Best destinations for winter camping

Location: Kouchibouguac National Park

Backcountry camping

Treat yourself to a night of winter camping at Petit-Large campground, located in the heart of a network of cross-country ski trails. Perfect for beginners, Petit-Large is just 500 metres from the closest shelter and 3 km from the parking lot. Venture to this tranquil location by snowshoe, ski, or fat bike and take in the beauty of this mixed forest in winter.

Pro tip: Bring an extra lighter and some fire starters. Heat from a campfire is often essential to winter camping! Fire pit and firewood included.

Location: Fundy National Park

Yurts and oTENTik tents

Want to try winter camping but are unsure about the cold? Treat yourself to a comfortable night in an oTENTik tent or a yurt.

Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the pleasures of winter. Hit the trails on fat bikes, snowshoes or skis. Travelling with your family? Embrace your inner child and go for a toboggan ride. After a day of snowy fun, take advantage of the kitchen shelter and wood stove to prepare your meals. There's no shortage of winter activities to do in the heart of Fundy!

Pro tip: It's important to stay hydrated when you're out doing winter activities. Bring a thermos of hot chocolate or tea to help stay warm!

Location: La Mauricie National Park

oTENTik tents and cabins

Try winter camping in one of the most beautiful cross-country skiing areas in Quebec, less than 2 hours from Montreal and Quebec City. Rest in the warmth in one of the accessible cabins for those with reduced mobility, in the historic buildings of Domaine Wabenaki-Andrew, or in an oTENTik tent nestled in the heart of the forest. You can even pitch your own tent or sleep in your converted vehicle. There are tons of winter activities and facilities to use at La Mauricie!

Pro tip: Cold temperatures reduce the performance of electronic devices. Keep them warm by storing them close to your body inside your coat, and avoid taking them out for extended periods.

Location: Bruce Peninsula National Park

Yurts

Be charmed by the magic of winter as you relax in a cozy yurt or sit beside a crackling fire at your backcountry campsite. Enjoy activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, or simply immerse yourself in the tranquil scenery.

Pro tip: Keep in mind that this is a remote area with limited services in winter. Check road conditions and site closures before you go, plan ahead and be ready for extreme weather.

Location: Point Pelee National Park

oTENTik tents

Spend the night in an oTENTik tent in an enchanting Dark-Sky Preserve known as one of the best places in Canada for stargazing. Bring a thermos of hot cocoa, grab your binoculars and embark on the nighttime expedition of a lifetime. See if you can spot some familiar constellations, or maybe even imagine some new ones!

Pro tip: Remember to pack extra gloves and hand warmers. It’s better to be safe!

Location: Riding Mountain National Park

oTENTik tents and yurts

After a fun-filled day in the great outdoors, spend the evening relaxing around the wood stove, already provided with firewood! oTENTik tents come with electric heating, lights, and even outlets, the perfect place to have a cozy night in. Looking for something even more original? Treat yourself to an overnight stay in a yurt.

Pro tip: Prepare your meals away from the winter winds in the kitchen shelter. Remember: cooking and storing food is not permitted in the oTENTik.

Location: Prince Albert National Park

Camping

Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience by spending the night in your tent under the northern sky! Make Prince Albert your winter playground and hit the trails on snowshoes or skis. Although the park campgrounds are closed during the winter, drive-in camping is available at Birch Bay, where there is a pit toilet and an enclosed shelter. Bundled firewood is available for purchase at the Visitor Centre. Feeling more adventurous? Try one of the backcountry campsites throughout the park and enjoy the quietness or even the call of the wolves in the distance.

Pro tip: Change into dry clothes before you settle into your sleeping bag. Make sure it is designed for slightly colder temperatures than expected and bring a sleeping pad to create a barrier from you and the frozen ground.

Location: Banff National Park

Camping

Avoid the crowds and explore Banff in the winter! Sleep soundly in your tent at the Tunnel Mountain Village II campsite, then wake up in the heart of the majestic snow-capped Rockies where you have breakfast over the fire. Enjoy a day of outdoor fun with an impromptu game of pond hockey, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing through the pines... there's so much to do!

Pro tip: Make sure your last meal of the day contains complex carbs and fat so you’ll stay warm throughout the night. Try a one-pot meal such as a hearty bison stew, inspired by the trappers and traders from the 1800s!

Location: Jasper National Park

Camping

Stay overnight in the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies! After a day of winter activities, kick back, relax, and get comfy in your tent at Wapiti Campground. Located near the city, it’s the perfect place to introduce your family to the beauty of winter camping. In the evening, take advantage of your time in this Dark-Sky Preserve and look up to the stars!

Pro tip: Always wear multiple layers of clothing. In the winter, a base layer of Merino wool or a synthetic insulating fabric works best.

Location: Kluane National Park and Reserve

Backcountry camping

Immerse yourself in the vast wilderness of the Yukon. Kluane offers a number of winter activities to get you moving! To complete your winter experience, stay overnight in the warm comfort of your tent!

Pro tip: Keep your water bottle in your sleeping bag overnight so the water doesn’t freeze. Better yet, fill it with hot water for a warm, cozy sleep!