Moonlit Canopy, a glamping destination in Manitoba, is welcoming guests to experience nature with the comforts of modern accommodations.
The project was developed by Alana and Ryan Jamieson, owners of McPhail Travel Brandon, who combined their backgrounds in tourism and global travel to create a boutique outdoor retreat.
“Our goal for Moonlit Canopy is to create a space where you can escape, recharge, reconnect, and then go home and take on the world,” the Jamiesons said on their website.
The retreat features three geodesic domes, each more than 500 square feet, situated on elevated platforms within the oak tree-lined fairways of Pleasant Valley Golf Course in the Pembina River Valley.
The domes, which accommodate up to four guests, include king-sized beds, modern bathrooms, kitchenettes, and bay windows overlooking the surrounding landscape.
Each unit also has a private deck with a barbecue grill, patio seating, and a hot tub. Rates range from $255 to $285 per night, with a two-night minimum stay.
Moonlit Canopy emphasizes eco-friendly operations and a minimal-impact design. Paths replace pavement, there are no onsite restaurants, and the development avoids extensive infrastructure to preserve open space and allow for coexistence with local wildlife.
The Jamiesons also collaborate with local partners such as Grey Ridge Coffee and Utoffeea Chocolates to integrate regional products into the guest experience.
Located near Pelican Lake, the largest navigable body of water in southwest Manitoba, the retreat offers access to year-round recreational activities. Its positioning within the golf course provides views elevated up to 125 feet above a creek and rolling greens.
For outdoor hospitality professionals, Moonlit Canopy highlights a growing trend in the industry: smaller-scale, boutique glamping operations that focus on immersive nature experiences while balancing comfort and sustainability.
By situating domes in an existing recreational landscape and partnering with local businesses, the development demonstrates how operators can diversify guest offerings without heavy investment in permanent resort-style infrastructure.
The Jamiesons acknowledge that their approach is not designed to replicate traditional hotels.
“Our laid-back vibe means no butlers, room service, or onsite restaurants—just authentic, uncomplicated comfort,” they said on their website. This model reflects a segment of glamping that appeals to travelers seeking a mix of rustic simplicity and high-end amenities.
As glamping continues to expand across North America, projects such as Moonlit Canopy provide case studies for industry stakeholders exploring ways to enhance regional tourism, encourage local economic collaboration, and deliver unique outdoor stays that differ from both conventional camping and luxury hotels.
Featured image by Moonlit Canopy via moonlitcanopy.com
