Wondering what it’s like to stay in a dome at Birchwood Luxury Camping? Here’s our full review of this dreamy Ontario glamping spot.
I’ve always been a sucker for a unique stay : give me a treehouse, a cabin in the woods, or in this case, a cozy dome in the middle of nature, and I’m all in. So when I came across Birchwood Luxury Camping and saw those dreamy geodesic domes tucked away under the trees, I knew this was exactly the kind of quiet, off-the-grid escape I needed.
A mix of luxury, comfort, and wilderness, this place feels like a little slice of peaceful magic. No long flights, no complicated planning—just a short drive, a weekend bag, and the promise of mornings with coffee by the fire and evenings under the stars.
In this post, I’m sharing exactly what it’s like to stay in a dome at Birchwood Luxury Camping, from what’s inside, to what we loved, to tips for planning your own glamping getaway in Ontario.
Read More // Looking for more unique stays in Ontario? Check out my recommendations here!
About Birchwood Luxury Camping
Tucked away in the forest on Scugog Island—just over an hour from Toronto—Birchwood Luxury Camping is where upscale comfort meets peaceful wilderness. This hidden gem is all about creating a luxury glamping experience that still feels deeply connected to nature. With only two domes on the property (The North Dome and The South Dome – I stay in the North Dome), it offers a sense of privacy and seclusion that’s hard to find, especially so close to the city.
Each dome is thoughtfully designed to feel cozy and elevated at the same time. Think: a king-size bed under a stargazing skylight, a private hot tub on your deck, a fully equipped kitchenette, and modern touches like Wi-Fi, A/C, and even a retro Super Nintendo for those lazy evenings in. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and just be—without giving up the comforts of a boutique stay.
Birchwood is also adult-only, making it a perfect escape for couples or friends looking to recharge somewhere calm, quiet, and a little bit magical.
Inside the Dome
Walking into the dome at Birchwood Luxury Camping feels like stepping into a Pinterest board—but better, because you’re actually in it. I stayed in the North Dome, and it was every bit as dreamy as the photos promised. The space is open, airy, and beautifully designed, with natural textures, soft lighting, and massive windows that let the forest in from every angle.
The centerpiece? A plush king-size bed perfectly positioned under a moonroof skylight, so you can literally stargaze from under the covers. It was one of our favorite parts of the stay—cozying up under a blanket while the night sky sparkled above us. There’s also a chic little dining area, a seating nook for reading or sipping wine, and even a flat-screen TV (if you somehow get bored of staring at the trees).
The dome also comes with A/C and heating, so it’s comfortable year-round. And the kitchenette is super well-stocked—with a mini fridge, microwave, coffee maker, kettle, spices, and even wine glasses. It’s perfect for prepping breakfast or snacks without needing to leave your little sanctuary in the woods. And yes, there’s Wi-Fi—so you can post all your “I’m living in a dome” moments in real time.
All in all, the inside of the dome strikes that perfect balance between luxury and nature. It feels elevated and intentional without being overdone—like a retreat designed for actual relaxation.
The Outdoor Space
As much as we loved the inside of the dome, it was the outdoor space that made this glamping stay feel like a full-on retreat. Each dome has its own private deck surrounded by trees, giving you that feeling of being tucked away in the woods, with just enough luxury to make it feel indulgent.
The star of the show? The hot tub. It’s perfectly placed right outside your dome, ready and waiting for morning soaks with coffee or a glass of wine under the stars. There’s something ridiculously peaceful about relaxing in a steamy spa while cool forest air surrounds you—like a little slice of spa-day-meets-cabin-in-the-woods magic.
And then there’s the pink-door outhouse, which honestly deserves its own moment. It’s one of those Birchwood touches that makes the place feel thoughtfully designed and full of personality. This isn’t your standard rustic outhouse—it’s clean, cute, and honestly kind of Instagrammable (yes, I said it). Plus, it’s fully private, just a few steps from your dome, and stocked with everything you need.
Add in comfy outdoor seating, a BBQ with propane, and a firepit (with a complimentary bundle of wood!), and you’ve got everything you need for slow mornings, quiet evenings, and cozy fireside hangs. It’s glamping done right—with a splash of style and a whole lot of comfort.
Tips for Your Stay
If you’re planning a dome getaway at Birchwood Luxury Camping, here are a few tips to help you make the most of it—because trust me, once you’re there, you’ll want to settle in and soak up every peaceful second.
Pack for Cozy Comfort
Think soft layers, slippers, and maybe your favourite book or card game. The dome is made for slow mornings and quiet evenings, so lean into the cozy vibes. And don’t forget your bathing suit—the hot tub is 100% the main character.
Bring Food & Drinks
Each dome has a kitchenette with all the basics (coffee maker, kettle, microwave, mini fridge, dishes, spices), so you can easily prep simple meals or snacks. We brought brunch supplies and ingredients for an easy BBQ dinner—and it was perfect. If you’re feeling extra, pack a charcuterie board for a little fireside feast.
Don’t Skip the Extras
Birchwood offers add-ons like private yoga, in-dome massages, or chef-prepared meals. We didn’t try them this time, but if you’re celebrating something (or just want to treat yourself), those little extras would make the experience even more magical.
Explore Nearby
If you can pull yourself away from the dome (it’s hard, I know), Port Perry is super close and worth a visit. Grab a coffee, stop by the local brewery, or pick up a few treats for a night in.
Disconnect to Reconnect
There is Wi-Fi, but it’s a great place to unplug for a while. Leave the laptop at home, put your phone on silent, and just enjoy being surrounded by nature—with a dash of luxury, of course.
Final Thoughts : Staying at Birchwood Luxury Camping
Birchwood Luxury Camping is one of those rare places that instantly makes you breathe a little deeper and slow down without even trying. From the moment we stepped into the dome, surrounded by quiet forest and thoughtful details, it felt like we had been given permission to fully unplug and just be.
This wasn’t just a pretty place to sleep—it was an experience. The kind that makes you want to linger a little longer in the hot tub, savor your morning coffee in silence, and look up at the stars before bed. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a special celebration, or just need a reset from the noise of everyday life, Birchwood delivers something really special.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. And next time, I might just stay an extra night.
THE DETAILS
Price | Starting at 340$ a night for 2 people.
Reservation | Book your stay at Birchwood Luxury Camping here.
* P.S. I was invited by Birchwood Luxury Camping 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. ☕
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires.
#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!
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires.
#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!
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires.
#OntarioGetaway #GlampingOntario #OntarioTravel #WeekendGetawayOntario
ExploreOntario
