Summer Glamping in Ontario: Making Memories in Meaford

The glamping movement is exploding with popularity and appeal and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. But, glamping is much more than a fancy yurt in the forest. Glamping provides the perfect mix of modern amenities and experiencing the untamed natural world on your terms. 

Across the globe, you’ll find incredible glamping destinations, each offering unique outdoor charm and appeal. Today, we zoom into one of the most tranquil areas in Canada; Ontario offers summertime fun and a picturesque glamping experience.

The Land of Lakes

With daytime temperatures in July and August settling at a nice 26°C (79°F), the summers in Ontario are quite pleasant and enjoyable. This is why Ontario is one of the best places to enjoy glamping and summer fun. We’ve broken down the best activities to complement your summer glamping experience in Ontario. If you don’t see your favorite activity here, check out our Spring Glamping article.

Off-land Experiences

With daytime temperatures in July and August settling at a nice 26°C (79°F), the summers in Ontario are quite pleasant and enjoyable. This is why Ontario is one of the best places to enjoy glamping and summer fun. 

We’ve broken down the best activities to complement your summer glamping experience in Ontario. If you don’t see your favorite activity here, check out our Spring Glamping article.

Take a Scenic Helicopter Tour

There's truly no better way to soak in the scenic sights than from 10,000 feet up! Relax while smoothly flying over expansive, beautiful views. Visitors will have the chance to see the historic town of Collingwood and its turquoise waters, while also viewing the Niagara ski hills, resorts, and shoreline. Note that this is the only helicopter tour service in the Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, and Blue Mountain areas.

Go Kayaking on Beaver Valley River

Experience river-side magic and tranquility while visiting Beaver Valley River in Ontario. This gentle river is home to graceful animals like white-tailed deer, the great blue heron, the horned owl, and the river’s namesake – the beaver. This river is great for beginners and visitors can choose from a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard for their mode of transportation.

Enjoy a Fishing Tour at Meaford Harbour

Captain Jeff and Captain Sherri will take you out on Georgian Bay for fishing action! From May - December you can catch salmon, lake trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout. All safety and fishing equipment is provided by U Catch’em Charters.

On-land Adventures

When you’re done exploring the off-land sights, take your travels on-land and enjoy what the area has to offer.

Here’s some of our faves:

Experience a Trail Ride at Windsong Ranch

A beloved family-owned business, Windsong Ranch welcomes travelers of all experience levels and offers trail rides, lessons, training, and boarding. No experience is necessary to enjoy this adventure, and the experienced staff will help you select the right mount for your specific personality and experience.

Go Spelunking With Caving Tours For 2

Take your travels below the surface and discover the labyrinth of passageways under the Blue Mountains. Explore the underworld of the Niagara Escarpment with Free Spirit Tours. No experience is necessary for this activity, but guests will need to be able to crawl and climb.

Back Forty Glamping guests can call to book or book directly with Free Spirit Tours using promo code “BACK40ST”. You can find the details and package options on our booking engine HERE.

Waterfall Chasing

Take the outdoors at your own pace and enjoy some of the most peaceful waterfalls and hiking spots in Ontario.

Here are the winners:

Ingles Falls Conservation Area

Rich in history, the area is named after Peter Inglis-who first settled and built the area’s longstanding grit mill until it was obtained by the City of Owen Sound. In 1960, The North Grey Region Conservation Authority acquired the area, hoping to preserve and protect its beauty so current and future generations could enjoy it.

There is something for everyone at Inglis Falls Conservation Area year-round, including fishing, hiking, bird watching, and wintertime activities like snowshoeing and skiing. However, the main showstopper is the 18 meter, Ingles Falls. Don’t forget your camera and be sure to snag a few pictures of the falls when you visit.

Jones Falls

Another great spot for waterfalls in Owen Sound Bay, Jones Falls is easily accessible and can be seen partially by the roadside. Jones Falls cascades over the cliff into the Pottawatomi River. It should be noted that although Jones Falls is a beautiful site in the summer, water flow is minimal during August and September.

