10 Yurt Trips to Inspire Year-Round Ontario Adventures

Every year, outdoor lovers rush to beat the lines to lock down a campsite for a summer vacation using Ontario Parks online reservation system. Ontario abounds with freshwater lakes, scenic hiking trails, great weather and peaceful campgrounds, so it’s no wonder so many choose to camp. But what if you could experience every season without sacrificing comfort?

The solution is an Ontario yurt camping trip. Regardless of the season, booking a stay in an Ontario yurt expands the possibilities to enjoy the outdoors. Yurts allow you to have an elevated camping experience while experiencing what each month of the year has to offer. This article is your guide to discovering the joy of yurt camping in Ontario.

What Is Yurt Camping?

Frontcountry or backcountry—sleeping in a tent, hammock or under a tarp—all have one common wildcard: Though they offer unparalleled access to the great outdoors, they also leave you at the mercy of the elements. Rain, sleet, snow, wind, bugs and unexpected changes in temperature can drastically change the vibe of a whole trip.

Yurts are soft-sided, roofed shelters, typically with a heat source and basic furniture including tables, chairs and beds, offered for rent at a growing number of campgrounds in Ontario. Yurt camping allows you to have a visceral outdoor experience, with the added reassurance that you can endure any weather in comfort.

Yurts go back a long time. They were invented over 3,000 years ago in the grasslands of Eurasia, and have since found popularity all over the world.These semi-permanent, weather-resistant structures can be assembled and pitched virtually anywhere. Mountains, flatlands, forests, islands—nothing is off limits for adventurers.

A basic yurt consists of a wooden frame, an insulative layer, a door and a hole for ventilation. However, many modern yurts have added comforts like sky lights, full washrooms, hot tubs, king sized beds, and toasty wood stoves. Some even use translucent material, bringing a whole new meaning to the term “sleeping under the stars.” Depending on what level of comfort you’re looking for, there’s a yurt with your name on it.

What to Pack

Most yurts come fully equipped with kitchens and often cooking equipment, beds, stoves and barbecues, and access to washroom facilities (either indoors or outhouses). Plan to bring weather-appropriate clothing and bedding, food, a good book, flashlights and a battery-powered lantern, as well as seasonal gear such as skis, snowshoes, hiking poles, or fishing gear.

You’ll find great yurt camping options all across the province. Here are some of Ontario’s best yurts and nearby attractions. 

A North Bay Yurt Experience for Animal Lovers

FoxFire Heritage Farm, located close to North Bay, is dedicated to the preservation of historic breeds of cows, chickens and pigs. Find inner peace while staying on this stunning property amongst endangered breeds like the Lynch Lineback cow. See sustainable farming at work, or take part in a unique specialty skills workshop to learn about blacksmithing, experimental archeology, or even how to build a yurt.

With three unique yurts on the farm, you can choose from The Forest Yurt, The Pond Yurt, or their unique group-friendly Double Yurt. Find the one that feels right for you and step out of the modern world into the restorative nature of a simpler time.

Nearby Adventures

Bring your bike, an empty stomach, and leave some room in your saddle bags for The Farmstand 40. This self-guided 37 km cycling tour will take you down hard-packed gravel roads, through the rolling vistas of North Bay’s farmland. Along this route, you’ll find farm stands and general stores, all stocked with local produce, meats, maple syrup and other great treats. This route has shorter ride options for those looking to cover less ground.

Plan a visit to Sisu Adventure Rentals to take part in a memorable paddling experience in the beautiful waters surrounding North Bay. They offer kayak and paddleboard rentals, as well as guided day trips and community meetups.

Spend the day on the waters of Lake Nipissing at Shabogesic Beach. Stop by Dock Shoppe Ice Cream for a few scoops of the good stuff, then walk the 2 km beach trail to take in the full extent of the summer scenery.

An Island Yurt on Lake Superior

If you love the open water, stunning scenery and the chance to try something new, a stay at Yurt It Up in Rossport, Ontario, could be exactly what you’ve been looking for. Situated on the quaint shores of Nicol Island, this yurt experience has been designed as a unique private oasis for those looking to connect with nature in style. The propane-heated yurt combines off-grid and luxury components, like a cistern-fed shower, sauna, a barbecue and a comfortable porch for sunset viewing.

