Most of us think of cocooning as cozying up in our homes, not venturing very far afield, and enjoying the amenities of domesticity. Not so for Parks Canada, which has an entirely different idea.
Helen and George high above the forest in Parks Canada’s new cocoon tent
Picture, if you will, a large globular tent, suspended from the branches of a gargantuan tree. Located in the depths of a national forest, you mount the stairs leading up to your temporary home. The comfortable, cushioned floor promises ease and respite from days of hiking the woods or seaside trails.
A gentle rocking motion accompanies the whooshing of a breeze and the distant sound of surf, lulling you off to sleep when the days of hiking, swimming, or just plain relaxing have taxed you to exhaustion.
Interpreter Scott takes a peek out of one of the Cocoon’s flaps.
Author George Burden left and Julie of Parks Canada, right.
Welcome to the Parks Canada Cocoon at Ingonish Beach, Cape Breton. Hovering 6 meters above the ground, the globular tent—a pilot project for Parks Canada—will be available July 1st, 2016 for campers.
Renting at $70 per night, the Cocoon can be pre-booked by calling Cape Breton Highlands National Park at 902-285-2535. This is a natural venue for honeymooners or couples with their hearts set on romance. As with most tents, there is no central heating, but amorous couples should have no trouble finding ways to overcome this. Campers supply their own bedding and cooking equipment; a picnic table and campsite are located below.
Helen takes a tentative look out the door of the Cocoon.
As Cape Breton’s most ardent tourism promoter, Donald Trump suggested (and President Barack Obama seconded), fleeing Americans visiting the island will be seeking innovative accommodations. The Parks Canada Cocoon might just give couples young and old a new meaning for the term “Trump Bump“!
Co-authored by George Burden and Stella van der Lugt
Photo Credits
Image 1 and 3 courtesy of David Lasker – All rights reserved.
All other images courtesy of George Burden and Stella van der Lugt- All rights reserved.
Recent Dr. George Burden Articles:
- Eight Encounters with Serious Peril
- The New Rubicon
- The Crown’s Perspective
- The Reluctant Sniper
- Massacre
