+ What is glamping or luxury camping?

Luxury camping or glamping is a style of camping that includes hotel-style amenities in the wilderness, and is also referred to as boutique camping, posh camping, or comfy camping. It originated in Africa when wealthy travelers did not want to sacrifice comfort and luxury while partaking in African safaris. Glamping eventually spread throughout Europe and most recently to the West Coast of North America, where it has been extremely popular. Experience this novel travel trend for yourself at Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat. Gourmet s’mores, luxurious safari tents, and outdoor hot tubs are just the beginning.

+ Do you offer early check-in?

Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat has a small housekeeping team and unfortunately we are unable to offer early check-ins at this time. Our tents are extremely time-intensive to clean & prepare and are generally not ready until 3 PM. The only way to guarantee an early check-in is to book another night at the springs!

+ Do you offer late check-outs?

Late check-outs of 12 PM are available for an additional fee of $49.99 (as long as we are not hosting a wedding or private event on the day you are checking out). We do not offer late check-outs beyond this time.

+ Can I use the amenities & activities prior to check-in or after check-out?

The property and amenities are available only to registered guests of Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat. If you would like to explore the property and use the amenities prior to checking-in to your tent or after you check-out you can purchase a resort pass for $29.99. If a wedding or private event is taking place prior to your check-in/after check-out then resort passes are not available.

+ What payment methods are accepted?

We accepts all major credit cards and cash payments. We do not accept Interac or Visa Debit at this time.

+ When are you open?

Our season begins late May and runs until mid-October (exact dates vary by year).

+ Where are the bathrooms?

Each log-framed safari tent has a private washroom as does the Whisper Cabin. Our Bell Tents have shared washroom facitlies in the nearby vicinity. There are also washrooms located near The Watering Hole Guest Lounge & Bar and an outdoor shower at Saltwater Springs.

+ Is food provided?

At Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat we encourage you to embrace the outdoor dining experience. Every tent is outfitted with a mini-fridge and a BBQ. We believe you’ll enjoy preparing and eating your meals in the great outdoors. You can also choose to purchase a Breakfast Basket or Cook-Your-Own BBQ Dinner Basket prior to your arrival which will be delivered to your tent.

+ Is there hot water?

Each tent has an ensuite bathroom with hot and cold running water. To help diminish our environmental footprint we use on-demand hot water heaters which may take a few minutes to heat up your water.

+ Is there heating in the tents?

The Whisper Cabin is heated and has a gas fireplace however our Safari Tents and Bell Tents are not heated. Each tent is outfitted with an electric blanket to help take the chill off on cold nights, but you are still sleeping in a canvas tent in the great outdoors so we encourage you to pack and dress appropriately.

+ What do I do in the case of inclement weather?

While we certainly hope that you are blessed with sunny days during your stay at Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat, we want you to know that rainy days have their special charm. Curl up in bed with a good book, or come spend the afternoon at The Watering Hole Guest Lounge & Bar, where you can meet fellow campers, enjoy craft beer from Northumberland County breweries and play some classic board games.

+ Are children allowed?

Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat is an adults-only destination. To help preserve the relaxing wilderness experience, we require that all guests must be at least 16 years of age. This does not apply for weddings and private events.

+ Can my guests bring their own tent to camp on the property?

Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat is zoned and operated as a resort, not a campground, therefore according to the bylaws of the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand we are not allowed to have guests pitch and stay in their own tents on the property.

+ Are furry friends allowed?

Unfortunately, out of respect for local wildlife and the livestock that live on the property, we are unable to accommodate dogs at Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat. However, just minutes down the road is a charming country escape for your furry friend at Tucked Inn Kennels. From private hikes and spa treatments to a bedtime story and cuddle, your pup will be in good hands at Tucked Inn Kennels. They also provide shuttle service for your pooch to and from Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat. Website: http://www.tuckedinn.ca. for weddings, please refer to our Wedding FAQs.

+ How far is Whispering Springs from Toronto?

Whispering Springs is located just 1.5 hours east of Toronto and 4.5 hours from Montreal and 3 hours from Ottawa – give or take – depending on traffic and where you are coming from.

+ How far is the closest town?

The quaint villages of Colborne and Grafton are less than 10 minutes away from Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat.

+ Is there cellular reception or wifi?

Cellular reception isn’t the strongest in this little corner of the countryside. Depending on your service provider you may not be well connected with the outside world during your stay at Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat (we like to think of it as a digital detox) and we do not offer WIFI at this time.

+ Is there a store on the premises?

There is a small camp store located in The Watering Hole Guest Lounge & Bar, where you can find healthy trail snacks, souvenirs, and glamping goodies. If you are in need of a more specific item or a larger store, the villages of Grafton and Colborne are a short drive away.