Okay, lovers of the outdoors, we’re back with some Ontario Parks updates for you. Did you know that Ontario Parks have cozy cottages, cabins, and even yurts you can book? They do, and they are the definition of glamping.
Why not enjoy some crisp fall & wintery nights under the stars in a heated yurt in a provincial park? If this sounds like a dream, Ontario Parks has just released its availability for January, so cozy up and let’s see what is out there!
If you’re looking for cabins, cottages, and yurts online, be sure to select the “Roofed Accommodation” tab on the Ontario Parks booking page. Get ready to be “surrounded by snow, with the sound of nature at your doorstep.”
Algonquin Provincial Park (Mew Lake)
Probably one of Ontario’s most popular parks, Algonquin has 6 yurts and 4 cabins available. Each yurt has a table, chairs, and two sets of futon bunk beds. The yurt also has electric heat, lighting, and an electrical outlet. And outside, there are picnic tables and a fire pit.
There are openings to book yurts throughout January, until the 23rd. As for the cabins, Sites 37 & 41 are available, but there is limited availability on other cabins.
Arrowhead Provincial Park
Another popular spot in Ontario is Arrowhead Provincial Park, which is home to 13 cabins. Here you can expect rustic one-room cabins that sleep five and include a dining table and chairs. There is a kitchenette with a microwave, mini fridge, coffeemaker and counter space. Outside the cabins, there are picnic tables, as well as a gas barbecue.
This park has most of its sites available throughout January.
Killarney Provincial Park
Heading a bit north to Killarney Provincial Park, where 6 yurts and 2 cabins await. The cabins are rustic with wood interiors and a screened-in front porch. Cabins can sleep up to five people, and there is a microwave, mini fridge, coffee maker, and kettle. There is also a dining table inside and a picnic table with a gas barbecue outside. A propane fireplace is also available to keep things extra cozy.
The Yurts sleep six people on two sets of bunk beds; each a double lower mattress and twin upper mattress. Inside, each yurt has lighting, electric heat, and a power outlet. Outside you will find a propane barbecue, two picnic tables, and a fire pit to end the night at!
The cabins are booking up fast with only one with availability in January from the 21st – 23rd. Yurts here are available throughout the month.
MacGregor Point Provincial Park
Along the shore of Lake Huron, you will find MacGregor Point Provincial Park, which is home to 6 yurts and 10 cabins. Each yurt at MacGregor sleeps up to six people on two sets of double/single bunk beds. There is electric heat, table and chairs, and an outlet. Outside the yurts, there is a fire pit, picnic tables, and a propane barbecue. As for the cabins, they have “quality” beds, and can sleep five. They also include a microwave, mini fridge, and dining table, along with a fireplace. Outside, there is a gas barbecue and a picnic table.
Most of the yurts are booked at this park, with only Site 48 available for 2 time slots in January. Cabins have more availability throughout the month.
Pinery Provincial Park
Still along Lake Huron is Pinery Provincial Park, which has 6 yurts, and 8 cabins. These yurts are like tents and are heated and furnished for enjoyment all year round. Inside each yurt are two bunk beds, a table and four chairs, lighting and a heater. They sleep 6 people, and there is a gas barbecue outside for cooking, along with a fire pit and picnic table. A comfort station has toilets, showers, and even laundry! As for cabins, they sleep five and have “high-quality mattresses”, along with microwaves, mini-fridges, a dining table and coffee marker. There is also an electric fireplace and a gas barbecue outside.
For the yurts, sites 477, 478, 480A, 480B and 480C all have availability throughout January with every cabin available for various dates starting after January 8th.
Quetico Provincial Park
At Quetico Provincial Park, which is about 2.5 hours from Thunder Bay, you will find just three rustic cabins which have a water view, and access to hiking trails. Outhouses and toilets are “a short walk away.”
These cabins are all available for booking throughout the month.
Silent Lake Provincial Park
At Silent Lake Provincial Park, you can enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, or ice fishing, but you can also enjoy one of 8 yurts and 10 cabins. It is 2.5 hours from Toronto and 3 hours from Ottawa, and these yurts sleep six. According to Ontario Parks, Yurts 5, 9, 16 and 38 include woodstoves, while the others use electric heat. They all have a fire pit and propane barbecue outside. Cabins have mini-fridges, a microwave, and a propane fireplace.
Availability for the yurts is slim this month at Silent Lake, with only Site 5 available. Cabins 203, 205 and 206 are only available from January 16-18th.
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
And last but not least, we have the 5 cottages at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. Probably one of the most popular parks in the summer, these cabins allow the park access year-round and are on the shores of Marie Louise Lake. Each cabin has three bedrooms, a bathroom with a large shower, and a modern kitchen. There is also a fireplace, along with pots, pans, and cutlery. There is a campfire pit and picnic table outside of each cabin.
If this sounds like something you want to try this season, dates are available for four of the five, but are only open January 19th – 22nd.
There you have it, Ontario!
Each location is available for booking through Ontario Parks’ website. Enjoy these parks year-round, and don’t forget the hot chocolate.
