Bizarre but Beautiful Places to Sleep in Canada’s National Parks

August 5, 2016

Some very cool accommodations are being tested in select Canada's National Parks

Some very cool accommodations are being tested in select national parks this summer – and Parks Canada wants YOU to help.

How did this all come about?

Parks Canada is looking to expand services and offerings with the intention of blowing rec users’ minds. (Our words, not theirs.)

Jokes aside, they told us, “[We are] always looking to develop services that meet or exceed our visitors’ expectations and we continue to remain at the forefront of high-quality and innovative experiences.”

Based on these fairy tale lodgings, I can’t wait to see what else they have in store for us.

The new accommodations no doubt follow the very successful introduction of oTENTiks in 2012, pictured below. This year, they’ve changed gears to explore ready-to-camp sites to meet the needs of families, urban Canadians and those travelling as couples or parties of two.

Credit: Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism

oTENTik Tent, Gros Morne National Park

The initiative hopes to achieve a few things.

First, if the accommodations are well received, we could see Cocoon Tree Beds roll out across the nation. Very cool.

Second, it aims to get more people into the national parks to learn about, and enjoy, Canada’s natural wonders and heritage sites. Offering glamping and ready-to-camp sites especially appeals to people who don’t have their own camping equipment, want more comfort, prefer to travel light, or are less familiar with the great outdoors. As far as I’m concerned, more people enjoying nature means more advocates for protecting our wild places and environment.

So without further adieu, here are four whacky-wonderful places to sleep in Canada’s national parks:

Tiny Homes on Wheels

Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta

Location: Townsite Campground sites B34 and B43 (two homes, one is still in development)

What the heck is a Tiny Homes on Wheels? Tiny homes are self-contained homes typically measuring under 400 square feet. While the homes are towable, these two will be stationary to their campsites meaning no need to fuss with hitches and hook-ups.

What’s it like sleeping in a Tiny Homes on Wheels? Much like sleeping in a bunkhouse, camper or loft. John Stoesser, Communications Officer of the Waterton Lakes Field Unit says, “We haven’t started taking reservations for the Tiny Homes yet, but we have had a lot of interest. Our test camper found it to be a very enjoyable and convenient camping experience.”

Nearby amenities:

The joy of a Tiny Home on Wheels is that amenities are contained within the unit. Inside is a complete kitchen (small refrigerator, two burner stove and dishes) and bathroom (a toilet and shower). Unlike the other accommodations on this list, the Tiny Home is heated. Guests should bring their own bedding, pillows, and toiletries.

The campground also has hot showers, flush toilets, food storage and kitchen shelters. There are no individual fire pits.

How many does it sleep? Four. There are two lofts accessed by stairs, one with a queen size bed and one with a single. There is additional sleeping space for two people on the floor. (Max total occupancy is four people.)

Cost: $160 per night + $11.60 reservation fee (2016 promotional pricing for the pilot year)

Availability:

The first Tiny Home on Wheels is nearly ready and the park aims to start taking reservations for it by mid-August. Those interested can call the Visitor Reception Centre for booking information: 403-859-5133.

The second home is still under development and reservations will be taken once it is ready.

Alternate glamping in Waterton Lakes National Park: 3 traditional tipis and 2 equipped campsites located at Crandell Mountain Campground

Goutte d’Ô

Fundy National Park, New Brunswick

Location: Site #21 at Point Wolfe Campground

What the heck is a Goutte d’Ô? It’s a whimsical 6m² cabin in the shape of a water droplet. There is a ‘loft area’ in the upper portion of the structure for sleeping.

What’s it like sleeping in the Goutte d’Ô? Pascal Haché, Communications Officer in the New Brunswick South Field Unit remarks, “So far, those who have stayed in it the accommodation love it! Visitors really enjoy the practicality of the Goutte d’Ô as it’s a unique alternative to conventional tents which make their camping experience very accessible and extra special.” Fingers crossed that we’ll see more Goutte d’Ôs across Canada.

Nearby amenities: Washrooms and showers are nearby; picnic table and two chairs are on site.

How many does it sleep? Couples or a family. Bring bedding, pillows, cooking equipment, and toiletries. Cooking inside the Goutte d’Ô is prohibited and it is not heated.

How has Goutte d’Ô been received? Haché says, “The Goutte d’Ô has been extremely well received. We have received tremendous social media buzz about this alternate accommodation and the response so far has been very positive.”

Cost: $70 per night (2016 promotional pricing for the pilot year)

Availability: 90% occupancy rate for August. The park expects the final free nights to be reserved before month-end. Spots available for September and October. (Fall in Fundy National Park is a beautiful time to visit!)

Alternate glamping in Fundy National Park: 5 yurts (in Headquarters Campground) and 30 oTENTiks in the park; 10 in each of these three campgrounds: Point Wolf, Headquarters and Chignecto.

Micro-Cube (coming soon!)

Multiple Locations

Locations: Riding Mountain National Park (Manitoba) and Forillon National Park (Quebec)

What the heck is a Micro-Cube? The Micro-Cube roughly measures 10m2 and offers a unique experience by virtue of a panoramic window that makes up one side of the cube.

Nearby amenities: Washrooms and showers are located nearby.

How many does it sleep? 2. The Micro-Cube is a contemporary design with a double bed, two chairs and a table. Visitors will need to bring their own cooking equipment and bedding. Cooking is prohibited inside the accommodation and the Micro-Cube is not heated.

Cost: $90 per night (2016 promotional pricing for the pilot year)

Availability: Stay tuned! The Micro-Cubes are expected to be delivered and set up in early August. Keep updated here: Click here

Before you go:

What you should know

The testing phase wraps up on October 10th, subject to weather. (So make your reservation now!)
Find booking information here: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/voyage-travel/hebergement-accommodation/2016.aspx
No pets are allowed inside the accommodations being tested.
With the exception of the Tiny Home on Wheels, cooking inside the units is strictly prohibited.

Have you stayed in one of these accommodations?
Let us know what it was like!
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