Glamping lets you experience all the benefits of sleeping outside—without the grit and grime that comes with tent camping. Here are six destinations in British Columbia where you can unwind in style.
Camping is a rite of passage in BC. There’s something life-affirming about spending time in the great outdoors: waking up to the call of birds, stargazing at the mysterious night sky, blissfully staring for hours at a crackling fire. Tucked between BC’s most dramatic snow-capped peaks and its endless wave-battered Pacific coastline are thousands of provincial parks, even more backcountry sites, and miles of beach- and lake-front where you can pitch a tent. But what about those times when you don’t feel like roughing it? Enter, glamping.
What’s Glamping?
At its simplest, glamping is anything that elevates your everyday camp experience from rustic to (more) regal. It could be as easy as packing an extra comforter, some solar-powered string lights, and ingredients for that new s’mores recipe you found. At the other end, you’ll find ultra-luxe touches like full-sized beds, bathrooms with running water, and on-site spa facilities. More often than not, glamping involves staying in a unique structure—here in BC, you’ll find everything from a geodesic dome perched on the quiet shores of an ocean inlet to a solar-powered off-grid cabin tucked deep in the larch tree-covered hills of its interior. Whether you’re easing into nature for the first time or simply upgrading your usual camping setup, there’s a glamping site for you.
How to Plan for a Glamping Trip
First, you’ll want to book early—there are fewer glamping sites than campgrounds and popular spots tend to fill up fast. Check the weather forecast and make sure to pack accordingly (think: do you need extra books and games for bad weather days?). Even at the most luxurious glamping site, you’ll want to spend some time exploring the natural surroundings—layers are key to making sure you’re comfy and dry when spending time outside. And while glamping celebrates indulgence (not excess), consider booking an eco-conscious stay that balances luxury with sustainability. After all, what’s more sophisticated than practicing responsible recreation?
Glamping Gear Essentials
Like car camping, glamping lets you bring non-essential items along for the ride. Half the joy of glamping is designing your own custom way to experience the outdoors. Budding chefs can pack portable stoves and BBQs and cook up an elaborate camp feast. Coffee snobs can dial in their morning brew with a coffee maker and your favourite mug. Prefer something stronger? Pack your cocktail shaker and camp cooler for happy hour outdoors. Soft rugs, extra blankets, comfy slippers, and hammocks make downtime at camp even more inviting.
Top 6 Glamping Sites to Get You Started
Wildpod Tofino | Oceanfront Pods
With Wildpod’s geodesic waterfront domes, you’ll have a front-row seat to Tofino’s rugged coastline—crashing waves, shifting tides, and endless ocean horizons included. This glamping site features six pods that are located within walking distance of the stores, coffee shops, and restaurants that line Tofino’s downtown. Each pod comes with its own ensuite bathroom and hot shower, a queen size bed, propane fireplace, kitchenette, and a cedar deck for taking in the view—although you could just as easily admire the view from bed thanks to the dome’s five-metre-wide panoramic window.
Why we love it: For its walkable location, Ocean Friendly certification, and million-dollar view.
Nearby attractions: Wander the rain-soaked trails of Pacific Rim National Park, try cold water surfing, dine at world-class restaurants, or pamper yourself even further with a session at Tofino Resort & Marina’s floating, wood-fired sauna.
Smith Lake Farm | Lakeside Glamping
This 90-acre working farm offers guests lakefront living and access to Vancouver Island’s spectacular coastline. Nestled in the Comox Valley, Smith Lake Farm is an agritourism retreat that brings together experiences like apiary tours and beekeeping courses with glamping. During the day you can tour the farm (and pick up local honey), sweat it out in the barrel sauna, or SUP across the lake. At night, retreat to one of six Lotus Belle glamping tents, each with its own queen- or king-size bed, private outdoor toilet, and propane firepit. A no-frills kitchen tent is outfitted with a two-burner camp stove, utensils, and basin for washing dishes.
Why we love it: For its peaceful lakeside setting, wood-fired sauna, and farm-fresh breakfast options.
Nearby attractions: Explore farmers’ markets in the Comox Valley, hike into the alpine in Strathcona Provincial Park, or mountain bike the extensive trail network in nearby Cumberland.
