Get Close to Nature in These 13 Unique Ontario Stays

by | Sep 16, 2020

A cozy airstream with string lights and an outdoor patio table.
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Last updated on November 19th, 2023

A summer of unique experiences

Glamping in Parry Sound and Algonquin Park. A rustic Arowhon Pines cabin. A farm in Chatsworth, and adventures in Tobermory and the Bruce Peninsula. A loft above horse stables in Adjala-Tosorontio. A vintage airstream in Feversham. A river bunkie in Bobcaygeon. A Victorian tiny house and a Romani caravan in Orono. A bunkie on a private island near Dorset. A summer packed with adventure, laughs, tears, insect bites, ‘showering’ with baby wipes, hiking until our feet gave out, campfires, s’mores, wine, fresh air, and life-affirming fun. (To read about our experiences, click here).

We’ve compiled a list of the places we visited, where we stayed, what we did and it cost (in CDN currency). Most places were less than $200 a night, but not all were accessible, so take care when planning. We hope you find this helpful and welcome your ideas.

Assuming it’s still safe to travel in the fall, we’re planning our fall #TravelAtHome adventures. If there’s a place you think we should visit, please let us know!

(Disclaimer: We love travelling, so none of these stays were sponsored. This section does contain affiliate links, so if you decide to stay at one of these properties we’d love you to click on the link and book it through our website so that we earn a small commission from Airbnb. Every little bit helps!  Thank you!) 

13 unique stays across Ontario

(not in any particular order) 

#1 

Accommodation   Cost for one night Type Things to Do    Notes
Parry Sound Harmony Outdoor Inn $80-$165 Glamping Killbear Provincial Park
Historic Parry Sound
The Museum on Tower Hill
Beautiful setting, but bring ear plugs if you’re not used to the train noise.
Tents are not accessible
Also rooms in main house.
Inside the physically-distanced pavillion on campsite
View of the lake in Muskoka at dusk

#2 

Accommodation   Cost for one night Type Things to Do    Notes
Tobermory Private farm N/A Camping

Bruce Peninsula Park
Flowerpot Island Boat Cruise
Archery

Bring everything!
Amanda's campsite in Tobermory with her fateful jeep
Womens legs and a view of the Grotto
Amanda's campsite in Tobermory with her fateful jeep

#3

Accommodation   Cost for one night Type Things to Do    Notes
Algonguin Park Arowhon Pines A lot! Cabin Canoeing in the Park, Hiking, Kayaking, Swimming Everything included. Amazing wildlife and nature experience.
Recreational area and main dock, Arowhon Pines Resort
Moose in the lake, Arowhon Pines
Two red muskoka chairs overlook the lake at Arowhon Park

#4

Accommodation   Cost for one night Type Things to Do    Notes
Whitney The Buckeroo Tent, Four Corners Camping $90 Glamping Stargazing
Algonquin Park
Barry’s Bay
Bring everything for a rustic experience, wonderful hosts
Glamping vs camping campground with covered seating

#5

Accommodation   Cost for one night Type Things to Do    Notes
Adjala-Tosorontio Rustic Working Horse Barn $184 Barn

Mono Mills Conservation Area – Hiking

 

Pretty but not practical
Safety and mobility concerns with barns

 

#6

Accommodation   Cost for one night Type Things to Do    Notes
Feversham

The Happy Glamper, Airstream

PS Check out their other property, Little Loveshack in the woods. Off-grid + private

$198 RV / Airstream

Scenic Caves / Suspension Bridge – get there early
Nottawasaga Lookout
Duncan Escarpment

Highly recommend
No running water but you’re in the middle of a forest!

 

#7

Accommodation   Cost for one night Type Things to Do    Notes
Lincoln Whispering Pines Treehouse  $231 Treehouse Niagara Glen
Ball’s Falls Park
Wine tastings
Dinner at Inn on the Twenty in Jordan Owl Foundation
Expensive stay, great shower but small spaces and stairs, not good for mobility
Wine tasting coupons onsite

 

#8

Accommodation Cost for one night Type Things to Do  Notes
Bobcaygeon Gordon’s Yellow River Bunkie $256 Houseboat Bobcaygeon
Lock 32
Kawartha Dairy
BBQ onsite
Wonderful design, swim off the dock and watch the boats go by. Short walk to town

#9

Accommodation   Cost for one night Type Things to Do    Notes
Milton /Campbellville  Five-Star Hay Loft $166 Farm/Hayloft   Great for families
Interior view of large window at Five Star Hay Loft
A young girl and woman leading a horse down a path

 

#10

Accommodation   Cost for one night Type Things to Do    Notes
Orono Victorian Tiny Cottage $88 Tiny House + Yurt Stephen’s Gulch
Historic Clarington
Historic Orono
No running water but a peaceful environment
Finnish Yurt for cooking, beautiful pond nearby
Breakfast at the farm with Janie

 

white tiny house

#11

Accommodation   Cost for one night Type Things to Do    Notes
Orono Authentic Romani Caravan $88 Caravan Port Perry
Farmer’s Markets
 Definitely a small space but a delightful experience
Breakfast at the farm!

#12

Accommodation   Cost for one night Type Things to Do    Notes
Burks Falls / Katrine Raðljóst: An 1850’s Log
Cabin in the Woods
$160 Cabin Screaming Heads of Midlothian  
Exterior of 1850s log cabin
Interior of 1850s log cabin

#13

Accommodation   Cost for one night Type Things to Do    Notes
Gravenhurst Inn on Bay $120 Bed and Breakfast Orillia Historic Downtown
Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve
Muskoka Lakes Steamboat
Try “The Oar” Restaurant,
within walking distance

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6 Comments

  1. Leah

    These are great, thank you!

    Reply
  2. Ritu

    Wonderful recommendations and definitely unique. Thanks

    Reply
  3. Jessica

    Love these suggestions. You’d love Otter River Farms in Caledonia!!

    Reply
  4. Aine Magennis

    Hi there,
    I was trying to click through to the bookings pages of some of the listed accommodation and they all go to Airbnb, but not to the actual accommodation. Do you mind taking a look please? Would love to check them out in more detail.
    Thanks!
    Aine

    Reply
    • Carolyn Ray

      Thanks Aine for letting us know – we will check on that right away!

      Reply

We always strive to use real photos from our own adventures, provided by the guest writer or from our personal travels. However, in some cases, due to photo quality, we must use stock photography. If you have any questions about the photography please let us know.

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