Yurt camping at Cyprus Lake

Bruce Peninsula National Park

2024 reservations launch February 5, 2024 at 8 am EST for the Cyprus Lake campground, yurts and backcountry camping.

Fall and winter yurt pilot

This year yurt accommodations will remain open after the traditional closing date of October 31, as part of a continuing pilot project. 
 
Reservations are available for dates between October 31, 2023, and March 31, 2024. Please note that a reservation is required for yurt camping. 

Ten (10) yurts along the shore of Cyprus Lake offer a unique camping experience in Bruce Peninsula National Park.

Kick back and feel the lake breeze from your deck. Cozy up to the campfire and watch the sunset over the lake. Gaze up at the starry sky through the skylight dome as you drift off to sleep in a comfortable bed.

Book a yurt today to begin a memorable vacation in Bruce Peninsula National Park!

Two ways to reserve

What is a yurt?

The yurts at Cyprus Lake are a modern version of a traditional dwelling used by the nomads of Central Asia. Yurts are a semi-permanent tent-like structure, circular in shape with a wooden lattice frame. Although yurts are classified as a tent, they are much stronger and offer better shelter from the weather. Our yurts are 6m (20ft) in diameter and well-appointed with furnishings including a woodstove, beds, large deck and propane BBQ. Each yurt has a locking door.

A couple relaxing by a campfire
Why stay in a yurt?

Convenience: Arrive at your site and you don't have to set up any camping gear!

Comfort: Enjoy sleeping on a comfortable bed, instead of the ground.

Beat the weather: Stoke up the wood fireplace to keep you warm and cozy in the yurt during cold weather. In the summer, the yurts are kept cool with breezes through the window, roof dome and screened doors.

Booking information
View from the deck of the yurt

Reservations

Web: www.reservation.pc.gc.ca
Phone: 1-877-RESERVE (1-877-737-3783)

  • Reservations are highly recommended, especially during the peak summer months or on holiday weekends.
  • The site holder must be at least 18 years of age.
  • The yurt area is pet-free. Pets are not allowed in the yurts or on the yurt campsite.
  • The yurt camping area is also radio free
  • Full payment is required by credit card at time of booking.
  • Reservations are non-transferable.

Length of stay

  • 2 nights minimum
  • Maximum stay of 14 consecutive days (with 48 hour break between bookings).

Fees

A list of updated fees can be found on the Parks Canada fees page

  • Fees are per night and include parking for 1 vehicle. 
  • Daily admission and reservation fees are extra.
  • Fire Permit, per day.
  • Additional parking is available for a fee.
  • A $250.00 cleaning fee will be charged if there has been smoking, cooking or pets inside the yurt.
  • Visitors will be responsible for the actual costs for damage to yurt or furnishings as assessed.

Check-in/Check-out

  • Check-in time: 3:00 p.m.
  • Check-out time: 11:00 a.m.
  • Peak Season: Please check-in/check-out at the Cyprus Lake Office.
  • Off-Season: Details provided with your booking information.

Number of people/vehicles allowed per yurt

  • Maximum of 5 people per yurt.
  • Maximum of 2 vehicles (second vehicle required to purchase additional vehicle permit).
Map and directions

Map of Cyprus Lake with yurt location (PDF - 610 kB)

The yurts are located at Cyprus Lake in Bruce Peninsula National Park, approximately 15 minutes (driving) south of the town of Tobermory.

From the North (Tobermory)

  • Follow Highway 6 south for approximately 11km, watching for the blue and white signs to "Cyprus Lake Campground".
  • Turn left onto Cyprus Lake Road.
  • Follow for 5km to the campground office (check-in).

From the South

  • Travelling north on Highway 6, pass through Miller Lake.
  • Continue past the turnoff to Dyer's Bay Road for another 12.3km. Watch for the blue and white signs to "Cyprus Lake Campground".
  • Turn right onto Cyprus Lake Road. Follow for 5km to the campground office (check-in).

From the Cyprus Lake campground office, turn left and drive 1km to the yurts.

Map showing yurts at Cyprus Lake Map showing yurts at Cyprus Lake
What to expect and what to pack
Inside view of yurt
What is provided with your site?

Outside

  • Deck with patio table, chairs and fire pit.
  • Outdoor cooking station with a counter top and roof.
  • Propane BBQ with side burner.
  • Food storage locker (not refrigerated).
  • Parking for one vehicle. An additional vehicle requires a separate permit.
  • A wagon or sled to transport gear the short distance from your car.
  • A shared picnic shelter is located centrally near the yurts.

Inside each yurt:

  • Double bed (pull-down "Murphy-style") with mattress.
  • Either a bunk bed (single above, double below)
  • Table and chairs.
  • Shelving unit for your clothing and gear.
  • Cupboard with countertop.
  • Woodstove for heating.
  • Fire extinguisher, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Broom and dustpan.
Washroom

A heated comfort station including flush toilets, individual showers and potable water is located next to the parking area. There are no en-suite washrooms in the yurts.

Checklist

(in addition to your other personal items)

  • Sleeping bags, blankets and pillows
  • Food, drinks and a water container (potable water is available nearby)
  • Cooking gear (pots, pans, etc), dishes, silverware and dishwashing bins
  • Cooler for your food
  • Slippers or indoor shoes (for comfort and to keep the yurt clean)
  • Matches or lighter to start fire and BBQ
  • A hatchet for splitting firewood into kindling 
  • Flashlight and lantern
Firewood

To prevent the spread of invasive species, firewood must be purchased at the Cyprus Lake campground office or at businesses located on the Bruce Peninsula.

Cooking

To prevent attracting animals inside, cooking is not allowed inside the yurts. Cooking facilities are provided outside on the deck.

Rules
  • Smoking is not permitted in the yurts.
  • The yurt area is pet-free. Pets are not allowed in the yurts or on the yurt campsite.
  • The yurt area is radio free.
  • For safety reasons, cooking is not allowed inside the yurts. A cooking station and propane BBQ is provided on the deck.
  • Small bear-proof lockers are provided outside each yurt for food storage. Any larger scented items must be kept inside a locked hard-sided vehicle when not in use.
  • For the enjoyment of others, no excessive noise at any time.
  • To prevent accidental fire, do not use candles in the yurt.
  • Please leave the yurt in the same condition as you found it.
  • Campground rules and regulations that apply to the other campground sites also apply at the yurt sites.
Yurt along the shore of Cyprus Lake Yurt camping at Cyprus Lake Campground
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Do I need to bring my own bedding?
Yes, bring a pillow and sleeping bag or blankets.

Can we bring our own firewood?
To prevent the spread of invasive species, firewood must be purchased at the Cyprus Lake campground office or from businesses located on the Bruce Peninsula.

Is drinking water available?
Yes, potable water is available at the washroom adjacent to the yurt parking area.

Is there lighting in the yurts?
We suggest you bring a few flashlights or lantern to use.

Is there a stove?
A propane barbecue with a side burner is provided as part of the cooking unit on the deck of each yurt.

Do I need to bring fuel for the BBQ?
No, propane is provided with the BBQ and there is a spare tank in case one runs out.

How close are the trails to the yurts?
The Cyprus Lake Trail runs past the yurts and connects with the trail system to the Grotto, Bruce Trail and other places along the Georgian Bay shoreline.

Where do we wash our dishes?
Please bring wash tubs for doing dishes at your yurt site (water can be boiled on the BBQ side burner). Drain dish water away from the lake.

What if we are going to arrive late at night?
Please speak with park staff in advance of your arrival to make arrangements for late arrival.

For more information, please contact the park.  

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