11 Unbelievable Winter Glamping Adventures You Can Have in Ontario

Winter is an unforgettable time to experience Northern Ontario, when deep, fluffy snow blankets the rugged landscapes. Freezing temperatures transform waterfalls into spectacular curtains of sparkling ice, and lakes and ponds become frosty amphitheatres for winter adventures. To take the bite out of shorter daylight hours and sub-zero temperatures—and fill your days with maximum outdoor fun—book a getaway at one of the province’s toasty and tranquil year-round glamping accommodations.

Winter glamping is the coziest way to immerse yourself in Ontario’s snowy scenery. Innovative designs ensure you’re comfortable even on the coldest nights. Whether you stay in a heated dome, hot tent or rustic cabin, you’ll fall asleep beneath astonishing night skies and wake up to adventure literally on your doorstep.

Because winter glamping options across Ontario are limited, be sure to reserve your stay well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Off-Grid Glamping at Nature’s Harmony Ecolodge, Mattawa

Comfortable living intersects with off-grid sustainability at this four-season ecoresort, set in a beautiful wilderness overlooking Eastern Ontario’s Laurentian Mountains. Each of the unique glamping options at Nature’s Harmony Ecolodge is focused on minimizing your environmental footprint without skimping on cozy comforts.

Stay in the bright and spacious Pacific yurt or new geodesic domes, tuck into a traditional Mongolian yurt, or settle into a fully furnished canvas glamping tent. Each option includes a woodstove for heating, solar-powered lighting, cooking facilities, composting toilet and access to a wood-fired sauna.

More to explore

• Explore the Ecolodge’s extensive trail system on snowshoes, backcountry skis or by kicksled—a traditional Scandinavian snow scooter. More winter fun includes pond skating, snow tubing, ice dipping, an outdoor obstacle course and family activities.
• Downhill ski and ride at Mattawa’s Antoine Mountain, a hidden gem with stunning views of the Ottawa River valley and Ontario’s longest run.
• Nearby, the North Bay Nordic Ski Club offers lit trails for night skiing, equipment rental and lessons.

Yurt It Up, Rossport

This stylish and spacious yurt in the coastal hamlet of Rossport offers a secluded retreat for exploring the rugged north shore of Lake Superior in winter. When you’re not savouring the lake views or steaming in the private sauna at this cozy home-away-from-home, you’ll have easy access to the scenic highlights and sleepy communities along Trans-Canada Highway 17.

This is glamping at its most comfortable—amenities include an indoor fireplace, Wi-Fi and BBQ.

More to explore

• Snowshoe a section of the Casque Isles Trail along Lake Superior’s spectacular shoreline. The 53-kilometre trail links the communities of Terrace Bay, Schreiber and Rossport, with several challenging day hike options.
• View the 100-foot-tall Aguasabon Falls at Terrace Bay, or join the passionate local surfing community in the icy waves at Hydro Bay.
• Just an hour away, the Nipigon area boasts some of the best ice climbing in Canada. Contact Outdoor Skills and Thrills for half- and full-day beginner ice climbing adventures.

Rustic Cabins at Quetico Provincial Park

Spring through fall, this wilderness class provincial park in Northwestern Ontario is a magnet for canoe trippers. In the winter, Quetico boasts 15 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing, ice fishing, skijøring trails and backcountry dogsledding. The long winter nights also provide an outstanding canvas for stargazing and Aurora-watching in the inky skies above this designated International Dark Sky Park.

Three year-round rustic cabin rentals at the Park’s Dawson Trail and Ojibwa campgrounds make it easy to enjoy this wintry wonderland in snug comfort. All cabins provide two pairs of snowshoes, electric heat, furnishings and kitchen facilities, but you’ll need to bring your own bedding and cookware. Note the Ojibwa Cabin is only accessible via two-kilometre ski or snowshoe trail.

More to explore

• Download the Park’s winter trails map to explore Quetico’s snowshoe, classic and skate ski trails at French Lake.
• For more cross-country skiing action, check out the 30 kilometres of groomed trails maintained by Beaten Path Nordic Trails. The Atikokan-based club also hosts the annual Cross Quetico Lakes Tour every January.
• Take a guided snowshoe excursion with Canadian Wilderness Walkabouts; longer tours have the option of an overnight glamping trip in an insulated prospector tent.

Minaki Yurt Adventures, Kenora Area

For a truly remote Northern Ontario glamping getaway, make the trip to Minaki Yurt Adventures, nestled on a serene lake in the boreal forest north of Kenora. Founded in 1992, the site offers a range of deluxe four-season yurts as well as a cozy tipi overlooking the frozen spectacle of Camp Lake.

