Explore The Glamping Island - it’s simply magical.
The Glamping Island is fun to explore for all ages, and for those with interests of all sorts: water-sport lovers, forest bathers, philosophers, and history buffs alike.
Before we explore… where is The Glamping Island?
The Glamping Island is located on Lake Temiskaming in Northern Ontario, approximately 2.5 km south of the Haileybury marina and 250m away from the main land on the west side of the island. On the east side of the island, the Quebec border is located approx. 1.5 km way and Mann Island (known locally as Burnt Island) is located approximately 3 km away. The island is 2.2 ha (5 acres) in size, and approximately 210 m long by 65 m at its widest point. Depending on the water level of the lake, rocks on the outskirt of the island might be exposed or under water. The island is the perfect size: large enough for everyone to find their own quiet spot, but small enough to feel safe and manageable.
What will we find when we get there? So many features! Read on…
The Main Pavilion
Our main pavilion consists of a 20ft x 30ft twin-peak tent set on a wood platform. We have tables and chairs for 30 people, a few recliners and couches. This is the where people gather for their meals, for activities, or just to relax while having a drink. For the colder days, the sides can be closed up and we also have a propane patio heater. The pavilion is located just adjacent to the kitchen. We have a solar light system for the pavilion.
A large cleared area is located beside the pavilion. This area is often used for outdoor games. Our main fire pit is also located in this area.
The Kitchen
The covered open concept kitchen is open on the one side facing the main pavilion making it easy to interact with others.
You will find two stainless steel counters for food preparation and plating and a large triple sink with cold and hot water (from the lake) for washing. We have real dishes, glasses, utensils for 25-30 people. We have dish soap and dish clothes.
For cooking you have a propane BBQ, a propane 3-burners unit and a Heartland ‘old-fashioned’ wood stove. You can also decide to use the fire-pit if you need to cook something over the open fire. We have pots and pans of all sizes. We have knives. Propane is provided and we have a few spare tanks on site.
Read more about The Glamping Island kitchen and amenities here: Kitchen.
The Trail System
We have a trail system that goes around the island, with a central trail that crosses the island from south to north. All of our trails have a wood chip base and are great for exploring. You’ll discover the enchanted forest, the three sisters, the driftwood hideaway, and more! We have tree identification activities if you’d like to combine your walk with learning adventures. There are also lots of birds on the Island, sure to add a beautiful soundscape to your wanderings.
The Sleeping Sights
We have 6 permanent sleeping sites: 2 prospector tents, 3 A-cabins, and 1 tiny home. The sleeping areas are ‘private’ and not shared with other people on the island. Everything is interconnected with a system of trails so it is easy to find your way to the common areas. We also have a few temporary sites for larger groups.
All 6 sites are located only a few steps from the edge of the lake, so you have your own little private spot on the water. With all 6 sites you have a front deck with chairs and a small table to enjoy your morning coffee, do some reading or enjoy the stars in the evening. We have a fire pit and firewood for each site, and a hammock. For the evenings, we have candles and also a solar light system with a plug-in for your smartphones.
Read more about where you’ll sleep here: Where You’ll Sleep
Docks
We have two docks. Our main dock is locate on the west side and is mainly used to dock our pontoon. It could also dock an additional fishing boat. Some fishing could be done from the end of the dock. This section of the lake is fairly shallow (approx 10ft) so the water would be warmer. Our 2nd dock is located on the south/east corner of the island. This dock is used for swimming/diving and fishing. Fishing is very good on this side of the island.
The Beaches
We have a small beach on the west side, just south of the main dock. We feel grateful to have this beach as there are very few beaches on Lake Temiskaming. Lake Temiskaming has a rocky bottom. This beach is great for children as water is very shallow (waist height) for at least 150ft. The water is usually quite warm. We have some toys for sand castle building. We suggest that you bring water shoes and lifejackets for the children.
Yoga, Exercise, and Reading Platforms
We have three wooden platforms along the water, which can be enjoyed for yoga, exercise, reading, and relaxing. The largest one is located on the south side of the island and is 10ft x 30ft. We have another one on the north/east corner which is 12ft x 12ft. A smaller 8ft x 8ft platform is on the east side.
The Sauna
A wood fired sauna is located close to the swimming dock and our largest yoga platform. The 4-6 people white cedar sauna has been handcrafted by a local company, South Wabi Sawmill.
It is usually ready to use 15-20 minutes after the stove has been fired up. The sauna is greatly appreciated on the slightly colder evenings or mornings.
The Natural Playground and Treehouse
In the center of the island we have a very unique natural playground.
When families first arrive on the island, the playground is certainly a wow factor for all ages! In the playground you’ll find:
a tree house
2 seesaws
2 swings
a low climbing wall
a balance beam walkway,
and a slack line – teenagers always enjoy challenging their parents!
The Tensile Hammock
We have a 3-person Tentsile hammock located in the vicinity of the Cedar grove tent.
This hammock with a view on the lake is great for a rest, do a bit of reading or just to chill out with a few friends.
The Interpretation Centre
New for 2023 is our Interpretation Centre, or Play Cabin, housed in an A-Cabin designed just for The Glamping Island.
At the Interpretation Centre you’ll find lots of activities for learning and exploring around the Island: Play and Learn.
If the weather is being uncooperative, our Play Cabin is a beautiful bright space with room for everyone to have some fun while staying dry!
The Wood Shed, Tool Shed, and Pumphouse
We have a tool storage shed where you’ll likely find anything you might require for any unexpected small repairs during your stay. We also store our firewood in this area.
A solar activated pump house is located on the east side of the Island. The pump house provides water from the lake to the kitchen, shower and the bathroom sinks using 12v water diaphragm pressure pump.