Summertime is a time like no other. The air gets warmer, nights get longer, and the urge to travel gets stronger. A summer escape to SDG Counties is exactly what someone would need for them to reconnect with friends while camping. But what if you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to your creature comforts? Glamping is the perfect solution! Glamping can be a great experience mixing in luxury with the best parts of camping.
If you’re looking for a glamping experience then The Robins Roost at Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary Campground in Ingleside would be the perfect spot to gather your closest friends for a Treehouse adventure!
There is just something nostalgic about treehouses, you were either the cool kid that had their own or if you didn’t have one you probably wanted one!
If you want to pretend like you’re going camping, I can’t stress enough how amazing Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary Campground is. The Campground is operated under St Lawrence Parks Commission, they seriously know how to put the GLAM in GLAMping.
Upon arrival, the weather was not on our side and it was pouring! We spent our evening catching up and playing games such as Kings in the Corner, Exploding Kitties, and other board games. Plus with the gorgeous wrap around porch and bbq, we were able to grill up some goodies and hang outside without getting drenched. We spent the next morning sipping coffee on the beach while we soaked up the golden light of the sun, listening to the beautiful sounds of the birds singing.
The incredible views from either the upstairs loft or around the porch, or from your own private beach allows for memorable sunrises and sunsets. Seriously, the view alone makes it worth the trip!
You don’t have to be an expert ornithologist to enjoy this unique camping spot home to over 150 species of birds, there’s so much to experience! I would recommend booking at least a two-night stay that way you can experience more without rushing.
Later in the morning, we set out for a 2-hour bike ride alongside the Waterfront Trail. It was a beautiful experience cycling through the woods and taking in the beautiful scenery of the St Lawrence River. We headed West from the Sanctuary towards Upper Canada Village. Once we made our way back to the Treehouse, we took the rest of the afternoon to hang out on the beach, take the canoe out (which comes with your Treehouse stay) and cook up some more delicious food (what’s camping if you’re not constantly snacking?)
The next day was our last at the Treehouse and we didn’t want to leave! We left the Treehouse early so that we could spend the whole day exploring at Upper Canada Village. If you plan on camping at The Bird Sanctuary than you need to take a trip to this living history attraction which is also operated by St Lawrence Parks Commision.
Upper Canada Village connects you with interpreters who take you back in time to a place that should never be forgotten. After all, SDG Counties is where Ontario began. You really are stepping into another era that brings the 1860’s back to life. The heritage park features over 30 historic buildings, including a working sawmill, a woollen mill, (where you can see wool that comes off the sheep and is turned into a blanket) cheese factory and bakery. It’s a very cool experience to see the contrast between what life was like then and the luxuries that we have now. You’re guaranteed to learn something too, even if you’re a big Canadian history know-it-all.
Make sure that when you arrive at Upper Canada Village that you give yourself enough time to experience it all. If you’re pressed for time, you won’t want to miss out on riding the Tow Scow (horse-drawn bateau) Carry-all Ride and visiting the horses, sheep, pigs, and cows at Loucks Farm.
My favourite spots included visiting the Physicians home, where we got to speak with the interpreter about the “latest” advancements in medicine to help treat patients in 1860. I also enjoyed visiting the Signal Tower which you can climb to the top for a beautiful panoramic view. At the Cheese Factory, we learned how to make cheese and that Canadian cheddar was made and exported to Britain and was never eaten by Canadians because of how expensive it was. Lastly, we toured The Chrysler Hall which was a mansion built on the riverfront in Dundas County and constructed between 1846-1848.
The Chrysler Hall was the home of John Crysler Member of the Legislative Assembly, Justice of the Peace and County Registrar. The mansion is used now as a venue for special exhibits such as the Woman of Substance exhibit which profiles six bad@ss women from the 19th century. My favourites were American civil war soldier and Spy, Sarah Emma Edmonds and the first practising female physician in Canada, Emily Stowe.
We wrapped up our trip to the past with grilled cheeses sandwiches from the Village Café (located beside the Village Store.) Their speciality is grilled cheeses using Village baked bread and Village made cheddar cheese. I had “The Blacksmith” which was old cheddar cheese, black forest ham, sliced tomato and caramelized onion. It was SO good that before I left, I stopped at the Village Store and took home some cheese and bread to make my own.
So why should you make SDG Counties your next summer adventure? The answer is simple, SDG Counties allow you to connect with Canadian heritage and nature while escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Make SDG Counties your summer destination, and I promise you, it will be the summer experience you will never forget!
Take A Trip To SDG Counties!
We hope you enjoyed our Experience Blog! Our mission and the ultimate goal is to inspire you, the reader, to want to jump out of your seat and walk, drive, fly, (any means necessary) to your next adventure in South Eastern Ontario.
