Hidden among the forests of Riding Mountain National Park, just steps from the natural beauty of Clear Lake and the community of Wasagaming, a new kind of Manitoba getaway is taking shape.
Turtle Village Glamping offers visitors something beyond a traditional camping trip and beyond a conventional hotel stay. It is a place where comfort, sustainability, Indigenous culture, and connection to the land come together in a uniquely Manitoba experience.
Located within Wasagaming Campground in Treaty 2 Territory, Turtle Village invites guests to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience the landscape through an Indigenous tourism lens. The result is a memorable stay that combines the simplicity of outdoor living with the comfort of thoughtfully designed accommodations.
A New Way to Experience Riding Mountain
Riding Mountain National Park has long been one of Manitoba’s most beloved destinations, known for its forests, lakes, wildlife, hiking trails, and the charming lakeside community of Wasagaming.
For generations, this region has also been home to deep Indigenous connections to the land. Turtle Village builds on that relationship by creating a tourism experience rooted in respect, sustainability, and storytelling.
The concept is simple: provide visitors with an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while learning about the cultural and environmental relationships that have shaped this place for thousands of years.
Turtle Village describes its philosophy through the Anishinaabe concept of Mino-bimaadiziwin — “the good life” — a principle centered on balance, respect, and living in harmony with the world around us.
Turtle Shell Accomodations
The centrepiece of the Turtle Village experience is its unique accommodation: the Turtle Shell.
Designed as compact, off-grid cabins inspired by the protective nature of a turtle’s shell, these units offer a comfortable alternative to traditional camping. They are designed to blend into the environment while providing shelter, warmth, and a memorable connection to the outdoors.
Each Turtle Shell is designed for guests who want to enjoy nature without sacrificing basic comforts. Features include:
Weather-resistant, insulated construction
Solar-powered lighting
Battery power for charging small devices
Propane heating
Comfortable sleeping arrangements
A private outdoor setting
Nearby washroom facilities with hot showers
The experience is intentionally simple. Guests are encouraged to unplug, spend time outdoors, gather around the fire, and enjoy the rhythms of the natural world.
It is glamping—but with a deeper purpose.
Sustainable Tourism Built Around the Land
One of Turtle Village’s defining features is its commitment to lower-impact tourism.
The Turtle Shell units are designed to minimize their environmental footprint through off-grid systems, energy efficiency, durable materials, and careful placement within the campground. Solar power, LED lighting, and self-contained heating systems allow guests to enjoy comfort while reducing energy consumption.
This approach reflects a growing movement in tourism: creating experiences that allow people to enjoy natural spaces while respecting and protecting them.
Rather than separating visitors from the landscape, Turtle Village encourages guests to become more aware of their relationship with it.
Indigenous Cultural Experiences
While the accommodation itself is unique, what truly distinguishes Turtle Village is its cultural programming.
Guests can add guided experiences that introduce Indigenous teachings, stories, food traditions, and connections to the land. These experiences are designed to encourage learning through conversation, participation, and shared moments around the fire.
Popular experiences include:
Auntie Bannock Experience
One of Turtle Village’s signature offerings, the Auntie Bannock Experience, brings guests together around the fire to make bannock, enjoy tea, and listen to stories about Anishinaabe and Ojibwe connections to the Riding Mountain region.
More than a cooking demonstration, it is an opportunity to understand how food, storytelling, and relationships with the land are intertwined.
Taste of Survival Culinary Experience
This experience explores the history and importance of pemmican, a traditional food that supported travel, trade, and survival.
Guests learn about Indigenous food knowledge while creating a modern interpretation inspired by this important tradition.
The Feather We Carry Workshop
This hands-on cultural workshop explores themes of identity, belonging, and living in a good way through storytelling and creative expression.
These programs transform a simple overnight stay into an opportunity for meaningful cultural exchange.
A Perfect Base for Exploring Riding Mountain
One of Turtle Village’s greatest advantages is its location.
Situated in Wasagaming Campground, guests are surrounded by everything that makes Riding Mountain National Park special:
Hiking trails through boreal forest
Wildlife viewing opportunities
Clear Lake beaches
Canoeing and kayaking
Cycling routes
Stargazing
Local shops and restaurants in Wasagaming
Clear Lake, one of Manitoba’s most popular recreation destinations, is close enough for exploration while the campground setting provides a peaceful retreat at the end of the day.
Who Is Turtle Village For?
Turtle Village appeals to travellers who want something different from a standard resort experience.
It is ideal for:
Couples seeking a unique getaway
A quiet forest setting, evenings by the fire, and opportunities for meaningful experiences make it a memorable romantic escape.
Families looking for outdoor adventure
Children can experience nature while learning about Indigenous culture, sustainability, and the importance of respecting the land.
Travellers interested in Indigenous tourism
Guests have the opportunity to support an Indigenous-owned business while learning directly through authentic experiences.
Outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy comfort
For those who love camping but appreciate a warm, secure, thoughtfully designed space, Turtle Village offers the best of both worlds.
More Than a Place to Sleep
The most memorable travel experiences often come from places that make visitors feel connected—to the landscape, to local communities, and to stories that existed long before their arrival.
Turtle Village succeeds because it is not simply accommodation. It is an invitation to experience Manitoba differently.
Here, a night under the stars becomes an opportunity to reflect. A campfire becomes a place for storytelling. A forest becomes a teacher.
Through sustainable design, Indigenous knowledge, and genuine hospitality, Turtle Village represents the future of responsible tourism in Manitoba—one where visitors don’t just pass through a place, but leave with a deeper understanding of it.
For travellers looking to experience the heart of Riding Mountain National Park in a meaningful way, Turtle Village offers a stay that is comfortable, memorable, and deeply connected to the land.