Glamping a new way to see Sudbury’s wilderness up…

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The sound of leaves whispering in the breeze, perhaps the song of spring peepers as the sun sets, maybe a display of the Northern Lights to light up your life; being out under the summer sky brings us something simpler and soothing. It could be an overnight experience.

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Glamping – short for “glamorous camping” – is a growing tourism trend that mashes up the outdoors, often with indulgent lodgings and luxury amenities. You can enjoy nature without sacrificing comfort. In fact, it might be even better.

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Using www.airbnb.ca, you can find a variety of experiences and price points. Google Wilderness Ranch Glamping Retreat and you will find a local glamping option in Chelmsford.

The website blurb for Wilderness Ranch says you can “reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. Luxurious, comfortable accommodations with connecting scenic hiking trails. Overlooking a beautiful marsh where you may see moose crossings & beaver dams, as well as many other possible wildlife sightings.”

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Owner/operator Taylor Bell said, “It’s nice to disconnect.” She has no minimum night reservation restrictions.

“Stays of one night make more work for me, but that is what the need is,” Bell said. “Some people just can get away only for a short time.

“I tried quite a few other glamping opportunities to get ideas. This is our second year, and I’m seeing repeat visitors, so I am fulfilling some people’s dreams. Staycations are very popular, and people don’t want to spend their time driving.”

Sure, bugs are a concern at this time in the spring, Bell said. “They are coming out at 7 p.m. We will have some warmer, dry weather soon, and that will put an end to most mosquitoes and blackflies. It is just that time of year.”

Currently, Bell has just one campsite. “I have expansion plans for the future. I will need to cut some trees and get the landscaping done. Three sites seem about right. I have a business plan.”

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Her property description continues: “Nestled on 660 acres, this off-grid experience is only 5 minutes from the town of Chelmsford & 25 minutes from the City of Sudbury. The site itself gives you complete seclusion with the option to enjoy one of the many activities nearby.”

At approximately $120 a night, this is reasonably priced.

It is all very private, so couples might like that. Parents might want a night away from the kids. You might be in town for a wedding? A graduation ceremony? A family reunion? Bell has a Pack ’n play/Travel crib – available upon request – should you bring a baby along.

Bell said that she has lots of children’s books and toys. “We are also dog-friendly.”

Glamping comes in many forms. Upscale accommodations may be safari tents, yurts, treehouses, and even rustic cabins in scenic outdoor locations. In some cases, there are Airstreams, geodesic domes, or tiny homes.

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These spaces often include the opportunity to have the best sleep you have had in years. Rain falling on a tin roof is soporific. There is usually a super comfortable bed with high thread count linens. Thirsty towels? Check. Locally harvested jams and jellies, fresh baked goods and maybe even farm-raised eggs are on offer at some properties.

Screens keep out the bugs, and those using mosquito netting somehow seem romantic in an Out of Africa way. This is not Survivor, so a chilled glass of chardonnay or craft brew by the fire pit is more likely than blood, sweat, and tears.

Often, electricity is shunned. Battery or solar lighting, propane barbecue and an outhouse are usual features.

Glamping emerged as a response to growing interest in experiential travel and the desire to disconnect from technology. It appeals particularly to millennials and travellers who want stunning natural settings without the hassle of setting up tents or dealing with basic camping inconveniences. You just show up and relax.

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The accommodations range widely in price and extravagance. Some offer basic comfort upgrades, like saunas, while high-end glamping sites might include private chefs, spa services, guided adventures, and amenities that rival 5-star hotels.

Popular glamping destinations include national parks, wine regions, ocean-side beaches, mountains, and desert locations. The trend has grown significantly over the past decade, with dedicated glamping resorts opening worldwide and traditional campgrounds adding glamping options to attract a broader audience.

For other glamping sites in the Sudbury area and northeastern Ontario, go to tinyurl.com/58unpfse.

The Local Journalism Initiative is made possible through funding from the federal government.

sud.editorial@sunmedia.ca

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