The best family-friendly glamping near Toronto

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Canada’s largest city is a bit of an urban jungle, but that doesn’t mean you can’t escape into nature. Toronto is home to dozens of urban hiking trails and there are opportunities for kayaking and canoeing downtown. Just a short drive outside the city, camping options abound at provincial parks and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority sites, and if you’re willing to head an hour or two out of town for a getaway, you’ll be rewarded with starry nights and wide, open nature spots.

99% (221)

Top-rated campgrounds

The privacy is great from almost all angles, this property is laid out nicely so while you're close to the hosts if you need anything, you're far enough not to see anyone outside the windows!

2. Camp Willowbrook

100%
(136)
72km from Toronto · 6 sites · Lodging · Amaranth, ON
We purchased this farm in 1998 from the previous farmer who had owned it since 1929. The train line ran right by the gate where the Kota hut now sits and would drop cattle right there to be finished and sold later at the Toronto Stockyards. Our barn was built in 1890 with the old farmhouse located across the creek. Two creeks meet the Grand River on our farm. The bunkie is situated north of the barn and faces Willow creek. During the summer the creek gets quite shallow but there are a couple of pools that work nicely for a float with our river tubes. The river also has a small swimming hole. The bunkie is nestled between 2 hills which creates a natural little valley. Campers can take a walk around the property or use the nearby long walking trail. New this spring, campers will be able to enjoy the firewood sauna, located close to the bunkie and nestled in a private spot near the creek.
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
from 
CA$115
 / night
T's Pond

3. T's Pond

90%
(114)
86km from Toronto · 2 sites · Lodging · Port Colborne, ON
Like most folks who’ve been bitten by the water ski bug, I dreamed of having my own lake and when I met my life partner Harald, an elite slalom skier, my search began in earnest. By a combination of good timing and good luck, I was able to make that dream come true and in the spring of 2014 I acquired this land with the hopes of building my dream water ski lake on it. 7 years later, we have a thriving water ski club and are constantly making improvements to the site. We now have decided to add some sites for rent to share this incredible property with others outside the water ski community. Site #1 is a small cabin that sleeps 3 and site #2 is a small houseboat that has been converted to a bunkie. Onsite activities include use of a canoe and paddleboard. Use of a kid's swingset and olympic trampoline. Swimming and fishing. Pets are welcome, campfires are permitted.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$107
 / night
The Rustic Shack in the Wood's

4. The Rustic Shack in the Wood's

100%
(47)
44km from Toronto · 1 site · Lodging · Mount Albert, ON
Please read to the END! For full details :) If you are looking to escape the noise of everyday life, this is the place for you! Come enjoy the peaceful tranquility of our rustic little Shack on the 113 acre farm of rolling hills + open fields set by the edge of the forest. Previously used as the hot chocolate shack for our tree farm business which has finished after a 30 year run. The Shack is completely "OFF GRID" and you can get a feel for staying amongst the sounds of nature and possibly find yourself shutting off your phone and really enjoying the quiet peaceful escape. Sitting by a bon-fire at night, with the stars bright in the dark sky. Enjoying a good book or a walk on the property looking out for Wild Turkey's, Coyotes, Raccoons, Ground hogs and a variety of Bird's. Take an evening walk to the top of the hill to catch a beautiful farm sunset over the corn fields. Local businesses nearby are Brooks Farm Playground and Market 2 min up the road. Rose Family Farm with fresh cut fries 4 min away. Musselman's Lake is a 6 min drive to enjoy the fabulous Fishbone on the Lake, casual outdoor dining. In nearby Stouffville find Timber Creek Mini Golf, Gallucci Winery, Willow Springs Winery + Tree top trekking at Bruce's Mill. With many hiking trails in the area including Eldred King Woodlands, Vivian forest Trails, Durham Regional Forest and almost directly across the road and slightly south of our property new York Region Forest walking/hiking trails can be accessed. Nearby restaurants in Ballantrae. In the quaint little town of Mt. Albert 5 min with an LCBO in it open till 8pm daily. Ballantrae Ultramar 6 min away also has an LCBO open till 11 pm daily. Uxbridge is nearby and a large variety of restaurants and shopping Lots to check out in the area, or simply stay put at The Shack and enjoy cooking a meal on the BBQ in the outdoor kitchen area (propane included) and relaxing by the bonfire (wood included). The Shack is equipped with some cooking items, pots + pans, BBQ and utensils, knives, cutlery, plates, coffee cups, bowls, glasses + (wine glasses) cutting board, tray, kettle and a small chest cooler to keep your food and drinks cold (you will need to bring the ice) Dish washing rack is provided, as well as large jugs of clean potable water for cooking/drinking and doing the dishes. Please bring your garbage bags! Extra cooler is also provided. The Shack sleeps 3 people comfortably, with 2 bunks and 1 single size sofa-bed. Pillows and Bedding ARE NOT included. Plenty of room to set up additional tents for the additional per person nightly rate if more than 3 people. **2 Outhouses on premises. **Bonfire wood is provided - Large chunks - split your own - Axe is provided. You can leave any recyclables. Recycle containers are provided, but you must **Please Take Garbage Away at checkout!!! **Things you need to bring: -lanterns or flashlights -garbage bags -toilet paper -bedding and pillows -food and drinks, ice for coolers If you will need lights: **Generator including 1 full tank of gas can be provided for a small additional fee if you choose to add it on. Payable in cash at check in please. Hope you will come enjoy our peaceful little hideaway and give Shack Life a try! Cheers! ~Cathy
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$125
 / night

