Glamping in Ontario? At Long Point Eco-Adventures? Really!?

Yes really! Listen, I’ll be the first to admit that any scrap of vacation time I had was reserved for international travel — surfing in Nicaragua, eating my way through Oahu, wandering temples in Japan — but one of the many lessons I learned since the pandemic hit was that adventure can be found in your own backyard.

And really,

anywhere that wasn’t inside the walls of my apartment was an exciting prospect.

Why Long Point Eco Adventures?

For thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, Long Point Eco-Adventures is the ultimate wilderness retreat to escape city life in Toronto.

Drive 2 hours southwest of Toronto to the shores of Lake Erie and you’ll find the property ensconced within a lush Carolinian forest in the quaint Norfolk County.

Operating from an eco-conscious mindset, the sprawling Long Point campground was developed to consider the surrounding natural environment and blends sustainable practices with experiential travel and luxe accommodations.

You’ll have access to a range of unique activities that will have you exploring the land and sea of this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, not to mention a drool-worthy restaurant and brewery on-site, an award-winning winery within walking distance, and even an observatory for astronomy buffs!

For someone like me who can’t sit still on vacation (👈🏼 understatement of the century) but also can’t build a fire to save her life, glamping in Ontario at Long Point Eco-Adventures was a happy compromise. I got a much-needed relaxing weekend getaway into nature without having to dig a hole to 💩 in.

Listen, my family didn’t do camping when I was a kid so that is my only reference point.

What to Bring to Long Point:

• • • tooth brush + toothpaste
    • bug spray
    • sunscreen
    • headlamp or flashlight
    • light jacket
    • water bottle (you can fill up in their admin building)
    • s’mores fixins (graham cracker, chocolate, marshmallow)

Of Note:

+ Pet Policies: You might want to leave your pup at home. While Long Point is “pet-friendly,” your four-legged friend must remain on leash at all times, in a crate for activities, and off of the furniture in the tent or pods. If that doesn’t deter you, it’s a $30 fee to bring your furry companion.

+ Check-in/Check-out: This was a seamless process! Check-in is after 4pm and check-out is 11am. When checking in, all you have to do is call or text the number on the sign on-site and you will receive directions to your suite or pod.

RELATED READING:

➳ 8 Idyllic Spots To Go Glamping Near Toronto This Summer
➳ An Epic Guide For Where to Eat in Prince Edward County
➳ 10 Delightful Things To Do In Prince Edward County

Whether you’re looking for adventurous activities near Toronto, a weekend getaway from the city, or to immerse yourself in nature without resorting to wiping your ass with leaves sacrificing hotel comforts, glamping in Ontario at Long Point Eco-Adventures checks all of the boxes.

Long point campground

If you’re not a sleep-on-the-floor kind of person — ditto. I’m all about new experiences so I’d do it as part of a multi-day festival but it would be a bold-faced lie to claim that it’s my preferred sleeping arrangement.

But Long Point Eco-Adventures brings glamping in Ontario to the next level with luxe accommodations — unique tent suites and wooden pods and cabins tucked amid a sprawling property. It’s as close to camping as I’m willing to get!

Living my best glamping life at one of the King Wilderness Suites at Long Point

Wilderness Suites

The owners of Long Point Eco-Adventures were inspired by the safari tents they came across during a daring trip to Kilimanjaro, modelling their Wilderness Suites after the spacious canvas canopies.

Hidden amongst lush greenery, the sturdy Wilderness Suites are raised on a wooden deck and come complete with hardwood floors, running water for the attached, private bathroom and outdoor shower, a mini-fridge, a rustic chandelier, stylish furniture, and lavish beds (King Suite = 1 king bed or Queen Suite = 2 queen beds) made for sweet dreams.

Private outdoor shower in one of the Wilderness Suites

If you get chilly easily or are visiting Long Point Eco-Adventures during the shoulder season, there are personal heaters in the room to keep you nice and toasty!

As impressive as the inside of the Wilderness Suite was, my favourite part was the private fire pit flanked by adirondack chairs, ideal for toasting marshmallows and star-gazing.

The Pods

Glamping in Ontario is definitely going to set you back more than your standard camping trip BUT the Deluxe and Elite Pods nestled amid the Long Point Eco-Adventures campground make doing it on a budget an adorable reality.

