Most Saskatchewanians have gone camping at least once - in a province with over 100,000 lakes, incredible fishing and a vibrant cabin culture, spending time outdoors is part of the provincial identity. Our summers are short and we most certainly do not take them for granted.
And while traditional hotels struggle to recover post-pandemic, a different, more Saskatchewan kind of accommodation in line with our camping expertise is experiencing explosive growth across the prairies: glamping.
Glamping?
If you haven't heard of it, glamping is a portmanteau of "glamorous" and "camping" that describes a luxurious style of camping with accommodations and amenities that would fit in at a 5-star resort - not a provincial campsite. Usually taking the form of elaborate canvas tents, geodesic domes, tipis - and even grain bins - they also boast perks like air conditioning, WiFi and luxury bedding.
It's not camping anymore - it's glamping.
A Perfect Storm for Glamping
The COVID-19 pandemic spurred interest in local 'staycations', and recent tensions with the United States have only added to the demand.
While Saskatchewan's hotels remained at the lowest occupancy rates in Canada at just 63.4% in 2024, the province's glamping sector is riding a wave of double-digit growth. In North America, the glamping market is expanding at nearly 15% annually.
Here in Saskatchewan, this translates to dozens of glamping operations now dotting the landscape from Buffalo Pound Lake to the boreal forests near Prince Albert National Park.
And with tourism spending already jumping 19.6% to $2.87 billion in 2023, glamping could be a key driver of Tourism Saskatchewan's goal of $3.6 billion in annual expenditure by 2030.
The contrast with traditional hotels is stark. While investment in glamping is booming, it has stalled for traditional hotel development. Average daily rates of hotels in Saskatchewan hover around $100-150 whereas you can expect to pay a premium for Saskatchewan glamping destinations - upwards of $400/night.
That aforementioned grain bin? It goes for over $300/night.
And occupancy is sky high at Blackstrap Glamping Resort, where their $350/night luxury geodesic domes are almost entirely sold out for the summer.
A few glampsites
Let's take a look at a few of the glamping destinations exemplifying the trend across Saskatchewan.
Flora Bora (Emma Lake, SK)
Flora Bora, operating for over 12 years near Emma Lake, proves glamping's staying power. Featured in Chatelaine Magazine in 2019 as one of "The Coolest Places to Go Camping In Canada," owners Justin and Karen Wasylyk have created a forest wellness retreat with three luxury yurts on 30 acres.
"Of course it's a big honour," Karen noted in an interview with paNOW of the national recognition, which positioned Saskatchewan alongside Canada's premier outdoor destinations.
Water's Edge Eco Lodge (Grieg Lake, SK)
At Water's Edge Eco Lodge in Meadow Lake Provincial Park, glamping intersects with Indigenous cultural tourism.
Purchased by Waterhen Lake First Nation in 2022, the property has invested over $3.4 million in developing what operations manager Jesse Morin calls in an interview with BattlesfordsNOW:
"One of the very first Indigenous inclusion destinations in Saskatchewan."
Beyond their eight lakefront rooms, the First Nation just officially opened a 10-unit Teepee Village, creating experiences that blend luxury accommodation with traditional practices including Indigenous culinary experiences, storytelling, and land-based activities.
Blackstrap Glamping Resort (Blackstrap Lake, SK)
Just 25 minutes south of Saskatoon, Blackstrap Glamping Resort exemplifies the sector's four-seasons ambitions. Co-owners Josh Turner and Jane Rusbridge transformed European glamping inspiration into six themed geodesic domes, with 2025 seeing the addition of The Raven - Saskatchewan's first fully wheelchair-accessible glamping dome.
With rates of ~$350 per night, the resort's premium pricing reflects its all-season engineering, allowing for year-round operations even at -40°C. Beyond luxury accommodations, Blackstrap Glamping Resort also offers unique experiences like Northern Lights viewing, a barrel sauna and Sherp all-terrain vehicle excursions across frozen Blackstrap Lake in the winter.
Growth isn't slowing
Changing demographics favour glamping's growth trajectory in the province. With 53% of Saskatchewan's population under 40 and the highest proportion of children under 14 among Canadian provinces, family-friendly glamping is a perfect fit for a young, outdoor-oriented market. These millennials and Gen Z travelers, representing 64.4% of potential glampers nationally, seek "Instagram-worthy" experiences that generate social media engagement.
The connection to Saskatchewan's deep-rooted outdoor culture also can't be overstated. With fishing and hunting license sales rising 26%, glamping builds naturally on the province's cabin tradition while offering something new: luxury experiences that don't come with the hassle of year-round cabin ownership and that extend beyond the traditional May-to-September camping window.
To top it off, the recent tensions with our Southern neighbour - and usual vacation destination of Saskatchewanians - also means that more tourism dollars are staying at home.
Opportunities ahead
While Canadian hotel development has stalled, SaskParks continues to partner with more private operators to bring new developments to life.
As Tourism Saskatchewan's Jeremy Harrison notes, the tourism industry is "continuing to grow our economy, create new jobs and provide one-of-a-kind experiences."
With overnight visitation growing 21% in 2023 - the highest growth among Canadian provinces - Saskatchewan's glamping boom shows no signs of slowing.
Glamping is both evolution and revolution of our province's outdoor traditions.
As traditional hotels struggle with commoditization and labour shortages, glamping offers a path forward that commands premium prices, captures imaginations, and positions Saskatchewan as an unexpected leader in North America's fastest-growing accommodation sector.
And for the rest of us?
Just camping is still pretty awesome, too.
Header Photo Credit: Blackstrap Glamping Resort
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