Adventure travel in Ontario, something I never really considered to be a major option, especially around a giant metropolitan city like Toronto. That was until I stumbled upon Long Point Eco Adventures in Norfolk County, the epitome of adventure travel in Ontario.
When I started researching ‘adventurous things to do near Toronto’, I was pleasantly surprised to find that there was a destination that involved glamping in Ontario! I had always wanted to try glamping, I mean I had seen hundreds of photos on instagram, and I was finally presented with the chance.
Located just outside of Toronto, one of the best cities in Ontario to live in, Long Point Eco Adventures introduces the idea of sustainable travel and combines it with adventure travel. While enjoying a luxury Sahara style tent, the resort offers a variety of adventurous activities including but not limited to kayaking, an eco-conscious mind set, and walkable access to an amazing winery. This is my type of traveling. I had heard of glamping in other parts of Canada, but to have this style of adventure travel in Ontario, my home province, was a pleasant surprise.
Long Point Eco Adventures: The Stay
The Property at Long Point Eco Adventures
The property at Long Point Eco Adventures is sprawling, well maintained, and carefully planned, taking serious consideration of the natural environment. There are a variety of ecological conscious efforts in place to help the resort function with a significantly reduced carbon footprint. This includes the use of rainwater in the main building which is carefully collected on the rooftop and used unfiltered. This eco-conscious mind set is one of the many details which make Long Point Eco Adventures one of the best places to go glamping in Ontario.
Check out this Tree-House Eco Lodge I stayed at in Guatemala
The Marshview building, where breakfast is served, looks out upon the protected Long Point marsh, a vista I did not know existed in this part of Ontario. The administration building and free standing observatory make their home next to the Marshview building. The zip-lining take off location and a food truck rounds out this small compound. All around the resort fireplaces and muskoka chairs are strategically placed affording everyone a place to catch some chill time during both the day and the night.
All of the buildings at the resort, from the glamping style wilderness suites to the unique pod rooms and the main structures are connected by carefully groomed pathways encircled by wooden fences. The property is surrounded by walking paths and bike paths as a result of the Eco Lodges connection with the Turkey Point Mountain Bike Club. When it comes to adventure travel in Ontario, there are many places to explore in this area…my personal favourite path to explore led to the Burning Kiln Winery right next door.
The Wilderness Suites: Glamping
The Wilderness Suites at Long Point Eco Adventures take their inspiration from the glamping Sahara tents, similar to the tents the owners came into contact with while on a trip to Kilimanjaro. The large canvas tents are enhanced by beautiful hard wood floors, comfortable beds, lovely furniture and in tent plumbing. It are these details that give glamping its luxurious title and make Long Point Eco Adventures one of the coolest things to do near Toronto.
Each Wilderness Suite comes with its own private deck complete with muskoka chairs making for the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning. Inside the tent, you will find a comfortable bed with a duvet, stylish pillows and heated blankets (a camping game changer). There is a fridge in the tent as well and, more importantly, comfy house coats! One of the coolest details in the tents is the amazing outdoor shower. Unzip the back door and walk into an open skied heated shower. If you could only imagine showering under the stars. The Wilderness Suites are as luxurious as they are sound, making this adventure travel in Ontario just a little more relaxed.
The Pods
The camping Pods are produced by the Algonquin Pod company and are super unique to the Long Point area. These cute little pods are tastefully decorated, closed in and have their very own decks including Muskoka chairs. Each pod has a bed inside. Some of the more luxury pods boast bathrooms as well. These are the most rustic of Long Point Eco Adventures accommodations providing a cheaper option for glamping in Ontario.
Loving Unique Hotels? Check this one out, built into the side of a Guatemalan Mountain
Long Point Eco Adventures: The Activities
Zip-Lining
Zip-lining can be fun for the whole family, not overwhelmingly thrilling, but exciting enough to keep everyone having a good time and Long point Eco Adventures does a great job with this. As a result of our amazing guides, I had a fabulous experience. They were fun, outgoing, positive, and able to make everyone laugh for the entire 2.5 hour experience. The Long Point Eco Adventure zip line course has 8 full zip lines, the longest at 800meters, 2 suspension bridges and 1 forty foot rappel. If you are looking for adventurous things to do near Toronto, this is a great start!
The zip lines are strung through the canopy of the Canadian forest giving one a bird’s eye view of the area. You can enjoy the zip lines both during the day, and during the night with lights. It is really cool to fly through the sky in the dark. At $95.00 per adult, this is a great way to take on Adventure travel in Ontario.
Are you enjoying learning about tourism in Ontario? Check out Windsor Essex Pelee Island County for more fun escapes!
Kayak Down Big Creek
The meandering waterway of Big Creek in Norfolk County is appropriately called the ‘Canadian Amazon’ as it winds its way through thick, green, Carolinian forests, marsh and wetlands. I have spent many weeks in the Amazon only to say, they are not wrong…it looks just like the Amazon but with less terrifying fish. If you are looking for adventure travel in Ontario, then this 4 hour long kayak adventure is perfect!