Canada’s largest city is a bit of an urban jungle, but that doesn’t mean you can’t escape into nature. Toronto is home to dozens of urban hiking trails and there are opportunities for kayaking and canoeing downtown. Just a short drive outside the city, camping options abound at provincial parks and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority sites, and if you’re willing to head an hour or two out of town for a getaway, you’ll be rewarded with starry nights and wide, open nature spots.

99% (221)

Top-rated campgrounds

The privacy is great from almost all angles, this property is laid out nicely so while you're close to the hosts if you need anything, you're far enough not to see anyone outside the windows!

2. Camp Willowbrook

100%
(136)
72km from Toronto · 6 sites · Lodging · Amaranth, ON
We purchased this farm in 1998 from the previous farmer who had owned it since 1929. The train line ran right by the gate where the Kota hut now sits and would drop cattle right there to be finished and sold later at the Toronto Stockyards. Our barn was built in 1890 with the old farmhouse located across the creek. Two creeks meet the Grand River on our farm. The bunkie is situated north of the barn and faces Willow creek. During the summer the creek gets quite shallow but there are a couple of pools that work nicely for a float with our river tubes. The river also has a small swimming hole. The bunkie is nestled between 2 hills which creates a natural little valley. Campers can take a walk around the property or use the nearby long walking trail. New this spring, campers will be able to enjoy the firewood sauna, located close to the bunkie and nestled in a private spot near the creek.
Potable water
Toilets
Showers
from 
CA$115
 / night
T's Pond

3. T's Pond

90%
(114)
86km from Toronto · 2 sites · Lodging · Port Colborne, ON
Like most folks who’ve been bitten by the water ski bug, I dreamed of having my own lake and when I met my life partner Harald, an elite slalom skier, my search began in earnest. By a combination of good timing and good luck, I was able to make that dream come true and in the spring of 2014 I acquired this land with the hopes of building my dream water ski lake on it. 7 years later, we have a thriving water ski club and are constantly making improvements to the site. We now have decided to add some sites for rent to share this incredible property with others outside the water ski community. Site #1 is a small cabin that sleeps 3 and site #2 is a small houseboat that has been converted to a bunkie. Onsite activities include use of a canoe and paddleboard. Use of a kid's swingset and olympic trampoline. Swimming and fishing. Pets are welcome, campfires are permitted.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$107
 / night
The Rustic Shack in the Wood's

