oTENTiks in Kootenay National Park
If you love the idea of camping in the woods but not actually “roughing it”, Canada’s National Parks (and that includes Kootenay National Park) now offer campers the option of renting one of several oTENTiks, or tent cabins.
The question is… Is it a tent or is it a cabin? Designed and manufactured in Canada, oTENTiks are a cross between a prospector’s tent and a cabin in the woods, and could be just the thing for visitors who want to discover the joys of camping but prefer the comfort of a bed and a campsite already set up. it’s a great way to introduce camping to families as well as to help those who remember the camping experiences of their youth but no longer own the equipment.
Sleeping in one of the oTENTiks is an outdoor adventure in itself. Each unit offers:
- 6 x 7 metre (19 x 24 foot) interior
- high density foam mattresses for a restful sleep
- raised wooden floors
- spacious indoor sitting area for late night card games
- under-the-bed storage for outdoor gear
- unzipping windows, screens and a fibreglass door ensure comfort and security
- private picnic tables and fire pits offer the authenticity of eating and cooking outdoors
- additional campground amenities close to the oTENTiks:
- washrooms and showers
- grey water sinks
- cook shelters
- food storage lockers
In consideration of wildlife, strict protocols surrounding no cooking or eating within oTENTiks will be implemented and supported through the provision of fire pits, cooking shelters, storage lockers, dish washing sinks, a picnic table, grey water disposal, bear-proof garbage bins and cleaning supplies. All oTENTik sites in the mountain national parks have been built within the existing ecological footprint of the campgrounds in each national park.
So don’t let the summer camping season go by without a National Park adventure in one of the brand-new oTENTiks. Call and reserve yours now.
http://reservation.parkscanada.gc.ca
1-877-737-3783
oTENTiks at Redstreak Campground
| Camping 2016 | # Sites | Flush Toilet | Shower | Sani Dump | Access | Fire Pits | Interp Prog | Reserve | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 6 to October 10 | 10 | X | X | $8.80 | X | X | $120 |
These look great, how bear proof are they?! ~
I am disappointed that they do not allow pets, they are outdoor after all. This is something that should be changed, taking a small pet deposit will assist with any upkeep required from people who travel with their furry friends. ~
What a cool idea — an innovative shelter to draw people into the outdoors to spend quality time! These are such funky set-ups and a great step forward for Parks Canada! Bravo! I do see a revival of “family groupings” going back to the land to recreate and submerge themselves into our incredible natural resource and to learn about themselves – the outdoors does shape a better people… . . ~
I love the idea of the oTENTik. I’m getting too old to sleep on the ground and I want to be warm. I still motorcycle plenty and a roof over the head in bad weather is a Godsend. ~
When campgrounds installed those gravel pads for tents or trailers, I lost interest in camping – sleeping on them, even with a blow up foamy, isn’t comfortable.
I hope to eventually have my own pine needle forest on which to set up my tent. ~
I am extremely pleased to see that Banff, Jasper and Kootney National Parks are going to be offering oTentik units as a camping alternative! I love to be out in nature and enjoying the great outdoors of our National Parks and with these type of units I would be able to stay for a few days as I don’t own camping equipment and would have no place to even store it. I saw these type of units last year while camping with my son in Oregon. I started planning in my imagination how this would be the most fantastic experience for my grand-children to enjoy nature and the great outdoors with their Nana and all I would need to be bring us bedding and food. I am thrilled that I will be able to now give my grand-children this experience closer to home and in Canada!! ~
the modern natives have been living in summer – spring camps for years. Tent frames we call them with insulated floors and decks. So, to let you know, all you need is a insulated pad and a good 3-season tent and a wood stove. Wow.
~
There are many of us who have limited or no experience camping in the wilderness due to factors such as being brought up in a family that never camped, or even left the city (and everyone isn’t from Calgary as implied).
The oTENTik gives those people a more comfortable feeling to go outside the comfort zone and open the door to new experiences that can lead to further enjoyment of the wilderness. ~
I am not a proponent of ideas like this. I believe this idea contributes further to our societies “laziness” and “out of touch” state with nature and these great national parks. Life is not always meant to be “comfortable” and “hassle free”. Leave the house back in Calgary. The backcountry is a good chance for humans to seriously engage with themselves and nature. ~