Fancy going glamping in Alberta? From vintage airstreams, glamping pods and yurts, to spectacular cabins and lodges, there are plenty of unique places to stay in Alberta, Canada.
I’ve written a lot about my love of Alberta in Canada. I’ve visited the region twice now, once in the summer and once in the winter. If you’re debating when’s the best time to visit Alberta, I’ve compared summer and winter, which is well worth a read! It’s a difficult decision though, as each season is so different.
Alberta is a year-round province and the landscapes are truly spectacular whatever the season. In the summer you’ll find beautiful flowing waterfalls in places like Johnston Canyon, but then in winter they freeze and transform into shimmering frozen falls.
In the summer the lakes within Banff National Park are stunning shades of blue and turquoise, while in the winter they freeze over with a soft blanket of snow on top. Visit Lake Louise in winter and you can skate on the ice, while over at Lake Abraham you can check out the ice bubbles – a natural phenomenon caused by methane gas getting caught below the surface.
In the summer you can hike up the mountains, while in winter you can ski and snowboard down them.
Once you’ve decided when to visit, it’s time to book your accommodation. On one of my previous trips, I spent a few nights glamping in Elk Island National Park (close to Edmonton). It was incredible to enjoy the warm weather and be immersed in nature.
Meanwhile, in winter I loved my stay at Mount Engadine Lodge in Alberta’s backcountry. It was like a winter wonderland. I stayed in the main lodge, but if you’re looking to go glamping in Alberta, they had some cool yurts, cabins and cosy glamping tents too. I’ll tell you more about that experience in a moment.
I think glamping offers the best of both worlds. If you find camping in a tent a little too rustic or uncomfortable, try glamping. This form of comfort camping usually offers similarly picturesque surroundings, with a higher level of amenities. For example, a basic kitchen, bathing facilities, electricity and a proper bed.
Coming up, I’ve come up with my pick of the best places to go glamping in Alberta. As well as some quirky glamping spots, I’ve included some amazing lodges and cabins too, which still have nature on the doorstep, without staying in a hotel.
Best Places To Go Glamping In Alberta, Canada
Mount Engadine Lodge, Kananaskis Village
We were lucky enough to stay at a few of Alberta’s characterful lodges during our winter trip, and we loved them! They’re full of charm and often in the most picturesque of settings. Mount Engadine Lodge is almost an hour’s drive from the nearest big town (Canmore) so provides a real escape from the world.
We stayed in the main lodge, but this is a great place to go glamping in Alberta as there are also cabins glamping tents and a cute yurt at the end of a trail which sleeps four people. The views in winter are breath-taking – looking out onto a snow-covered valley with the Rockies just beyond.
There are plenty of ways to explore the untouched wilderness, whether that’s cross-country skiing, or using Mount Engadine Lodge’s snowshoes or fat bikes. Once you return, there’s a sauna downstairs to warm up!
I loved Mount Engadine’s approach to food, with its all-inclusive, family-style set up. Breakfast is included, and they also make you a packed lunch for your adventures outside. In the evening, everyone staying can choose to dine around one large table, enjoying a feast of fresh ingredients and sharing stories from their day.
We also loved their afternoon charcuterie boards, and noticed that even if you weren’t staying there, you could stop by on your hike and enjoy a platter by the fireplace.
Sundance By Basecamp, Kananaskis Village
This cool spot in Kananaskis Village offers a range of awesome and quirky accommodation options. From Trapper’s Tents to Family Tipis, you can take your pick depending on how many people you’ll have staying.
I love the look of the tipis that are dotted throughout the forest. It would definitely offer a really wild and nature-filled holiday!
Elevated Experience Camping, Drayton West
If you’re a happier glamper than you are camper, don’t miss a trip to Elevated Experience Camping. With gorgeous river views, there are a range of posh tents and little chalets to choose from.
There are BBQs, outdoor seating and areas to build a campfire too. This is a great option for anyone who loves the great outdoors but enjoys a few home comforts too.
Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows, Castle Junction
I remember just how stunning this area of Alberta is! With spectacular views and access to the Canadian Rocky Mountains, it’s a wonderful place for a glamping holiday.
There are several accommodation options at this spot too. Most are wooden cabin-style buildings, with little decks for relaxing after a day of exploring. There’s also a BBQ area, tennis courts and a restaurant on site.
The largest accommodation sleeps up to six people, although if you’re travelling as a bigger group you could book several lodges next to each other.
SummerFell Cabin, Barrhead County
If you’re looking to be near some of Alberta’s most beautiful lakes during your glamping holiday, check out this cabin. It’s a few minutes from Lac la Nonne, and around 20-minutes by car to Nakamun Lake. In terms of major cities, it’s around 1 hour from Edmonton.
This family-friendly modern cabin sleeps up to 6 people and also has space for 2 RVs. There’s a fire pit and all the amenities you need for a comfy stay. It’s a great option for families or anyone interested in water activities such as kayaking or fishing.
Refuge Bay’s Ignis Dome, Pembridge
Looking for a luxury off-grid escape? This all-year glamping destination has acres of land to explore. As soon as you check in you’ll be immersed in parkland, wetland and have a plethora of wildlife and birdlife to admire.
The geodesic dome is one of the quirkiest places to stay in Alberta. It has a transparent roof, ideal for a spot of stargazing. There’s a BBQ, grill and campfire waiting for romantic dinners. Plus, there’s a wood-fired sauna, making this glamping experience even more luxurious!