Do you love kayaking and canoeing too? Check out this canoe trip I took in the Kawarthas!
The kayak journey moves with the current and so is more relaxing than overly active, meaning it is good for the whole family. As you kayak down the Big Creek you will be greeted with overhanging trees, thick bush and marshland. The guides Brian and Leanne are extremely passionate and knowledgeable about the area adding to the experience and aiding in the interest of the tour group. Offered about half way through the trip, the snack break included farm fresh strawberries and some of Leanne’s delicious cookie bars. At $100 per adult this an adventure to consider when searching for things to do near Toronto.
Love kayaking? Check out this kayak destination perfect for expats.
Stargaze at the Observatory
The Long Point Observatory is one of Canada’s newest and biggest public astronomical observatories. Located three stories high in one of the darkest points in Southern Ontario, the observatory has unobstructed views of the sky making for a fabulous experience.
The tour begins on the observation deck where a star guide points out the constellations and teaches how to map the sky. The second half of the tour takes place around the 16” Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope which is capable of seeing objects as far away as globular star clusters. While on the tour we saw Saturn, Jupiter, M13, and of course the moon. Having lived in San Pedro de Atacama in Chile, a stargazing capital, I have to recommend the stargazing tour at Long Point Eco Adventures. The tour costs $32/person and is an amazing experience especially when partnered with glamping in Ontario.
Play with Bees on the Apiary Tour
Save the bees! A tour of bee keeping by Vanessa’s Bees is a pleasant surprise for anyone wishing to explore a new type of adventure travel in Ontario. On this tour, you dress up in bee keeper suits, head out to the hives, and open a hive to search for the Queen. All the while you learn about different types of bees, bee culture, and the process of making honey otherwise known as apiculture.
After you have seen the hives you head back to the Honey Shack where you have the opportunity to make and decorate awesome bees wax candles while enjoying different flavours of natural honey. It is an memorable experience to taste how the honey flavours vary as the bees take nectar from a variety of sources. I could just imagine the honey from some of the amazing lavender fields nearby!
Long Point Eco Adventures: The Food and Wine
Breakfast Time at Long Point Eco Adventures
Morning time at Long Point Eco Adventures begins with drinking a mug of delicious coffee while enjoying an amazing view of the marsh. A food truck parked beside the Marshview building cooks up for your enjoyment, thick cut bacon, eggs, pancakes, hash browns, and sausages which are available all morning. Coffee is served in two roasts , light and dark, and a variety of juices are available. If you care to enjoy meals like this, you should definitely save a little extra time to savour the Long Point Eco Adventure breakfast.
Food Truck’s at Long Point Eco Adventures
During the day, for lunch, snacks or even during dinner hour, the food truck parked beside the Marshview building cooks up a variety of delicious snacks. You will never have to fear hunger at Long Point Eco Adventures as food is always available. It is one of the best things about glamping in Ontario.
Burning Kiln Winery
The Burning Kiln Winery is located across the road from Long Point Eco Adventures. It actually has its own pathway leading visitors directly there. Not only is this winery beautiful and fully licensed, making it legal to walk into the vineyard with wine in hand. While the look of the winery is distinctly upper class, the vibe feels relaxed, comfortable and casual. The outstanding staff are upbeat and family-like, making Burning Kiln Winery the type of place you would actually want to hang out.
The wines, mostly dry, red, white and rosé are delicious and served with pride from the staff themselves. Drinking at the bar inside the winery is a beautiful location with a chill ambiance, but the patio is even more fantastic. Being Canadian, we chose to have our meal outside, to enjoy the fresh air and the heat of the summer.
As for food, did you know that the Burning Kiln Winery make the best Margarita pizza ever? They claimed it and they delivered. The food at Burning Kiln takes all of grandma’s recipes and raises them to the ever classy wine drinkers expectations. Simple fare such as pizzas crafted by the team, home cooked offerings like mac and cheese and thanksgiving sandwiches to name a few are served with style. The intent of this locale is to embrace adventure travel in Ontario, and Long Point Eco Adventures does it with style.
Adventure Travel in Ontario: Long Point Eco Adventures
Long Point Eco Adventures is one of the coolest places I have been in the area and one of the top things to do near Toronto. The eco-friendly attitude, the experience of glamping in Ontario, and the many adventurous activities available, not to mention the amazing food and wine make it one of the best ways to experience adventure travel in Ontario.
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Wendy Elliott says
We hope to do Canada by RV in the upcoming years. We, like you, prefer the outdoors to the cities. Glamping always attracted me too, but with our own RV, it won’t happen within driving distance. Places like Guatemala are possibilities for us to choose glamping, or the tree house – love that idea!
Likely, we would be interested in the adventures at Long Point – like the ziplines and tree-top bridges, which we have done in Central and South America. Star gazing is another thing we love too, but bees – not so much.
I agree, outdoor showers are great!
I like the idea of walking around the grape rows at the winery and enjoying a pizza and wine.
