Author: Bobs Lake

When quality time with your family is at the top of the list, glamping in Ontario may be the perfect fit. In the heart of the wilderness with nothing but towering trees and lake views, it’s easy to unplug and reconnect with your loved ones.

But what exactly is glamping? Where do you go? And does everyone in your group have to love more rustic accommodations? 

We’ll dive into exactly how it works and our absolute favorite spot to get away from life’s stresses, breathe in the fresh air, and allow the stress to melt away.

Hint: It has lake access, a private dock, a motorized boat, all kinds of ways to enjoy the water, a 6-person hot tub, a pickleball and basketball court, and a variety of accommodations (including a beautifully designed cottage) on 2.5 acres.

Maybe you love the idea of camping but want to ditch the tents. You want to sleep under the stars, but the lack of electricity is not for you. The thought of having no toilet? Cringe.

Glamping is the solution. Short for glamorous camping, it’s a way to be one with nature without having to give up the amenities you need for comfort and relaxation.

It doesn’t have to be luxury. In fact, we argue that if it was, what would be the point? 

But you also don’t have to sleep in a sleeping bag to be surrounded by nature, to experience the enriching experience of being in the woods, to step away from the hustle and bustle, and enjoy one another’s company. 

When you want to immerse yourself in nature, you’ll want to look for a glamping site that has an abundance of privacy. Somewhere without the honking of horns and blaring of music, without crowds of people making lots of noise.

Where it’s just you, your friends and family (including the furry members), and the sights and sounds of nature. 

You’ll want to be off the beaten path, experiencing the beauty of the Ontario wilderness, but also close to civilization, just minutes from town and less than an hour from the city. When you arrive, you’ll want to be sure you’re tucked away from the world. You’ll want to feel the stresses of everyday life melt away as you gaze out upon one of Ontario’s most beautiful wilderness lakes.

But you’ll also want to know that there is someone to reach out to if you need something, someone for whom hospitality is a way of life.

Absolutely not! There are certainly some locations that only have glamping options. But if you find the right spot, there will be options for everyone. A safari tent, a treehouse, a fully equipped cottage straight out of a magazine (literally) – it is possible to have the best of both worlds. 

If your group includes a range of travelers from more adventurous to wanting all the bells and whistles, we know just the spot.

So does the perfect site for cottaging and glamping in Ontario exist? We think so. Right here at Bobs Lake. Okay, we may be biased. But Badour Island Retreat was lovingly designed to be your escape to the wilderness. It was featured in the Art of Glamping, and Ontario Out of Doors described it as a “spacious playground.”

Nestled away from it all in rural Ontario, Badour Island beckons visitors to truly escape and discover that the real adventure is being with each other. Just you, your friends, family, and pets, with the forest as your backyard, surrounded by water. 

When you want to go somewhere, it’s on your boat. (And there’s nothing more magical than taking your kids for ice cream by boat.) It’s heaven for your furry friends, as they can roam free with no cars to worry about, and it has accommodations that will please everyone in your group.

Perched above the lake, the views are incredible. And just steps away, your private dock on Bobs Lake awaits. With everything you need and nothing that you don’t, Badour Island Retreat is the ultimate spot for glamping in Ontario (and cottaging, too!).

A truly unique escape, Badour Island includes a beautiful post-and-beam main cottage, a guest cottage, bunkie, treehouse, and glamping tent all on 2.5 private lakefront acres. The best of both worlds, it’s ideal for everyone in your group – both those who want to glamp and those who don’t.

Read the descriptions of our pet-friendly accommodations below, or view a walkthrough of the property to get a feel for the entire property. 

Featured in “Fine Homebuilding,” the enchanting main cottage is nestled in nature with double-height vaulted ceilings and tons of windows, reminiscent of a childhood treehouse. A wood-burning stove, lots of board games, an indoor hammock, and a ping-pong table are just some of the indoor entertainment features. And a beautiful wrap-around deck overlooks the lake.

The living room, kitchen, and dining space blend seamlessly with a free-flowing open layout, allowing everyone to easily gather together for meals, games, and relaxation. The fully equipped kitchen features a farmhouse sink, dishwasher, trash compactor, air fryer, electric ice cream maker, and water purification system. The dining room can seat up to twenty for memorable meals and events.

In this cottage, you’ll have three bedrooms and an indoor bathroom with a flush compost toilet and indoor shower. 

The guest cottage is perfect for older kids, as its large living room doubles as a dormitory with four twin beds. The romantic second-floor loft bedroom is perfect for a couple, with a private covered deck opening to the most amazing view on the island, a skylight, an air conditioner, and a telescope so you can gaze at the stars. It also hosts gym equipment and a full bathroom with a compost toilet and an attached outdoor shower.

Outside, two lovely covered porches invite afternoon relaxation or evening drinks in a rocking chair. 

Perfect for couples, the romantic treehouse features a Queen-sized bed, electricity, a rocking chair, a skylight, a handpainted mural, a lead beveled glass entry, and its own deck. Plus a doggie ramp for your furry friends! 

Our newly built air-conditioned bunkie hosts four twin beds, which combine upon request to create a King. With tons of windows flooding the space with light and a back glass wall showcasing an enchanting forest view, it’s one of our favorite glamping spots. A beautiful tiled bathroom with a toilet and sink is feet away, and a separate hot outdoor shower is nearby.

Tucked in the forest, our safari tent hosts two twin beds plus its own small deck and hammock. Electricity takes this tent beyond your typical camping experience.

When your Badour Island story begins, you’re transported to another world as your boat makes its way across the lake. Discover the island via trails that lead through the forest and to the sandy beach, then explore the nooks, crannies, and secret channels of Bobs Lake on your own motorized boat. 

Aside from the 14-foot 9.9 fishing boat that can be upgraded to a pontoon or speed boat with our on-site boat rentals, we also include a canoe and kayak when you stay at Badour Island Retreat. You can also rent paddleboards, Hobie pedalboards, and more to up the ante on your Ontario glamping trip.

Down by the lake, you’ll enjoy a private deck with Adirondack chairs, a chaise lounge, and a swinging bench. Back at the cottage, enjoy a hot outdoor shower and an al fresco meal at one of the outdoor tables on the deck. Then challenge your favorites to a game of ping pong, pickleball, or lit half-court basketball in the middle of the forest. 

In the evening, make s’mores in the fire pit and enjoy the kind of stargazing you can only experience in the wilderness as you soak in the 6-person hot tub overlooking the lake. 

Staying at Bobs Lake is the ultimate way to reconnect with loved ones. With a beautiful lakeside setting and lots of on-site activities, boat rentals, and more, what’s not to love? 

(Note: Browse our four modern cottages across the lake for even more options!)

For a waterfront Ontario glamping and cottaging trip like no other, Badour Island Retreat is the star of the show. With unparalleled privacy on an island only accessible by boat, there’s no better way to step off the beaten path and embrace nature than Badour Island.