During the summer, the pristine, glimmering waters of Lake Superior invite guests to swim, paddle, or simply to take in the views. Lie back in the sand at the Rossport Beach, cool down in the waves, then stop in at Serendipity Gardens Café for lunch and a coffee. Make sure to visit Island Pottery on Nicol Island to pick up a unique memento for your trip.

Nearby Adventures

Hike the easy 3 km out-and-back Rossport Coastal Trail and you’ll be greeted with northern Ontario views of Lake Superior’s rocky shoreline.

Take part in a day trip or a multi-day expedition with Such a Nice Day Adventures in Rossport. They offer a long list of great sea kayaking options, including courses for beginners and intermediate paddlers, full-day tours, sunset paddles and more. For eager adventurers, look into longer trips like this 5-day journey from the intriguing “island nation” of Nirivia back to the community of Rossport.

Go rock climbing or spend the day hiking with the pros at Outdoor Skills and Thrills in Thunder Bay. They offer guided hikes, educational courses and a ton of guided climbing adventures, like the Dorion Tower Climbing Adventure, a local climbing staple located east of the Lakehead.

For surfers, standup paddleboarders and yogis, plan a visit to NatriBros in Thunder Bay and take advantage of their rentals, lessons, community meetups and the overall positive atmosphere they work hard to create.

Sleep with the Stars in a Yurt-Like Geodome

Birch Island is perched on the doorstep of some of the province’s best outdoor gems, off of Highway 6 south of the town of Espanola. The nearby La Cloche Mountain range, Killarney and Manitoulin Island are all a stone's throw away from the incredible translucent geodome experiences at Among the Trees. While these geodomes are not technically yurts, they follow almost all of the same principles, and are too cool not to mention in this article!

While both yurts and geodomes are made up of a frame and a traditional canvas, or a synthetic wrap, these structures differ mainly in their shape. The spherical nature of the domes and the ability to see through the walls makes them absolutely perfect for those who love gazing into the depths of the night sky. You won’t just feel close to nature, you’ll feel like you are a part of it.

With two luxury domes to choose from, Among the Trees allows you to experience the outdoors with the added comforts of a full kitchen, private outdoor showers and a stargazing loft. Guests can also select packages that include charcuterie boards, homemade breakfasts and romantic floral arrangements.

Nearby Adventures

Explore Manitoulin Island with a guided hiking tour from Stream Tours and Adventures. Their guides will curate a specialized outdoor tour of Manitoulin’s local habitats, trails and viewpoints for you. Love insects? Take part in a Stream Detective tour to examine the roles of local aquatic bugs, and to learn how to take insect samples.

Join a tour with Wikwemikong Tourism, to learn about and explore the Killarney and Manitoulin regions through the eyes of an Indigenous expert. These tours combine education and excitement to explore local culture, traditional cuisine and hiking hotspots.

Charter a fishing tour or a paddling excursion with Stillwater Fishing Manitoulin. You’ll be guided through kayak adventures, stand up paddle boarding journeys, or a combination of paddling and fishing, as you traverse some of the coolest local water routes.

Among the Trees includes complimentary access to the McGregor Bay Marina, so you can access Killarney Provincial Park with your own kayak or canoe. Plan to explore the park, to spend a night at a nearby backcountry site, or to hike one of the popular trails like The Crack.

A Spring, Summer or Fall Yurt Experience at Pancake Bay

About 80 km north of Sault Ste. Marie, Pancake Bay Provincial Park is immersed in the ancient mountainous topography of Northern Ontario. This is the part of the province where you really start to notice how much the geography changes as you drive north. Lake Superior is the star attraction, and Pancake Bay offers great biking, birding, hiking and paddling. It also boasts one of Ontario’s finest beaches, with over 3 km of immaculate sand for you to find a piece of paradise on an inland sea.