Sounds like a fabulous place! Can we take our RV?
Kimberly Erin says
Hey wendy! Thank you for your lovely comment! There are some AMAZING RV parks in the area, like….5 minutes ride away.. it is def an area of Ontario you should see if you are driving across Canada. Its on the edge of one of our great lakes after all. If you use an RV parking area, all of the activities and wineries are accessible for you, they are not just for guests! When you head our way please feel free to reach out to me so that I can give you sweet recommendations! Def hit Burning Kiln winery :)
Samir says
Really cool place. Nature is so beautiful. And yes off course blog is amazing..
noel says
I love bees but that bee shot would freak me out since I’m allergic. Everything else there looks amazing especially your incredible yoga poses!
Jenn and Ed Coleman says
Love glamping and those pods are beautiful. The kayaking looks like fun. I don’t know about a bee on my nose but all is well that ends well This looks like a beautiful glamping trip.
Vicky and Buddy says
It’s so cool when you find surprises like this, especially so close to your home town. I’ve never been glamping, but it’s always been something I wanted to try. Especially if there’s a winery right next door! And I love how environmentally conscious Long Point Eco Adventures is.
Indrani says
The wooden camping pod is so cute in looks, very keen to see the interiors. The adventure activities look thrilling. My kids enjoy zip lining. Kayaking too seems fun. Great experience indeed.
jose harvey says
I’ve never tried Glamping because it seems like such a silly concept to me. But after seeing this article plus a few others recently, I think I might be coming around to the idea. The Long Point Eco Adventures place looks pretty cool and you’ve described it so well…makes me want to go stay there. I love how many different types of rooms they offer too. I’d definitely stay in a pod…it’s just so adorable. And it seems like there is so much to do in the area too. I might need to contact these people just to get my own experience under wraps!
Kimberly Erin says
Glamping is just the best of both worlds, you get the serenity of nature, the sounds, and the vibe…all while enjoying the luxury of a big comfy bed! I have never slept so well in my life. The Long Point Eco experience was so perfect, you really should! The pods are unique too. Made by a special company called the algonquin pod company in Canada. Everything at LPEA has been designed just for it! I hope you get a chance to go, blogging aside, it was actually awesome!
Linda says
I gave up camping a long time ago. But since I live in Ontario, maybe I should try clamping at Long Point Eco Adventures. I like the idea of groomed path and places where we could ride a bike. The zip line and kayaking look like so much fun. The suites look well contained and comfortable. I could see myself with a glass of wine on the little deck. Love to see the stars when we are out of the city. And an observatory would make that even better. But I would go nowhere close to the bees!
Elaine Masters says
Looks pretty spectacular and an incredible first foray into glamping. I love the pods and the idea of zipling along with hours of kayaking. It’s a side of Canada that I’d never imagined!
Jas says
This looks like such a fun summer vacation getaway!!! I discovered glamping last year in BC and have been hooked ever since. Definitely adding this one to my bucket list and LOVE how there’s a winery right across the road too! How convenient!!!!!
Renuka Walter says
Wow! This is such a fabulous glamping experience! I love your photos. :)
Juliann says
How cool! I love the look of the pods and the Safari tent. That would have probably been enough to persuade me, but then you through in beekeeping, food trucks and an observatory? Not to mention a winery? I’m there!!!! I want to start planning my trip right now! Thanks for sharing this place with us!
Sarah says
AAHH now this sounds like a vacation that is absolutely made for me!! I am only in Michigan so could drive over to Long Point… and you’re getting me brainstorming for if not this fall, then in the spring! I try to stay in more boutique/unique places, and I always check to see if my hotel has eco-friendly policies. So that is such a plus. Plus I LOVE adventure travel and ziplining!! It doesn’t sound like these ziplines were particularly long but it would be worth a visit anyway. Thanks for sharing!!
Andi says
I’m dying to go glamping like this, but Long Point has ALL the extras to offer I want to book today! I am definitely going to be checking this spot out for a future trip with my hubby. We want to do a Canadian roadtrip and this is a MUST!
Cat Lin says
I’ve wanted to do glamping for the longest time! But couldn’t decide where. I didn’t know you can do it right outside Toronto! I love how spacious the tent is! The pod looks smaller but so adorable!!
Janiel Green says
So first of all, glamping looks awesome! I want to go where you are so I can learn how to do those yoga moves without breaking my spine, lol! The food looks good, the area seems like it has plenty to do….and if each cabin comes with a bae that looks like yours……WHERE DO I SIGN UP?!??!
Julianne says
I’d love to go glamping here – the pods look cool! Eeek I don’t know about the bee tour — or, at least, letting a bee on my nose. I’d definitely stay in the suit :) The kayaking and wine look great. Bookmarking this post for a future trip!
Ashley Hubbard says
I’d absolutely love to stay here! I’m adding this to my list for my next visit up to Ontario. The tents and pods both look great. And, I love all the extra activities and that they have a sustainability mission, of course!