratch that traveller’s itch, glamping near Toronto may be your best bet in 2020.
“Glamping” is one of those words that will always be the source of much confusion. You will forever be correcting autocorrect for switching it for “camping” OR someone will think that you’re an idiot for using a made up word.
Confusing or not, glamping is a remix of words to describe “glamorous camping” or luxury camping…I guess “luxamping” wasn’t as catchy. It is a harmonious compromise between enjoying the great outdoors with the same comfort and luxury of staying at a 5-star hotel. Instead of roughing it on a bed of pine needles while counting mosquitoes as you fall asleep, lounge in spacious safari tents and lavishly decorated tipis. Best part? Access to bathrooms means there’s no need to relieve your bladder behind a tree!
Long before there was an apt portmanteau (word of the day!) for it, glamping was enjoyed by everyone from Turkish Ottomans, who would set up extravagant tent cities as a mobile palace for the sultan, to yurts used by Genghis Khan and hoards of Mongolians to travel in style.
And hey — if glamping is good enough for a sultan then it’s good enough for me.
And there are plenty of luxe places to go glamping in Ontario!
RELATED READING:
➳ 6 Microadventures You Can Take From Toronto
➳ Toronto Patios To Drink On This Summer
➳ A Guide To Brunching Through Toronto: My Fav Spots
Best Glamping in Ontario
While we still may be a ways off from any kind of international travel (😭😭😭) you can satisfy your wanderlust by going glamping near Toronto at one of these 8 idyllic Ontario-based glampsites:
Whispering Springs
If it sounds like the title of a Danielle Steele romance novel, then it’s gotta be a relaxing getaway, right? Only 90 minutes east of Toronto in the hushed rolling hills of Northumberland County, Whispering Springs Wilderness Getaway provides a glamping experience in elegant log-framed safari tents that are as idyllic as its name.
(Photo by Love, Ivy Photography via Whispering Springs)
(Photo via Whispering Springs)
Dare to venture beyond your spacious, beautifully decorated accommodations and you’ll discover hidden trails and pure spring ponds that lead to waterfalls. After a day of adventuring, relax in the hammock in your tent before going for a swim in the natural saltwater pools and hot tub OR if you want to pretend like you’re actually roughing it, head to the private open air showers.
(Photo via Whispering Springs)
Address: 141 Mercer Lane, Grafton, ON
Distance: 90 minutes east of Toronto, Ontario
Cost: $199 (Bell Tent) – $699 (Chalet fits 8 people)
Website
Stella Luna Glamping
Instead of going to the glamping site, bring the glamping site to you….if you’re in Elora, Ontario at least. Book any campsite in one of the Grant River parks and Stella Luna Glamping (formerly Moonlight Glamping) will set up their pop-up luxury hotel experience to you.
(Photo via Stella Luna Glamping)
Missing festival season this year? Host your own with these fully furnished tipi and canvas bell tents. Take full advantage of being in the sprawling Ontario nature by adding on a moonlight yoga experience or dance the night away under a blanket of stars.
Address: Any of the Grand River parks in Elora
Distance: 90 minutes west of Toronto, Ontario
Cost: $100 – $175
Website
Alabaster Acres
If you’re searching for spots to go glamping in Ontario that you can reach in under an hour from bustling (well, not so bustling right now) downtown Toronto, you”ll find it at Alabaster Acres, a calm oasis retreat in the middle of a tranquil forest.
(Photo via Alabaster Acres)
This family-run farm in Caledon Village offers a rustic glamping experience with plenty of Old Macdonald’s barnyard friends —from pygmy goats to donkeys to puppies — to keep animal lovers company. Under a string of twinkle lights, head into your cozy yet roomy tent complete with mini-fridge and king-sized bed before sipping some wine in front of a blazing bonfire just outside.
(Photo via Alabaster Acres)
Address: 18692 Hurontario St, Caledon Village, ON
Distance: 50 minutes northwest of Toronto, Ontario
Cost: $225 – $325 (per night, per 2 people, seasonal)
Website
Long Point Eco-Adventures
If you like your Ontario glamping experience with a side of adventure and sustainable practices, head 2 hours south of Toronto to Norfolk County. Operating from an eco-conscious mindset to function at a significantly reduced carbon footprint, the Long Point Eco-Adventures property was planned to consider the surrounding natural environment.
