Your Guide to Planning a Glamping Getaway in Alberta

You want to slow down, connect with nature and enjoy time outdoors—without sacrificing comfort. Enter glamping: the best of camping and hotel-like amenities rolled into one. Throughout Alberta, you’ll find everything from high-end retreats to off-grid hideaways.

This guide will help you get inspired and feel prepared for your Alberta glamping adventure.

What is glamping, exactly?

Glamping is short for “glamourous camping,” and it's a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature. 

Picture plenty of fresh air, hikes and adventures, starry nights around the campfire and roughing it just enough to feel like you’ve experienced the great outdoors. But you’ll get to climb into a real bed at the end of the day and wake up in style and comfort. 

It's important to understand that glamping is not the same as staying in a hotel. You’ll still need to prepare for time outside, pack some essential gear, and sometimes to walk a short distance from your site to shared washrooms, but glamping can be enjoyed by anyone, whether it’s your first time sleeping this close to nature or not.

Glamping accommodations can be as simple as a sturdy canvas tent with comfy queen-sized bed or as elevated as a beautifully outfitted geodome or micro-cabin with spa facilities steps away.

Where to go glamping in Alberta

Alberta does both elegant and more rustic glamping very well. The province has dozens of glamping accommodations on offer in diverse settings.

For a mountain escape, Mount Engadine Lodge’s year-round glamping tents blend backcountry splendour with all‑inclusive gourmet meals (don’t miss the afternoon charcuterie), easy trail access, plus onsite rentals of e-bikes, skis, paddleboards or snowshoes.

Close to Edmonton, Elk Island Retreat delivers boreal forest beauty without a long drive and adds the first wood‑fired, mirrored sauna in Canada. 

Desperate for a dash of whimsy? Good Knights Medieval Encampment brings their theme to life with medieval‑style tents, costumes and immersive activities like long-bow archery, sword-fighting lessons and craft workshops.

Browse Alberta glamping experience providers here

To dig deeper into the many glamping options across Alberta, we spoke with the operators behind another four popular glamping accommodations. Skyridge Glamping, Glamp Good, Sundance by Basecamp and Bridgeviews shared their best glamping tips and showcased what their glampsites offer.

Sundance by Basecamp, Kananaskis Country

Best for close-to-nature, yet comfortable glamping in summer and winter

What to expect

Sundance by Basecamp balances the magic of camping—like hours around a crackling campfire—and the added comfort of real cozy beds. Year-round, pet-friendly trapper’s tents deliver the best of both worlds along the Kananaskis River.

“It’s really about slowing down, getting outside and experiencing the Canadian Rockies in a simple but memorable way,” says Jenna Walsh, co-founder of Sundance by Basecamp. “I love the slow mornings. Waking up, making coffee and sitting by a morning campfire with a good book is my favourite way to start the day.”

Provided supplies and amenities

Sites include premium bedding and linens, phone chargers, solar-powered lighting, heating, fire pits and outdoor seating. Family glamping includes extras like a private outhouse, games table, boardgames and indoor seating.

What to pack: Firewood, cooking supplies and cooler—or rent supplies at their onsite Trading Post.

Food and beverage

The Trading Post is your one-stop-shop for morning coffee, drinking water, ice and essential groceries. Nearby restaurants can be found in Kananaskis Village.

Nearby activities and attractions

Make time to venture out and explore some of Walsh’s top picks in Kananaskis Country, including:

• Horseback riding at Boundary Ranch. Guided trail rides are offered for all experience levels.
• Walking the Ribbon Creek Trail or Terrace Trail. Both are beginner-friendly and deliver gorgeous views.
• Exploring Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes for scenic walks, picnics or paddling.

Skyridge Glamping, Kananaskis Country

Best for indulgent, adult-only getaways

What to expect

Skyridge Glamping combines luxury and nature in the heart of Kananaskis Country. It’s the ultimate adults-only destination to immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Canadian Rockies and disconnect from the daily grind. 

“The vision behind Skyridge was to create a peaceful mountain escape where guests can unplug, unwind and enjoy the beauty of the wilderness without sacrificing comfort,” says Christel Postel, co-founder and managing director at Skyridge.

The SkyGlass Cabins feature floor-to-ceiling mirrored windows with panoramic views, while the SkyBox Cabins blend modern comfort and alpine seclusion. Both are pet-friendly accommodations.

“The joy of glamping at Skyridge lies in the perfect blend of luxury and nature,” Postel says. “Guests can enjoy the serenity of the wilderness, breathtaking views and outdoor adventure while relaxing in a comfortable, well-designed space.”

Provided supplies and amenities

Cabins at Skyridge include king-size beds, plush bedding (it rivals top-tier hotels), linens, robes, spa-like bathrooms and gourmet kitchens. Outdoor living spaces (be sure to rent a propane fire pit when you book), yoga mats, optional meal kits, in-room games and a gear closet add to the experience.

What to pack: Bring personal items along with food and beverages you’d like to enjoy in your cabin.

Food and beverage

Purchase a gourmet meal kits for a cozy date night surrounded by the Canadian Rockies. Their meal kits are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and require simple finishing in your cabin’s kitchen.

If you'd like to dine out, visit local restaurants in Kananaskis Village or Canmore.

You’ll also have drinking water in your cabin, and glassware is provided.

Nearby activities

Activities are plentiful in Kananaskis Country, like a round at Kananaskis Country Golf Course (right across the road from Skyridge) or hitting the slopes at Nakiska Ski Resort in the winter. 