The Burrow, Three Hills
Are you a fan of Lord of the Rings? Well, have I found the perfect accommodation for you! This cozy hill-side cottage looks like something from Middle Earth! Built right into the hillside, this cottage is full of character, with quirky round doors and windows.
You can bring a big group to enjoy this hobbit-like experience. There are 5-bedrooms, a cosy sitting room and kitchen. Outside you’ll find a hot tub, BBQ and firepit – ideal for relaxing evenings under Alberta’s starry skies.
Rocky Mountain Escape Log Cabin, Rock Lake
If you fancy going glamping in Alberta but don’t fancy slumming it, this adorable log cabin is ideal. Bringing the cosy chalet vibes, you’ll be able to snuggle up with the warming log fire in the winter, or relax out on the deck in the warmer months. Set in Rock Lake Provincial Park, you’ll love immersing yourselves in the tranquil and peaceful surroundings.
This is a great place if you’re looking for some distraction-free time with your other half. There are countless trails and biking routes close by too, so you can get your adventure fix during the day, then relax together at night.
Jasper Gateway Glamping Dome, Hinton
How do you fancy cosying up with your other half in a transparent dome under the stars? This photogenic dome is located close to the amazing Canadian Rockies and lakes within Jasper National Park.
Inside is a comfy queen bed, warming fireplace, coffee machine and more. Meanwhile, outside is a separate toilet and shower. Plus, you’ll have access to your own private fire pit and picnic table.
Shanti Yurt, Bragg Creek
This beautiful yurt is one of my favourite places to go glamping in Alberta! With its bohemian design, I think it’d be ideal for a romantic break. The traditional Mongolian Yurt oozes luxury too, with its designer bed and mattress, high-quality fabrics, kitchenette and outdoor firepit and BBQ.
This characterful yurt is located in a tranquil area in Wintergreen Bragg Creek, where you’ll have access to lots of great hikes and outdoor adventures.
Rustic Cozy Cabin, Bragg Creek
If you’re keen on booking the Shanti Yurt but need a little more space, how about booking this ‘tiny house’ next door? It’s located on the same ground. It was built in the 1980s as a little escape for the owner. This retro vibe has remained, with little quirky touches including vinyl records and old VHS tapes. It’s like turning back the clock
This comfy cabin with nature all around is ideal for couples looking for a rustic getaway with a few home comforts. Outside you’ll find a BBQ and fire pit, ideal for cosy evenings under the stars. There’s also a hot tub surrounded by pine trees. How romantic does that sound?
This option is ideal for those looking for pet-friendly glamping in Alberta. Yep, your dog can join you on your adventure in the forest!
Folk Tree Lodge, Bragg Creek
Sleeps: Up to 24 people
If you’re looking for accommodation in Alberta for a big group, this is an amazing option. These two log cabins (Beaver House and Deer House) can be rented together, making this the perfect location for a gathering of friends or family. These don’t fit into the ‘glamping’ idea as they’re kitted out pretty luxuriously, however they are immersed in the natural beauty of the region.
There’s a lot of character to both of the houses, with their wooden interiors and open plan living areas. The sun room in Deer House looks particularly special, with its large windows and great views.
These lodges are in a great location for making the most of your time in Alberta. You’re 30 minutes from the buzz of Calgary and one hour from Banff’s spectacular scenery. The cabins themselves are set in 30 acres of land, so you’ll have a lot of fun discovering ponds, walking trails, a BBQ, treehouse and more!
Tacansina Luxury Ranch, between Calgary and Canmore
Sleeps: 10 people
Located between Calgary and Canmore, this unique ranch is unique in every way. It has massive log beams holding up the roof, as well as spectacular floor to ceiling windows on two sides.
The architecture is incredible. It creates a real openness to the space, with lots of light streaming through the windows, and nature as far as the eye can see. The kitchen is a huge open plan space, ideal for catering for a big family get-together.
If you’re visiting in winter, this ranch is nice and cosy inside, especially once you use the large wood-burning fireplace. Meanwhile, in summer it’s got some lovely areas to relax inside, including a large lawn, patio with seating, and a fire pit.
While the ranch is special, the views are even more magical, with a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. It’s in a great location for getting to the mountains for skiing or hiking, or to wilder spots nearby, including the Bow River. This is definitely one of the prettiest stops if you’re driving from Calgary to Canmore.
Now you’ve chosen your accommodation, you need to decide where to visit for your nature fix. If you’re looking for some beautiful locations for outdoor experiences in Alberta, I’d recommend heading straight for the nearest provincial or national park. Here are a few of my top recommendations:
- Banff National Park
- Jasper National Park
- Waterton National Park
- Elk Island National Park
- Dinosaur Provincial Park
- Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park
- Pigeon Lake Provincial Park
- Sylvan Lake Provincial Park
- Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park
- Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park
- Cypress Hills Provincial Park
- Kananaskis Country
- Miquelon Lake Provincial Park
- Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to glamping in Alberta, and you find the perfect accommodation for your trip. With so many beautiful options, deciding will be tricky!
Before you travel, be sure to check out my detailed guides about travelling in Alberta:
- Best Hotels, Bars and Restaurants to visit in Alberta
- Useful Information for visiting Banff in winter – clothes, driving info, prices etc
- Top things to do in Alberta in winter for non-skiers
- Romantic break in Alberta, Canada
- Is it better to visit Alberta in summer or winter?
- Edmonton Travel Guide
- Best places to eat in Edmonton, Canada
There are so many unique places to stay in Alberta, let me know where you end up!
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