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Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team
Last updated on March 13, 2024
Want all the benefits of camping but don’t want to buy or bring all the gear that goes along with it? That’s what makes glamping so amazing and why we love it so much. It takes away the hassle of camping, so we can enjoy all the good stuff. And in Alberta, glamping spots are popping up everywhere! So step into the lap of luxury amidst Alberta’s stunning wilderness with our guide to glamping in Alberta and the great outdoors! From cozy canvas tents to luxurious yurts, we’ll tell you the best spots to go.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat or a family adventure, you’ll experience the best of both worlds—nature’s tranquility and modern comforts. Join us as we uncover the magic of glamping in Alberta, where every moment promises to be an unforgettable escape.
What is Glamping?
Glamping, short for glamorous camping, offers a luxurious twist to traditional camping experiences. It combines the tranquillity of nature with the comforts of modern amenities. Unlike traditional camping, where adventurers rough it out in tents and sleeping bags, glamping accommodations range from safari tents and yurts to cozy cabins and treehouses, often featuring plush bedding, electricity, and private bathrooms.
The concept allows individuals to immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing comfort, making it an ideal option for those seeking an outdoor retreat with a touch of extravagance. In Alberta, glamping options abound, including those within provincial parks, offering visitors the chance to connect with nature while enjoying premium accommodations.
However, due to their popularity, securing reservations for these sought-after spots requires booking well in advance to ensure availability and secure the perfect glamping experience.
What Do I Need to Bring?
Embarking on a glamping adventure in Alberta requires carefully selecting supplies to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience in the great outdoors. The golden rule is to always check with the accommodation before heading out to ensure what you need to bring. While many glamping sites provide basic amenities, personal items such as bedding, towels, and toiletries can sometimes be necessary to guarantee a cozy stay.
Additionally, cookware and utensils may also be necessary. Don’t forget to pack essentials for relaxation, such as deck chairs, picnic blankets, and outdoor games, to fully embrace the serenity of nature.
For those chilly evenings, a bundle of firewood and marshmallow roasting sticks will create the perfect ambiance around the campfire. With thoughtful preparation and a well-stocked supply kit, your glamping experience in Alberta will surely be unforgettable.
The Best Spots for Glamping in Alberta
Elevated Escapes (Barrhead and Bragg Creek)
“Disconnect to reconnect” is Elevated Escape‘s slogan, and with two locations in Alberta, you’re sure to feel reconnected to nature after spending some time comfort camping with them. You’ll find a variety of accommodation options at both locations. There are a number of geodesic domes and glamping tents to choose from, all with touches of luxury and privacy.
One of our favourites is the Romantic Dome Retreat (Gatsby); located on a 200-acre family-owned Indigenous campground, the riverside dome has wood stove heating, a private firepit, a picnic table, and solar lights. Note that it’s an off-grid experience, which means peace and relaxation away from civilization. Yes, please.
Good Knights Entertainment (Three Hills)
It’s fun, quirky, and unforgettable glamping at Good Knights Entertainment in Three Hills. A stay at the encampment is truly unique with guests staying in “luxury, tented medieval glamping tents for an unforgettable immersive experience,”. Each of the lavish medieval tents come with wooden floors, beds, electric heaters, electrical outlets, fire pits, and—best of all—period costumes and warm cloaks to wear!
The Lodge at Métis Crossing (Smoky Lake)
The Lodge at Métis Crossing offers numerous types of accommodations, including amazing sky-watching domes! These domes feature a transparent ceiling, king-sized bed, running water, bathroom, heated floors, air conditioning, kitchenette, and electricity. The experience is also aimed at teaching people how the Métis people used the stars and sky to navigate, create calendars, and more.
One of our favourite spots for Alberta glamping, the resort offers family and single suites, depending on the number of guests. If you’re lucky, the northern lights will dance above you while you drift asleep.
Glamping Resorts Ltd (Castle Provincial Park)
Glamping Resorts Ltd is located in Castle Provincial Park and offers several accommodation options, including canvas cabins and glamping domes. All options include mattresses, bedding, towels, cooking utensils, locally sourced coffee, a fire pit, a BBQ, and more, ensuring your glamping experience is as comfortable as possible. Some units also offer air conditioning, kitchenettes, and private heated shower facilities!
