Escape to nature with this Back Forty Glamping review featuring luxury geodesic domes, private hot tubs, and thoughtful design on a secluded 26-acre estate in Meaford.
There’s something really special about arriving somewhere that instantly slows you down. That’s exactly how I felt pulling up to Back Forty Glamping in Meaford, Ontario. I stayed in one of their meadow domes, set on an open stretch of land with views of the hills, tall grass swaying in the breeze, and the softest golden light at sunset. It was peaceful in the best kind of way.
Back Forty isn’t just one dome tucked away in the woods. It’s a thoughtfully designed glamping retreat with six domes, each spaced out for privacy and comfort. Some are tucked into the forest, others sit in open meadows like the one I stayed in but all offer a cozy, high-end escape that’s perfect for unplugging.
Between the private hot tub, the stargazing skylight, and the chic Scandinavian-inspired interiors, it’s safe to say this wasn’t your average cabin getaway. If you’re craving quiet mornings, nature views, and the kind of stay where you genuinely feel taken care of, this is one to add to your Ontario getaway list.
Don’t forget to check out all of my Ontario blog posts to make the most of your adventures!
Why you should stay at Back Forty Glamping
What Is a Geodesic Dome?
If you’ve never stayed in a geodesic dome before, you’re in for a treat. These unique structures are built using a network of triangles that create a self-supporting, curved framework, kind of like a giant bubble made of geometry. The result is a space that feels both open and cozy at the same time, with a layout that’s surprisingly spacious given the footprint.
Geodesic domes are known for their strength and energy efficiency. The design naturally distributes stress evenly, which means they can withstand tough weather (a plus in Ontario!) while also being incredibly efficient to heat and cool. That’s part of what makes them perfect for year-round glamping.
At Back Forty, each dome uses this design to create a calming, nature-connected space. With tall ceilings, massive panoramic windows, and skylights for stargazing from bed, the dome doesn’t just feel like a cabin, it feels like a modern sanctuary nestled right into the landscape.
Inside the Dome
Stepping into the dome at Back Forty Glamping felt like stepping into a cozy, design-forward retreat that somehow blends luxury with the outdoors. I stayed in one of the Meadow Domes, set on a solid concrete base with in-floor heating (a game changer for chilly mornings). The space is open yet warm, with a king-size bed, plush linens, a small kitchenette, and a full ensuite bathroom. Everything is thoughtfully laid out, from the ambient lighting to the soft textures that make it feel like home, but better.
The large window at the front of the dome frames the surrounding landscape beautifully. I watched the morning fog lift from the field and the stars appear one by one in the stillness of the night. Even though I didn’t stay in one of the forest domes with a skylight, the view from the bed and the hot tub still felt incredibly special.
What sets Back Forty apart are the little touches you can add on. You can choose from several curated packages that level up the experience: gourmet pre-prepped meals (and I mean so many delicious options), stargazing kits with cozy chairs and telescopes, or even a full movie night setup with a projector and blankets. There are romance and birthday packages too, perfect for surprise getaways or just treating yourself.
These extras make the experience feel custom and memorable, whether you’re celebrating something or simply recharging. It’s glamping, yes, but it’s also a chance to slow down and savour something just a little magical.
THE DETAILS
Price | Starting at 495$ a night
Reservation | Book your stay here.
Outside the Dome
One of the things that made my stay at Back Forty Glamping unforgettable was how connected I felt to the outdoors, even while enjoying all the comforts of a luxury retreat. Each dome comes with a private hot tub, perfectly placed just outside your door. There’s nothing quite like soaking under the stars with a glass of wine in hand, wrapped in steam while the cool evening air swirls around you.
Beyond your own space, there’s a shared sauna nestled in the forest, and it feels like something straight out of a Nordic wellness retreat. Surrounded by trees, the sauna is peaceful and beautifully designed. After a good sweat session, you can cool off under the outdoor shower, which adds a refreshing, invigorating touch (and yes, it’s just as dreamy as it sounds).
