Warning…this post is not for the feint of heart, and I must admit that winter camping in Southern Ontario has never been an item on my “bucket list”. However, winter camping is becoming a bit more civilized with the addition of “yurt” rentals in some Ontario Provincial Parks.So just what is a “yurt”? Well the concept comes from a semi portable round tent that was designed to house an entire family on the Mongolian steps of Russia and the Ukraine. Yurts of a slightly different flavor, but none the less rugged and unique can be rented for a day, weekend, or longer and provide a natural experience without the need to drag along, and setup a tent.
Southern Ontario Parks that offer yurt rentals for winter camping:
• MacGregor Point near Port Elgin on Lake Huron.
• Pinery Provincial Parkbetween Goderich and Sarnia on Lake Huron.
• Silent Lake Provincial Parknear Bancroft.
Yurts do come with a few basic amenities like table and chairs, bunks, barbeque, fire pit, etc. Some are provided with electricity but you can expect the bare necessities. Check the links above to see what is included at the various locations.
This looks like it may be a great compromise between the tent and renting a cottage, with the added bonus of being able to x-country ski, or snowshoe right from your front door. What a great way to enjoy the long Southern Ontario winter.
Writing this post has certainly peaked my interest; who knows; maybe you’ll find this warm weather camper at a yurt near you.
Note: the photo shows a real yurt and is larger than yurts in provincial parks. This photo was taken at the Luna Project between Cambridge and Brantford.
©2009 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions
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Hi there,
ReplyDeleteIf you're going to be doing winter adventuring, please consider making your trip a Big Wild challenge:
http://www.thebigwild.org/Challenge.aspx
We're giving away some great MEC winter gear.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI came across this post. Provincial Parks are not the only places in Ontario that rent Yurts…
Our Covered Bridge Park is a small family operated campground and we have 3 Yurts for rent. Please check our website for more details.
Thanks,
Andrew
Covered Bridge Park
Yurts, Cottages, Overnight
& Seasonal Camping on
Bonnechere River
613.757.3368
www.coveredbridgepark.com
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteI know this is an old post but I just wanted to comment. This year my husband and I are taking advantage of Valens Conservation Area's winter program. We dropped out camper off @ the park on the first of Jan and it will sit there until May 1st. The camper has been in use every weekend since.
Here is a link to the program;
http://www.conservationhamilton.ca/whats-news/hca/whats-news/winter-camping-at-valens
But you don't need a camper. We have seen a few brave people in tents.