The domes are close to many of the trails and lakes in Castle Provincial Park. If you’re feeling motivated, climb to the top of Table Mountain and take in the view. It’s one of our favourite hikes in Alberta. Afterward, when you return to your dome, take in the stunning scenery, unwind and relax.
Sundance by Basecamp (Kananaskis Country)
When you’re in the mood to camp but don’t have many supplies, check out Sundance by Basecamp in Kananaskis Country. With fantastic mountain views of the Canadian Rockies, you can choose from rustic canvas tipis and trappers’ tents or the more luxurious glamping tents.
We love the Riverside Trappers’ Tents as they come equipped with wooden floors, wood-frame beds with vinyl-sealed foam mattresses, a small kerosene heater, and a lantern… just enough to feel as though we’re roughing it while still maintaining a bit of comfort. Just be aware that you’ll have to bring your own bedding and other supplies from home or if you’d like you can rent everything from Sundance!
Elk Island Retreat (Fort Saskatchewan)
For an amazing experience just outside Edmonton, try Elk Island Retreat. With yurts, cabins, geodomes, and RV sites available, there’s something for everyone here, regardless of your camping style! Our favourites are the geodomes, “where nature and comfort meet.” With gas fireplaces and air conditioning, you’re guaranteed to feel at home no matter what time of year you visit.
Other amenities include a coffee maker, mini fridge, queen-sized bed with bedding, a fire pit, a covered barbeque, and a picnic table. This is a perfect choice if you want to get outside the city to explore Elk Island National Park and the surrounding area but don’t have much time to travel!
Aspen Crossing (Mossleigh)
Do tents, cabins, and geodomes seem too predictable for you? What about staying in a caboose cabin?! Head to Aspen Crossing, where you can stay in these one-of-a-kind caboose cabins for an incredibly unique glamping experience.
With modern amenities and luxury touches inside, you’ll be surrounded by nature on the outside. Make sure to enjoy your private deck, whether with a coffee in the morning or roasting marshmallows at night.
Glamp Good (Wetaskiwin County)
Found about an hour’s drive from Edmonton, near Pigeon Lake, Glamp Good is incredibly luxurious; we’re talking plush bedding, panoramic windows with views of the forest, a custom wood-burning steam sauna, modern decor, and star constellation projector lamps in all of the accommodations.
Viewing the Boreal forest from the glass domes or A-frame cabins at Glamp Good is the perfect way to melt away stress and feel utterly immersed in nature. Amenities such as indoor propane fireplaces, outdoor propane camp stoves, and fire tables are just the icing on the cake! Bonus: Glamp Good is pet-friendly and open year-round.
Refuge Bay Luxury Camping (Lac Ste. Anne County)
Stay in a state-of-the-art geodesic dome or a luxurious off-grid tiny home at Refuge Bay Luxury Camping. With views of the private lake, you’ll also have access to a private wood-fired sauna, wood-fired hot tub, and fire pit.
You can even order a s’mores kit to enjoy during your stay! As the glamping sites are open all year, you can participate in activities such as snowshoeing in winter or kayaking in summer. There’s also a chance for horseback riding nearby. If you’re looking for quiet time and a chance to escape into nature, this is your spot.
OTENTiks (Jasper National Park, Banff National Park, and Elk Island National Park)
We couldn’t write an article about glamping in Alberta without mentioning the Parks Canada oTENTiks! Found in three national parks in Alberta – Jasper, Banff, and Elk Island National Parks – oTENTiks book up FAST every year.
These glamping options are “tents meet A-frame cabins,” where you will find raised floors, beds, and other furniture inside. Outside, there’s a fire pit, deck, outdoor furniture, and a camping stove. As far as what you need to bring? You will need to bring your own supplies, and the following list is what Parks Canada recommends bringing:
- Bedding and pillow
- Flashlight, lantern or headlamp
- Personal gear: clothing, accessories, toiletries and slippers or indoor shoes
- Personal safety items: whistle, first aid kit, sunscreen and bug repellant
- Cooking equipment—ask what’s included when you make a reservation
- Food and drinks, reusable water bottles, etc.
