Last updated on March 8th, 2023 at 04:26 am
Last summer we booked an oTENTik at Two Jack Lakeside campground in Banff for a girls trip to celebrate a friend’s engagement. Of course, the best laid plans never somehow quite work out and with half the crew out sick at the last minute the original plans couldn’t happen but it was too late to cancel. So Mike and I decided to make the most of the booking and go anyway.
We love the Two Jack Lakeside campground, with its ease of access for the canoe to the lake. So one blustery, early summer day, we found ourselves camping in luxury! Was it a bit large for two of us, potentially, was it a fun and new experience, absolutely.
If you don’t have the gear to go camping or are looking to merely get a taste to see if its something you want to do more often, booking a Parks Canada oTENTik could be just what you are looking for!
What Is A Parks Canada oTENTik?
An oTENTik is a mix of cabin and tent, with a raised, solid floor and wooden sides. The roof is an a-frame covered in canvas. There is a lockable door and opening windows for ventilation as well as a small heater on the wall, although don’t think that’ll keep you warm on a cold night!
There is plenty of sleeping space, typically there are two to three double beds on the bottom and then a raised bunk in the middle of those lower beds. They are simple, raised wood platforms with covered foam mattresses on.
Along with the bed, there is a table inside which seats four. However, there is no food to be stored or consumed in the oTENTiks as they are not animal proof, since they have canvas tops.
Outside are two adirondack chairs, a picnic bench, bear proof food locker and a fire ring (where permitted). At Two Jake Lakeside campground, the oTENTik also comes with a propane BBQ. The BBQ is stored in the bear proof food locker while the propane tank was attached to the picnic bench.
Whilst camping at Kathleen Lake campground in the Yukon, I also noted that the oTENTik cabins there came with screened dining tents over the picnic benches, to escape the mosquitoes!
The oTENTiks don’t have a bathroom inside so you still have to use the regular washrooms for the campsite and facilities in these vary between campgrounds.
Otherwise you’ll need to bring personal items and warm clothing. An axe if you want to be able to chop the wood provided to easily start a fire. You will also need to provide bedding, this could be a sheet and duvet or we took our double sleeping bag and pillows for maximum warmth! If you don’t want to use the BBQ as your only method of cooking it may be worthwhile bringing a camping stove and pots and pans as well as plates, cutlery and cups.
Each campground offers a slightly different set up for the oTENTik so it’s worth checking when you book what is and isn’t included.
Where Can You Find An oTENTik
Parks Canada has a lot of oTENTik options, in total they have around 400 of them located at 30 different locations, right across Canada. This makes finding and booking one at a location you want somewhat easier!
oTENTik experiences are in fairly high demand. Make sure you reserve your spot earlier rather than later. They are typically sold out for most of the season at popular sites on booking opening day. They can be reserved through the Parks Canada reservation service.
To find out when Alberta and British Columbia parks open for reservations, we have a full run down here.
Our Experience At Two Jack Lakeside
We had an amazing time starting in an oTENTik at Two Jack Lakeside campground, they were easily accessible with a parking space right behind. They were clean and a great option for cooler months. It was really windy when we stayed and having a solid space to call home was very appreciated!
Lake access from ours and most of the oTENTik units at Two Jack Lakeside campground is fantastic, it was mere steps to a small beach where we could easily launch our canoe and store it. We had a fantastic view from our oTENTik and it was a great spot to have a fire and enjoy looking out at Two Jack Lake.
I must say most of the other oTENTik dwellers seemed to be bigger groups and families and these are perfect for those kind of outings. As a couple we got some odd stares and a lot of people had questions about the oTENTik we were more than happy to answer.
For the right occasion I wouldn’t hesitate to book another stay in an oTENTik or even just for a trip where I don’t want to sleep on an air mattress on the floor.
Other Accommodation Options With Parks Canada
Parks Canada offers a number of different accommodation styles at different parks, although none seem as prevalent as the oTENTiks.
Across the road from the Two Jack Lakeside campground is the Two Jack Main campground and here they offer equipped camping. They provide all the equipment you’ll need to have a blast camping even if you don’t have any of your own gear! This is an incredible way to get out and try camping before investing in the gear yourself.
Parks Canada also offers cabin and yurt accommodations at certain parks, these are more luxurious options typically than an oTENTik. These are typically not found in as many parks, although the cabins are popping up more and more.