Ontario Winter Yurt Camping: Discover Cozy Escapes in Ontario’s Snowy Parks
Winter in Ontario transforms the landscape into a breathtaking wonderland, where snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and peaceful trails offer the perfect setting for adventure. For those who want to experience the great outdoors without giving up warmth and comfort, Ontario Winter Yurt Camping provides the best of both worlds. These circular shelters combine the rustic charm of traditional camping with the coziness of a cabin — an ideal form of winter glamping in Ontario.
Ontario Winter Yurt Camping: Stay Warm and Comfortable in Nature
Camping is a staple Canadian pastime, and in Ontario, winter doesn’t stop enthusiasts from heading outdoors. Across the province, Ontario Parks and National Parks offer a variety of roofed accommodations — including yurts, cabins, and cottages — allowing campers to embrace the cold season with style.
In most cases, these Ontario winter yurts come fully equipped with heating, electricity, and durable canvas walls that keep the interior toasty even as snow blankets the forest outside. While traditional tent camping may not be for everyone in sub-zero temperatures, yurt camping in Ontario provides the comfort of a cabin with the charm of a wilderness retreat.
Yurts in Ontario Parks: The Perfect Blend of Camping and Glamping
A yurt, originally designed by Mongolian nomads, is a circular, semi-permanent structure featuring a wooden frame and durable outer fabric. Inside, guests will often find bunk beds, tables, and heating units — creating a cozy atmosphere for winter glamping in Ontario.
While many yurts are basic, they offer access to everything from hiking trails to wildlife viewing areas and comfort stations. Some parks even offer larger Biome yurts for families or groups. Because these accommodations are limited in number, it’s strongly recommended to book early, especially for the more popular parks like Algonquin Provincial Park or Killarney Provincial Park.
Top Ontario Parks Offering Winter Yurt Camping
Below is a curated list of Ontario Parks where winter yurt camping is offered — perfect for weekend getaways, family adventures, or quiet retreats into nature.
Algonquin Park – Ontario’s Winter Wonderland
As one of Ontario’s most iconic destinations, Algonquin Park operates year-round and is home to some of the province’s best Ontario Winter Yurt Camping options. The Mew Lake Campground offers six heated yurts, each providing easy access to cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing routes, and skating on frozen lakes. A lakeside yurt at Achray Campground offers stunning views for those looking for solitude.
Location: Highway 60, Ontario
Killarney Provincial Park – Rugged Beauty All Winter Long
Another top choice for winter yurt camping in Ontario, Killarney Provincial Park features six cozy yurts at George Lake Campground. These are available year-round, surrounded by snow-covered pines and the striking pink granite of the Canadian Shield.
Location: 960 ON-637, Killarney
Silent Lake Provincial Park – Peaceful and Serene
Silent Lake’s eight yurts can be rented from May through March, making it a fantastic choice for winter campers. Situated near Bancroft, this park is known for its tranquil trails and the silence that comes when snow falls thick across the frozen lake.
Location: 1589 Silent Lake Park Road, Bancroft
MacGregor Point Provincial Park – Coastal Winter Comfort
On the shores of Lake Huron, MacGregor Point offers seven yurts available year-round in the Birch Boulevard section. This park provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching and scenic walks along the snowy shoreline.
Location: 1593 Bruce Road 33, Port Elgin
Pinery Provincial Park – Year-Round Luxury by the Lake
If you’re seeking a balance of comfort and wilderness, Pinery Provincial Park delivers. Its six heated yurts, furnished with beds and tables, sit among tall pines near Lake Huron’s stunning beaches.
Location: 9526 Lakeshore Road, Grand Bend
Bon Echo, Bronte Creek, Charleston Lake, Pancake Bay, and Windy Lake
Several other Ontario parks also offer yurt rentals on a seasonal basis, including Bon Echo, Bronte Creek, Charleston Lake, Pancake Bay, and Windy Lake. Each offers its own charm — from southern Ontario convenience to northern wilderness settings — giving campers plenty of choices for their next Ontario yurt camping trip.
Beyond Yurts: Other Roofed Winter Camping Options in Ontario
Although Ontario Winter Yurt Camping is popular, it’s not the only way to enjoy the outdoors comfortably. Many Ontario Parks and National Parks provide other accommodations for those looking for different glamping experiences.
Backcountry Cabins
Backcountry cabins offer a more rustic stay, equipped with wood stoves and bunk beds. These are perfect for experienced campers who want a deeper wilderness immersion without pitching a tent in the snow.
Rustic Cabins and Cottages
For those who prefer more modern amenities, rustic cabins and cottages feature small kitchenettes, indoor dining areas, and outdoor barbecues. Most include nearby comfort stations, offering the balance of nature and convenience that Ontario glamping is known for.
National Parks Offering Yurt-Style Accommodations
Canada’s National Parks in Ontario also participate in the yurt and “oTENTik” experience — a unique form of glamping that blends tent and cabin features.
- Bruce Peninsula National Park – Offers luxury-style yurts with Murphy beds, propane barbecues, and large decks overlooking Georgian Bay.
- Georgian Bay Islands National Park – Features five oTENTiks on Beausoleil Island, offering a cozy escape among the world’s largest freshwater archipelago.
