Spend your summer at one of Ontario Parks’ roofed accommodations to enjoy all the perks of camping without the hassle of setting up a tent and lugging around camping gear. Who wouldn’t want to relax amongst the trees, chill by the beach, and treat themselves to a s’more or two, all while getting to sleep on a comfortable mattress and staying protected by the elements?
But before you pack your bags, here’s a heads up on what to expect. Each accommodation has its own set of rules, regulations, and amenities. For 4 p.m. check-in times, there is typically a 10 a.m. check-out time. Some stays require a two- or three-night minimum to book. Oh, and don’t forget that most roof accommodations don’t allow your furry friend to tag along, and smoking is not permitted at any facility.
Now, let’s get glamping!
Cottages
No cottage of your own? No problem. Staying at an Ontario Parks cabin has all the charm of cottage country without the hefty price tag.
At these cottages, you’ll enjoy the convenience of a fully furnished accommodation with a mix of differently sized beds, a large kitchen and dining area, a refrigerator, a propane stove, and a kettle. Some cottages have a gas fireplace and an outdoor fire pit to warm you up on those chilly nights.
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It wouldn’t be cottage country without an alternative bathroom situation—get comfortable because while some have in-house toilets, you might end up booking one with a privy, vault toilet, or comfort station nearby. And remember to bring bedding and cookware.
Insider tip: Presqu’ile has a lakeside cottage, restored from the 1930s, with two chandeliers, a sunroom, and lounge furniture. Or, maybe you’d be interested in Sandbanks’ four-bedroom Victorian house with a whirlpool bath and full wheelchair accessibility.
Reserve online or call 1-888-668-7275 to book a cottage at one of these Ontario Parks:
- Awenda
- Balsam Lake
- Bonnechere
- Temagami
- Presqu’ile
- Sandbanks
- Sturgeon Bay
Backcountry cabins
Escape from the city and head to the backcountry this summer. Many backcountry cabins sleep four to eight and have a wood stove, dining table, benches, and bunk beds. However, they often do not include mattresses, so don’t forget your sleeping bags.
Typically, these accommodations don’t have running water or cell reception, as it’s built to be an authentic camping experience. However, you’ll have access to a pit toilet, an outside fire pit, and a picnic table for outdoor dining. Bring your camping essentials, such as cookware, flashlights, lanterns, matches, food, and drinking water.
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Find all the backcountry cabins in Algonquin. In some cases, you can drive or hike to the cabin, and in other cases, you’ll need paddles, like for Fen Lake or Wenda Lake. Don’t be alarmed if you see hikers passing by during the day—the backcountry is open to all.
Reserve online or call 1-888-668-7275.
Lodge
Grab the whole gang; it’s party time! Ontario Parks has one lodge in Killbear that can sleep up to 40 people and is available to rent from November to the end of April.
The lodge has a bright TV room and a fully equipped kitchen with fridges, a stove, cookware, dishes, and a coffee maker. Guests can also enjoy a propane fireplace, a gas barbecue, and an outdoor fire pit. Plus, the lodge is wheelchair accessible.
The cost is $39.75 per person per night, including HST. To book your stay, contact the Killbear Lodge at 705-342-5492.
Rustic Cabins
Travel back in time to one of many renovated historical rustic cabins, like the Brent Deputy Ranger Cabin in Algonquin or Cabin on the Hill in Bon Echo, which dates back to the 1870s and has epic views of Mazinaw Rock.
Most rustic cabins sleep six to eight people and include basic amenities such as an electric refrigerator and an electric stove with an oven. It’s a toss-up—some have running water, and some don’t. And, in most cases, toilets are outside the cabin.
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These cabins usually have a sofa, an outdoor picnic table, and a barbecue, among other essentials. But be sure to bring your sleeping bag and cookware, among other camping must-haves.
Insider tip: You can only access Charleston Lake by boat, and Quetico Park has new year-round camping pods you’ll want to check out before they get too popular.
Reserve online or call 1-888-668-7275 to book a cottage at one of these Ontario Parks:
- Algonquin
- Arrowhead
- Bon Echo
- Bonnechere
- Charleston Lake
- Fushimi Lake
- Grundy Lake
- Kettle Lakes
- Killarney
- Murphys Point
- Neys
- Pancake Bay
- Pinery
- Quetico
- Quetico
- René Brunelle
- Rideau River
- Silent Lake
- Sleeping Giant
- Windy Lake
Soft-sided shelters
Leave your tent at home and opt to stay in a yurt instead. These cozy one-room rentals typically sleep five or six people with a mix of queen, single and twin beds, making them a great option for families or small groups. With wooden interiors and a screened-in front porch, you’ll enjoy glamping that much more.
Inside, you’ll find a kitchenette equipped with all the essentials, like a mini fridge, coffee maker and kettle, along with a dining table and chairs for enjoying meals inside. There are mattresses on the bed and a propane fireplace to keep you toasty warm.
Most soft-sided shelters have a gas barbeque and picnic table, perfect for enjoying meals al fresco. There’s typically a comfort station nearby with drinking water, flush toilets, and showers.
This family saved money by buying land and building a yurt
Insider tips: Bass Lake offers a yurt with a fully accessible wheelchair ramp. Also, Silent Lake is close to trails for sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing—perfect for the winter glamper. And some yurts allow the pups to tag along.
Reserve online or call 1-888-668-7275 to book a yurt or deluxe tent at one of these Ontario Parks:
- Mew Lake, Algonquin
- Achray, Algonquin
- Bass Lake
- Bon Echo
- Bronte Creek
- Charleston Lake
- Killarney
- MacGregor Point
- Murphys Point
- Pancake Bay
- Pinery
- Presqu’ile
- Rideau River
- Silent Lake
- Wakami Lake
- Windy Lake
Trailer Equipped Campsites
Stay at trailer-equipped campsites at Blue Lake or Rushing River to enjoy all the modern luxuries of being at home while basking in the great outdoors—the perfect balance of comfort and adventure.
At these campgrounds, you’ll find spacious travel trailers fully equipped with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay, such as a dinette, cook stove, and fridge. There’s air conditioning to beat the summer heat and a heater to keep you warm on chilly nights. Just remember to bring dishes and bedding.
Outside, you’ll have access to a deck to soak up the sunshine. And when the sun goes down, you can fire up the barbecue or hang by the fire pit.
Of course, camping isn’t all about relaxing in your trailer—there’s plenty of adventure outside, including nearby hiking trails, fishing on the lake, or swimming.
Reserve your spot online or by phone.
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