A Complete Guide to Glamping Among the Trees
Among the Trees is a new four-season glamping destination located just north of Manitoulin Island. The locally-owned and operated luxury geodomes are open for bookings. We sat down with the founder Brian Still to ask him all about this glamping hotspot just a few hour's drive from the GTA.
Hey Brian! Tell Us About Yourself and Why You Founded Among the Trees
My name is Brian Still. I am from Whitefish River First Nation and am the owner and operator of Stillwater Fishing and Tours and the new luxury glamping destination Among the Trees. For me, the outdoors is my home It is a place where I feel most at peace, comfortable, and like myself. I am lucky enough to have spent my entire life out on the land, exploring the water, fishing, or hiking up the La Cloche Mountains. Spending all this time in nature allowed me to see how beneficial it can be to one's mental health. Because of this, I wanted to create a way to share my home, love, and passion for nature and fishing with others.
This led me to open Among the Trees. My vision was to create a unique place for people to completely disconnect from reality and connect to nature. By creating a private forest oasis among the trees we can offer guests a traditional camping experience with a luxurious twist. And finally, I wanted to give everyone the opportunity to see why I love where I'm from.
What Can Glampers Expect When Visiting Among the Trees?
Glampers can expect to be able to feel like they are in the backcountry and camping—while having all the modern amenities needed to enjoy a luxurious stay. The two domes are situated in Ontario's beautiful boreal forest that offers glampers a scenic view, songbirds, and wildlife.
Each dome is equipped with classic camping necessities as well as luxury items that includes:
- a queen bed with luxury linens
- a sitting area
- full kitchen with running water
- air conditioning
- pellet stove
- indoor washroom with an incinerating toilet
- a private outdoor shower
- private propane fire pit
- wood-burning sauna
- private beachfront with a dock (coming soon)
- water toys
Guests can also enjoy a private deck where they can relax, read a book, listen to the birds or music, and of course roast some marshmallows.
When looking at designing and building each dome, I wanted them to have similarities but offer a different experience.
The Canopy House (sleeps 2) is a dreamy oasis for a solo traveler or couple. It is cozy inside with all your amenities and a private outdoor sitting area. Whether you are laying in bed or sitting on the couch, your view overlooks nothing but endless forest. While both domes have custom locally created artwork, and paintings, each piece was specifically designed to match the feel in each dome. The Canopy house has a painting of a nearby hike in Baie Finn, with a dreamy handcrafted pillow case of birch trees.
The Maple House (sleeps 4) is the perfect stay for a family, or group of people. This dome features a queen bed and a loft with a sitting area and 2 twin beds. When designing The Maple House, I wanted all the wood to have the smell of cedar and be natural—no stain or paint, just crisp and clean. It gives a group space to laugh, play board games or relax. It also features an indoor sitting area, and a large deck overlooking McGregor Bay and the La Cloche Mountains. This dome features a custom painting of a famous view near Killarney, handcrafted pillowcases, and macrame pieces.
Where is Among the Trees Located and What's There To Do Nearby?
Among the Trees is located in Whitefish River First Nation, Birch Island, Ontario. Situated in the forest, overlooking McGregor Bay and La Cloche Mountains it's a 15-minute drive to Manitoulin Island, Heaven's Gate Trail System, and offers boat access to Killarney Provincial Park or the town of Killarney. Visitors also have marina access to McGregor Bay, one of the most picturesque and scenic waterways in the country. Whether guests are looking for an adventure, shopping, culture and history, or places to dine, there is something for everyone.
Manitoulin Island has some famous hikes and landmarks including Bridal Veil Falls and the Cup and Saucer hike. There is also plenty of shopping where you can pick up a souvenir by local artisans, and many places to eat or drink.
The Heaven's Gate Trail System is another 15-minute drive, where there are endless day hikes for all levels and ages. For those looking to explore the water or surrounding land, they don't even need to get in their car, they can walk down to our dock and jump on a fishing charter, boat, or hiking tour with Stillwater Fishing and Tours. Guests will also have the option (coming soon) to relax at our private beach front, and use some water toys we have provided.
Guests can book water taxis, or bring a boat, and explore McGregor Bay, Baie Finne, Frazer Bay, or Killarney, where there are endless hikes, with the best views in Ontario.
Glamping Is a Popular Option for Travellers These Days. What Makes Among the Trees Unique?
We are rebranding what it means to go camping. I have put all my passion, love, and ideas into creating a private oasis that gives guests a unique forest stay, that has the necessities of camping we all love, while offering a luxurious stay for all seasons!
Both domes have a unique feel, look, and design. I spent weeks coming up with a design that maximizes the space and is cozy while still having the wow factor when you walk in the door. Even down to the fine details—I have incorporated custom logos throughout each dome, for instance, branded coffee mugs—to give guests that unique feel when they drink their morning coffee.
What's the Best Season To Book an Among The Trees Glamping Adventure?
We're a four-season destination and there's no bad time to visit. The summer offers lush green forests, swimming, and fishing. In autumn you've got the spectacular fall colours as you're surrounded by maple trees. The winter offers the cozy feeling of sleeping in a snow globe plus cross-skiing and winter hike opportunities. The spring gives guests the ability to watch life return to the forest or make maple syrup.
Plan and Book Your Glamping Adventure Today
Start your adventure by using the booking link below.
Follow Among the Trees on Instagram @amongthetreesglamping
For questions and more information email Brian at rentmcgregorbay@gmail.com.