Glamping That’s Out of This World

Beautifully engineered geo-domes make for a new age kind of camping

The seemingly forgotten Elk Island National Park has been rediscovered this year with people needing to vacation close to home. Elk Island Retreat is situated on a 60 acre parcel of that land. Built on family owned land, the Retreat was incorporated in 1995 and is still owned and operated by the family today.

WORDS BY KAREN MEURER

PHOTOS SUPPLIED

Elk Island Retreat started out with a few seasonal unserviced sites and then in 2000, tipi tents were erected. Soon afterwards, rustic trapper cabins were built along with two full service RV sites. In 2019, two Yurts became operational and then in 2020 they added two “out-of-this-world” geodesic domes. Picture this: sleeping in a futuristically engineered and beautifully decorated geo-dome reminiscent of something you might imagine we’d live in on Mars, to waking up and stepping out into the beauty and peace of nature around you. This is glamping at its best! The geo-domes are placed on permanent floors at the site and come complete with power and heat

for glamping in any kind of weather. Out your geo-dome’s front door you’ll find great trails and lakes to enjoy, and bison as camping friends. Over the years, Elk Island Retreat has hosted Girl Guide and Boy Scout groups, church groups, family reunions, movie productions, corporate retreats, and a few weddings. Local visitors, as well as guests from all over the world are now enjoying the peacefulness and cleanliness of the geo-domes during their stay. The owners feel blessed to have been allowed to enjoy this gem of natural beauty and wish to share it with all visitors - in a “glammed up”, "feel at home" atmosphere. www.elkislandretreat.com