Eugenia Falls Waterfall

Visit the largest waterfall in the area at Eugenia Falls, boasting a height of 30 meters-WOW! The falls were discovered in 1852 and became the new location of five mills and the second hydroelectric plant in Ontario. In 1915, the hydroelectric plant moved north and created Lake Eugenia. Enjoy the sights at Eugenia Falls or take Fido for a walk and get some fresh air in the Eugenia Falls Conservation Area.

A Beach Day

Enjoy the sun in your toes and sun rays on your face with a beach day! Here are a few great recommendations nearby that are sure to create the perfect summer day.

Hibou Conservation Area

Another great spot for family fun, the Hibou Conservation Area is perfect for an afternoon of canoeing, kayaking, dog walking, swimming, fishing, and more. Enjoy the area’s unique features like a wooden boardwalk through the wetlands and convenient amenities like a pavilion, and picnic area.

Sauble Beach

Lather on that sunscreen and check out one of Ontario’s most popular vacation destinations, Sauble Beach. Enjoy seaside flavors at The Beach Burger or spend the day playing mini golf or shopping around; there is something for everyone at Sauble Beach. The best part is we’re less than an hour away, so when you’re done playing you can head back and escape the crowds at our luxury property in Meaford.

Glamping Classics

Now, that you’ve gotten acquainted with the area, let's get into some glamping-specific activities you can do while visiting our slice of paradise in Meaford. Psst…we’ve got some goodies on our website if you’re looking for more resources.

Cold Treats

Nothing spells summer like ice cream, and Meaford has some of the best. Pom Poms is a local favorite and offers vegan, plant-based ice cream made with the finest ingredients. They have unique flavors like turmeric, ginger, lemon poppyseed, and peach bourbon (among many). Connect with the universe and explore its expansive vastness with a night spent under the stars. Here’s a few of the constellations visible in the summer in our neck of the woods:

Star Gazing

Hercules (The Hero)- Hercules is another constellation that is visible in Canadian skies during the summer months and features a "keystone" shape.

Cygnus (The Swan) - Cygnus is found high overhead in the summer and its distinctive cross shape is easily recognizable.

Lyra (The Lyre) -The Lyre is located near Cygnus and forms a parallelogram shape. With its bright star Vega, Lyra is very prominent in the summer sky.

The Summer Triangle- The Summer Triangle is named for the distinct shape and connection of its three anchor stars; Vega, Deneb, and Altair. This recognizable shape is mainly visible in the summer months in Canada.

The great thing about star gazing is the only piece of equipment you need are your eyes! Pick out the recognizable shapes in the dark sky and enjoy being alive in this sparkling world.

Serve Up Summer: Dome-Style

Compliment your glamping experience with a smoky BBQ at Back Forty Glamping or a fancy picnic. Our domes feature grills to help you craft the ideal meal and get creative in the great outdoors. 

Do your glamping experience justice, and opt for some “ sophisticated” staples like one of our delicious charcuterie boards. Our boards are plated with a variety of seasonal fruits, sweets,  cheeses, crackers, and a fresh baguette.

A Relaxing Glampfire

If you feel summer nights are better spent around a toasty campfire, we’ve got you covered. Snag our delicious smores kit or cookie dipping box and enjoy a campfire with friends, the kids, or your partner. We’ve got the perfect resource for the best tips and treats to make your glampfire unforgettable this summer.

Game/Movie Night

Our beautiful location in Meaford provides the most scenic backdrop for your game night. We also have packages for the perfect movie night. Enjoy a scary movie in our dome surrounded by a dense forest or enjoy a romantic chick flick with that special someone, (the winner gets to pick the movie).

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Stay at Back Forty Glamping

Glamping is travel that truly transforms you, and we want to be part of that experience. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice convenience to immerse yourself in the outdoors, and glamping in Ontario is the best way to do that! Come stay with us at Back Forty Glamping this summer in Meaford, Ontario. We can’t wait to welcome you!