Thursday

Cabin Glamping on Georgian Bay - Experience the great outdoors in style

A cabin at Cedar Springs: Georgian Bay Islands National Park.
(CNW Group/Parks Canada (Georgian Bay and Ontario East Field Unit)

HONEY HARBOUR, Ontario, July 24, 2013 /Canada NewsWire/ - Camping in national parks across the country has been a true Canadian experience for generations, and today Parks Canada can offer much more than a simple plot of land on which to pitch a tent. Georgian Bay Islands National Park has expanded its accommodation offer and we would be pleased to welcome you to one of our newly completed cabins on Beausoleil Island.

Only a 90 minute-drive from Toronto, you can call this park home as it offers an easy, affordable and comfortable way to enjoy Georgian Bay. Whether you're an experienced camper or first-timer, you'll be delighted to escape into the great outdoors in style. If you don't wish to sleep in a tent, then get ready to unwind by cabin "glamping" on an island in Georgian Bay.

With locations at Cedar Spring and Christian Beach, these cabins are equipped with all the gear you need, allowing you to 'rough it' in style. Cedar Spring offers the perfect getaway for a group of friends or family with a playground area, a visitor centre, sandy beaches, trails, showers, washrooms and picnic areas. Sit back and enjoy the view from the comfort of your porch, or rent a bike to explore the beautiful natural and cultural features of this national park.

If you prefer a more romantic getaway for just the two of you, the tranquil shores and stunning sunsets at Christian Beach, located on the west side of the island, could be just what you two need. Equipped with a queen size bed, the Christian Beach package provides the additional valet service of baggage handling and delivery, a supply of water and some firewood.

Each cabin starts with all the basic comforts of home - bbq, beds, table, chairs, lights, cooking gear - we even provide the coffee maker! As we protect the natural setting of the park, we've made a point of bringing you a "green" experience with solar lighting, refrigerators, and composting toilets. Showers are a bike ride away.

"All you need to bring is your food, bedding, personal items, a good book and your sense of adventure," says park Superintendent Gary McMillan. "And don't worry about getting to the island. When you reserve with us, we'll gladly pick you up from Honey Harbour and shuttle you over to Beausoleil Island. Vehicle parking in Honey Harbour is included."

If you absolutely need to keep your friends and followers updated on all the fun you're having, you can charge your electronic gadgets in the cabins, and cell phone coverage is great. Hiking, mountain bike rentals, Xplorer program for kids, Art in the Park, swimming, boating or simply nature-watching - there's never a dull moment. Visitors have been raving about our team members' devotion to service. We'll make sure your stay is memorable - that's just our way!

We're on Twitter too! @GBINP

Insider's tip: the best times to visit are weekdays in the summer and from Labor Day to Thanksgiving in the fall.

Located in the world's largest freshwater archipelago, Georgian Bay Islands National Park is where you'll discover spectacular landscapes, time-worn rock faces, diverse habitats, the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield and cultural history dating back 5,000 years.

For more information and to book your stay, visit www.reservation.parkscanada.gc.ca or dial 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783).