Top 10 Glamping Essentials for Your Next Adventure in Canada

When I planned my last camping trip, I made sure to pack everything that would elevate the experience from ordinary to extraordinary. Really the trip was more along the lines of glamping—or glamorous camping. I’m all about enjoying the great Canadian outdoors without sacrificing the comforts of home. From the cliffs of Cape Breton to the quiet forests of Ontario, Canada is the perfect backdrop for unforgettable glamping adventures.

Based on my experiences, here are the top 10 glamping essentials, available from Glamping Essentials, every Canadian front country camper should consider bringing along to ensure that extra bit of lux and cozy.

1. Elevate your Campsite Cuisine

For campers looking to improve their outdoor cooking game, The New Trailside Cookbook by renowned Canadian author Kevin Callan is a must-have. Packed with expert tips, mouthwatering recipes, and practical advice, this cookbook is perfect for spicing up your campfire meals and inspiring your next wilderness adventure. Kevin’s cookbook was included in the 2023 Spring Glamping Essentials subscription box and is currently available in the Campsite Kitchen Box.

2. Ambient Lighting

To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, I packed solar-powered mason jar lanterns. Their compact design and eco-friendly functionality provided just the right amount of glow for evenings spent unwinding with a book or chatting with my camping friends.

3. Cozy Ponchos

Spring and fall glamping, camping and cottage trips can get chilly, so I make sure to bring my cozy poncho from Kindred Coast in my kit. As featured in the 2024 Winter Glamping Box, this beautiful TENCEL Lyocell poncho is perfect for staying cozy, perfect for staying stylish, and perfect for throwing on over a tank top, or layering on a cooler evening.

4. Delicious Canadian Snacks

No glamping trip is complete without indulgent snacks. I stocked up on gourmet treats from all my favourite Canadian small businesses, such as artisan chocolates from Cocoa Bistro, binge-worthy popcorn from Eatable and a whisky-infused cookies by Beth. These high-quality Canadian products provided a twist on the typical camping staples, and added a touch of luxury to the experience. Each has been (or will be <hint> <hint> featured in a Glamping Essentials subscription box, are some are also available in the new Campsite Kitchen Box!

5. Cocktail Kit for Happy Hour

To enjoy happy hour in style, I packed the Canadian Campfire Cocktail Kit from Glamping Essentials. Complete with simple syrup, do-it-yourself cocktail kits, and easy-to-follow recipes, it made crafting a refreshing amaretto stone sour a breeze. This kit transformed ordinary evenings into special moments.

6. Family-Friendly Games

For entertainment, I brought along the Parks Canada playing cards and inflatable lake floatie from Float-Eh, that were included in previous seasonal Glamping Subscription Boxes. These compact and durable options kept us entertained during downtime while being very easy to pack. Between these two you are covered for rain or shine!

7. Natural Sunscreen

Staying protected from the sun was crucial on every camping trip in Canada. I relied on mineral sunscreen from Green Beaver, a Canadian brand that focuses on natural ingredients. Their eco-conscious products worked wonders while leaving me guilt-free about their environmental impact. This Canadian fan-favourite sunscreen was included in the 2024 Summer Glamping subscription box.

8. Luxurious Candles and Scents

To create a cozy ambiance inside the trailer, I packed soy candles from Pine Point Products. Lighting one up after sunset added a calming and aromatic touch to the space the evening that rain kept the campfire away. The 2024 Winter Glamping Box included custom scent made specifically for Canadian campers and cottagers called Fireside Comforts: cozy campfire smoke blended with sweet caramelized maple sugar and hints of aged oak barrel bourbon.

9. Compact Toiletries and Comfort Items

Glamping, camping and cottaging still require some practical items. I focused on all-natural products, that are biodegradable and perfect for the outdoors, ensured I stayed refreshed without impacting the environment. Janasen Lifestyle supplied a shampoo bar made with donkey milk, peppermint and cedarwood, as well as an organic hand and body soap infused with citronella to keep the bugs away. Both products and their packaging are biodegradable ~ safe to use at the campsite, or with septic at the cottage. Both of these were featured in the 2023 Summer Glamping Box.

10. Extra Lux Turkish Towels

A good towel can make all the difference when glamping. I brought along Turkish cotton towels from Pokoloko that were featured in the 2024 Summer Glamping Box. Their quick-drying and lightweight properties were ideal for both showers and lake dips, plus this towel is more than just a towel – it can be a lightweight blanket to protect you from the sun, a wrap for your hair or your body, even a picnic blanket for impromptu outdoor feasts.

Bonus Tips for Glamping Success

Staying organized with a packing list and sourcing high-quality Canadian products made the trip not just enjoyable but truly memorable.

When planning your next glamping adventure, remember that thoughtful preparation is key. By investing in items that combine functionality with a touch of luxury, you can ensure a seamless and comfortable adventure in Canada’s stunning wilderness.

~ Anja