The outdoor setup strikes a perfect balance between solitude and small shared moments, creating space to unwind at your own pace. Whether you’re stargazing from the hot tub, relaxing on the patio with a morning coffee, or indulging in a slow afternoon sauna session, every detail outside the dome invites you to pause and truly enjoy your time in nature.
Things to Do Nearby
One of the best things about staying at Back Forty Glamping is how easily you can blend total relaxation with a few mini adventures. Nestled in Meaford, this cozy dome retreat is right on the doorstep of some of Southern Georgian Bay’s most scenic spots.
If you’re a fan of waterfalls (who isn’t?), head toward Owen Sound, just 30–40 minutes away, where you can explore the Waterfall Tour Route. Inglis Falls, Weavers Creek Falls, and Jones Falls are all photogenic and easily accessible, perfect for a little nature fix before heading back to your dome. Pro tip: these are especially beautiful in spring and fall when the water is flowing strong.
If you’re craving a beach day, Sauble Beach is a classic. With its long stretch of soft sand and west-facing views, it’s one of the best spots in Ontario to catch a Lake Huron sunset. For something a bit quieter, Southampton offers a charming beach-town vibe with peaceful shorelines and a lovely boardwalk—great for a low-key afternoon with an ice cream cone in hand.
Want to stretch your legs a bit more? You’re also within easy driving distance of the Bruce Peninsula, where the Niagara Escarpment offers jaw-dropping cliffs, turquoise waters, and hiking trails you’ll be thinking about long after your trip ends. Even a short drive along the scenic roads nearby is enough to spark inspiration.
Whether you want to pack a picnic for a waterfall hike or soak up the sun by the lake, this region has just enough adventure to balance the slow luxury of your glamping experience.
Read more // Don’t forget to read my blog post on 5 Waterfalls to See in Grey County .
Final Thoughts : Staying at Back Forty Glamping
If you’re craving a getaway that feels just far enough from your everyday routine – without sacrificing comfort or style – Back Forty Glamping might just be your dream weekend escape. From the cozy, design-forward domes to the private hot tub and serene forest sauna, every detail is curated to help you slow down, reconnect, and soak up nature in a way that feels both peaceful and indulgent.
Whether you spend your time sipping coffee on the deck, stargazing from bed, or exploring the nearby waterfalls and beaches, this spot strikes the perfect balance between adventure and rest. It’s ideal for couples, solo travelers, or anyone in need of a quiet reset—with a little luxury on the side.
If you’re planning your next Ontario escape, this glamping stay deserves a spot on your list. Trust me, it’s the kind of place that lingers in your mind long after you’ve left.
* P.S. I was invited by Back Forty Glamping for this stay but all opinions (and obsessions) are 100% mine!
READ ABOUT MORE OF MY FAVORITE ONTARIO STAYS HERE!
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I almost made a very different version of this reel.
Last time I posted about Smiths Falls, the comments surprised me and a lot of them seemed to come from people who actually live there. There’s nothing to do here. It’s boring. My first instinct was to make a whole clap-back video, screenshots and all.
But honestly? I get it. Nobody is a tourist in their own town. The canal is just the thing you cross on your way to work. The museum is where you went once on a school trip in grade four. When you see a place every single day, it goes invisible.
I grew up near the Bay of Fundy – home of the highest tides on the planet – and as a kid I thought it was the most boring place on earth. It took moving away to realize people cross oceans to see what was in my backyard.
So this reel is me being a tourist in your town for you. The 1912 bridge you’d paddle under if you hadn’t stopped noticing it. The museum where you can climb into the trains, and even sleep in one. The thrift trail. The mural. All of it.
To everyone who’s never been: this is your sign for an easy day trip from Ottawa or Kingston.
And to Smiths Falls locals: I dare you to do one thing from this list this weekend. Report back. 😌
What’s the thing in YOUR town that you’ve stopped noticing? I want to hear it.
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires.
#SmithsFalls #RideauCanal #OntarioDayTrip #ExploreOntario #smalltownontario
I have a confession: half my road trips are reverse-engineered.
