On Winter Camping

On Winter Camping

Lillian Bufton

Camping in any season other than summer tends to be an unpleasant prospect for all but the most committed outdoors enthusiast. Late spring or early fall camping can, of course, provide some of the most rewarding natural experiences. Falling asleep and waking up under canvas to the sounds of life returning to the wild after months of winter torpor or to the blaze of autumnal colours are some of the most exhilarating adventures this writer has enjoyed.

But the mere suggestion of camping in February is enough to strike primal, bone-chilling fear in most of us. To everything, there is a season. Winter is for reading, streaming, knitting, or curling by the fire. Not roughing it. Until that is, one realizes that the term camping can encompass a broad array of possibilities. The humble tent alone takes multiple forms. The wall tent has been the preferred shelter of adventurers, prospectors, hunters, and many other outdoors folks for generations. Many camps and resorts offer a variation on this heated, moderately comfortable tent.

But probably the most popular today is the modernized version of the Mongolian nomad’s mobile residence: the yurt (or ger as it is actually known in Mongolia). While still technically a tent, the yurt offers all manner of comforts, including heating, furniture, and so on. Our region abounds in winter camping facilities equipped with yurts, including nearby provincial parks and several private providers, now easier to find with the various online hospitality platforms available.

So, if sleeping on the ground, under paper-thin fabric in a blizzard is not at the top of your list, consider camping at a yurt this winter. Enjoy the pristine wilderness without the nuisance of bugs; watch the northern lights dance in the crisp sky; fall asleep to the sound of distant wolves howling at the moon. Pack your bags and strap on your snowshoes - it’s time for winter camping!

You can check out the Ontario Parks website for a full list of roofed accommodations (including yurts) and cold-weather camping options at www. ontarioparks.com/ roofedaccommodation.