Spending a night in the pristine wilderness of Banff National Park is something that Calgarians should experience at least once in their lifetime. But, sleeping on the ground in a tent, in what is usually unpredictable weather, isn’t exactly everyone’s idea of a good time.
Luckily, Parks Canada is making the experience more enjoyable with the addition of oTENTiks this summer. The 10 oTENTiks (a play on the word authentic), at the Two Jack Lakeside campground, are a mix between a cabin and a tent, mounted on a raised wooden platform.
The tents sleep up to six people with two-queen sized beds and one double bed (bring your own bedding or sleeping bags). Each tent has a living room with a table and chairs, a deck, a replica cast iron fireplace, electricity and lights, windows that unzip and a fiberglass door with a lock.
To prevent any unwanted visitors to your tent there are no kitchens and all cooking happens outside, (or better yet, at a restaurant in town); each site contains an outdoor fire pit, BBQ and a bear-proof locker – bring your own cooking utensils.
Parks Canada.
Rentals are $145/night with a minimum two-night stay. This year the tents are available from July 15 until September 7 and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis until August 4 – for August 5 and later, email banff.camping@pc.gc.ca to make a reservation.