Camping: roughing it, living off the grid…there are a few descriptions that come to mind when you think of the word camping. The outdoor pursuit you must add to your outdoor adventure bucket list is glamping. Even if you have kids in tow it’s still truly enjoyable – and maybe even more so since there’s less setup involved, giving you more time to explore.
Picture this: a sturdy, soft-sided shelter with hardwood floors, queen or double sized beds, a full washroom (glass bowl vanity too and an enclosed outdoor shower). Two years ago I took my two daughters and niece to Bronte Creek to participate in the Ontario Parks Learn to Camp program and we were bitten by the camping bug. It was loads of fun but definitely not cushy like our next experience.
Long Point Eco Adventures is an easy 1.5hr drive from Burlington. The weather was overcast but promised to be nice in the evening an into Wednesday. Once we arrived at Long Point Eco Adventures, we were able to check in quickly and piled our belongings and ourselves into the golf cart ride to Wilderness Suite #12.
After we marveled at how cool and comfortable the suite was, the kids insisted on trying out the outdoor shower and after the squeals of delights stopped, they were ready to hop onto the comfy bed and watch a movie on the iPad. Each suite has wifi and once I got the old laptop I brought connected to the network, internet access was fast and spotless.
After the movie we walked across the road to Burning Kiln for a wine tasting (just me) and dinner (all of us) on the outdoor patio.
The winery is perched atop the escarpment overlooking the UNESCO-designated Long Point Bay World Biosphere Reserve. The property itself was once home to a tobacco farm and wines are aptly named with the farm’s history in mind, such as the Planter Pino Gris, Cureman’s Chard, Sweet Leaf Reisling and Strip Room.
Horse & Boat Reisling – my immediate favourite – is a VQA wine with “floral and lime aromas with a hint of petrol, a slightly off-dry Riesling with a clean, crisp citrus palate with a hint of fresh, green herbs.” 
I enjoyed mine with the Perch Taco (locally caught) and salad. Another memorable wine from the tasting was the Cab Frank, which I bought for my dad as a birthday gift.
The evening was warm and quiet as we walked back to our suite and relaxed until it was time to go to the Observatory for a tour of the galaxy. Although the weather didn’t permit seeing much through the telescope other than the moon but the interpretive slideshow was fun. We still got to climb to the top of the observatory to see its inner workings.
We tucked ourselves in for the night surrounded by lullabies of crickets and awoke to nature’s alarm of bird chirps. After a full breakfast at the Kambuka (there’s coffee, eggs, bacon, toast, cereal, fruit, juice), we drove to Turkey Point Marina for the Zodiac Boat Tour. My niece, who wasn’t a fan of boat rides (which I only found out after we were out on the water!) eventually came around and enjoyed the speedy excursion across the bay. The tip of Long Point was a peaceful place to walk around and explore until we rode back. Right at the tip is where the two tides meet – an interesting observation and lesson in physics! We can’t wait to go back.
So, what are you doing this weekend?
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Article & photos by Becky Dumais