With the arched shape and quaint white doors, these cozy wooden yurts will make you feel like you’re staying in a ground-level hobbit-hole with a queen bed, indoor shower and private bathroom. The Deluxe Pods even have a pull-out couch to accommodate a third guest!

Plan a group trip with friends or family and reserve the Deluxe Pod Cluster for access to 2-3 pods for an epic  weekend escape that you’ll be talking about for years to come.

Mabee Marsh Cabin

Rolling with a large crew? Well aren’t you popular 😆 Consider up grading your glamping experience in Ontario with this rustic wood lodge. The Mabee Marsh Cabin comes with a fully equipped kitchen and can sleep up to 11 people in the main lodge and 6 more in nearby camping pods.

Have a blast grilling up a storm on the bbq, playing a round of volleyball, and telling ghost stories around the campfire. Plus, enjoy the new heating and cooling system for the ultimate camping luxury.

Drool-Worthy Eats

Whether I’m glamping in Ontario or in the middle of the Saharan Desert with be-humped camels lounging nearby, I expect to eat well…and frequently.

The infamous Lake Erie Perch Tacos from the Marshview Patio

• • • Sagi Caribbean: By the time we arrived at Long Point Eco-Adventures,  options for where to eat in Norfolk County were shrinking as quickly as the light was fading from the sky. We hightailed it to Sagi Caribbean to discover a vibrant scene — regulars dining on the outside patio with killer beats blasting in the background. Since it was the end of the day, we missed out on oxtail stew and macaroni pie (😭😭😭) but the jerk chicken was super juicy and flavourful, served on rice and coleslaw. If I lived in the area, this would definitely be a regular spot for me.

• • • Marshview Patio: The on-site restaurant and bar at Long Point Eco-Adventures is not only conveniently located but the food is on point! Mosey on over to the Marshview Patio (open from 7am to 8pm) and grab a sun-drenched seat on the multi-level patio with a view of the marsh and sip on a fizzy mimosa or kombucha before digging into the infamously delicious Lake Erie Perch Tacos, crispy fish fillets topped with bright pepper and mango salsa, crunchy red cabbage and carrot slaw, with a smear of lemon aioli. It’s also a great spot to start your morning!

Lower level at the Marshview Patio

• • • The Burning Kiln: Another great spot to eat when you’re too lazy to venture beyond the Long Point Eco-Adventures premises is at The Burning Kiln. Follow the well-trod trail over to Canned Heat, a summer restaurant to the winery’s patio with a menu featuring locally sourced dishes made from scratch. Order the Pickerel Po’Boy (when in Norfolk…) with thick-cut fries or select one of the wood-fired pizza like All Ducked Up topped with confit duck, rosemary-roasted mushrooms, briny cornichons, gooey mozzarella, and fragrant truffle oil.

• • • The Combine: While driving by this charming restaurant, the glowing twinkly lights beckoned to us so alluringly that we made a dinner reservation for the next night. We put on our glamping best and headed over to The Combine, nestled in a gorgeous Victorian home, and took a seat under the elegant yet spacious tent out front. Peruse the 3-course prix-fixe menu (changes weekly) bursting with local bounty like the Great Lakes Fish Cakes or braised short rib with grass-fed beef from the nearby Y U Ranch accompanied by county mashed potatoes and Norfolk vegetables.

• • • Indulge Ice Cream: Located in a red, double decker bus with a marquee script sign, indulge in some Indulge Ice Cream to satisfy your dessert cravings. Trade the standard cup for a fresh waffle dish with a scoop of your flavour of choice (I got apple pie!) from the long list of options.

The Pickerel Po’Boy and All Ducked Up pizza from Canned Heat

Terrace at The Combine

Crab cakes and braised short rib from The Combine prix-fixe menu

Burning Kiln Winery

Another bonus to glamping in Ontario on the Long Point campground? Access to a world-class winery within walking distance, no designated driver necessary.

Glass of award-winning wine in hand 🍷 wander the sprawling, manicured grounds of the Burning Kiln Winery upon the Lake Erie shores and surrounded by a dense forest of Carolinian trees.

Recline in Adirondack chairs or perch at umbrella-covered picnic tables with a clear view of the vineyard growing in the sandy loam soils of the former tobacco farm. If you get peckish, head to the on-site eatery, Canned Heat, for some tasty grub.