Pancake Bay Provincial Park has four rustic yurts located in the main and east campgrounds. Each is equipped with bunk beds, a refrigerator, barbecue, firepit and everything else you’ll need for an adventure basecamp. Yurt #365 is also designated as dog-friendly.

Nearby Adventures

For a view of the ocean-like waters that caused the Great Lakes most famous shipwreck, hike the Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout Trail. Accessed from Pancake Bay Provincial Park on the east side of Highway 17, this 6 km out-and-back hike offers views of Whitefish Bay, where the tragic inspiration for Gordon Lightfoot’s hit took place in 1975.

Make sure you stop in at the Voyageurs’ Lodge to stock up on their famous apple fritters, smoked fish and other camping essentials.

Drive an hour to Sault Ste. Marie and sign up for a unique eco-adventure tour from Thrive Tours. They offer experiences for paddlers, hikers and even have unique tours that combine painting and kayaking. Their Indigenous-led tours are geared towards educating, respecting and enjoying nature.

Visit Great Lakes Outfitters in Sault Ste. Marie to purchase hiking, camping, paddling and fishing gear from local experts. Forest the Canoe is a local source for canoe rentals and guided trips.

Experience Year-Round Seclusion with Minaki Yurt Adventures

Located 45 km from Kenora in Ontario’s Sunset Country, Minaki Yurt Adventures has hosted outdoor lovers looking to get away from it all since 1992. With six incredible yurts to choose from, they offer travellers options to stay throughout the entire year. Stay in the pet-friendly Trailside Yurt and make the most of their system of hiking trails before cuddling up in front of the pellet stove at night.

For larger groups, look into their multi-story, luxury Mee-nah-kee Yurt. For solo travellers or couples, try their minimalist Lakeside Yurt. All guests have access to their large wood-fired oven, where you can make some dough and test your pizza skills.

During the winter, stay in the modern Wiigwaasaatig Yurt, and spend your days cross-country skiing on the ski trails maintained by Club Minaki Nordic Skiing. A rink is maintained during the cold months, so bring your skates. After braving the cold, warm up in the wood-fired sauna before taking in the night sky around a campfire.

During the summer, canoes and paddleboards are offered to guests at no extra charge, so you can explore the lake at your leisure. The nearby trails offer great options for hikers to explore the boreal forest, and as well as challenging mountain biking trails for dirt heroes.

Nearby Adventures

Visit Mount Evergreen in Kenora for some downhill ski and snowboard fun. The mountain features 11 runs for all skill levels, a couple different lifts, a full rental department and a chalet to warm up at the end of the day. The mountain also has some awesome tubing runs, and trails for snowshoeing.

Cross-country skiers will love the Kenora Nordic Club’s system of classic and skate trails. For a unique experience, try night skiing on one of their newly lit runs. They also offer complete rentals.

Come summer, you can hike the Granite Knoll Trail in Rushing River Provincial Park. This moderate 4 km loop will lead you through tranquil sections of boreal forest to beautiful little lakes, rest areas and birding viewpoints.

Contact Green Adventures to learn more about Kenora’s adventure offerings. Climbers can book a guided climbing trip to take on a range of challenging routes in the area; introductory lessons are also available. The company offers canoe, kayak and SUP rentals, as well as incredible multi-day guided paddling trips.

Winter in Windy Lake

A prime location with plenty of parks and access to rugged trails and wild waters make Sudbury one of Ontario’s greatest cities for outdoors people. About 45 km northwest of Sudbury, Windy Lake Provincial Park is a great example of what it means to make the most of winter in the north. The park has four yurts, each of which is available during the park operating season (May through September and January to March) and is fully equipped for your next winter adventure.

Book a stay in one of their heated, six-person yurts, and spend your days exploring everything the area has to offer. From snowshoeing to fat biking, Sudbury and its surrounding area is truly a winter wonderland. Windy Lake Provincial Park also offers a user-friendly ice fishing package for those looking to try something new.

