Birchwood Luxury Camping Review : A Winter Glamping Stay in Port Perry
I’ve stayed in a lot of unique accommodations across Ontario, but this winter glamping stay at Birchwood Luxury Camping in Port Perry genuinely surprised me.
I didn’t come here looking for activities or a packed itinerary. I wanted a short escape that felt different from a typical hotel stay – somewhere quiet, comfortable, and intentionally designed to slow things down. Birchwood Luxury Camping delivered exactly that. No schedules, no pressure to “do” anything, just a beautifully designed dome tucked into the forest about an hour from Toronto.
I visited in winter, which I honestly think is the most revealing time to experience a place like this. When it’s cold outside and daylight fades early, you quickly learn whether a space is truly comfortable or just visually appealing. Winter strips away novelty and leaves you with the essentials: warmth, atmosphere, and whether you actually want to stay inside for hours at a time.
This stay ended up being less about glamping as a concept and more about how the space made me feel once I settled in. It’s not flashy or overdone, but it feels thoughtful, calm, and quietly special – the kind of place that encourages you to pause rather than plan.
Where It Is (and Why That Matters)
Birchwood Luxury Camping is located on Scugog Island, just outside Port Perry. From Toronto, the drive took me roughly an hour, which is part of what made this stay so appealing. It felt far enough to register as a real getaway, but close enough that it didn’t require planning an entire weekend around it.
What stood out most about the location is how balanced it feels. You’re surrounded by trees and quiet, with no immediate neighbours in sight, yet you’re not stranded in the middle of nowhere. If you need supplies, want to grab food, or simply feel like stepping back into town for a bit, Port Perry is only a short drive away.
That combination made the stay feel flexible rather than restrictive. I could fully lean into the stillness of the dome knowing I wasn’t committed to total isolation. It’s the kind of place that works well if you want nature as the backdrop, not the main event – somewhere peaceful to settle into rather than somewhere that demands constant exploration.
For a short winter stay especially, that matters. You get the calm and quiet of being immersed in nature, without the stress of long drives, difficult access, or feeling cut off if plans change. You could easily combine this stay with a short wander through town or a relaxed meal nearby, especially if you’re planning to explore things to do in Port Perry during your visit.
My First Impressions: The Dome in the Woods
Pulling up, the dome itself feels quietly impressive. It’s not flashy or overdone, and it doesn’t announce itself the way some glamping setups do. Instead, it feels intentionally placed – tucked into the trees with enough distance from everything else that it immediately feels private. There are two domes on the property: the North Dome and the South Dome. I stayed in the North Dome, which felt especially quiet and tucked away. That’s the space I’m referring to throughout this review.
I came here with my sister, and we both had the same reaction as soon as we stepped inside: everything just felt calm. The space is warm, grounded, and surprisingly spacious, especially compared to how compact it looks from the outside. The floor-to-ceiling windows are the first thing that catch your eye, drawing you straight toward the forest and making it feel like the trees are part of the room rather than something you’re observing from a distance.
Even in winter, that connection to nature is constant. The light shifts throughout the day, the trees move gently in the wind, and everything outside feels close without ever intruding. It’s the kind of space that makes you instinctively lower your voice and slow your movements.
The dome is clearly designed for two guests, and honestly, that feels exactly right. Whether you’re visiting as a couple, coming for a quiet reset, or sharing the experience with someone close (like I did), it works best as an intimate, one-night retreat rather than a group getaway.
The Space: Comfort Over Novelty
This isn’t rugged glamping. The North Dome, where I stayed, is comfortable, intentional, and well thought out.
It’s a beautiful space, but not in a way that makes you feel like you have to be careful the entire time. You’re encouraged to relax, not tiptoe around worrying about ruining the aesthetic.
When I first arrived, the dome felt a bit cold – which is honestly what I expected given the winter temperatures. But once the fireplace and heating were on, the space warmed up quickly and stayed comfortable for the rest of the evening. After that, it felt cozy rather than chilly, even with the cold outside.
Inside the dome, you’ll find:
- A king bed positioned perfectly for forest views
- A cozy living and dining area
- A small kitchenette (enough for simple meals, coffee, and wine)
- Heating that actually works (essential in winter)
- Reliable WiFi, if you need it
Everything is set up to make you comfortable without trying too hard. It feels lived-in in the best way – functional, calm, and easy to settle into.
At night, the moonroof above the bed is still a standout feature – even in winter darkness. You’re not really watching the forest, but the quiet, enclosed feeling makes the space feel calm and almost cocoon-like. It’s less about the view and more about how peaceful the dome feels once everything outside goes
The Outdoor Setup (and the One Big Trade-Off)
The bathroom and shower setup is the one detail that really defines how this stay feels, especially in winter.
Both are detached from the dome and located outdoors, with a short walk through the forest. In warmer months, this would likely feel charming or even part of the experience. In winter, it’s manageable, but it’s also the main reason I’d recommend this stay for one night rather than multiple.
There is a well-designed, glamorous outhouse-style bathroom that’s clean and thoughtfully done. It never felt uncomfortable to use, even in cold temperatures. The bigger consideration is the shower.
The outdoor shower is a seasonal feature and closes once temperatures drop below freezing. When I visited in winter, there was no shower available.
That didn’t ruin the experience, but it did shape it. Knowing I wouldn’t be showering shifted my expectations. This wasn’t a long, indulgent spa-style getaway. It was a short, intentional reset. One night felt exactly right.
I got to enjoy the space, lean fully into the quiet, and sleep incredibly well. The next morning, I headed home feeling refreshed and very ready for a proper shower.
If you’re someone who values daily showers, this is something to factor in when deciding if this stay is right for you. In winter especially, it’s best approached as a one-night escape rather than a multi-day retreat.
What a Winter Stay Feels Like
For me, winter completely changed how this place felt.
I wasn’t here to explore or keep myself busy, and I didn’t feel like I needed to. I spent most of the time reading, talking, sitting quietly, and just letting the hours pass without checking the time.
Once it got dark, I couldn’t really see much outside anymore, but that almost made it better. The dome felt cut off from everything else in a really comforting way. It was quiet, private, and calm, and I didn’t feel distracted or pulled in any direction.
The cold outside made being inside feel even more enjoyable. I cooked something simple, opened a bottle of wine, and barely looked at my phone all evening. There was nothing I felt like I was missing or needed to do.
That’s what I liked most about staying here in winter. It forced me to slow down, and the space itself was enough.
Who This Stay Is (and Isn’t) For
I think this place works best if:
- You want a short, intentional break from Toronto without going too far
- You’re looking for a quiet getaway that feels special
- You care more about atmosphere and design than having lots of amenities
- You’re okay trading a few comforts for a more memorable experience
It’s probably not the best fit if:
- You need a proper shower every day
- You want activities or entertainment on site
This stay really comes down to expectations. If you go in knowing what it offers (and what it doesn’t), it works very well for the kind of short reset it’s meant to be.
Final Thoughts: Would I Stay Again?
Yes, I would stay here again, but I’d love to experience it in a different season next time.
One night in winter felt just right. There was no rushing, no packed plans, and no pressure to do anything other than rest and enjoy the quiet. I can easily imagine this place feeling very different in spring, summer, or fall, when the forest changes and the outdoor setup becomes part of the experience instead of a limitation.
Birchwood Luxury Glamping isn’t trying to be everything, and that’s exactly why it works. It’s a reminder that some of the best stays aren’t about what you do, but how a place makes you feel when you slow down.
If you’re looking for a luxury glamping experience in Port Perry that feels genuinely peaceful, and you’re okay driving home to shower, this is a beautiful and memorable choice..