What is summer for if you never take the time to escape from the city every now and then and spend a weekend with nature? At Cov, more specifically at our Toronto HQ, we’re all for taking a weekend (or five) to get out of the city, whether we’re going to a cottage, the beach, or camping (we are Canadian, after all). We’re blessed to be surrounded by nature—no matter which way you drive out of the city (within 60 to 90 minutes in any direction), you’re hitting some sort of “cottage country.” This year we’ve made it our mission to check out some newer “camping” spots—you know, the ones that aren’t so no-electricity-in-a-tent kind of situation (for the most part) and are instead a little more on the glam side (think real beds and fur rugs). Check them out below, and then get to planning that Canadian road trip—we dare you.
Photo: Courtesy of Outpost Co.
One of the coolest things about this place (depending on who you ask) is that the only way to get there is by seaplane—yeah, that’s right, those little planes that take off and land in the water. It’s a 90-minute flight from the Toronto Island airport to the campsite located on Lake Obabika, where you can then immediately drop your belongings in your tent. Take the term “tent” lightly, though, as these
massive tents are furnished with real beds (your choice of one or two), real flooring, fur rugs, and rustic trunks—it’s all very beautiful. Although this camp in particular doesn’t have wifi or electricity (don’t worry, there are candlelit pathways and lanterns), that means that you can truly shut off and simply enjoy the
endless feast of food and wine that Toronto’s top chefs prepare, or go hiking and canoeing if you’re more of the outdoorsy type.
Photo: Courtesy of Elements Outdoor Hotel
Although it’s a little bit farther out of Toronto (we’re talking a four-hour drive), Elements Outdoor Hotel is the camping experience for those who pretty much hate camping. But that being said, you do technically still have to have a love of the outdoors. You have your choice of eight different large-tented bedrooms, complete with hardwood flooring and real beds (with a turndown service if you choose), and your meals are prepped for you—you just have to cook them over your own private campfire. You can spend your days how you please, whether it be kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, drinking wine by the waterfall, or just hanging out in the unlimited wifi zone—no judgment here.
Photo: Courtesy of Long-Point Eco AdventuresIt may not be as luxurious as the others, but Long-Point’s wilderness pods and luxury camping suites are a great way to experience the outdoors while not having to sleep on the ground or go without running water, and it’s still only a little over two hours out of Toronto. King-size suites are available and are complete with hardwood floors and a private bathroom with, get this, a private outdoor shower that is under the stars. Chic. This adventure is geared more towards those who are all for outdoor activities, as there is ziplining, boat tours, fishing, and axe throwing, but nobody said you can’t stay cuddled up in your bed or on your front porch with a book all day. Either way, can you really complain, when at the end of the night you’re climbing into a comfy king-size bed?
Photo: Courtesy of Outpost Co.
Photo: Courtesy of Elements Outdoor Hotel
Photo: Courtesy of Long-Point Eco Adventures