4. The Rustic Shack in the Wood's

100%
(47)
44km from Toronto · 1 site · Lodging · Mount Albert, ON
Please read to the END! For full details :) If you are looking to escape the noise of everyday life, this is the place for you! Come enjoy the peaceful tranquility of our rustic little Shack on the 113 acre farm of rolling hills + open fields set by the edge of the forest. Previously used as the hot chocolate shack for our tree farm business which has finished after a 30 year run. The Shack is completely "OFF GRID" and you can get a feel for staying amongst the sounds of nature and possibly find yourself shutting off your phone and really enjoying the quiet peaceful escape. Sitting by a bon-fire at night, with the stars bright in the dark sky. Enjoying a good book or a walk on the property looking out for Wild Turkey's, Coyotes, Raccoons, Ground hogs and a variety of Bird's. Take an evening walk to the top of the hill to catch a beautiful farm sunset over the corn fields. Local businesses nearby are Brooks Farm Playground and Market 2 min up the road. Rose Family Farm with fresh cut fries 4 min away. Musselman's Lake is a 6 min drive to enjoy the fabulous Fishbone on the Lake, casual outdoor dining. In nearby Stouffville find Timber Creek Mini Golf, Gallucci Winery, Willow Springs Winery + Tree top trekking at Bruce's Mill. With many hiking trails in the area including Eldred King Woodlands, Vivian forest Trails, Durham Regional Forest and almost directly across the road and slightly south of our property new York Region Forest walking/hiking trails can be accessed. Nearby restaurants in Ballantrae. In the quaint little town of Mt. Albert 5 min with an LCBO in it open till 8pm daily. Ballantrae Ultramar 6 min away also has an LCBO open till 11 pm daily. Uxbridge is nearby and a large variety of restaurants and shopping Lots to check out in the area, or simply stay put at The Shack and enjoy cooking a meal on the BBQ in the outdoor kitchen area (propane included) and relaxing by the bonfire (wood included). The Shack is equipped with some cooking items, pots + pans, BBQ and utensils, knives, cutlery, plates, coffee cups, bowls, glasses + (wine glasses) cutting board, tray, kettle and a small chest cooler to keep your food and drinks cold (you will need to bring the ice) Dish washing rack is provided, as well as large jugs of clean potable water for cooking/drinking and doing the dishes. Please bring your garbage bags! Extra cooler is also provided. The Shack sleeps 3 people comfortably, with 2 bunks and 1 single size sofa-bed. Pillows and Bedding ARE NOT included. Plenty of room to set up additional tents for the additional per person nightly rate if more than 3 people. **2 Outhouses on premises. **Bonfire wood is provided - Large chunks - split your own - Axe is provided. You can leave any recyclables. Recycle containers are provided, but you must **Please Take Garbage Away at checkout!!! **Things you need to bring: -lanterns or flashlights -garbage bags -toilet paper -bedding and pillows -food and drinks, ice for coolers If you will need lights: **Generator including 1 full tank of gas can be provided for a small additional fee if you choose to add it on. Payable in cash at check in please. Hope you will come enjoy our peaceful little hideaway and give Shack Life a try! Cheers! ~Cathy
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
CA$125
 / night

Stories from the community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best family-friendly glamping near Toronto guide

Where to go

Albion Hills Conservation Park

About an hour northwest of the Toronto area, Albion Hill is a tranquil nature escape surrounded by easy access to city amenities. This conservation area offers over 230 serviced and unserviced sites, with space for RVs. Albion Hill has forested hiking and mountain biking trails, a kid-friendly swimming pool and splash area, and even a bike washing station.

Darlington Provincial Park

Just over an hour east of downtown Toronto on the shores of Lake Ontario, Darlington Provincial Park has a long, sandy beach and ample family-friendly programming in summer, plus opportunities to kayak or go paddle boating. The Lakeside Campground is radio-free for those seeking a quiet camping experience. It’s also open in winter for hiking and snowshoeing.

Bronte Creek Provincial Park

In Oakville, Bronte Creek Provincial Park has an impressive list of day-use and overnight activities. Pending the time of year, campers can enjoy disc golf, hiking, tobogganing, swimming in one of Canada’s largest outdoor pools, a children’s farm with live animals, ghost walks, a maple syrup festival, Victorian Christmas, plus four campgrounds, including group camping spots, and three yurts for a glamping experience.

Georgian Bay Islands National Park

This park is two hours north of Toronto but it feels like an escape to pure wilderness. Looking out over the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, there are exceptional views of the Canadian Shield—views so spectacular they inspired the Group of Seven artists. Visitors enjoy camping, glamping, waterfront cabins, and paddle-in backcountry sites on Beausoleil Island. Even if you don’t camp there, you can hike and bike on trails that range from easy loops of a kilometre or less to challenging terrain on much longer paths. Across the waters from this park is Awenda Provincial Park, where campers can find six campgrounds (including radio-free and pet-free options), 31 kilometres of trails, and a calm interior lake perfect for gentle kayaking.

When to go

Most camping facilities in and around Toronto are open from mid-May and mid-October. However, many Ontario parks are open in winter for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Book well in advance for Canadian holidays, including Victoria Day (the second-to-last Monday in May), Canada Day (July 1), and the Civic Holiday (the first Monday in August). Late June’s Toronto Pride Parade is another busy weekend.

Know before you go

  • Toronto may be a large, busy city but it offers ample birdwatching opportunities. The local Ornithological Society has good resources for budding birders.
  • There are multiple outdoor supply stores in and around Toronto, including MEC, SAIL, Bass Pro Shop, Patagonia, and The Complete Paddler, Canada’s largest paddle shop, where equipment rentals are offered.
  • Toronto’s raccoons are undeniably cute and seemingly fearless of humans, but feeding them is a bad idea as it only encourages nuisance visits. Lock up your food at night.

Popular Toronto glamping styles