This isn’t roughing it—each option features real beds with fluffy comforters, wood heat, electricity and well-stocked kitchen facilities. You’ll also enjoy access to a wood-fired sauna, ice rink, and 20-kilometre skiing and snowshoeing trail system that begins right outside your door.

More to explore

• Hit the slopes at Mount Evergreen Ski & Recreation Area, which offers downhill thrills, tubing, a terrain park and more than 20 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails for classic and skate skiers of all abilities.
• Skate under the stars on the new kilometre-long ice skating trail on Rabbit Lake, or lace up for a game of pond hockey on this small picturesque lake just north of Kenora.
• Marvel at the wintry beauty of Lake of the Woods while snowshoeing the trails at Vernon Nature Area. Don’t miss the panoramic lake views from the Lookout Trail.
• Try a new winter sport with Mosswood Adventures: ice biking is an easy, inclusive way to get out on Kenora’s countless frozen lakes.

Glamping Cottages at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

Picture a landscape of towering 1,000-foot red rock cliffs rising out of the restless waters of the world’s largest lake. Now imagine the bluffs layered with thick boreal forest and resembling the figure of a giant sleeping on his back. Such is the storybook scenery at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, situated on the end of the Sibley Peninsula east of Thunder Bay.

In winter, the Park’s 50 kilometres of challenging cross-country ski trails are some of the most scenic in the province, skirting the wild shores of Lake Superior and climbing to breathtaking lookouts. Five heated cabins offer comfortable winter cottaging at Marie Louise Lake, complete with propane fireplace, kitchen, full bathroom and three bedrooms.

More to explore

• Attracting avid skiers of all ages and abilities, the annual Sleeping Giant Loppet takes place on the first Saturday in March.
• Many of the Park’s popular hiking trails are well suited to snowshoeing—try the easy Sea Lion Trail (2.4 kilometres) or make the 12-kilometre trek to Tee Harbour.
• Hit the ice on the Park’s 300-metre-long skating trail in Marie Louise Lake Campground.
• Find your fat biking flow on the easy Centennial Park trails in Thunder Bay. Rent equipment at friendly local bike shops Petrie’s Cycle and Sports, Rollin’ Thunder and Fresh Air Experience. Fat bikes are also permitted on ski trails at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.

Camp Cabins at Killarney Provincial Park

Renowned as the “Crown Jewel of Ontario Parks,” the 645-square-kilometre wilderness landscape of Killarney Provincial Park holds a special, silent beauty in winter. Abundant lake-effect snows drape the La Cloche Mountains in sparkling powder and frozen lakes provide a gateway into the pine-clad hills.

The Park’s George Lake Campground is open year-round and offers a couple cozy options for glampers. For a more deluxe stay, book one of the two inviting camp cabins, which sleep up to five and have a kitchenette and propane fireplace. The campground’s six yurts provide a more rustic experience, with bunk beds, electric heat and an outdoor barbecue.

More to explore

• Enjoy 33 kilometres of groomed and track-set cross-country ski trails on the Park’s frozen waterways.
• Summer hiking trails become superb snowshoeing routes in winter; favourites include the two-kilometre Granite Ridge Trail and the challenging six-kilometre climb to The Crack.
• Killarney is one of three Ontario Parks awarded international Dark Sky Park status—the stargazing here is simply phenomenal.

Backcountry Glamping with Lure of the North

Nervous about taking your winter glamping adventure into the backcountry? Situated on a beautiful wilderness property west of Espanola, Lure of the North makes traditional winter travel comfortable and accessible for first-timers and enthusiasts alike. Owners Dave and Kielyn have logged hundreds of nights in the winter backcountry and trekked thousands of kilometres by snowshoe across Northern Ontario.

Join them for a fully guided winter camping expedition where you’ll travel by snowshoe, pulling your gear on a toboggan and sleeping in the comfort of a canvas tent heated by woodstove.

More to explore

• Choose from a range of weeklong winter expeditions in the La Cloche Mountains, Temagami and the North Channel, or a two-week odyssey along the Missinaibi River. Experiences range from slow-paced exploration to challenging expeditions.
• For a relaxing winter glamping escape, experience the beauty of a frozen winter wetland at Lure of the North’s permanent wall tent on Golden Pond. After snowshoeing or skiing to your cozy woodstove-heated canvas tent, you’ll enjoy unrivalled access to the scenic La Cloche Mountains. Bedding, rustic cooking facilities, wood-fired hot tub and sauna included.
• Hot tent, toboggan, snowshoe and winter sleeping bag rentals are also available.

Winter Glamping at Windy Lake Provincial Park

This under-the-radar provincial park just northwest of Sudbury is the perfect winter destination for active families and snow season aficionados. Windy Lake Provincial Park has everything you need for a great winter outing: excellent cross-country ski trails with rentals offered by the Onaping Falls Nordic Ski Club, snowshoeing, a big frozen lake, abundant snowfall and ice fishing.

