Glamping domes, tents and “bunkies” in Castle Provincial Park
For an immersive forest getaway, head due south from Calgary to Castle Provincial Park. Here, nestled next to picturesque Beaver Mines Lake, Glamping Resorts Ltd. has set up a six-person glamping tent (it’s known as Big Oak), three family-sized domes (there are plans to open a fourth this year) and six adorable “bunkies” (four-person mini-cabins with bunk beds). The glamping accommodations boast kitchenettes and Endy mattresses for an elevated experience, plus decks with picnic tables and firepits for that traditional camping ambiance. When you emerge from your unique shelter, go for a hike, cast a line in the lake or make s’mores by the campfire.
Parks Canada oTENTiks in Banff National Park
They’ve been around for more than a decade, but there’s no diminishing the popularity of Banff’s oTENTiks, which are a cross between a tent and a cabin. Inside you’ll find two queen-sized beds and one double-sized bunk bed, a living area and electricity, but no kitchen — it’s BYO cooking equipment and bedding. There are 10 oTENTiks at Two Jack Lakeside campground and 21 at the Tunnel Mountain Village 2 campground.
parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/camping/otentik
Airstream trailers at Flint Rock Ranch
Settle into a restored Airstream trailer on this working cattle ranch located in the Porcupine Hills south of Calgary. Choose between a large trailer with a queen bed and kitchen, two smaller side-by-side trailers perfect for families, or one of two adorable cabins. The 1,000-acre property has hiking trails, a reservoir for kayaking and a riparian habitat that’s excellent for birdwatching. Guests are also welcome to watch calf-birthing or branding in the spring.
Super Fresh Idea
Banffchella
After debuting last summer, Banffchella is set to return in June. This summer-long event at the Fairmont Banff Springs marries a pool- and garden-party vibe with live music on select days of the week. It’s the height of Banff-chic, especially if you splurge for a night in one of the hotel’s newly renovated guest rooms, which feature modern bathrooms, contemporary furnishings and art that nods to the history of the storied property.