Staying at Glen Oro Eco-Retreat is the perfect opportunity to disconnect from the outside world. It’s definitely one of the most unique experiences I’ve had in Ontario. If you want to be immersed in nature but aren’t particularly a fan of traditional camping, this is for you!
Location
Glen Oro Eco-Retreat is located in Hawkestone, Ontario, approximately 1.5 hours north of Toronto (just past Barrie).
Address: 2574 10 Line N, Hawkestone, ON L0L 1T0
Phone Number: (705) 326-1504
E-mail: info@glenoro.com
Booking
You can book your stay via Glen Oro Eco-Retreat’s online booking portal or through airbnb. My biggest tip would be to book a minimum of 3 months in advance, to ensure that your preferred accommodations are available, especially if you’re interested in booking a dome. As the property increases in popularity, it is booking up faster and faster! I would also recommend a stay of 2 nights minimum.
Accommodations
Glen Oro Eco-Retreat offers luxury camping (glamping) accommodations in the form of the Explorer’s Tent and the Stargazer Dome. Staff recently announced the addition of four more larger domes on the property that can sleep 4 (versus 2) people!
The domes are equipped with a roomy seating area, a small dining area, an ensuite bathroom, a kitchenette, and a king-sized loft bed. Both tents and domes have access to a personal camp fire/seating area just outside.
The kitchenette in the dome comes with the essentials. It is recommended to bring snacks and do groceries so that you can prepare your own food while on site. However, if you don’t, town is a short drive away and offers a number of food options! Note that there is no microwave, but there is a small countertop hot burner and a toaster oven. The kitchenette also comes equipped with a mini-fridge, a pot, a frying pan, a skillet, a kettle, cutlery, dishes, glassware, locally crafted mugs, tinfoil, matches, and a cutting board. Salt, pepper, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar are also provided (note: there is no sugar, so if you’ll need that for tea/coffee/etc., bring it with you!). Outside, you’ll even find a propane BBQ if interested in cooking by the fire.
The only sink is in the bathroom. You can wash your dishes there and place everything on the drying rack in the kitchenette. There is both a compost bin for food waste, and a recycling bin for items that can be recycled.
Both the tents and the domes are outfitted with ensuite bathrooms. Given the property’s focus on sustainability and environmental friendliness, composting toilets are used. The toilets are cleaned daily by staff, who will come at your preferred time.
Fresh and clean water is supplied by the well, which is UV-filtered to ensure it is safe for drinking. Help Glen Oro reduce waste by leaving bottled water behind and drinking from the tap!
Stay
Before you arrive, you’ll be sent detailed instructions for preparing for your visit. Upon arrival at Glen Oro Eco-Retreat, you’ll be given a tour of your accommodations and a member staff will explain the operations of either the tent or the dome in detail.
Communication with staff is convenient, and conducted mainly via text. Everyone is very welcoming, friendly, and ready to assist wherever possible.
While there is no wifi, data works well if you need it.
In the colder months, make sure to maintain the fire to prevent the space from getting too cold. Make use of the space heater and heated blanket, and of course bring appropriate clothing for the season (that means layers and boots for the fall/winter/spring!).
If cooking isn’t your thing but luxury is, you have the option of reserving a fireside-cooked meal prepared by your own chef. Chef Paul (Laforet Catering) will use locally sourced ingredients to prepare a menu of your choice from scratch, over an open fire. Or, you can order brunch boxes, charcuterie platters, and other dinner/dessert options for delivery from Chef Melanie (Eclectic Cafe). Both of these services require bookings to be made a minimum of 3 days (72 hours) in advance.
Finally, you can fill your time at Glen Oro Eco-Retreat with some fun on-property activities, such as visiting the sauna and booking trail rides. When all else fails, there is a selection of board games at your disposal in the accommodations.
However you spend your stay, it will be memorable!
For more on my trip to Glen Oro Eco-Retreat, connect with me on Instagram @la_wandereuse and check out my Glen Oro Instagram posts, story highlights, and reels! If you have any questions about my stay, don’t hesitate to DM me. =D
