Listen, we know we’re all supposed to recycle, turn the water off when brushing our teeth, and make use of the copious amounts of reusable grocery bags we all have stuffed into one cabinet or another. Many of these small day-to-day actions can make the world just a little bit greener. But what if your next vacation also took you somewhere just a little bit greener?
We've compiled a list of five vacation properties with an off-grid or otherwise eco-friendly edge, making them the perfect choice for the environmentally conscious.
Now, charge up your electric vehicle and get ready to hit the road!
The Somewhere Inn: Calabogie, Ont.
Located in the Ottawa Valley, The Somewhere Inn is a lakeside boutique hotel revived from the 1970s. It offers a thermal cycle sauna and cold plunge, a wine bar and patio, and endless nearby nature retreats. Open year-round, guests can enjoy swimming in Calabogie lake in the summer, or hitting the slopes at Calabogie Peaks when the weather turns. If good food and good beer are more your speed, the inn is five minutes away from many breweries, restaurants, and cafes!
Better yet, The Somewhere Inn has a climate fund fee, which goes toward their renewable energy initiatives and the ultimate goal of becoming a carbon neutral space.
The rooms have a simple white and green palette with warm wood accents, making the space feel lived in, but inviting. Complete with vintage furniture, soaker tubs, fireplaces, and rainfall showers, you’ll never want to leave.
Glen Oro Farm - Stargazer Dome: Hawkestone, Ont.
Glen Oro Farm describes their business as ‘luxury camping,’ and it’s hard to disagree! Located 20 minutes from Orilla, this Eco-retreat offers unique ‘glamping’ experiences with their stargazer domes—a loft bed directly underneath a skylight in the middle of the woods. You can sleep under the stars without the fear of mosquitoes.
Each room comes with king sized beds, ensuite bathrooms with cedar showers, and kitchenettes for meals. The business also provides a sauna and cold plunge, and private chef options for those who want to amp up the glamp in camping.
In the spirit of being environmentally-friendly, Glen Oro Farm uses composting toilets, well water, and compost bins for your convenience.
Evergreen Forest - Woodland Suite: Georgian Bluffs, Ont.
The Woodland Suite at Evergreen Forest is a dodecagon-shaped cabin surrounded by the wilderness. Located outside of Wiarton, this uniquely shaped glamping experience has windows on every wall, with a see-through roof, bringing the woods to you.
Evergreen Forest describes this suite as “100 per cent bug proof,” and comes with air conditioning and a private ensuite bathroom. Guests also have access to free breakfast, a guest lounge, and telescopes when the nights are clear.
This is a perfect spot for those looking for an escape or a romantic getaway.
Relive Retreat - The Dream Capsule: Priceville, Ont.
The Dream Capsule, launched this past summer by ReLive Retreat, is a “pop-up glamping site” in Priceville, Ont. This barrel-shaped retreat has a private outdoor kitchen, compost toilet, firepit, and dining area, but the highlight is a spherical dome window that you can look out of while you’re curled up in bed.
Better yet, the dream capsule is entirely solar powered, and ReLive is dedicated to minimizing their ecological footprint. Based on the Bruce Trail, this spot is a great place for hiking, bird-watching, and overall relaxing in nature.
Fort Treehouse Co.: Minden, Ont.
For a one-of-a-kind getaway that blends luxury and sustainability, Fort Treehouse Co. is the place to be. Located in Minden, Ont., this unique treehouse features floor-to-ceiling windows, a propane fireplace, rain shower, heated floors, and a wraparound deck overlooking the forest.
The treehouse was designed and built with as many sustainable elements as possible. Completely off-grid, the walls and ceiling are made of birch, while the floors are made from local sand, straw, and clay.
With the town of Minden being close by, guests have access to restaurants, breweries, boat launches, skiing, hiking, and more. This is the ultimate experience for those wanting to unwind in comfort.
Ojibway Family Lodge - Paul’s Island: Temagami, Ont.
For those looking to go uber-remote for their getaway, the Ojibway Family Lodge is the perfect spot. Accessible only by boat or plane, this lodge was built on Devil’s Island, and is a part of the Keewaydin Foundation, on the land of the Western Abenaki and the Teme-Augama Anishnabai.
All wood cabins are one or two bedrooms, or if you prefer the rough it a bit, glamping tents are also available. For an extra bit of privacy, two cabins are located just off the main island. On the islands, you’re completely surrounded by forest and water. Private docks are available with certain cabins, and canoes, paddleboards and kayaks are always available for the waterbugs. The staff will even pack you a picnic lunch for your day out.
* Lead image is for inspirational purposes only and is not associated with the featured travel experiences.
