On site:
Q: Can we park at our site?
A: We have a 60-car parking lot at our main entrance, with an overflow site for another 20 vehicles. You can access your site by foot or or via our people porter golf carts.
Q: Are electric scooters allowed?
A: Yes, if the scooter is required for mobility we have no problem with it being brought onsite. Please inform us upon booking, so we can arrange for proper charging to be available.
Q: How do I protect my valuables?
A: Each suite features a small personal safe for valuables. Larger items may be stowed with the concierge at the main reception building, , and our parking lot is secured via camera and 24 hr staffing.
Q: Are there indoor showers and toilets on each site?
A: Each site has its own private indoor, environmentally friendly toilet. For hot showers, we offer two, lockable shower stalls, open 24 hours. Glampers may also make use of the reception building’s washrooms. We also recommend taking a trip out to see the “Double Duty” outhouse near Storyland Lake.
Q: How big are the tents?
A: There are three sizes available: a 14×16 tent with queen-sized bed and sitting area for one to two people; a 16×20 tent with king-sized bed and sitting area for two; and 16×24’ tents which feature two queen sized beds and sitting area for four people. Every tent is a minimum of eight feet in the centre, so you will have plenty of room to stand and move around.
Q: How private are the camp sites?
A: Your privacy is a promise at Elements. Some sites are quite secluded, with no visible neighbours, whilst with others, you may be able to spot their tent in the distance. Our sites are a half acre or full acre each. For site locations, our map is available here.
Q: How accessible are the sites and the park itself?
A: All of our sites are built to be easily accessible, with many housing ramps rather than stairs. In total, we have two kilometres of roadway easily accessed.
Q: Is there Wi-Fi?
A: Yes. We have designated Wi-Fi hot spots such as registration and the hammock area.
Q: Can I charge my phone and use lights at night?
A: At Elements, we use solar and battery power. Your site includes includes portable chargers and LED lighting for evening use.
Q: Do tents come with a mini fridge?
A: We prefer a more natural take to keeping your drinks chilled and prefer to supply an in-room cooler with unlimited complimentary ice, supplied by your wilderness butler.
Q: Does each tent site have a fire pit?
A: Yes. Our wildlife management program includes a visit by your wilderness butler for a complimentary cleaning of your fire pit each evening between 10pm and midnight and a refill of your fire wood supply.
Q: Do you have recycling available?
A: Yes, there are garbage and recycling stations throughout the park.
What to bring:
Q: Do I need to bring linens or towels?
A: We supply luxury linens, which are changed every three days, unless requested otherwise. We also offer a range of environmentally friendly toiletries specifically designed for our glampers. Hair styling tools are not provided.
Q: What should I bring?
A: Just your clothes and personal care items! We provide toiletries, ice, yoga equipment, luxury house robes and umbrellas. Don’t worry about bringing firewood, either. The communal fire pit is always running and complimentary firewood is available at the ranger station and will otherwise be delivered to your tent by your wilderness butler.
Q: Can I bring my bike?
A: Yes, please do!
Q: Can I bring a guitar?
A: We’d love it if you did… just no bagpipes.
Q: Do you have canoes or kayaks or should I bring my own?
A: We have a limited amount of our own equipment available including paddle boats and stand up paddle boards (SUP); they are complimentary on a first come, first serve basis. Life jackets and paddles are also included and required to enter the lake.
What to expect:
Q: Will there be laundry facilities?
A: Complimentary dryer service is available, just ask your wilderness butler or come to the reception building.
Q: What if it gets cold? Are there heaters?
A: Each suite features an outdoor fire pit and an indoor fireplace. In cooler weather, hot water bottles and warm socks are also provided.
Q: Do you offer spa or yoga services?
A: Personal and tailored services are available upon request. Please speak with the booking agent for your particular requirements at Bookings@outdoorhotel.ca.
Q: Is there swimming?
A: Storyland Lake is between 6 and 12 feet deep. However, as we are regenerating the site to its natural state, we will not remove the natural habitats of the frogs and fish, such as lily pads and weeds. The lake is not monitored by a lifeguard.
Q: Will my cell phone work?
A: In some areas, yes! Please note that due to the terrain, only emergency service may be available, depending on your cell phone service provider.
Q: Is this a kid-free experience?
A: Elements is an 18+ facility, however we do create one family weekend each season. The 2018 Family Weekend is July 20th-22nd.
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: We LOVE dogs! We just ask that they abide by the noise restrictions and remain on a leash at all times. We also ask that you clean up after them. If required, we also have a small number of animal crates for rent.
Q: What is there to do during the day?
A: Elements offers art and yoga classes, hiking, mountain biking, quiet nooks for reading, guided nature walks, swimming, paddle boats and paddle boards. Some activities should be booked in advance, but we’ll let you know when you book. Offsite, we have some of the world’s best white water kayaking and adventure runs. There are also nearby bat caves, zip lining, water slides, a motorsports park, local shopping, micro breweries and historical sites, all 10 to 30 minutes away by car.
Q: Will you have an area for RV’s with hookups?
