While most of us accompany anything to do with camping to sunny days and cozy summer evenings (cue the picturesque visual of a smokey bonfire and gooey smores). However, with the emergence of glamping, Albertans can embrace the beautiful outdoors even in the winter. These winter glamping spots are guaranteed to have you feeling all the luxury vibes while giving you a brand-new way to enjoy the outdoors—no matter what cold weather blows our way.
What is Glamping?
Glamping is the ingenious invention of combining glamorous accommodations with the rustic charm of camping. In fact, the word unsurprisingly derives from ‘glamorous’ and ‘camping’ (but you probably figured that out yourself). Simply put, glamping is for people who love nature but hate camping. They appreciate the quiet seclusion of a forest, but they still want the modern luxuries they know and love (like a comfortable, warm bed and full protection from the elements).
Glamping provides all the benefits of camping—the outdoors, beautiful views, quick access to hiking trails and tourist destinations—but minus the flimsy tents, uncomfortable sleeping arrangements, and cold nights. Plus, with glamping, you don’t have to wait for the summer months. You can find winter glamping spots in Alberta and enjoy the outdoors year-round.
What are the Different Types of Glamping?
Glamping includes many accommodations, including cabins, canvas tents, geodomes, yurts, tiny homes, and even treehouses. They also range in size and features. For instance, most geodomes don’t include plumbing, so you won’t typically find a restroom or shower inside the unit. However, most accommodations have public facilities nearby. Alternatively, cabins and tiny homes will have everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a small kitchen and bathroom.
What Makes a Good Glamping Experience?
A good glamping experience captures the rustic beauty of camping while delivering a comfortable and unforgettable experience. They’re often far more romantic (making them the perfect getaway for couples), and they provide more amenities. Some glamping sites will also have excursions or activities available, like snowshoeing, horseback riding, or cross-country skiing.
Additionally, a good glamping spot will be situated in a quiet, peaceful place that grants you beautiful views and privacy. They’re the perfect place to escape distractions, work, and our hustle culture.
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Glamping in the Winter
While many of these accommodations are only available in the warmer months, you can also find beautiful winter glamping options for snowy days and nights. Outfitted with gas or wood-burning fireplaces, these destinations will keep you toasty while allowing you to experience the great outdoors. And with more than half of our year resting in subzero temperatures, finding creative ways to spend the winter is critical to prevent seasonal depression.
01. Refuge Bay
Refuge Bay redefines glamping. As your dome away from home, they are one of Alberta’s top glamping destinations. Located in the Parkland wilderness, it’s conveniently located only an hour from Edmonton, so you can enjoy all the wonders of luxury camping without a long, tedious drive.
Plus, it comes with some pretty amazing amenities, including:
- Private use of a wood-fired sauna
- Heated shower facilities
- Fire pits & BBQs
- Free on-site parking
The perfect experience for those who want all the modern luxuries while escaping and unplugging, Refuge Bay provides year-round availability and has its own private lake. Spend your nights cuddled together on the cozy bed while you stare up at the stars through the transparent ceiling. And during the day, you can explore hundreds of acres of wilderness.
02. Mount Engadine
This pet-friendly winter glamping spot includes all the luxury and nature you need for a soothing mountain stay. Located in Kananaskis, you can enjoy breathtaking views, quick access to local hiking trails, and adventure-filled activities, like snow-shoeing, fat biking, cross-country skiing, and more.
Choose from a variety of unique accommodations, including:
- Cabins
- Glamping tents
- Yurts
- Main lodge
Perfect for pet parents, couples, and families, Mount Engadine offers everything you need for a luxury-filled escape. Plus, meals are also included in your stay! So you don’t have to worry about breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
03. Spruce Coulee Hut
Located in Cyprus Hills Provincial Park (less than an hour southeast of Medicine Hat), Spruce Coulee Hut provides an affordable, rustic destination for small groups and families. At only $100/night, you can enjoy a budget-friendly escape while enjoying a comfortable and warm cabin.
You’ll have the opportunity to experience a range of adventures, including:
- Hiking
- Stargazing
- Ice fishing
- Wildlife viewing
There are also biking trails if you want to bring your fat bike and enjoy all the winter fun you can manage! The wood stove will keep you warm and toasty during even the coldest nights, and you experience beautiful scenery right at your doorstep.
04. Anchor D Cabins
Tired of the same ol’ camping routines? Why not try something different, and rent a cabin at Anchor D Ranch? Providing the perfect balance between modern luxury and rustic charm, the accommodations at Anchor D Ranch will impress even the most diehard glampers.
And even better, you can bring out your inner cowboy during this adventure-filled horseback riding vacation. Enjoy a scenic 3-hour guided trail ride through the snow-covered foothills or experience the mountain trails on horseback. So you can spend your afternoons in the saddle, marvelling at the beautiful scenery, and your evenings in the warmth of your spacious cabin. During the winter, they also have sleigh rides, making the perfect adventure for families or couples.
The cabins include everything you need for rustic comfort, including a cozy king or queen-sized bed, a kitchen, a bathroom with a shower, and enough space to sleep five to six guests. Open year-round, Anchor D Ranch provides a picturesque escape into a winter wonderland.
05. Hidden Treehouse Chalet
Even adults love treehouses. What’s not to love? Cozy, unique, and filled with childhood charm, this one-of-a-kind glamping experience will bring back all the youth-filled memories of marshmallows over the fire, limitless imaginations, and adventurous days filled with smiles and giggles.
This Hidden Treehouse Chalet is located near Elk Point, Alberta—only two hours east of Edmonton and one hour north of Lloydminster. Fully outfitted with a kitchenette, electricity (powered by the sun), water, toilet and shower, wood heater, and BBQ, you’ll be perfectly comfortable during your stay. There’s also a rock sauna for some extra luxury!
With access to hiking trails and 80 acres of pristine forest, adventure is at your fingertips. Enjoy rejuvenating walks in nature and wildlife watching. Private and secluded, this off-grid experience is perfect for couples looking for a unique and rustic experience.
Try Winter Glamping in Alberta
Gone are the days we’re forced to huddle in our homes during the cold winter months. Winter glamping allows us to experience the outdoors while remaining safe and comfortable. Featuring luxurious amenities, you can enjoy all the glamour of your glamping adventure without having to worry about purchasing your own camping gear, sleeping on an uncomfortable floor, or dealing with cold conditions.
And while glamping destinations are a unique and luxurious way to explore the outdoors, you can take control of your glamping experience by purchasing your very own RV. Ready whenever you want to take an adventure, having your own RV means you can glamp anywhere you’d like. Check out our full line of new and used RVs.
