'Glamping' in B.C. reaches new heights with comforts like spa tents
Tina Lovgreen | CBC News | Posted: May 29, 2016 1:30 AM | Last Updated: May 29, 2016
Glamor camping business booms in B.C.
Interest in glamour camping or 'glamping' in the wilds of beautiful British Columbia has really taken off and more businesses are banking on people's love for a comfortable adventure.
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The Little Cabin Company in Elk Valley is one example.
The new Fernie-based company is trying to capitalize on "glamping" by manufacturing single room cabins that they're marketing with a focus on campgrounds.
They're adding to the ranks of already established luxury camping options, like high-end resorts.
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort was a pioneer in this industry, re-imagining how to sleep outdoors in comfort.
Siwash Lake Ranch takes the meaning of camping to a new level with a tented spa.
Other businesses are attracting travellers by setting up tent in the most remote of places.
Like Cabana Desolation Eco Resort in the uninhabited Kinghorn Island in the heart of Desolation Sound Marine Park — it is only accessible by boat or kayak.
The diversity of the "glamping" business is also growing.
There are options to dangle in tree houses in between cedar and maple tree groves in Qualicum Beach.
For a more traditional outdoor experience campers can choose from retro trailers like a 25' Airstream by WOODS on Pender, located on Pender Island.
Other companies take the chore out of camping.
A number of companies in B.C.set up an RV for you at your campground of choice.
"It's all set up for you and you leave after a week and they take it down for you," said Joss Penny, chair of the camping and RVing B.C. coalition.
But he warns to make sure you've got a reservation for the campground you are booking, especially after June 1 and in light of camping reservation scalping.
Glamping Hub — the online booking platform for glamorous camping sites — said Canada is one of its biggest markets for reservations, second to the U.S. It has over 100 accommodations listed in Canada.
While these resorts take out the "roughing it" aspect of camping, they can carry a hefty price tag or charge as much of a hotel in downtown Vancouver.
Regardless of price tag, many of them are sold out in the summer months, like Rock Water Secret Cove Resort.
"We're usually sold out from June to September," said Rod Morrison, assistant general manager, "Our tent houses are booked all-year round."
Another example is YD Guest Ranch in Ashcroft, B.C. which has just opened this year, but is already blacking out dates.