Lakeview Motel, Haliburton
Under the Stars in Ontario: 7 Geodome Experiences to Redefine Your Getaway
Beneath the beautiful Ontario skies full of stars and towering pines, you can discover a different kind of escape – a geodome experience. These sustainable and social media-worthy retreats have been popping up all over the province and are rapidly growing in popularity.
In the Ontario’s Highlands specifically, there are numerous options available to experience a true glamping experience where you can satisfy your desire to be close to nature without sacrificing comfort. Let’s take a look at some options!
Big Rock Retreat - Denbigh
These geodomes offer beautiful views of the surrounding crown land, a six-person hot-tub, fire pit, provided linens for convenience, fully functional kitchenette and gorgeous wrap-around porch for taking in the scenery. Coming before the end of 2025, their newest dome will be upgraded to be wheelchair accessible allowing access for everyone to enjoy this unique retreat!
Insider's Tips:
Hike and explore nearby trails at Matawatchan Provincial Park and Lower Madawaska River Provincial Park. Don’t forget to grab some delicious pizza at Rosie’s General Store, a favourite for picking up pizza on the road!
Lakeview Motel - Haliburton
This four-season geodome offers a large wood deck with a private hot tub, BBQ with pizza oven and fire pit. Inside you have the comfort of a full kitchen and bathroom as well as adjustable blinds to allow for memorable stargazing of the beautiful Ontario skies. Not to mention, owner Harsha offers room service with fresh, home cooked meals delivered to your dome for a fee plus a complimentary charcuterie board upon arrival. Truly remarkable!
Insider's Tips:
Hike and explore the area by visiting the Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Center where they offer canoe, kayak and bike rentals as well as the infamous Wolf Center and canopy tour. As well, take in the breathtaking view at Skyline Park, accessible by vehicle. For a sweet treat or a pick-me-up, don’t forget to stop by Castle Antiques for a unique shopping and coffee shop experience and some lunch or dinner at Hook Line and Sinker.
Maynooth Station Lodge - Maynooth
Maynooth Lodge offers all the comforts of a cabin with the sustainability of a geodome. This multi-season dome boasts a comfy queen-sized bed plus a pull-out couch, full kitchen with local coffee as a treat, panoramic windows with a beautiful view of the Haliburton Highlands, a large private deck with hot-tub, wifi, and more! Owner Rick even states that this dome is known for its low-insect volume, making it a perfect retreat in the forest.
Insider's Tips:
Located just 25 minutes from Bancroft, you can explore the Mineral Capital of Canada and the Princess Soladite Mine. Take in the sweeping views at Eagles Nest Park and some dinner downtown at one of their many restaurants. Your dome rental comes with a free day pass to Algonquin Provincial Park to explore beautiful trails and lookouts but you can also explore nearby lakes and swimming holes recommended by the owner located in Combermere and Lake Kaminiskeg.
Camp Adelaide - Haliburton
Located on Black Lake in Haliburton, Camp Adelaide offers a total of five domes to choose from, with even a pet-friendly option! Each dome comes with access to 360 acres of land as well as private beach access to share amongst its guests. Cooking and bathing facilities are communal and conveniently located just one minute from your dome. Linens can be rented on-site, or you can bring them from home for use. And, how convenient is this, laundry is available on-site at the main office!
Insider's Tips:
Just 40 minutes from Haliburton, you can explore the quaint town and interesting tourist attractions like the Haliburton Sculpture Forest and Haliburton Highlands Museum. Take a visit to Abbey Gardens to hit some trails, try some local food and drinks and experience a family friendly day on their property. Or visit the Haliburton Highlands Brewery next-door and take in the rural views from their large patio.
New Frontiers Retreats - Eganville
This geodome is nestled along the banks of the Bonnechere River with a private dock and offers a cozy wilderness retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. The interior has a loft space with a king-sized bed and a perfect view to stargaze, a sitting area, indoor kitchen and private washroom facilities with a shower. Outside you can find a large deck, BBQ and firepit.
With your rental comes free access to the river as well as paddleboards, kayaks and canoes to explore the area by water. With 100 acres of land and trails to explore by foot and plenty of yard games to keep you entertained on site, owners Chris and Cathy have a great thing going!
Insider's Tips:
Located just 15 minutes away, you can visit the Bonnechere Caves and travel 100 feet underground for a truly remarkable geological experience. Stop by McRae Lookout Park or Johnny’s Lookout Trail just 10 mins from your dome to explore some of the serene nature in the surrounding area. For some delicious eats try the Rio Tap and Grill in downtown Eganville.
Marmora Retreat - Marmora
This geodome experience is unlike any other offering both a traditional glamping dome as well as a high-end glamping oasis, opening the end of August 2025. A traditional dome comes with fully equipped kitchenette, electric hot tub, beautiful outdoor living space and a 500ft indoor living space whereas the two upcoming Boho-Luxe domes will boast luxury king-sized beds, outdoor copper tubs under the stars and 24/7 concierge services. This will be a truly unique glamping experience!
Insider's Tips:
Visit Callaghan’s Rapids 10 mins down the road featuring limestone river, caves, sinkhole and rapids. Take in the vast expanse of the previous site of the Marmora Mine and reflect on some of the village’s history. Grab a bite to eat downtown Marmora at the Tap & Tonic.
The Canopy - Haliburton
This dome offers a simple, relaxing experience in beautiful Haliburton. With a beautiful deck, BBQ, private sauna and bathroom facility, you can put your feet up in the privacy of the forest and spend time reconnecting with nature and yourself. Access to a public beach and three lakes are within a short walking distance to your geodome.
Insider's Tips:
Check out Sir Sam’s Ski/Ride right near your dome. Access hiking trails, bike trails and Eagle View Observation Tower for brilliant views of the Haliburton Highlands. Visit Hawke Lake Log Chute and learn about the history of logging in the Algonquin Highlands. Visit Glebe Park and take advantage of 175 acres of land to explore. Grab a beverage and a bite to eat at the Dockside Patio at the Bonnie View Inn and sit lakeside while you take in the scenery.
dOMe Retreat - McNab/Braeside
This glamping dome offers a generous space for you and several guests with a rustic, camping edge. The dome interior features a queen loft with main floor space for several guests plus all of the outdoor amenities you can imagine. With a field kitchen, grill, oven and a forest meditation house with two fire pits and outdoor lounge areas, this retreat shows you just how to reconnect with nature, and yourself.
Insider's Tips:
Just 20 minutes from Calabogie, you can take a day trip in for some delicious lunch at the Redneck Café Bistro followed by a beverage to get you going at Oh-El-La Café. Hit the trails and take in the panoramic views from Eagles Nest or hit the water at Mad River Paddle Co to try their unique rentals.
