The glittering city of Toronto is the capital of Canada’s Ontario province and the fourth most populous city in the country. This vibrant metropolis is a hub of skyscrapers, green spaces, culture, and entertainment galore.
Outside of the city, the greater Toronto area boasts lakes, rivers, and forests. There’s a variety of experiences on offer, with an equally varied offering of unique accommodation to go with it. Among these, there’s an increasing number of eco-lodges in Toronto for environmentally-conscious travellers to choose from.
In this guide, we’ve put together the best eco-lodges in Toronto to get you started with planning your trip. Whether you’re looking for something rustic in the country, compact in the city, or a totally unique glamping experience in nature, there’s something to tempt you.
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In a Hurry? Here’s Where to Stay in Toronto for One Night
Cabin in the city
This custom-built tiny home has everything needed for a comfortable escape. The cabin enjoys a true wilderness location within a national park while still being a short drive from the attractions of the city.
- Rouge Valley National Park
- Downtown Toronto
- Port Union Waterfront Park
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Why Stay in an Eco-lodge in Toronto?
Staying in a Toronto eco-lodge offers travellers the opportunity to explore the city’s natural beauty from a unique home. For those exploring Canada, who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, you don’t need to go far to find a peaceful and serene, eco-friendly space.
Some of the best eco-lodges in Toronto are found close to nature for a magical and memorable experience. There are other spots that have a more urban setting, while still keeping environmental conscious facilities.
You can still stay in the best places in Toronto, with a private and special base to return to.
What is an Eco-lodge?
There is so much more to an eco-lodge than just a comfortable place to stay. Although accommodation is its first and foremost role, the usually locally run businesses are doing their part to make your adventures as eco-friendly as possible.
Eco-lodges can vary in how they action their eco-friendly initiatives, but they all share the same heartfelt commitment to reducing their impact on the environment. One spot might focus its efforts on water and energy efficiency, while another will look to recycling, composting, and water harvesting.
It’s not just about the environment though, eco-lodges also support and uplift local communities. They’re a commitment to responsible tourism. Purchasing from and supporting small businesses and artisans, as well as offering guests a way to understand and experience local cultures, is also part of this commitment.
Cabin in the city
- > $
- > 2 guests
- > Natural setting just outside the city
- > Custom-built and compact cabin
The Dome on Little Lake
- > $
- > 2 guests
- > Cosy and comfortable eco-dome
- > Wild setting and well equipped
Romantic Cabin in the Woods
- > $
- > 2 guests
- > Designed specifically for couples
- > Snuggle and stargaze beneath the skylight
Glen Oro Eco-retreat
- > $
- > 2 guests
- > Luxury eco-retreat in a magical setting
- > Boutique experience in nature
Utopian 2-bedroom Vintage Boxcar Cottage
- > $
- > 2 guests
- > Vintage box car train cottage
- > Chemical-free and organic farm retreat
Eco Friendly + big garden
- > $
- > 2 guests
- > Single room in residential home
- > Vibey home ideal for a student or young professional
EcoApt
- > $
- > 4 guests
- > Compact basement eco-apartment
- > Great location near to downtown
Top 10 Eco-lodges in Toronto
Here is the fun stuff, the best Toronto eco-lodges that promise a magnificent and relaxing getaway. Take a look!
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Overall Best Eco-lodge in Toronto – Cabin in the City
Cabin in the City (also known as The Woodland Portal) is a custom-built cottage. It has a compact floor plan, and all the amenities required for a comfortable stay. It sits in Rouge Valley National Park and offers an outdoor fire pit, barbeque area, and a wood stove.
There’s no electricity in the cottage, so it’s the ideal place to disconnect and truly relax. Water comes from a foot pump sink, and safe drinking water is supplied in a jug. The bathroom even has a waterless composting toilet.
Rouge Park offers a multitude of trails and hidden gems to explore. The cabin is close to nature but still offers easy access to restaurants, as well as the city. This is one of the best places to visit in Toronto for escaping city life.
Best Value Eco-lodge in Toronto – The Dome on Little Lake
The Dome on Little Lake is a spacious retreat comprising a bedroom, kitchen, dining room, bathroom, and living area. It’s one of the most unique Airbnbs in Toronto. The dome features all the essentials needed for a comfortable stay and offers great value for money.
Guests can prepare meals on the single-burner stove or the outdoor barbeque, while a wood-burning fireplace provides heating. Instead of running water, there’s a water cooler that dispenses both hot and cold water. To further minimize water usage, there’s a composting toilet in the bathroom.
The nearby lake is perfect for swimming, fishing, and canoeing (a canoe is provided). In the winter, it’s ideal for ice-skating, ice-fishing, and snowshoeing. There are also a variety of trails to choose from for hiking or mountain biking.
Budget Tip: Dorms in Toronto start from $10USD per bed. Hostels in Toronto are the cheapest accommodation in the city!
Best Eco-lodge for Couples – Romantic Cabin in the Woods
This romantic cabin in Toronto provides a rustic and private oasis for two, complete with a large skylight over the bed for stargazing. With an outdoor hot tub, it is perfect for enjoying a romantic woodland setting.
Made from local timber and stone accents, with solar powered energy for the lights and charging ports, while hot water, heating, and cooking use propane, its eco-friendly initiatives make it all the more alluring.
The cabin is surrounded by hundreds of acres of forest trails perfect for hikes. More trails can be found in the nearby Sibbalds Point Provincial Park, while Lake Ontario is perfect for swimming. After a day of exploring, guests can cozy up in the loft space and choose from one of the board games.