Woods on Pender | Airstream Glamping
Swap canvas tents for the retro cool of a vintage Airstream trailer at Woods on Pender. This Gulf Island retreat delivers a stylish escape with plenty of access to nature. There are nine Airstream trailers to choose from, all varying in size and amenities. Some have attached bunkies—offering a little more leg room and space to sleep. Others are compact but functional. (There’s even an Airstream spa where you can book in for a massage.) Each Airstream comes with an outdoor hot tub or shower, hammock, and firepit—perfect for stargazing—while the on-site restaurant and coffee shop means you’re never far from a good meal or cup of coffee.
Why we love it: For its Gulf Island charm, photogenic backdrop, and dedication to all things Airstream.
Nearby attractions: Sample the small-batch ciders of Twin Island, wander Pender Island’s quiet beaches, or rent a kayak and look for orcas and seals.
Out There, Off Leash | Private Glamping Retreat
Out There, Off Leash offers the ultimate glamping escape: your very own private island. This all-inclusive eco-resort is located only 10 minutes by boat from Egmont on BC’s Sunshine Coast, but it feels miles away thanks to the island’s secluded setting. The resort can host up to six guests in three distinct, yet equally stunning accommodations: a treehouse (with incredible views of forest and ocean), waterfront tent, or a boho-style yurt with a wraparound sun deck. There are kayaks, SUPs, and snorkel gear available to use, while meals, snacks, and other provisions are taken care of—all you need to bring is yourself and a cleared schedule.
Why we love it: For its choice of beds, no-hassle experience, and laid-back vibes.
Nearby attractions: Check out the tidal rapids of Skookumchuck Narrows or the turquoise waters of Ruby Lake, hike Mount Daniel in Pender Harbour, or rent jet skis and venture up Jervis Inlet.
Tin Poppy | A Vintage Off-Grid Cabin
Tin Poppy blends vintage charm with eco-friendly design for a unique glamping experience. This off-grid, solar-powered retreat sits on 160 secluded acres overlooking the Shuswap River and North Okanagan Valley and is home to four cabins. Its namesake cabin is partially built from a restored 32-foot vintage caravan, featuring wood walls and corrugated steel siding. While it can sleep a crowd (thanks to the caravan dinette), we think it’s best enjoyed as a romantic getaway or solo retreat—especially with three private wood-fired saunas and on-site activities like disc golf and beekeeping.
Why we love it: For its retro vintage-meets-modern design, easy access to hiking trails, and eco-conscious approach.
Nearby attractions: Hike or snowshoe the surrounding Larch Hills’ extensive trail network, visit local wineries, paddle the pristine waters of Shuswap Lake, or take in a movie at one of the last-standing drive-in theatres in BC.
Rockwater Secret Cove Resort | Oceanfront Tenthouse Suites
Rockwater’s safari-style tents are perched along the arbutus-lined coastline of BC’s Sunshine Coast, an idyllic escape located just an hour from Vancouver. Connected by a series of elevated wooden boardwalks that weave through the forest canopy, each tenthouse suite comes with a king bed, rainfall shower, cozy fireplace, heated floors, soaker tubs, and floor-to-ceiling ocean views. The only thing more relaxing than listening to the sound of the waves lull you to sleep at night? The on-site spa tent where you can treat yourself to a massage or facial.
Why we love it: For its secluded forest-and-waterfront setting, close proximity to Vancouver, and spa amenities.
Nearby attractions: Kayak the calm waters of nearby Sechelt Inlet, hike the trails of Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park, or boat over to the white-sandy shores of Thormanby Island.
FAQ
What do people do when they go glamping?
The short answer is…everything! The long answer: it depends on what you like to do. Into kayaking? Book an off-grid eco-resort that hosts week-long sailing trips into some of Canada's most stunning waterways. Like to cook? Kit out a camp kitchen, plan a weekend centered around cooking, and impress your coworkers on Monday with your epic food-in-nature shots. Then, there are your classic camping staples: hanging out by a fire, stargazing at night, or simply enjoying the serenity of nature (only from your hammock, king-sized bed, or wood-fired hot tub). Hiking, biking, paddling—if you can do it while camping, you can do it while glamping.
Does glamping have toilets?
Most glamping sites offer bathrooms with running water, while some offer eco-friendly composting toilets.
Is glamping expensive?
It depends. Some sites are budget-friendly, while others offer high-end luxury.
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