Winter Glamping Tips

Since the Bruce Trail spans an impressive distance from Tobermory to Niagara, it is essential for me to plan overnight accommodations along various segments of the trail. I consider myself very fortunate that my home is situated in a central location for the trail, providing me with convenient access to multiple trailheads and sections. However, as I prepare for my upcoming hikes, I will also be actively searching for suitable places to stay that are closer to both the northern and southern endpoints of the trail. Given that my initial attempt at truck camping did not meet my expectations and completely fell short of what I had hoped to be a successful option (Truck Camping),  I have turned my attention to exploring more affordable lodging options. Specifically, I have been looking into various AirBnB listings that offer a comfortable and budget-friendly alternative to traditional camping.

Recently, I discovered a particularly appealing AirBnB option located at the Tobermory end of the trail. This charming accommodation caught my eye due to its proximity to multiple trailheads for the Bruce Peninsula and Sydenham sections, making it an ideal home base for my hiking adventures. I had the pleasure of staying here back in November when I embarked on my first three-day hike, which was an exhilarating experience filled with both challenges and rewards. For those interested in learning more about my experiences during that hike, I encourage you to check out my blog post detailing the highlights of my journey Challenges of Hiking Barrow Bay (Lions Head).

Winter Glamping Accommodation

This cabin is 12x8, so yea super small, basically a garden shed. It is equipped with a double size bed, a space heater and not much else. However, this simplicity is precisely what makes it an ideal choice for my current needs; it is basically one step up from my first plan of truck camping.

Choosing to stay in this cabin presents its own set of challenges, pushing me beyond my usual comfort zone. The space heater, while a crucial addition for winter nights, does not provide a significant amount of warmth throughout the entire cabin. It does its best to take the chill off, but let’s be honest—it doesn’t transform the cabin into a tropical paradise. To allow myself comfortable sleeping arrangements, I came prepared with two sleeping bags, which turned out to be a perfect solution for the nights spent here. Interestingly, both nights I found myself overheating, prompting me to toss off one or both of the sleeping bags in the middle of the night. Granted I was bundled up in sweatpants, a base layer top, and a cozy sweater under the sleeping bags, so maybe this isn't surprising.

Another aspect of cabins like this is the flooring, which can be notoriously cold, especially during winter months. To mitigate the discomfort of stepping onto freezing surfaces, I brought along a blanket to lay down, creating a makeshift barrier between my feet and the chill of the floor. Of course, I also made sure to pack my trusty slippers, which provided an extra layer of warmth and comfort.

Winter Glamping Food

The whole point of these trips is the hiking portion; I'm not winter glamping for the fun of it. Winter glamping serves merely as a practical solution to ensure I can achieve my hiking goals, especially in the colder months when conditions can be challenging. Given that my primary focus is on hiking, I prefer to minimize the time I spend in my glamping setup. I want to maximize my outdoor adventures, which means I am usually hiking for most of the day, exploring trails and enjoying the natural beauty around me. Therefore, I have organized my space and supplies in a way that allows for efficiency and ease.

To facilitate my meals, I have a cooler that efficiently stores all my cold food items, ensuring they remain fresh throughout my trip. In addition, I utilize a sturdy plastic bin that holds everything else I need, including cookware, dishes, and non-perishable cupboard foods. This organization is crucial because it allows me to quickly access what I need without wasting precious time rummaging through my supplies.

When it comes to meal preparation, simplicity is key. I want to ensure that both breakfast and dinner can be prepared with minimal effort, allowing me to focus more on the hiking and less on cooking. To achieve this, I bring along a kettle, which serves as my primary cooking tool. It’s versatile and efficient, allowing me to boil water quickly for a variety of meals. Whether I’m making oatmeal for breakfast or a simple soup for dinner, the kettle simplifies the process, making it easy to enjoy warm, nourishing meals after a long day on the trails.

For breakfast, I have oatmeal with yogurt, berries and seeds. Oh I cant forget coffee!!! Instant coffee, but coffee none the less. haha You can't be picky when winter glamping. This is super easy and simple to prepare and the kettle works perfectly for this meal.

For dinner, I have dehydrated soup and pre-made ham steaks. I put both the soup mix and ham in a bowl and pour the hot water on top. The hot water does a great job heating the ham up. I will have this usually with a tea so that I can warm up.