To keep your vino buzz on, hop over to Inasphere Winery for a majestic view of the farmland and a sweet, late season riesling. You’ll need a designated driver for this part OR wear your comfy shoes for the 20-minute trek from the Burning Kiln Winery.

For another conveniently-located watering hole on the Long Point campgrounds is Hometown Brew Co. Take a couple steps from your suite or pod and park yourself on the SeaCan viewing deck armed with a “uniquely refreshing” pint of beer to celebrate happy hour 🍻

Turkey Point Beach Day

Good weather a sunny skies calls for a day of lounging at one of Norfolk County’s beaches. Venture out to the 2 km stretch of sand at Turkey Point Beach to work on your sun-kissed glow on the shore of Lake Erie within Turkey Point Provincial Park. Find some shade to lounge under and go for a dip in the warm, shallow waters.

Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and pack a little picnic complete with frosty tall cans of beer.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find parking in the summer but you might get lucky like we did. About to abandon our beach day plans, a man who rented out some of the homes nearby offered parking space alongside his properties for a flat fee.

Adrenaline-Pumping Activities

Lying on a beach all weekend not your thing? Have no fear, Long Point Eco-Adventures has plenty of activities to keep you busy.

• • • Kayaking: Row, row, row your kayak gently down Big Creek on a 4-hour, 9 km kayak tour along soaring Sycamore and Black Walnut trees towards historic Port Royal. For a more romantic activity while glamping in Ontario, set off for the sunset kayak tour along the shallow inner bay. For early risers, there’s a morning paddling option.

• • • Zip-Lining: With all of the towering trees and lush surrounding marsh area, Long Point Eco-Adventures is made for zip-lining in Ontario. Glide through the air with the greatest of ease across 8 platforms from one leafy canopy to another while marvelling at the aerial view of the Carolinian Forest and Turkey Point Marsh below.

• • • Axe Throwing: Think you have what it takes to be an axe-wielding lumberjack? Test your aim and throwing skills in a series of games and activities at a picturesque spot overlooking the Turkey Point Marsh.

• • • Paddle Boarding: After almost breaking my nose in Portugal, Stand Up Paddle boarding is not my favourite activity but I imagine the waters on Lake Erie are much calmer than in the Atlantic Ocean. Glimpse the stunning coastline from a different perspective and work your paddle technique on this 2-hour excursion.

• • • Boat Cruise: Take to the lake and admire the scenic shorelines and take a refreshing dip in hidden swimming holes on The Secrets on Lake Erie Tour. If you’re an avian enthusiast visiting Long Point Eco-Adventures in May or September, sign up for the sunrise Bird Safari Shuttle aboard a zodiac vessel for a chance to spot over 360 species of birds that migrate through the Long Point Biosphere.

• • • Stargazing: Ok, so looking at stars isn’t exactly going to get your blood pumping, but it’ll still be a memorable activity from Long Point Eco-Adventures’ observatory dome on-site. The minimal light pollution in the area is ideal for a sparkling nighttime display. Great for kids or a romantic activity before tucking in for the night.

The observatory on the Long Point campgrounds

Star-gazing and Campfires

While we’re on the topic of stargazing…whether you’re staying at one of the luxe Wilderness Suites or a compact Pod, your accommodations comes complete with a private fire pit surrounded by lounge-worthy Adirondack chairs.

There’s nothing more crucial to your glamping in Ontario experience than toasting marshmallows over a merry campfire for gooey s’mores. And by “toasting” I mean watching them catch alight and fall into the leaping flames 😆

Your boy/girl scout skills a bit rusty? Not a problem. Call up the Long Point Eco-Adventures staff and they’ll drop by to help you get a merry campfire going and even bring along campfire skewers. All you need to bring to the party is s’mores fixins and child-like enthusiasm!

It may have been due in part to the sugar rushing through my veins, but I was utterly gob-smacked at how the limitless inky sky above the property seemed to be brimming; practically overflowing with bright, twinkling stars. As someone who lives in the middle of Downtown Toronto, it’s rare to be far enough from city lights where the skies are dark enough to catch glimpses of the constellations.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring bug spray, long pants and a light jacket if mosquitoes love you as much as they love me!