Most Ecological Eco-lodge in Toronto – Glen Oro Eco-retreat
Glen Oro Eco-retreat is on a working horse farm, beneath the cover of an old-growth hardwood forest. The luxurious eco-dome has a loft sleeping area with a magical skylight overhead, as well as a kitchenette and stylish living space.
Water for the domes comes from a well, and is UV-filtered to ensure it’s safe for drinking. An environmentally friendly composting toilet helps keep water usage down. In the kitchen, recycling and compost bins ensure waste is sorted appropriately.
Explore the paths and trails at Glen Oro, pop over to the paddocks to say hello to the horses, or arrange a horse-riding excursion. Simcoe County Forest offers public hiking trails that are also well worth exploring. After a busy day, you can relax around the outdoor fire pit and enjoy unspoiled views of the night sky.
Best Eco-lodge for Families – Utopian Vintage Boxcar Cottage
The Utopian Vintage Boxcar Cottage is a lovingly refurbished train car originally used to carry freight across Canada and the United States. The boxcar has been converted into a cottage and is ideal for families traveling in Canada. It has two bedrooms, a small bathroom, and a well-equipped kitchen.
The cottage gets its water from a spring, so guests can enjoy pure drinking water. This is a chemical-free environment where cleaning supplies and toiletries are all eco-friendly.
This family retreat comes with handy additions for those travelling with little ones, including a baby bath, crib, books and toys. The on-site pond is a fascinating place to see frogs and birds, while the chemical-free pool is ideal for cooling off. Lucy’s Farm Zoo is minutes away, and offers loads of fun and laughter for the whole family.
Best Eco-lodge for a Weekend in Toronto – EcoApt
EcoApt is designed to promote sustainability and show how easy it is to make small changes that have a significant impact. The compact basement space has a full bathroom, kitchen, and a living room, and is the perfect base for a weekend in Toronto.
From organic cleaning products and bamboo toothbrushes to microgreens and sprouts, there are several eco-conscious elements in the EcoApt. There’s a rainwater collection system, solar power, and an innovative vermicomposter for kitchen scraps.
The apartment is close to biking trails and walking paths. There’s plenty to explore within walking distance, and handy walking tour maps to help you on your way.
Eco-lodge with an Epic Location – Green Acres Cabin
Green Acres Cabin is tucked away in a private forest, offering a secluded and independent retreat. Complete with a queen-size bed, a full bathroom, and a kitchen, the quaint cabin also has a spacious hot tub beneath the trees.
Green Acres Cabin is entirely off-grid and built almost entirely from natural materials. Drinking water is supplied for refilling reusable water bottles.
There are various trails through the private forest for peaceful long walks, or a two-seater ATV available. Play one of the classic board games, relax in the hot tub, or catch up on your reading in this peaceful spot.
Best Eco-lodge for Long-term Travellers – Bon Eco Suites – The Voyager
Bon Eco Suites offer a country escape in the historic village of Tamworth with all the conveniences of urban living. The loft-style suite is bright and airy, and features the original 1915 pressed tin ceilings.
The historic building has been lovingly renovated to incorporate ecological principles, reusing and reducing the use of non-recyclable materials.
The quaint historic town is located at the edge of the Canadian Shield wilderness, and filled with all the essentials: restaurants, stores, and even a massage therapist. The beautiful region offers plenty of opportunities to go biking, boating, and walking in nature.
Another Eco-lodge for a Weekend in Toronto – In the heart of Leslieville
This spacious apartment is located in the vibrant and colorful neighborhood of Leslieville just outside the city. It offers three bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and a washroom.
The eco-friendly apartment is cleaned using only eco-friendly products, which are supplied to guests as well as eco-friendly toiletries. Recycling bins are provided.
The surrounding neighborhood has many bars, restaurants, and coffee shops, all within easy reach of the apartment. Despite its proximity to the city, the area offers a more laid-back vibe, as well as easy access to Toronto’s beaches.
Best Eco-lodge for Solo Travellers – Eco Friendly + Big Garden
This tidy single room is perfect for easy-going travelers. It has a queen-size bed as well as a handy workspace, and guests also have access to a kitchen, washroom, and deck.
To keep electricity usage down, there’s a gas hob in the kitchen and no laundry facilities (laundry can be done at the laundromat down the street). There’s a water filter in the home where guests can refill reusable water bottles.
The surrounding neighborhood offers a variety of top restaurants and shops, all within walking distance of the property. Public transport connections are also nearby, which will take you right into the city.
Don’t Forget Your Toronto Travel Insurance
Hey, I know. Travel insurance doesn’t sound like a wild ride. But if your plans on your trip to Toronto don’t go to plan, then you’ll thank your lucky stars that you prepared yourself.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Eco-lodges in Toronto
Whether you’re heading to Toronto with your family, hoping to explore the outdoors, or hitting all the city’s top attractions and hotspots, you’ll need a convenient and comfortable retreat. If you want all of those things while still being gentle on the environment, then this list of the best eco-lodges in Toronto should be your starting point.
What we’ve gathered here is a small sample of unique accommodation in Toronto that will help you travel responsibly. From rustic wood cabins to city apartments, the options are vast and varied.
Once you settle on the ideal eco-lodge in Toronto for your stay, it’s a good time to consider some travel insurance. Toronto is safe to visit, but it’s always best to be prepared should anything go wrong.
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