Skip the dog kennel – take them camping instead

Samantha Terry
4 days ago
4 min read

It’s camping season again, and you’re daydreaming about your next trip to Algonquin!

The trees, the trails, the campfires... and then it hits you. What about the dog?

Cue the scramble to find a dog kennel so lavish that it threatens to break the bank – or a dog kennel cheap enough that you leave feeling guilty the whole time you’re away.

Here’s the thing – you don’t actually have to leave your dog behind!

At Four Corners Algonquin, we believe the best adventures include muddy paws and wagging tails.

Instead of paying hundreds to stow your pup away in a dog kennel, you can bring them with you for less than the price of a weekend boarding fee.

Your dog gets fresh air, open trails, and all the new smells they can handle – and you get to skip the sad goodbyes at check-out!

A dog with his ears perked in a metal dog kennel, looking sad and lying still.

DISCLAIMER: As with human parents, you may be looking forward to the break from pet ownership while you relax and unwind without needing to provide care to anyone but yourself. There’s nothing wrong with that!

You might have been lucky enough to have found a kennel near you that your pup adores, or that doesn’t cost an arm and a tail on top of your other vacation fees. This blog isn’t intended to make dog kennel users feel guilty.

This blog is for travellers who have been specifically looking for a vacation place that allows them to bring their pets along. If this sounds like you, keep reading – and look no further than Four Corners Algonquin’s pet-friendly sites!

Dog kennels in Ontario – what are you really paying for?

Let’s talk numbers. In Ontario, dog kennel rates vary depending on the region and the level of care. But here’s a rough breakdown:

Overnight dog kennel (standard): $40–$60 per night
Luxury dog kennel with playtime, grooming, etc.: $60–$100+ per night
Week-long dog kennel stay (basic): $280–$420
Long weekend at a dog kennel: $120–$180

Add a holiday weekend surcharge or multiple pets, and the total can climb fast. Some facilities also charge extra for medication, walks, or feeding preferences.

So if you’re looking at a week-long vacation, your dog’s kennel bill might actually be more than your own travel costs.

Also Read: Getting the itch to make summer vacation plans? Take inspiration from our three-day-stay itinerary.

Some dogs and puppies standing in a caged kennel on a concrete outdoor floor.

Camping is cheaper – and way more fun for your dog!

Compare the cost of a dog kennel with that of a glamping stay at Four Corners Algonquin.

Dogs stay free – as in, no additional pet tag-along costs (you still have to pay for the humans in the tent 😛) – in our pet-friendly tents.

You could book a whole weekend getaway with your dog in tow so they can enjoy:

Sniff-filled hikes on nearby trails
Creek splashes and forest zoomies
Long, lazy naps under a canvas canopy
Evenings curled up beside your campfire
The joy of never being left behind

If you're the type of pup-parent who spends your whole vacation worrying about how they're doing, if they’re lonely, or if you’ll come home to an extra surprise kennel cleaning fee – then bringing your dog along might make your vacation better in more ways than one.

And let's be honest – it's not just fun for them. Instead of worrying, you could be tossing sticks, taking selfies, and soaking up the kind of quality time your dog lives for.

Also Read: How to pack when you’re camping with pets.

A dog with his head buried and his tail up, digging in the sand on a beach.

Skip the dog kennel – choose a pet-friendly site instead!

Four Corners offers several pet-friendly safari tents, including our newest group area, Pete’s Place – perfect for multiple dogs or a whole group of dog-loving humans.

These are real tents with wooden frames, beds, interior solar lighting, WiFi, firepits, picnic tables, nearby comfort stations, and the kind of relaxed, rustic charm that makes you want to stay just one more night.

Our pet-friendly tents include:

Belle of the Woods – a 3-person and pet-friendly safari tent.
Timber – a dedicated pet-friendly site in the safari tent section.

If you book at Pete’s Place, you even have access to a private BBQ area just for those who have reserved this camping village for their own party!

Also Read: What to do in Algonquin Provincial Park – activities for every type of traveller.

A little boy and his dog run together toward the camera along a grassy forest trail, both looking happy.

Ready to book? Let the dog pick the tent!

If your dog could talk, they’d already be in the car.

But since you’re the one with thumbs, here’s your cue: browse our pet-friendly tents and book now. It’s easy, affordable, and gives both of you something to look forward to.

This year, skip the dog kennel. Take the leash (please follow leash-laws), grab some treats (and plenty of pup-poop bags to keep our trails and sites clean), and hit the road!

Because the best memories aren’t made in dog kennels – they’re made in the woods, at your feet, while marshmallows roast over a fire and the stars start to peek through the trees.

Also Read: The best hiking trails in Algonquin Provincial Park – your dog will love them 😉