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 April 24th, 2024

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 Parry Sound

Accommodation: Harmony Outdoor Inn
Cost for one night:
$80-$165
Type: Glamping
Things to Do: Killbear Provincial Park, Historic Parry Sound, The Museum on Tower Hill
Notes: Beautiful setting, but bring earplugs 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

#2 Tobermory

Accommodation: Private farm
Cost for one night:
N/A
Type: Camping
Things to Do:
Bruce Peninsula Park, Flowerpot Island, Boat Cruise, and archery
Notes: 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 Algonquin Park

Accommodation: Arowhon Pines
Cost for one night: A lot!
Type: Cabin
Things to Do: Canoeing in the Park, Hiking, Kayaking, Swimming
Notes: Everything is included. Amazing wildlife and nature experience.

Recreational area and main dock, Arowhon Pines Resort
Two red muskoka chairs overlook the lake at Arowhon Park

#4 Whitney

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

Glamping vs camping campground with covered seating

#5:  Adjala-Tosorontio

Accommodation: Rustic Working Horse Barn
Cost for one night:
$184
Type:
Barn
Things to Do:
Mono Mills Conservation Area – hiking
Notes:
Pretty but not practical, safety and mobility concerns with barns

#6. Feversham

Accommodation: The Happy Glamper, Airstream. Check out their other property, Little Loveshack in the woods. Off-grid + private
Cost for one night: $198
Type: RV / Airstream
Things to Do: Scenic Caves / Suspension Bridgeget there early. Nottawasaga Lookout, and Duncan Escarpment
Notes: Highly recommend it! No running water but you’re in the middle of a forest!

#7. Lincoln 

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

#8. Bobcaygeon

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

#9. Milton /Campbellville

Accommodation: Five-Star Hay Loft
Cost for one night:
$166
Type:
Farm/Hayloft
Notes:
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. Orono

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

white tiny house

#11. Orono

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

#12. Burks Falls / Katrine

Accommodation: Raðljóst: An 1850’s Log, Cabin in the Woods
Cost for one night:
$160
Type:
Cabin
Things to Do:
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

#13. Gravenhurst

Accommodation: Inn on Bay

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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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