Best destinations for winter camping
Whether you’re an expert or just getting started, we’ve got you covered with tips on where to go and how to stay warm while winter camping. Give it a try in the comfort of an oTENTik or a yurt, or cozy up in your own tent at one of our many campsites. Let yourself be tempted by our frosty suggestions.
New Brunswick
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 just over 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! We provide the fire pit and firewood.
Reservations
Every day from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm:
Location: Fundy National Park
Yurts and oTENTik tents
Want to try winter camping but are a little 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. There's no shortage of winter activities to do in the heart of Fundy! 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.
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!
Reservations
Quebec
Location: La Mauricie National Park
oTENTik tents
Treat yourself to an outing in one of the most beautiful cross-country skiing areas in Quebec, less than two hours from Montreal and Quebec City. Explore the great landscapes of La Mauricie National Park and take advantage of the many facilities offered on site. It’s the perfect place for athletes of any level looking for fun winter activities, like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter hiking. Extend your stay in the warmth of an oTENTik tent, located in the heart of the forest just steps from the trails. At La Mauricie, you’ll discover the joys of hassle-free winter camping.
Pro tip: Use lithium batteries in your electronics. They perform better in sub-zero temperatures.
Reservations
Ontario
Location: Point Pelee National Park
oTENTik tents
Spend the night in an oTENTik tent in Point Pelee National Park, 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!
Reservations
Manitoba
Location: Riding Mountain National Park
oTENTik tents and yurts
New to winter camping? Get started with a cozy night in the comfort of an oTENTik. After a fun-filled day in the great outdoors, spend the evening relaxing around the wood stove, already provided with firewood! If you prefer, oTENTik tents also have electric heating, lights, and even outlets! 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.
Reservations
Alberta
Location: Banff National Park
Camping
Avoid the crowds and visit Banff National Park in the winter! Sleep soundly in your tent at the Tunnel Mountain Village II campsite. Wake up in the heart of the majestic snow-capped Rockies and have breakfast over the fire. Ready for a day of outdoor fun? Play an impromptu game of pond hockey, go on a cross country ski excursion or snowshoe through the pines… there’s no shortage of winter activities to enjoy!
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!
Reservations
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.
Reservations
Wapiti Campground sites cannot be reserved. They are available on a first come, first served basis.
Saskatchewan
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, we offer drive-in camping at Birch Bay, with access to firewood, pit toilet and an enclosed shelter. Feeling more adventurous? Try one of the backcountry campsites throughout the park and enjoy the quietness or maybe 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.
Reservations
Register at the Visitor Centre during office hours, self-register after office hours or call 306-663-4522. No self-registration for backcountry camping.
Yukon
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!
Reservations
Permits aren’t necessary for winter camping from mid-November to the end of March— except for the Icefields. If you are planning an expedition in the Icefields, make sure you’re prepared. Check out our website for the procedures and requirements for obtaining a permit.
- Date modified :