Need a view that isn’t your backyard or balcony?  Now is the time to plan an escape to the great outdoors of Ontario, to get a dose of pine-scented air and cool off lakeside. Reconnect with Mother Nature at these posh camp sites in Ontario (glamping, anyone?), where maintaining social distance is easy and your home away from home is contemporary cottage-chic paired with luxe amenities. Note: Please be a responsible traveller. Stay home if you don’t feel well and make sure holiday plans follow the latest guidelines to keep healthy and safe. 

1. Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat

Where: Grafton, Ontario
Best for: First timers (adults only, no pets allowed)
Seasons: Summer, fall
Cost: Starting from $329 per night (two night minimum)
Website: www.whisperingsprings.ca

Classic safari tents overlook this restful retreat’s large pond or pasture, where guests can nap in a hammock between the trees or spend time stargazing around the camp fire. Each tent features rustic and vintage furnishings with a king or queen bed, in-tent washroom, bbq site, mini-fridge/coffeemaker & table accessories, Muskoka chairs with private deck and firepit. Walking trails, yoga classes and food delivery are a welcome bonus.

2. Alabaster Acres

 

Where: Caledon Village, Ontario
Best for: Couples (well-behaved dogs welcome, two canine maximum)
Seasons: Summer, fall
Cost: From $225 per night (two night minimum)
Website: www.alabasteracres.com

Featuring two cottage-in-a-tent options on a small farm, this relaxed accommodation is a turn key option. Guests will appreciate a king bed layered in soft linens, spacious surroundings within the canvas, accessories to cook, grill and chill and daily continental breakfast. Warning: Dusty the mini horse will win your heart and volunteers are welcome to help out with farm chores and rescue animals.

3. Long Point Eco Adventures

Where: St. Williams, Ontario
Best for: Active couples and families
Seasons: Spring, summer, fall, winter (re-opening August 1)
Cost: From $149
Website: www.lpfun.ca

Located five minutes from Lake Erie’s popular Turkey Point, there’s a myriad of outdoor adventures to pursue from ziplining and ax throwing, to paddling and cycling. Families can retreat to the larger wilderness suites, while twosomes can get cosy in the Elite Pods, tear-dropped shaped wood cabins with queen bed, mini fridge, outdoor shower and daily continental breakfast.

4. Cosmo’s

Cosmos

Where: Port Carling, Ontario
Best for: Friends and families
Seasons: Summer, fall
Cost: From $125 per night
Website: www.cosmosmuskoka.com

Just opened this month five minutes down the road from Hub of the Lakes, eight restored cottages are a welcome dose of nouveau Muskoka style with simple open plan interiors, bluetooth stereos, private decks and access to a private sandy beach on Brandy Lake. Consider choosing The Hemingway, with modern rustic interior, kitchenette, three-piece bathroom and a backyard for lounging in the sun and under the stars.

5. Cabinscape

Where: Manitoulin Island
Best for: Eco-conscious couples and families
Seasons: Late spring, summer, fall, early winter
Cost: From $161 per night (two night minimum, three-night minimum long weekend)
Website: www.cabinscape.com

Go off grid in sleek contemporary cabins designed by the owners. With six in Eastern Ontario’s Frontenac County and one near Lake Huron, each tiny home is solar-powered and located far from the madding crowds. All cabins include the essential mod cons: cooking and dining necessities with interior toilet, outdoor shower and deck – all you need is groceries, libations and linens.

6. Point Pelee National Park

We still have vacancies at our oTENTik Village this weekend- book by calling the camp office at: 519-326-4396. photo: foto.genix

Posted by Point Pelee National Park on Friday, September 27, 2019

Where: Leamington, Ontario
Best for: Families and friends
Seasons: Summer, fall
Cost: From $122.65 per night plus park entry fee  (two night minimum Friday & Saturday)
Website: www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/on/pelee

Explore the southern-most point of Canada’s mainland at this park known for sandy beaches and monarch butterflies. There are 24 oTENTiks found throughout the park (walk-in to the sites), a hybrid prospector’s tent and A-frame cottage. Each sleeps six with two queen and one double foam beds and includes stove, dishes, utensils and electric light. No bathroom or running water are within the tents.

8. Tiny Home on a Big Farm

Where: Lincoln, Ontario
Best for: Solo travellers and couples
Seasons: Spring, summer, fall
Cost: From $160 per night
Website: www.airbnb.ca

Find some me-time at this tiny dwelling located on the edge of a peach orchard in Niagara. With a vintage-inspired interior décor including double bed and three piece bath, this small but mighty home also has a side deck with chairs and a hammock, and is within walking distance of the farm’s winery and restaurant as well as neighbouring vineyards.

9. The Cabin at Fernwood Hills

Where: Komoka, Ontario
Best for: Solo travellers or couples
Seasons: Spring, summer, fall, winter
Cost: From $95 per night
Website: www.fernwoodhills.com

A 100-square-foot microcabin, with several windows to appreciate the surrounding forests of southwestern Ontario has been transformed from a day studio to a restful boite in the wild.  Designed for individual wanting a place to encourage creativity or a duo who want to unplug and leave the rat race behind, the wee space includes a linen-laden king bed and a desk. Bathroom located up the road.

10. Outpost Co. Luxury Camping

Where: Killarney, Ontario
Best for Couples and families
Seasons: Summer
Cost: From $660 per night (not including flight)
Website: www.outpostco.com

Leave behind the concrete jungle with a 90-minute flight to Philip Edward Island on Lake Huron from Billy Bishop Airport. With an eight guest maximum (and no wifi or electricity), visitors can hike trails in the old growth forest or paddle the shoreline to spot wildlife. Historically inspired tents are made of canvas, jute and iron and furnished with reclaimed white oak furniture, vintage wool blankets and décor; all meals are included.

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