- Entertainment items (i.e. binoculars, books, cards or sporting equipment, etc.)
- Other (matches or lighter, rope, etc.)
Note that this isn’t everything. Check out the Parks Canada camping checklist to ensure you don’t need anything else!
Pigeon Lake Provincial Park
Thankfully, many provincial parks have yurts, which are perfect for your next glamping experience in Alberta! Pigeon Lake is one of the most popular spots to reserve a yurt for a few nights. With eight available yurts for rent, each comes with a wooden deck that is accessible to wheelchairs, strollers, and other mobility devices.
With electric heaters to stay warm in chillier weather, there’s also a fridge, a BBQ with propane, and nearby washroom facilities. While they aren’t year-round structures, the yurts at Pigeon Lake give you an amazing opportunity to glamp while still enjoying the best of the Alberta wilderness.
Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park
Head to beautiful Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park to stay in one of the three available comfort cabins; found under the Cottonwood trees in the Milk River Valley, it’s a stunning area for exploring and hiking. Including a small insulated cabin with a private deck, other amenities include a mini fridge, electric lights and fan, a fire pit, a picnic table, a gas BBQ, and nearby potable water.
While the cabins only sleep a maximum of three people, they’re perfect for a small family getaway or an outdoorsy romantic trip. If you’re looking to dip your toe into comfort camping, this might be the place for you.
Wyndham-Carseland Provincial Park
Located only thirty minutes southeast of Calgary, Wyndham-Carseland Provincial Park is home to four canvas wall tents available for rent. With views of the Bow River, you’ll enjoy sleeping in a cottonwood forest with many hiking trails nearby.
Amenities include electricity (with outlets, lights, a heater, and a fan), a coffeemaker, a mini fridge, and a private deck with a fire pit. Sleeping up to four people, the canvas tents are the perfect spot for people who want to escape the hustle and bustle of Calgary and spend some time in nature.
Miquelon Lake Provincial Park
Stay in the Miquelon Lake Provincial Park yurts for a fun glamping experience. With four yurts available, all have a capacity of six people, making them one of the best options for large families or groups.
Amenities include electricity (lights, a fridge, a heater, and outlets), a private deck with a fire pit and gas BBQ, and – a rarity when it comes to other yurts in Alberta – cookware, including pots, pans, utensils, cups, and dishes. The yurts are also close to flush toilets and potable drinking water. Bonus: Miquelon Lake is only about an hour’s drive from Edmonton!
Dinosaur Provincial Park
Found in southeast Alberta, Dinosaur Provincial Park (not to be confused with Drumheller) is a fantastic place for a bit of comfort camping… and what a memorable experience, to camp in the badlands! Seven canvas wall tents are available – three with waterfront views and four with park views – and all of the tents come with wooden floors and plenty of ventilation.
You can also expect a mini fridge, electric tea kettle, propane BBQ, electrical outlets, an electric heater, a fire pit, and a picnic table outside. The tents are found under some trees, making them the perfect place to relax in the shade. As this is one of the more isolated spots in Alberta for glamping, you’ll want to make sure you bring everything you need… the closest grocery store is 48 kilometres away in Brooks!
Cypress Hill Provincial Park
Another excellent option for glamping in Alberta, Cypress Hill Provincial Park has several huts and cabins to choose from. As the park straddles Alberta and Saskatchewan, you’ll have a lot of interprovincial hiking trails to explore, making this a unique place to stay in the province!
With options that allow you to sleep anywhere from three to eight people, the amenities vary depending on the type of accommodation you choose, but most cabins have wood stoves. Our pick is the Aspen Ridge Hut, which has power and lighting, making your comfort camping experience much easier!
Pete is a co-founder of Road Trip Alberta. Growing up in Edmonton he has an extensive knowledge of Alberta and everything the province has to offer. He loves to eat good food, hike (especially in the winter), play tennis and curl. Apart from running Road Trip Alberta, he is a director with HMI, a digital media agency, half of the Hecktic Travels duo, and a co-creator of the popular card game Trip Chaser.