Nearby Adventures

Go skating on wild ice at the Ramsey Lake Skating Path. Stretching 1.5 km along the shores of Ramsey Lake, this frozen path offers scenic views of the snow-covered city landscapes and rocky hills. Fuel your cold weather travels with a trip to Huckleberries Chocolatiers for some of their homemade goodies.

Go cross country skiing or snowshoeing at BioSki Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Club. The trail systems are expertly designed to weave through forested landscapes, without burdening the local ecosystem. Spend the day gliding on the groomed ski trails or snowshoeing through 8 km of trails that lead to wonderful winter vistas.

Go fat biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, skating, or hiking at Kivi Park. The park’s 55 km of trails transform into a chilly adventure oasis during the winter months. From a 1.3 km ice skating path through the woods, to challenging cross-country ski trails and expertly maintained single-track groomed for fatbiking, they have the terrain and rental equipment to facilitate snowy adventures.

A Winter Yurt Getaway at Nature’s Harmony Ecolodge in Mattawa

Nature’s Harmony Ecolodge is an off-grid wilderness retreat in Mattawa, Ontario. Situated on nearly 500 acres of beautiful northern land, the lodge looks over the Laurentian Mountains and features a collection of unique year-round accommodations and outdoor activities. This retreat was built on the principles of connectivity, honouring nature and creating experiences that lead to lasting memories.

Stay in a traditional Mongolian yurt that embodies the true meaning of the word “cozy.” Available year-round, you’ll stay toasty warm in this yurt on cold winter nights.

Their long list of winter activities means there is something for everyone and every mood. Go tubing on 5 separate groomed runs, explore the cross country ski trail system, or venture off the beaten path into the backcountry. Try your hand at kicksledding, play hockey on the ice rink, or get adventurous on their winter obstacle course. For a true Scandinavian experience, take an ice dip in the lake, then warm up in their wood-fired sauna and get cozy with a hot beverage around a communal campfire.

Nearby Adventures

Go downhill skiing or snowboarding at Antoine Mountain. With 15 groomed runs, ranging from smooth greens to technical double blacks, this mountain is home to groomers, glades, an après with a great vibe and the longest alpine ski run in Ontario (2.9 km). Bring your own equipment or rent anything you need from their rental department.

Explore the 43 km of groomed ski trails at Wasi Cross Country Ski Club in Astorville. They offer day rates, rentals and have 8 km of pillowy trails for snowshoers.

For ice fishing enthusiasts, contact Lake Nipissing Ice Fishing to plan a world-class hard water outing. Whether you’re a beginner or pro, they have the knowledge and gear to make your ice fishing trip an unforgettable one. They also offer all-inclusive ice fishing packages for those looking to embark on overnight or multi-day ice fishing trips.

A Cozy Algonquin Winter Yurt Experience

Algonquin Provincial Park is one of Canada’s most popular year-round camping destinations, and for good reason. Snow-covered conifers, hike-in backcountry campsites and iconic Ontario wildlife make winter in Algonquin an unforgettable experience. For a unique way to explore the park during the winter, book one of six yurts at Mew Lake Campground.

Located in the heart of the park on the Highway 60 corridor, the yurts are equipped with cozy bunk beds, propane fireplaces and outdoor firepits. They even have electrical outlets, so you can charge phones and outdoor gear. The nearby comfort station provides drinking water, indoor toilets, and hot showers to warm up after a day of cold-weather fun. Yurt #39 is also dog-friendly, so you can plan a trip with your adventure buddy (or buddies), too.

Nearby Adventures

There are plenty of options for cross-country skiing in central Ontario, including the Fen and Leaf lake networks of groomed trails in Algonquin Provincial Park. Or you can go backcountry skiing on the Canisbay Lake trails. Diehard nordic skiers will relish the immaculately groomed trails at Arrowhead Provincial Park near Huntsville. Cross-country ski rentals are available from Algonquin Outfitters, with locations in Oxtongue Lake and Huntsville.

Voyageur Quest offers snowshoe and ski packages from their base on Algonquin’s western boundary, off of Highway 11. They offer a range of winter excursions, from basic day outings to all-inclusive guided winter trips.

