Need a reset but don’t want to spend half the weekend driving? Good news, some of the region’s most unique glamping escapes are sitting just outside Ottawa. Whether you’re craving forest stillness, lakeside mornings or something a little adventurous, these five spots make it easy to trade city noise for fresh air.
Photo Credits: Wildwood Nature Escape
Wildwood Nature Escape – Pontiac, QC
If you want variety, Wildwood delivers. Tucked into the wilderness of Pontiac, this site offers riverside prospector tents, cozy cabins and eye-catching domes like the Starlight Dome, designed for late-night stargazing. There’s a wood-burning sauna, cold plunges and nearby tubing for those who want a mix of relaxation and activity. It feels rustic, but thoughtfully so, the kind of place where you can unplug without giving up comfort.
Photo Credits: Parks Canada
Ontario Park Yurts – Various Ontario Parks
For an easy, comfortable way to camp, Ontario Parks’ yurts offer solid shelter, real beds and, in many locations, heat. Available in parks like Algonquin, Bon Echo and Pinery, they let you stay close to hiking trails and lakes without the hassle of pitching a tent. It’s nature with just the right amount of comfort.
Photo Credits: Eco-Odyssee
Eco-Odyssee Log Cabins – Wakefield, QC
Only 30 minutes from Ottawa-Gatineau, Eco-Odyssee offers something you won’t find anywhere else: a 4-kilometre water maze with 50 intersections winding through beaver habitat. Guests can stay in cozy log cabins and spend their days exploring trails, tackling the foot labyrinth or joining seasonal night walks. It’s interactive, family-friendly and surrounded by nature.
Photo Credits: Terra Perma Eco Retreat
Terra Perma Eco Retreat – Montebello, QC
Set on 600 acres of untouched land, Terra Perma feels expansive and immersive. Choose from timber cabins, yurts or even the tallest treehouse in North America. There’s a private lake for swimming and paddling, and it’s entirely dog-friendly, making it ideal for family getaways or group retreats rooted in sustainability.
Photo Credits: Hillhaus Domes Pontiac
Hillhaus Domes Pontiac – Clarendon, QC
If modern minimalism in the forest sounds appealing, Hillhaus Domes offer geodesic retreats with lake views. Each dome includes a kitchen, BBQ, swim dock access and paddleboards, plus a fire pit for evenings under the stars.
Five escapes, all close to home. Sometimes the best getaway isn’t far, it’s just waiting outside the city limits.
