Holidays Under the Stars: Winter Glamping in Ontario

Who is this for?

Adults looking for a unique winter holiday experience.


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An aerial view of a small cabin at night, illuminated, surrounded by snowy trees.

Imagine a small city decorated with twinkling holiday lights, echoing the star-studded sky. You take a romantic stroll along the marina to see where the trees were turned into glittering ice sculptures, before returning to a cozy bed to watch the snow fall through the night. 


This isn’t a scene from a Christmas movie; It’s a cozy winter evening in Meaford, Ontario. If you are dreaming of the perfect romantic holiday under the stars, here’s why you’ll love winter glamping in Grey County.

A person walks in a snowy park under snow-covered trees.

Winter Wonderland


Ontario is famous for its snow, making it a popular glamping destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Whether you love speeding through the powder, trekking through frosty forests, or gliding on the ice, there’s an adventure for every pace. Here are some of our favorite ways to play on winter days.

Skiing


Skiing is almost synonymous with winter sports, and Grey County offers plenty of opportunities to break out the poles.


Blue Mountain is the area's flagship ski destination, offering a range of downhill runs for beginners to experts. But if you aren’t a fan of downhill skiing, Meaford is surrounded by kilometers of trails perfect for cross-country skiing. 

Snow-covered ski slopes lit by spotlights at dusk. A multi-story lodge with lit windows in foreground.
Person hiking in a snow-covered forest, wearing a red jacket and backpack.

Snowshoeing 


If you are looking for a peaceful way to spend an afternoon, Snowshoeing is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the tranquility of Ontario’s winter landscapes. 


You can choose to create your own adventure or take a guided tour! The Winter Waterfall Tour is one of the most popular in Grey County, but there are so many more beautiful sights to see around Meaford!


Skating 


Whether you love the thrill of hockey, the artistry of figure skating, or the dexterity of curling, ice sports are an integral part of Canadian culture. There are plenty of places you can strap on some skates in Grey County, Ontario. Here are some of our favorite locations close to Meaford. 


  • Woodview Mountaintop Skating: Glide through the pines high above South Georgian Bay at this breathtaking loop in Blue Mountain. 


  • Harrison Park Good Cheer Rink: Enjoy a classic skating scene at this traditional outdoor rink in Owen Sound. The beautiful setting and festive vibe are perfect for getting into the holiday mood.


  • Meaford & St. Vincent Community Centre and Arena: If you’re worried about the weather, enjoy the ice indoors at Meaford’s indoor arena. It’s also a great place to watch a game if you want to take a break from the ice.


Couple ice skating, holding hands. Snowy scene, winter clothing. Others skate in background.
Red sleigh pulled by a horse in snowy landscape, passengers enjoying the ride.

Sleigh rides



Nothing says winter magic more than dashing through the snow on an open sleigh. Bundle up under a blanket, and pack a thermos of your favorite warm beverage to enjoy on a nostalgic trot through snow-covered fields and forests.


Local options include:


  • Dual Acres Sleigh Rides
  • Glendale Farms
  • Valley Ridge Family Farm


You can browse sleighride options on Visit Grey for up-to-date schedules and availability.


Shops along a street; snowy weather. Display windows with merchandise, orange and brown awnings.

Merry Meaford


There is something especially cozy about winter in small cities. The sidewalks lit with colorful lights, the local shops with their winter displays, and snow dancing to the sound of cheerful music feel like a Christmas card come to life.


There are many ways you can enjoy the merry atmosphere of Meaford and Grey County in winter. From Christmas concerts to cideries, these are some festive experiences you can look forward to on your holiday getaway.

Holiday Shopping 


Finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list is one of the best parts of the holiday season. It’s an annual treasure hunt, with beautiful crafts, artisan goods, and collectibles as the hidden gems. 


Meaford and neighboring towns, like Blue Mountain Village, are home to many boutique shops filled with unique gifts. Want to make it extra special? Check for seasonal markets or light festivals happening in the region. You can soak in the festive atmosphere with delicious treats while mingling with locals.

Couple smiles at each other at an outdoor market in the snow, wearing winter hats and scarves.
Hands toasting with six cider shots.

Cideries


The crisp taste of apple, the delicious scent of cinnamon, and the comforting warmth of a mug in your hand– there’s nothing like a hot cup of cider on a cold day. And Ontario is home to some of the best cideries in the world. Some of our favorites are:



  • Grey & Gold Cider
  • Spy Cider House and Distillery
  • Windswept Cider


Not into cider? No problem! Meaford is surrounded by breweries and wineries, too!

Holiday Shows


Winter is also performance season in Grey County. Meaford Hall Arts & Culture Centre has a lineup of amazing shows and performances every year. From music to magic shows, plays, and ballets, you can catch incredible live performances that will fill you with holiday cheer. Check out Meaford’s seasonal lineup and order tickets before they’re sold out!

Cellists playing instruments in an orchestra, illuminated, with music stands and focused on performance.
Snowy winter scene with a conifer tree and domed buildings in a field.

Let it Snow:


Winter weather can be unpredictable, but that’s no reason to let it ruin your fun. Glamping is just as much about comfort as it is about adventure. After a long day of playing in the snow, come back to relax in a cozy glamping dome. Here are some of our favorite ways to spend a snowy evening indoors.

Keeping Warm


Playing in the snow is fun, but one of the best parts is warming up and winding down afterwards. Winter glamping is all about balancing outdoor adventure and cozy comfort. Here are some of our favorite ways to relax on your winter glamping getaway.


  • Hot Tubs: Imagine soaking in a private hot tub as the snow falls around you. The contrasting hot and cold is a unique experience you can only get in winter.
  • Saunas: There’s no better way to soothe sore skiing muscles than a relaxing steam. Feel your stress and your aches melt away in a cozy sauna for two.
  • Fireplace: Sitting around the fire is a timeless winter tradition for a reason. The sound of flickering flames and winter winds is far better than any online ASMR.
Person relaxing in a hot tub outdoors, snow on ground, with a transparent dome structure.
Inside a geodesic dome, feet rest on a bed looking out at a snowy landscape through triangular windows.

Quiet Time together


Winter isn’t just about holiday celebrations and winter sports– it’s also about rest. Slow down and reconnect with life’s simple pleasures. Watch classic movies, play nostalgic board games, make homemade treats, and cuddle under thick blankets as snowflakes fall outside your dome. It’s a great way to reconnect with the people you love and with yourself.

Silent Nights 


One of the best parts of winter glamping? The peaceful quiet that settles over the landscape. Step outside to hear fresh snow muffling the world around you or look up to see a brilliant winter sky filled with stars. These are the moments that make winter in Ontario feel like magic.

Glowing cabin surrounded by snow-covered trees at dusk. Lights visible through the windows.

Have you ever wanted to live in a snowglobe? You can experience it for yourself at Back Forty Glamping. 

Our luxurious glamping domes are surrounded by snowy fields and frosty forests, underneath starry skies. With cozy amenities like hot tubs, underfloor heating, fireplaces, and an on-site sauna, you’ll stay toasty and warm, even in the coldest winter storm. 

Experience a holiday season to remember when you book your winter stay today!

Holiday at Back Forty Glamping

About the Author

Alyssa

Meet Alyssa, co-founder of Back Forty. Alyssa enjoys the day to day behind the scenes work of Back Forty glamping. With strong attention to detail and organization, her roles include website design and maintenance as well as booking platform management and reservations. Married to co-founder, Ben, and with their 3 young kiddos in tow, each new day holds limitless fun to discover!