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From Canadian country escapes and mountain getaways to treehouse stargazing and hobbit-themed lodges, think outside the accommodation box for unique stays that offer a new perspective on exploring Canada in 2022. Read on for six of the best.
Second Breakfast Hideaway: This authentic earth house and hobbit-themed fantasy escape is located in the verdant Okanagan Highlands of British Columbia. Straight out of Lord of the Rings, the hobbit house is surrounded by acres of backcountry, an ideal spot for travellers seeking an atmospheric hideaway. Note: you won’t find TV or Wi-Fi here – this is the place to come when you’re ready for that digital detox. Gateway: Fly into Kelowna from Vancouver and take the scenic two-hour drive. What’s cool: The incredible architecture takes centre stage, with charming homages to Middle Earth amplified in the design work, including Elvish script and a crackling fireplace.
Theobald Island: Imagine stepping onto your own 3.5-acre island, where a quaint property is backdropped by lush greenery and sapphire ocean. Welcome to Theobald Island on Lake Muskoka, Ontario, where guests are welcomed down a path of fragrant pine trees leading from the boathouse to the main cottage. Here, you can unwind in comfortable accommodations, and spend languid days and nights kayaking, diving off the dock, and soaking in the outdoor hot tub. Gateway: A two-hour drive from Toronto. What’s cool: Relax around the fire pit – which extends into the lake – to roast marshmallows, stargaze and swap ghost stories.
Strong’s Tickle: In the Atlantic province of Newfoundland and Labrador, shack up on the island of Strong’s Tickle, a private oasis marked by leafy forests and miles of ocean. Upon arrival, guests can relax on the dock, paddle the waters in a traditional Newfoundland dory, or dine under the stars. Accommodations are in a glamping pod built over the water, featuring a camp stove, eco-friendly toilet, and freshwater for washing. Enhance the experience with boat tours, kayaking, or a picnic in the serene surroundings. Gateway: Reach Strong’s Tickle from Clarenville, a 1.5-hour drive from Gander International Airport. What’s cool: Add on the Zodiac Cave Adventure experience for a day-long journey exploring hidden quarries, gold mines and fishing villages around Strong’s Tickle.
Centre de l’Hêtre: Sleep in a magical dome or yurt in the middle of the sprawling wilderness in beautiful Quebec. Made for two, the accommodations are ideal for a romantic sojourn, or a solitary retreat where you can unplug and enjoy alone time. Amenities include a wood stove, compolette (odorless composting toilet), firewood, and kitchen equipment. Gateway: A half-hour drive from Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport. What’s cool: The rental includes a canoe, which you can take onto Lake Poulin, a private lake for local residents.
Charmed Family Resorts: In Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, Charmed Family Resorts brings fairytales to life with life-sized reimaginings of ethereal accommodations. Midsummer Cottage, inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream features a dreamy stone and wood façade, and is decked out with a fire pit, barbecue, and separate bathroom. Gateway: A 2.5-hour drive from Calgary International Airport. What’s cool: The wood-fire hot tub beckons with a secluded soak in an enchanting woodscape.
The Birdhouse: This passion project was crafted exclusively for relaxation, seclusion and connection with the land. Designed as a lofty treehouse, The Birdhouse sits on a private acre in British Columbia complete with a campfire area, wildlife and lawn games. Guests enter by crossing a cable suspension bridge to the front door, where a cozy kitchen awaits. In the back, French doors open to a cedar deck boasting panoramic mountain views – an ideal spot to stargaze at night and sip coffee in the morning. Gateway: Chilliwack, British Columbia, is an easy 1.5-hour drive from Vancouver. What’s cool: The bed is located at the top of the treehouse, where soothing views of stars and tree branches lull you to sleep.