Postel recommends:

• Hiking the beginner-friendly Troll Falls Trail for a scenic waterfall experience. 
• Canoeing or paddleboarding on Barrier Lake. Watercraft are available to rent at the lake from Kananaskis Outfitters.
• Driving the Highwood Pass, one of the highest paved roads in Canada, for stunning views and wildlife spotting.

Glamp Good, Winfield

Best for nature-loving, off-grid adventurers

What to expect

Set in a lush boreal forest, Glamp Good offers a serene, off-grid retreat. With just a handful of A-frame cabins and geodomes, the experience feels private and immersive. Even better? It’s carbon negative.

“What I enjoy most about glamping is connecting with nature and each other,” says Mandy Gommerud, co-owner at Glamp Good. “Put down the phones and experience the moment.”

Provided supplies and amenities

Accommodations include comfortable beds, linens and furnishings, plus electronic chargers and indoor fireplaces. Outside, kick back around the fire table.

The forest’s tranquility is the perfect place to devour a book. Visit Boreal Books, onsite, to choose from hundreds of titles available to borrow or buy. Don’t forget to grab a coffee, too.

What to pack: Shower water (4L jug), cookware, dishes and firewood for the sauna.

Food and beverage

Plan to prepare meals using your camp stove or the shared cookhouse with a pizza oven, barbecue and range. Pack all your food, drinking water and a cooler for your stay, as there isn’t an on-site store or fridge.

But you don’t need to take care of all your meals yourself. Restaurants, breweries and a meadery await in Buck Lake, about 20 minutes’ drive away.

Nearby activities and attractions

While you’ll be a ways away from the daily grind here, there’s still plenty to do, including:

• Relaxing at Ritual Floating Sauna, the only one of its kind in Alberta. The sauna is five minutes from the glamping sites and floats atop a sparkling lake. It’s a separate experience, so don’t forget to book your session.
• Visiting the tasting room at Grey Owl Meadery for mead and pizza (try the bacon apple).
• Stopping by Buck Lake Cafe to try the homemade bread.

Bridgeviews Retreat & Glamping, Drumheller

Best for social stays in an unforgettable setting

What to expect

Consider Bridgeviews Retreat & Glamping a hidden gem of the Canadian Badlands. Bridgeviews’ welcoming, community-minded atmosphere is surrounded by prehistoric hills and hoodoos and their themed glamping yurts and geodomes offer a hint of kitsch. Glamping is available from mid-May to late September.

“The layout of the property creates a village-style experience, where guests can enjoy both privacy and shared spaces, like the fire pit and sauna” says Tara Rosen, Owner and Founder of Bridgeviews. “The Nordic-inspired elements, combined with the natural landscape, create a unique blend of comfort, simplicity and connection to nature.”

Provided supplies and amenities

Geodomes at Bridgeviews sleep up to five guests, while yurts sleep two to four. All include bedding, furniture, solar lighting and your own space in the communal fridge. Outside, relax around a fire pit or picnic table. Washrooms and showers are shared facilities.

“What I love most about glamping is how accessible it makes nature,” Rosen says. “Guests who might not normally camp can still have that outdoor experience in a way that feels comfortable and enjoyable. It also creates space for people to slow down.”

What to pack: Bring all necessary cookware (pots, frying pans, skillets), utensils, dishware, a multitool, cleaning supplies like paper towels and charger for your devices.

Food and beverage

Bring food that can be easily prepared over a campfire (don’t forget cookware and dishes) and drinking water. Restaurants are available in Drumheller, just 8 km (5 mi) from Bridgeviews.

Nearby activities and attractions

Discover Alberta’s prehistoric past and stories in the Drumheller region. Rosen’s top recommendations include: 

• Exploring Hoodoo Trail for gorgeous hiking and photo opportunities.
• Touring Atlas Coal Mine.
• Driving the scenic 6 km (4 mi) route to Wayne and the historic Rosedeer Hotel.

What to pack for a glamping getaway

Clothing and gear to pack for glamping

When you’re glamping, you’re spending a lot of time outside. Whatever season your glamping trip falls in, be sure to pack layers. Instead of relying on one heavy coat, combine base layers, mid-layers and outer shells and adjust throughout the day.

Below are general glamping packing lists for summer and winter getaways in Alberta. No matter the season, pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a flashlight or headlamp, toiletries, a deck of cards, games and a good book.

Summer Glamping Packing List

• Waterproof jacket
• Hoodie or sweatshirt
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Breathable tops
• Hiking pants or leggings
• Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
• Shorts for daytime and pants for cooler evenings
• Slip-on shoes or sandals
• Hat
• Swimwear
• Bug spray
• Bear spray

Winter Glamping Packing List

• Waterproof, windproof parka
• Fleece or wool mid-layers
• Merino wool base layers
• Snow pants
• Thick wool socks
• Waterproof insulated boots
• Warm hat
• Waterproof mittens
• Loungewear and slippers
• Hand and foot warmers
• Firestarter
• Portable power bank (check if chargers are provided)

Bedding and other essentials to pack for glamping

Lighter packing is a perk of glamping, but review what’s included at your destination. Many glamping sites have luxe bedding, linens and furnishings, but arrive prepared—especially in secluded areas or during winter trips.

Check ahead for heating, firewood, stove availability, drinking water, showers and gear rentals. If cookware isn’t provided, pack reusable or compostable dishware to reduce waste and cut down on your dishwashing.