Henrietta’s Pine Bakery in the community of Dwight, just west of Algonquin Provincial Park on Highway 60, is worth the trip for its renowned homemade bread, sweet and savoury buns, cookies and delicious lunch menu.

For an elegant dining experience check out Tall Trees Muskoka in Huntsville. The restaurant features multiple dining rooms, each with a distinctive heritage feel. The menu includes three-course options at flat rates.

An Inclusive Killarney Yurt Experience

For those looking to explore with their best four-legged friend, Yurt #6 at the George Lake Campground in Killarney Provincial Park is dog-friendly. Ontario’s “Crown Jewel” park is an amazing destination for camping in all seasons, renowned for its azure lakes, white quartzite outcroppings and pink granite, and sparse deciduous forest cloaking the rugged La Cloche Range. Such fantastic scenery puts a premium on campsites—but the park’s yurts make it comfortable for visitors to enjoy the same great scenery in spring, fall and winter.

Take your dog hiking or snowshoeing on the 4-km Cranberry Bog trail, which leaves the campground and traverses moderate terrain of ridges and low-lying areas. In the snowy season Killarney maintains 33 km of cross-country ski trails (dogs are not allowed on the groomed trails), with options for classic and skate-skiing.

Nearby Adventures

Located just up the road from Killarney on Highway 637, Point Grondine Park offers great hiking and canoeing options in a unique Indigenous Protected Area with old-growth forests and interconnected waterways. This pet-friendly park is open from spring through late fall.

No Killarney trip is complete without a visit to Herbert Fisheries for a platter of fresh-caught fish and chips. Enjoy your meal on the Georgian Bay waterfront; just make sure to bring a treat and water bowl for your buddy.

Stay in a Pet-Friendly Yurt in Kearney

It’s a bummer to leave your best hiking companion behind when you set off on an adventure. Pit Stop 518 in the town of Kearney, on Highway 11 north of Huntsville, offers traditional yurts as a homebase for adventure lovers looking to get outside with their dogs throughout the entire year.

With three amazing yurts to choose from, the amenities range from private outhouse facilities, stocked kitchenettes and wood stoves to keep you warm. Just make sure to let them know about your pet(s) when planning your trip.

Nearby Adventure

In the summer, explore nearby hikes, like the Brent Crater Trail off Highway 17 near Mattawa. This 3 km loop will give you some great views of Algonquin Provincial Park’s northern forest, without wearing you or your pooch out too much.

If you’re looking for some alone time, or to give your pet the adventure of a lifetime, take them to Run of The House. This unique dog care service is a self-proclaimed “Dog Adventure Camp” dedicated to providing pets with healthy stimulation through off-leash trail runs, training, daycare, and overnight boarding packages.

FAQ About Yurt Camping in Ontario

Can you stay in a yurt year-round in Ontario?

Yes, there are options throughout Ontario to fit your needs for yurt stays during the spring, summer, fall and winter.

Are yurts pet-friendly?

Not all yurts can accommodate pets, so check before you plan your trip and make a reservation. While some yurts are pet friendly and welcome your furry friends, others have strict no-pet policies. Check out this complete list of pet-friendly Ontario Parks roofed accommodations.

What amenities do Ontario yurts typically have?

Most Ontario yurts will have beds, insulated walls and a heat source. Minimalist yurts feature simple beds, kitchen tables, wood or gas heat and no indoor plumbing. More luxurious yurts have features like indoor toilets, saunas, hot tubs, full kitchens, skylights and more.

How do you heat a yurt in winter?

Year-round yurts are heated for winter comfort. Some are heated by woodstoves that require monitoring and feeding, while others will offer user-friendly natural gas, propane, or electric heat. Make sure you know how to use a woodburning stove before you go. Follow instructions carefully regardless of the heat source.

Is yurt camping good for beginners?

Yurt camping is an incredible way for beginner outdoor enthusiasts to get out into nature. You still need to pack essentials like food, water, outdoor clothing and flashlights, but a yurt takes care of your shelter, sleeping arrangements and dining area. Yurts also provide a comfortable place to take shelter in cold and wet weather. 

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