(Photos via Long Point Eco-Adventures. Photo 1: Pod exterior. Photo 2: Cabin interior)
Settle into a luxury safari tent or an enclosed camping pod before heading out for adrenaline-pumping activities like zip lining, kayaking and mountain biking. And if you needed further convincing, it’s within walking distance of a winery….what more could you want?! I feel like I should’ve led with that…
Address: 1730 Front Rd, St Williams
Distance: 2 hours south of Toronto, Ontario
Cost: $99 (pods) – $299 (cabins)
Website
Elements Luxury Tented Camp
Currently on standby for the 2020 season and about a 4-hour drive from Toronto, keep this glampsite in mind for future reference if you’re considering going glamping in Ontario this summer. This former theme park in the heart of the Ottawa Valley aims to connect people to nature with activities like stand up paddle boarding and hikes throughout 89 acres of wilderness.
(Photo via Elements Luxury Tented Camp)
Spend the night in one of eight sweeping canvas tents, some large enough to comfortably fit two queen-sized beds, furnished to look more at home at an upscale hotel than in the forest. They bring luxury glamping in Toronto to the next level with what they call “wilderness butlers” who will fetch you a glass of wine or prep your dinner if you so desire.
(Photo via Elements Luxury Tented Camp)
Address: 793 Storyland Rd, Renfrew
Distance: 4 hours northeast of Toronto, Ontario
Cost: $250 (tiny homes) – $499 (4 person occupancy plus meals)
Website
Northridge Inn and Resort
Head almost 3 hours north of Toronto and you’ll find a charming Muskokan getaway located on the shores of a lake, right out of Dirty Dancing….but fancier and Canadian AF!
(Photo via Northridge Inn & Resort)
“Rough it” in enormous, raised white tents and enjoy the fresh air on your private porch with a book. Drink in panoramic views of Lake Bernard while you cook traditional camp fare on the Hibachi BBQ grill before turning in for the night and snuggling in goose down duvets. They even have a newly renovated 1971 Vintage Airstream for an alternative experience to glamping near Toronto.
(Photo via Northridge Inn & Resort)
Address: 712 South Lake Bernard Road Sundridge
Distance: 3 hours north of Toronto, Ontario
Cost: $275 (glamping tent)
Website
Fronterra Farms
It may be closed for the 2020 season but I couldn’t create a list of spots to go glamping in Ontario without including the very first site I discovered.
BYOB not necessary at this farm, camp AND brewery located in Prince Edward County. The rustic, prospector-style safari tents boast luxuriously massive beds made up with plush pillows and duvets, an ensuite bathroom, and all the necessary kitchen equipment you’d need for a feast in the forest.
Address: 153 County Rd 27, Consecon
Distance: 2 hours east of Toronto, Ontario
Cost: $255 – $285
Website
Topsy Farms
How cool would you feel saying that you were spending the weekend in a Mongolian yurt?? If you live in Toronto, it’s a mere 3 hours drive east so you don’t even need to board a flight to feel like you’re travelling.
(Photos via Topsy Farms)
If you’re looking for yurt rentals in Ontario, hop on a car ferry to Amherst Island and find this cozy retreat in the heart of a cozy farm surrounded by walking trails and beaches. Enter through a vibrantly decorated red door into a yurt with two twin beds and a double bed draped with warm wool blankets produced on the Topsy Farms.
Address: 14775 Front Rd, Stella
Distance: 3 hours east of Toronto, Ontario
Cost: ?
Website
Just because we can’t jump on a plane doesn’t mean we can’t indulge our adventurous spirits. You just need to look closer to home and if home is Toronto, then this list of luxe and rustic spots to go glamping in Ontario will salvage your summer.
If you want to have an adventure-filled summer, check out these other places near Toronto to explore.
Keep your stalking game strong and follow me @teriaki if you aren’t already!
These are some great options! With current travel restrictions and concerns to navigate, more people than ever are exploring their own backyards. The Muskoka region is a favourite of mine, with so many beautiful campgrounds, hotels, etc. That being said – I have never tried staying at Northridge Inn before. The pictures look gorgeous. I’m definitely going to have to give it a try in the near future.
Thank you! I was really excited to find all these luxe spots and so close to Toronto! I’ve never had time to visit the Muskoka region so all things considered, it’s kind of nice to have that opportunity. Let me know how Northridge Inn is if you go!