- Point Pelee National Park – Located at Canada’s southernmost point, 24 oTENTiks provide comfort and proximity to wildlife viewing and sandy beaches.
- Pukaskwa National Park – Remote and rugged, with five oTENTiks set against the backdrop of Lake Superior’s shoreline.
- Thousand Islands National Park – Offers multiple oTENTik options across scenic river islands, combining nature and history.
Each of these parks provides its own twist on Ontario Winter Yurt Camping, allowing visitors to stay warm while experiencing some of the most stunning winter scenery in the country.
Booking Tips and Seasonal Considerations
When planning a winter yurt camping trip in Ontario, early reservations are highly recommended. Yurts are limited and tend to fill up quickly, especially during holiday weekends or winter festivals.
Moreover, always check what amenities are included in your specific yurt. Some may include electricity and heat, while others might require campers to bring sleeping bags and cooking gear. Even with the comforts of glamping, Ontario’s winter climate can be unpredictable, so preparation is essential.
Why Try Ontario Winter Yurt Camping?
Ultimately, Ontario Winter Yurt Camping offers an opportunity to explore the beauty of nature while remaining warm, comfortable, and connected to the great outdoors. From the quiet forests of Silent Lake to the frozen lakes of Algonquin Park, every destination offers its own winter magic.
Whether you’re a first-time camper or a seasoned adventurer, these cozy circular shelters deliver an unforgettable experience of Ontario’s wilderness — one snowflake at a time.
Mew Lake Algonquin Ontario Provincial Parks Yurt Camping
Nestled amidst the tranquil forests of Algonquin Ontario Provincial Park, Mew Lake offers a unique Ontario Winter yurt camping experience. Surrounded by towering pines and pristine lakes, this secluded getaway provides a perfect blend of adventure and comfort. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the serene ambiance of nature, where trails beckon to be explored. Transitioning from the bustling city life, guests quickly adapt to the peaceful rhythms of the wilderness. Inside the cozy yurts, warmth envelops visitors, ensuring a snug retreat after a day of outdoor exploration. Additionally, communal fire pits foster camaraderie among fellow campers, encouraging shared tales under the starlit sky. Mew Lake’s yurt camping seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern convenience, offering a memorable escape into Ontario’s breathtaking natural beauty.
Tom and Cheryl’s Ontario Winter Yurt Camping Experience at Algonquin Provincial Park
We had always dreamed of Winter Yurt Camping In Ontario Provincial Parks, so we decided to book a yurt at Algonquin Ontario Provincial Park. As we drove through the snow-covered landscape, we admired the towering trees draped in white. Finally, we arrived at the campground, eager to begin our adventure.
First, we checked in and made our way to our cozy yurt. Unlike traditional camping, the yurt was already set up, which made settling in much easier. Inside, we were relieved to find a propane fireplace, which immediately warmed the space. After unpacking our gear, we changed into comfortable clothes and sat by the fire, sipping hot coffee while planning our activities for the next 2 days.
Later that evening, we decided to step outside and take in the crisp winter air. Although the temperature had dropped, the stillness of the forest made the cold feel almost magical. Snowflakes gently floated down, adding to the peaceful atmosphere. Soon, we realized we needed to use the washroom. Fortunately, the heated comfort station was only a short walk away, providing a much-needed break from the chilly night.
The next morning, we woke up feeling refreshed and ready for adventure. After enjoying a warm breakfast inside the yurt, we layered up and headed out for a hike. Algonquin Ontario Provincial Park has some of the finest hiking trails in the Province.
As we trekked along the snow-packed trails, we spotted deer gracefully moving through the forest. In addition, we saw fresh animal tracks in the snow, making us wonder what other creatures had passed through during the night.
After several hours of hiking 2 separate trails, we returned to the yurt, our cheeks rosy from the cold. To warm up, we turned on the propane fireplace. Meanwhile, we prepared a simple but delicious dinner and shared stories about our favorite moments of the day as I looked over all the photos and video that I took..
After dinner I decided to go to the garbage and recycle drop off area were there is known to be a Pine Marten Or 2. I am not sure if they are the same animal but for years there has been Pine Marten sightings at the Mew Lake campground Garbage and Recycle and this was the second time I was able to capture this adorable little creature.
As our trip came to an end, we packed up our belongings before the 10:00 Am checkout and took one last walk around the quiet campground. While we were sad to leave, we were grateful for the incredible experience. Without a doubt, we knew we would return to Algonquin for another winter yurt adventure. Smiling, we drove away, already looking forward to our next outdoor escape.
In conclusion, Mew Lake in Algonquin Provincial Park offers an unforgettable winter yurt camping experience.
Whether you’re trekking through snow-covered trails, spotting wildlife, or simply relaxing by a crackling fire, this destination provides the perfect balance of adventure and comfort. Moreover, the insulated yurts ensure a cozy retreat from the cold, allowing visitors to fully embrace the beauty of winter without sacrificing warmth. As the day ends, the peaceful stillness of the snow-covered landscape, combined with the brilliance of the starry sky, creates a truly magical atmosphere. Ultimately, Mew Lake’s winter yurt camping is an ideal getaway for those seeking a unique and refreshing escape into nature.