I don’t pick a destination and find a coffee shop nearby. I pick the coffee shop, then build a whole day around justifying the drive. A hike here, a beach there, some antiquing, all very respectable cover stories for the fact that I drove two hours for an iced latte.
Because here’s what I’ve figured out after years of crisscrossing Ontario: the best coffee shops are never just coffee shops. They’re the unofficial welcome centre of every small town. The barista knows which trail is muddy this week. The regulars will tell you where to park for free. The bulletin board has better local intel than any travel blog, mine included.
So this list isn’t really about coffee. It’s about the 12 places I use as an excuse to keep exploring this province. Swipe through, every single one comes with what to pair it with so you can build your own cover story.
From Thunder Bay to the County, consider this your permission slip to drive unreasonably far for caffeine.
Which one’s closest to you? And more importantly, what’s YOUR coffee shop worth driving for? I’m always taking notes. ☕
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#OntarioCoffeeShops #OntarioRoadTrip #DiscoverOntario #OntarioTravel #SmallTownOntario
For over a hundred years, the men who lived in this house woke up, looked at the lake, and went to work captaining the Wolfe Island ferry. Three generations of them. Same water, same crossing, every day.
I thought about that a lot during my stay at @themullinhouse_ (mainly from the bathtub, because the tub faces the lake and once you’re in it there’s no reason to be anywhere else.)
The Mullin House just opened as a stay, and those who brought it back to life did it in the best way that possible. Keeping the soul of the place.Places with an actual story make my job as a photographer easy. I just have to pay attention.
And if you want to stay here too: It’s a free 20-minute ferry from Kingston, 5 bedrooms, sleeps 10. So this is your sign to plan the group trip you keep talking about.
Save this for when you book it, and be honest, would you make it out of that bathtub by checkout?
Thank you to @themullinhouse_ for having me!
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#wolfeisland #kingstonontario #thousandislands #exploreontario #ontariotravel
I grew up an hour from the Bay of Fundy. And every few years, my school would pile us onto a bus and take us to Hopewell Rocks or Fundy National Park. And every single time, as a kid, I thought : ‘okay, cool. Rocks. Trees. Can we go home now?’
I had absolutely no idea what I was standing next to.
It took me leaving New Brunswick, travelling across the country before I came back to the Bay of Fundy as an adult and genuinely had my breath taken away. I grew up next to one of the most extraordinary places on the planet and completely took it for granted. And I think a lot of Maritimers probably feel the same way.
This carousel is my attempt to fix that, for myself, and for anyone who’s never made the trip. Scroll through and I’ll show you exactly how I’d plan a road trip along the New Brunswick side, from the tidal flats to the coastal cliffs to the little fishing towns that feel completely frozen in time.
And if you have extra days to spare, Saint John is absolutely worth a stop, underrated city, great food scene, and it sits right on the bay.
I’m also heading back this summer to try a stay I’ve had my eye on for a while, I genuinely cannot wait to tell you all about it. 👀
Save this for your New Brunswick road trip. 🙌
👇 Have you ever been to the Bay of Fundy? Were you as underwhelmed as I was at 10 years old? 😄
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires.
#BayOfFundy #NewBrunswick #ExploreCanada #CanadaTravel #FundyNationalPark
I’ll be honest, when I pulled up to @whispering_springs I didn’t know what to expect. I’d seen the photos, I’d read the website, but nothing really prepares you for the moment you walk into your safari tent and realize this might actually be nicer than your apartment.
We’re talking a king bed, more space than I expected, and an actual bathtub, in a tent. I took a bath. In the woods. And I would do it again without hesitation.
Oh and the s’mores bar? Someone thought really hard about what would make people unreasonably happy at the end of a summer night and they nailed it.
Save this for your summer planning because at 90 minutes from Toronto there is really no reason to wait.
Now tell me have you ever gone glamping? If not, what are you waiting for!
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#OntarioGetaway #GlampingOntario #OntarioTravel #WeekendGetawayOntario
ExploreOntario