When it comes to winter glamping, you’ll have a couple comfortable options: two cozy cabins with kitchenettes and propane fireplaces (these are located right on the lake so you wake up to dazzling views), or four heated yurts nestled in the forest near the ski trails.

More to explore

• Snowshoe the Park’s three-kilometre Transition Trail, or reserve a complete ice fishing rental package from the Park office.
• The Onaping Falls Nordic Ski Club operates 15 kilometres of professionally groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing; rentals and warming chalet available on site. Download a map here.
• Discover Sudbury’s beautiful Nina’s Way Skate Path, a 1.3-kilometre ribbon of ice winding through the brilliant white birch trees of Kivi Park. The park also offers fat bike trails and rentals.

Family Yurts at Pit Stop 518, Kearney

Located in the Almaguin Highlands, a short distance from both Algonquin and Arrowhead provincial parks, Pit Stop 518 offers four authentic Mongolian yurts with everything you need for a fun family adventure or cozy romantic getaway. The yurt’s circular shape and insulated walls and ceiling make it an efficient space to heat, ensuring the wood-burning stove keeps things nice and toasty during your stay.

If you’re looking for a just-right balance of rustic comfort, this is it. Each yurt features real beds with thick quilts, a portable power station, a cozy seating area and a coffee/tea station. For rustic authenticity, there’s a private outhouse and outdoor cooking area. If you don’t fancy sautéing in the snow, the owners also offer complete food packages that can be delivered right to your yurt door.

More to explore

• Nearby Arrowhead Provincial Park offers superb cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, plus a 1.2-kilometre ice skating path through the winter forest. Equipment rentals available on site. Be sure to reserve your daily vehicle permit in advance.
• The Almaguin Community Ski Trails are just up the highway in South River, or strap on snowshoes or skin-skis to explore Kearney’s local Bare Rock Trail system.
• Rent snowshoes, backcountry skis and winter camping gear from Algonquin Basecamp in Kearney. Sign up for their complete winter hot tenting package if you’re ready to take your winter glamping to the backcountry.

Yurt Camping in Bruce Peninsula National Park

World-famous scenery and hiking make Bruce Peninsula National Park one of Ontario’s busiest parks during summer. Avoid the crowds by visiting in winter, when Georgian Bay’s sparkling azure waters create fantastical ice sculptures along the limestone shoreline.

New this winter, the Park’s yurt accommodations at Cypress Lake are available for snow season stays. Each of the 10 lakefront yurts offers a woodstove, propane barbecue, bunk bed and pull-down Murphy bed with mattress. A heated comfort station with bathrooms and showers is located nearby, but you’ll need to provide your own bedding, cookware and lantern (there’s no electricity in the yurts).

More to explore

• The Cyprus Lake Trail runs past the yurts and connects with the trail system to the Grotto, Bruce Trail and other places along the Georgian Bay shoreline. Trails are not maintained in winter; snowshoes or micro-spikes are recommended.
• Head out early to witness sunrise at the Grotto; this beautiful cove is even more impressive in winter when snow and ice transform ancient cedars into “phantom” trees. Note: there are no equipment rentals available and trail users should exercise caution near cliff edges and shorelines.
• Join a guided snowshoe trek to the Grotto with EcoAdventures from January through February.

Back Forty Glamping Domes, Meaford

Immerse yourself in nature at one of four secluded geodesic domes at Back Forty Glamping in South Georgian Bay’s Grey County. Nestled in wild forest or sunlit meadow, each spacious dome is fully insulated with a cozy propane fireplace and dazzling views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Expect plenty of comforts, too, including a kitchen, full bath and private deck with outdoor hot tub.

Forest domes feature a stargazer window above the king-size bed, while the meadow dome is fully accessible and boasts toasty in-floor heating. Back Forty Glamping domes are situated along the Niagara Escarpment with easy access to the attractions of the Blue Mountains and South Georgian Bay.

More to explore

• Snowshoe the Trout Hollow Trail along the Bighead River, or scale the heights of Old Baldy for breathtaking views. Drop by Hills in Meaford for snowshoe rentals.
• Take a guided snowshoe adventure with Free Spirit Tours. Themed packages include aprés visits to a local winery, brewery or cidery. The truly adventurous can try snowshoe-access winter caving.
• Kick and glide along 27 kilometres of cross-country ski trails through rolling fields and hardwood forest at Scenic Caves Nature Adventures.
• Ontario’s finest downhill ski and snowboard resort is just a 30-minute drive away.
• Follow up mountaintop ice skating with a soothing soak at the Scandinave Spa.

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