Winter glamping in Ontario: Embrace the cold in cozy comfort!

Michael Vann asks if winter glamping during a cold snap in Ontario is a good idea. Come on a visit to Back Forty Glamping in Meaford to find out!

When people discover that I live in Canada, the first question they usually ask is, “How do you survive the winters?” Many who have never visited often picture a year-round frozen tundra. As we all know, that’s simply not the case.

For newcomers to Canada, like myself, winter can be an intimidating time of year. However, there are comfortable and cozy ways to enjoy the season. That’s exactly how I ended up at Back Forty Glamping in Meaford, Ontario.

Located about two and a half hours north of Toronto, a pair of brothers and their families have created a unique year-round getaway that helps people stay connected to nature, regardless of the season. The result is a glamping haven featuring heated geodesic domes made of insulated canvas, steel bars, and thick plastic windows.

Michael Vann: Back Forty Glamping 1

The domes are available in all four seasons and include running water, electricity, kitchenettes and ensuite bathrooms. (The Weather Network)

SEE ALSO: Why you should embrace the great outdoors as your 2025 resolution

The domes are heated with either a propane fireplace or in-floor heating and forced air systems. Perhaps my favourite feature was the heated mattress pads on the very comfortable beds.

My first impression of the dome was just how warm and toasty it was inside. My next thought was, “They weren’t kidding about the ‘luxury’ part of this experience.” From the modern, Scandinavian-inspired interior design to the incredible amenities included with your booking, there’s so much to see and do. Each dome has its own private hot tub, snowshoes for exploring the trails, games to play, and views that will lower your blood pressure within minutes of arrival.

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Michael Vann: Luxury Glamping in South Georgian Bay Back Forty Glamping

Each dome is furnished to deliver comfort, with king-sized beds, luxury linens, private hot tubs, and modern conveniences. (The Weather Network)

Perhaps the best part of my stay was the well-equipped kitchen and beautiful bathroom, which truly set this glamping experience apart from my previous camping trips. Hello, flushing toilet in the great outdoors (well, indoors, technically)!

DON'T MISS: Tips for staying safe while camping during winter months

Despite being there for work, I felt incredibly relaxed and had the chance to enjoy the outdoors. The daytime high temperature was around -5°C, with an overnight low of -14°C—pretty typical for January. I spent a couple of hours outside in the afternoon and early evening filming, and after the sun went down, the hot tub was calling my name. It was the perfect way to unwind and warm up. Just as if it were right on cue, snow began to fall while I enjoyed my soak. It was absolutely magical!

Michael Vann: At Back Forty Glamping, we offer two distinctive dome experiences: Forest Domes, for those who seek solitude among the trees, and Meadow Domes, which provide open vistas of fields and forests.

Back Forty Glamping offers two distinctive dome experiences: Forest Domes, for those who seek solitude among the trees, and Meadow Domes, which provide open vistas of fields and forests. (The Weather Network)

Later that evening, I watched a movie thanks to an add-on “movie night” package, then drifted off to sleep in my toasty warm bed. Inside the dome, the temperature was around 19°C when I woke up the next morning.

Forest domes all have a transparent portion of the roof, as Back Forty Glamping is the perfect place to sleep under the stars.

Forest domes feature a transparent section of the roof, offering guests the perfect opportunity to sleep under the stars. (The Weather Network)

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The sun was rising, and the colours of the sky shone through the ice streaks that had gathered on the massive window. I savoured the view while sipping hot coffee and waiting for breakfast croissants to bake in the oven (another add-on available for your experience). Before checking out, I made my way to the sauna, where I could gaze out at the snow-covered forest while sweating my cares away.

As they say, all good things must come to an end, and I was truly sad when my experience was over. I only stayed one night, but I could feel the benefits of being so close to nature in the depths of winter. It’s easy to see why Back Forty Glamping is usually fully booked. How many places can get you this close to nature while keeping you cozy and warm?