The most annoying part of eating in a cabin like this is that there is no running water, which can significantly complicate even the simplest of tasks related to meal preparation and cleanup. This lack of modern plumbing means that I have to be quite resourceful and creative in how I manage my dining experience. To navigate this challenge, I literally bring a bucket along with me, which serves as my makeshift sink. Each time I need to wash dishes or utensils, I heat water in a kettle, allowing me to have warm water for cleaning purposes. This method, while not as convenient as having a faucet, becomes a part of the rustic charm of glamping life.

In addition to the bucket and kettle, I adopt a minimalist approach to packing my dining essentials. I only bring one bowl, one mug, and a couple of spoons. This limited selection may seem impractical at first glance, but it actually encourages a multipurpose mindset. Each item I bring is utilized for every meal, whether it's breakfast or dinner.

This strategy not only simplifies the logistics of glamping dining but also reduces the amount of cleanup I have to do after each meal. By using the same few items repeatedly, I minimize the number of dishes that need washing, which is especially beneficial considering the limited water supply. I bring one of those massive 5L jugs of water, this is our drinking water for the whole trip and then our water source for cleaning dishes.

Full Packing List

Here's a full list of things I pack that if you ever try winter glamping that you now have a starting point. I strongly suggest to keep everything minimal and simple.

Sleeping Bags Water

Blanket Protein Powder

Flashlight Oatmeal

Batteries Yogurt

Garbage Bags Berries

Ziploc Bags Nuts/Seeds

Phone Charger Soup mix

Towels/Cloth Coffee/Tea

Bucket Granola Bars

Dishsoap Sandwiches

Paper towels Cooked ham

Hand sanitizer

Small folding table

Kettle

Cooler

First Night

Our first night winter glamping was a unique experience, to say the least. While it wasn't exactly what I would describe as great, it was certainly an adventure, and we managed to survive the night, which is something to celebrate, right? Haha! The accommodations were quite rustic, as we were essentially staying in what felt like a glorified garden shed which meant we could hear every single sound around us. Every creak of the wood and every rustle of the wind outside felt amplified in the stillness of the night.

That evening, the weather took a turn, bringing with it a fierce wind that howled around the cabin. To add to the ambiance, we were greeted with the first real snowfall of the winter season, transforming the landscape into a picturesque winter wonderland. Not going to lie, the noise level inside the cabin was pretty significant. The wind rattled against the walls, and the snow piled up outside, creating a muffled roar that made it hard to relax and get a good night's sleep. It should go without saying, but there was no bathroom inside the cabin, which added another layer of challenge to my glamping experience. Instead, I had to make do with an outhouse located a short distance from the cabin. Unfortunately, in the middle of the night, I found myself having to brave the frigid temperatures to venture out to the outhouse. Ugh, what a daunting task that was! The cold air hit me like a wall, and I was grateful for the bright moonlight guiding my way, albeit reluctantly.

Inside the cabin, the bed was positioned directly against three walls, leaving little room for movement. With Oliver and Mia sharing the bed with me, it became quite the juggling act whenever they wanted to get off the bed. Each time one of them needed to get up, I found myself having to shift and move aside, which meant I was up a lot throughout the night. The constant interruptions made it challenging to find a comfortable position or to drift back into a deep sleep.

Despite the challenges I faced, there was a certain charm that emerged out of the discomfort. The predicaments and silliness of the situations makes for lasting memories. It was certainly an experience filled with stories to tell and lessons learned about the joys and trials of outdoor adventures in the winter season.

Future Winter Glamping

Overall, my experience in this small cabin have been surprisingly successful in terms of staying warm and cozy. The challenges it presents have only added to the adventure, making it a great option for a winter getaway. The combination of careful preparation and the unique charm of the cabin has made this an enjoyable and memorable experience. Embracing the simplicity of cabin life, even in such a small space, has proven to be a delightful way to connect with nature while still enjoying a bit of comfort. I believe this is an excellent solution for us to achieve our goal. I truly enjoyed the host; she was fantastic! I have booked again with her in January and will continually return to this location when I can, as the location is perfect for hiking the Bruce Peninsula area.

Whether you are considering winter glamping for the first time or looking to elevate your existing experiences, I hope this post serves as a source of inspiration and practical advice. Embrace the chill of winter while enjoying the warmth of glamping, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Thanks for reading,

Kendal

Go On, Book That Cabin So You can Get Out There to Explore!