Did you know you can camp inside Fort Langley National Historic Site and experience life just like a 19th-century fur trader (but with beds, a bar fridge, and LED lightbulbs)?

Yes, this is glamping. Parks Canada has oTENTiks in most national parks and historic sites that you can book just like a normal campsite. You still need to bring sleeping bags, food, and dishes, but they provide the “tent” (it’s more like a cabin), mattresses, and some basic cooking devices like a kettle and barbeque.

It’s a pretty cool experience and it’s close by for anyone in Metro Vancouver. The drive from our house was less than 50 km, and there’s even a bus stop if you’re looking for a car-free camping option. And after we spent 2 hours in Friday rush hour traffic driving there, I definitely want a car-free option next time. I’m not sure what bike infrastructure is like on the way, but I’d seriously consider using our bike trailer and cycling if we ever return.

The coolest part about staying in a fort is having the whole place to yourselves in the evenings. During the day, the fort is open to the public. You can check out the blacksmith shop, barrel-making cooper, and learn from the interpreters. At 5 pm the public leaves and they lock the gates. We had some epic hide-and-go-seek-tag games in the huge area.

We did this camping trip with another family (we booked 2 oTENTiks) and it was great having more people to hang out with and play board games in the evenings. Astrid had a blast in the kid’s area, stacking supplies and trading furs for blankets. We need to do more camping with friends.

Things to keep in mind if you want to do your own Fort Langley oTENTik experience:

• Bring bug spray – the mosquitoes are bad in the evenings
• Light sleepers need earplugs – trains pass by frequently and toot their horns at all hours
• Book the day reservations open – usually in early March at 8 am
• Explore around the fort – you get a key so you can leave and visit the local restaurants and playground within a short walk

More photos.