A: Unfortunately, we do not provide space for RV’s, unless you book the entire facility.
Q: Can I park my tent trailer there?
A: If you are on a cross country trip, please let us know ahead of time, so we can make arrangements to park your trailer. We do not allow vehicles within the camping area itself, unless you book the entire facility.
Q: Will there be a general store onsite for things you forgot?
A: Chances are, we will have the most of the common items you may have forgotten: tooth brushes, socks, note books and electronic chargers. In the event that you have forgotten something unique, there is a convenience store two minutes away. For other items, there are big box stores in nearby Renfrew. Want to relax? Send out your wilderness butler while you get back to that book…
Food and drink:
Q: Are you licensed to sell or serve alcohol?
A: We are an unlicensed campground, so you are solely responsible for any alcohol brought onto the premises. There is no corking fee. We do ask that glass bottles are kept at your camp site; we’ll provide you with shatterproof glasses if you want to take a ‘traveler’ with you on your adventures.
Flora and fauna:
Q: What kind of wildlife is in the area?
A: Although we are in the heart of nature, you are unlikely to see the larger Canadian mammals, such as moose, bear, deer or wolves. However, you will undoubtedly spot chipmunks, turtles, raccoons and our resident beaver, Hank.
Q: How can I ensure my safety with animals?
A: We have many wildlife management procedures in place to ensure harmony between visiting humans and the creatures that reside here. We ask visitors to avoid storing any food inside their tents. In the event of an unwanted wildlife encounter, your tent site is equipped with cowbells to scare off large animals and also alert our park rangers to your location. Each tent has two-way radios for emergencies.
Q: How bad will the insects be?
A: Camping and bugs go together. However, we have employed environmentally friendly deterrents such as liquid garlic and outdoor incense to keep them under control. Although we could never guarantee a 100 percent bug free, environment, we can say that the mosquitos tend to behave themselves. It is advisable to bring your favourite personal insect repellent to ensure your own comfort.
Q: Are you near a lake or pond?
A: Storyland Lake is just under four acres, perfect for lounging around on a paddle boat or practicing your SUP Yoga skills. Corporate or Large groups could also organize a paddle board dodge ball game… just one of many bad ideas we can come up with.
Health and safety:
Q: Will there be first aid onsite?
A: Absolutely. The park rangers and the ranger station are both equipped for emergencies.
Q: Are there noise restrictions?
A: In order for everyone to enjoy themselves, we ask that visitors respect noise restrictions, keeping conversations at a whisper between midnight and 6am.
Q: Can I smoke?
A: Smoking is only permitted at your campsite, around the fire pit. Please put all butts in the fire pit for disposal.
Q: What if there is an emergency?
A: Each suite will be issued two-way radios, which will put you in contact with the ranger on duty (24 hours a day). The ranger station is also outfitted with basic first aid. All of our staff are trained in the St. John’s Ambulance certification. For more serious issues, the hospital is ten minutes away.
Q: Do you offer safety tips for first time glampers?
A: If this is your first time camping, our wilderness butlers will gladly show you how to build a campfire, and, if you’re really nice, they will probably share some pro tips to get you to expert level during your stay.
Q: Can we use candles?
A: We ask that flameless candles only be used, as we want to protect the beautiful forest. Glampsites come equipped with various forest friendly light options.
Q: Will there be a secure entrance and or on site security patrols?
A: Yes, our gates are locked in the evenings and the park is patrolled by rangers at all times; even while you sleep.
Booking, packages, cancellation and weather:
Q: Where is Elements Luxury Tented Camp and Nature Spa?
A: We are located 45 minutes from Ottawa west and 5 minutes to the Portage du Fort, Quebec Bridge. See map for more details.
Q: Are there packages?
A: With the vast options available, please consult with our concierge; we are happy to book and arrange outings and activities for you, based on your preferences.
Q: Can I purchase this as a gift for a friend?
A: Absolutely! Please inquire through info@outdoorhotel.ca for an overnight certificate.
Q: Do you give group rates? If so, for what minimum?
A: Group bookings are available for a minimum of six guests.
Q: What are the cancellation policies?
A: Payment is required in full, up to one month prior to your scheduled stay. If you have to cancel, we will offer you two alternative dates, subject to availability.
Q: What happens in case of inclement weather?
A: You’ll LOVE camping in the rain! From umbrellas to catered meals, board games and hot water bottles tucked into your bedding…you are not going to want to stay home.
Q: Do you have honeymoon specials?
A: Let us know a week before your visit and we can arrange for flowers, in tent decorations or a special cake.
Q: Are the rates different for weekdays and weekends?
A: Unless otherwise requested, we are only open during extended weekends (Thursday to Sunday and holiday Mondays).
Q: What is the typical season?
A: We are generally open June 1st until September 30th. Private bookings can be arranged for times outside of this to include May and October months.
Q: Do you offer a fly-in service?
A: No, but there is a private airport just 15 minutes away. Arnprior also has a larger airport 30 minutes away; the Ottawa International Airport is a one hour drive.