A small, round yurt in the forest during winter in Pinery Provincial Park. — Pinery Provincial Park | Destination Ontario

Yurt and cabin camping in Ontario’s parks

Yurts and rustic cabins are a fun and unique alternative to tent camping in many of Ontario’s provincial and national parks.

Yurts in Ontario Parks

A yurt is a portable structure that’s basically a cross between a tent and a cabin. Originally developed as the traditional dwelling of nomadic people in Mongolia and other areas of North Asia, yurts feature a hard floor, are circular in shape and most have a wooden frame covered in tent or hardy fabric material.

Although yurts in Ontario Parks are typically quite basic, they offer access to outdoor activities such as trails, beaches, wildlife viewing and the all-important comfort stations. Biome yurts are generally a little more spacious. Many of them have a minimum stay.

Check what amenities are available in the yurt so you know what supplies to bring. Book yurts early as most parks only have a few available, and they book up quickly.

Provincial Parks that offer yurt rentals include:

Algonquin Provincial Park

Ontario’s oldest and most iconic park operates year-round. Six yurts are available year-round at the Mew Lake Campground, and one lakeside yurt at the Achray Campground.

Location: Ontario 60

Bon Echo Provincial Park

Located in southeastern Ontario, Bon Echo operates seasonally. Three of the seven yurts are near the comfort station in the Sawmill Bay area of Mazinaw Lake Campground. The remaining four yurts are located near South Beach.

Location: 16151 Highway 41, Cloyne

Bronte Creek Provincial Park

Bronte Creek offers three yurts for rent on a seasonal basis in the Savannah Loop, which is designated as radio-free.

Location: 1219 Burloak Drive, Oakville

Charleston Lake Provincial Park

Just outside Kingston, Charleston Lake operates seasonally and has four yurts for rent in Shady Ridge Campground.

Location: 148 Woodvale Road, Lansdowne

Killarney Provincial Park

In another year-round park, Killarney’s six yurts are located in a private section of George Lake Campground.

Location: 960 ON-637, Killarney

MacGregor Point Provincial Park

MacGregor Point features seven comfortable yurts in the Birch Boulevard section of the campground available year-round for reservations.

Location: 1593 Bruce Road 33, Port Elgin

Pancake Bay Provincial Park

On the shores of Lake Superior, Pancake Bay operates seasonally, with two yurts available on the east side of the park.

Location: 12729 Highway 17N, Batchawana Bay

Pinery Provincial Park

This gorgeous park on Lake Huron offers six heated and furnished yurts year-round.

Location: 9526 Lakeshore Road, Grand Bend

Silent Lake Provincial Park

Eight yurts are available at Silent Lake from May through to March, so you can experience winter comfortably.

Location: 1589 Silent Lake Park Road, Bancroft

Windy Lake Provincial Park

Located near Sudbury, Windy Lake features four seasonal yurts tucked away on existing campsites.

Location: Highway 144 Old Cartier Road, Levack

Cabins in Ontario Parks

Backcountry cabins

Basic backcountry cabins provide bunks and wood stoves, with outdoor firepits and composting toilets. Most will not feature running water, electricity or cell reception.

Find a list of parks that offer backcountry cabin rentals.

Rustic cabins

Rustic cabin shelters typically provide a bed, kitchenette and dining table with chairs. Outside, enjoy a gas barbecue, picnic table and comfort station nearby.

Find a list of parks that offer rustic cabin rentals.

Cottages

Cottage rentals of various sizes in Ontario Parks are limited, so make reservations well in advance. Most cottages included a kitchen and furnished common area.

Find a list of parks that offer cottage rentals.

Ontario National Parks

National Parks in Ontario have two different experiences regarding yurt accommodations: the yurts at Bruce Peninsula and OTENTiks.

“oTENTiks” are an A framed square structure rather than the traditional round yurt that sleeps five to six people. Furnishings include indoor table and chairs and indoor lighting. Numbers are limited, so book early as they don’t last long.

Bruce Peninsula National Park

Bruce Peninsula features yurts with a twist. These structures are furnished with Murphy beds, a huge deck, a propane barbecue and other perks.

Location: Tobermory

Georgian Bay Islands National Park

Georgian Bay Islands National Park is located in the world’s largest freshwater archipelago and operates seasonally. Five oTENTiks are available to rent in Cedar Spring campground on Beausoleil Island.

Location: 2611 Honey Harbour Road, Honey Harbour

Point Pelee National Park

Perched on the southernmost point of Canada’s mainland, 24 oTENTiks offers cozy accommodations at Camp Henry in Point Pelee.

Location: 1118 Point Pelee Drive, Leamington

Pukaskwa National Park

Wild and wonderful, Pukaskwa sits on the shores of Lake Superior. Stay in one of five oTENTik campsites.

Location: ON-627, Heron Bay

Thousand Islands National Park

Explore the historic waters of the St. Lawrence River in Thousands Islands National Park and choose from three locations for comfortable oTENTik accommodations, three tents on McDonald Island, two on Gordon Island and five at Mallorytown Landing on the mainland.

Location: 1121 Thousand Islands Parkway, Mallorytown Landing

Rideau Canal National Historic Site

oTENTiks are available at three different sites along the historic Rideau Canal: two at Upper Nicholsons, four at Upper Beveridges and two at Upper Brewers.

Locations:

Upper Nicholsons, 101-167 Andrewsville Road, Merrickville
Upper Beveridges, 171 Beveridges Lock Road, Drummond/North Elmsley
Upper Brewers, 3000 Brewers Mills Road, Kingston

Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site

Two lock sites along the Trent Severn waterway offer oTENTik rentals. There are two at Lock 35 - Rosedale and four at Lock 24 - Douro.