Where to go glamping in B.C.

by Nancy Baye

There are two attitudes when it comes to camping: love it or leave it. For those who don’t see the appeal of a makeshift shelter of thin nylon, sleeping on an air mattress on hard ground or the lack of running water or toilets – glamping may be the solution. Glamping – or glamour camping – allows for outdoor escape and adventure, but also comfort and convenience. Accommodations can be imaginative and unique; and some offer added luxury, with spas or private beaches. We found some fun and creative places in B.C. to glamp. [Photo credit: iStock/Ryan McVay]

Fancy an adults-only wilderness resort that can be accessed by boat or helicopter, where you can sleep in a treehouse for two with its own draw bridge? Check out Narrows Village on Shuswap Lake. Special dinner events and clothing-optional areas make Robin Hood and Camelot fantasies of all kinds come true.

If you’re more of the orb type, visit Free Spirit Spheres. Spherical tree houses hang from ropes in the forested area at Qualicum Beach. You can orb year-round too.

Stay in a yurt – just saying it is fun! They are also called tent cabins, but why say that? No longer only for the nomadic peoples of Siberia, Mongolia and Turkey, these circular tents are a top way to glamp. Wya Point Resort in Ucluelet – set on the wild west coast of Vancouver Island – has a selection of yurts that sleep up to five people. The stunning Hummingbird Yurt boasts a fireplace, large living and dining area, beach access and lovely ocean views.

If the dry Interior is more your vibe, visit Barefoot Beach Resort on the shore of Skaha Lake. Their six types of yurts include the romantic Fantasy Yurt, complete with a king-size bed and soaker tub.

YD Guest Ranch offers a truly unique experience. Teepees, simple and traditional Native Canadian lodgings, are engineering marvels. They provide cozy intimacy, keep cool during the day and warm at night. Located in Cherryville, the Ranch offers varying degrees of amenities, including fireplaces and quaint comforts like “snuggly towels” and firepits. Take in some horseback riding during the day. Giddyup!

Another historic experience awaits at Tuckkwiowhum Village – a First Nations heritage site with a museum – in Nlaka’pamux territory. Close to Boston Bar, the site offers rustic teepee camping. Simplicity keeps costs down, but don’t forget to bring your sleeping bag.

There’s also Blue River Campground on the tranquil Blue River, east of Kamloops. Their teepees are surrounded by spectacular places to hike, swim and fish.

Trailers got a bad rep for a while, but they’re back in style. On Pender Island, near the Otter Bay Ferry Terminal, is Woods on Pender. This resort offers Airstream camper vans and retro trailers, like the Shasta Airflyte. Complete with A/C and surrounded by firepits and hammocks, you’ll feel like the king of the road. When these sell out, you can opt to stay in a cabin or lodge.

Siwash Lake Ranch offers a tented spa and horseback tours. Guests sleep in canvas tents that have interior fireplaces. National Geographic listed Siwash Lake Ranch as one of the top unique lodges in the world. About five hours from Vancouver, the ranch boasts 1,000-square-foot safari-style tents, complete with separate rooms, fireplaces, heated floors and generous decks.

On the Sunshine Coast, Rockwater Secret Cove Resort has private tenthouses on the craggy cliff overlooking Secret Cove. Luxury amenities include heated floors, hydro-therapy tubs, fireplaces and private patios. If you’re wondering about this particular getaway, a live webcam will show you what you’re missing.

One of the first B.C. glamping venues, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is so remote that it can only be reached by seaplane or boat from Tofino. This resort has made the pages of the New York Times and Condé Nast Traveller for its elegance. Tents are stuffed with antiques, Persian carpets, plus linens. Dining is nothing short of first class.

With so many fabulous glamping options, it’ll be hard to choose your adventure, but make sure to book ahead – glamping is popular and places sell out fast.