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Why We’re “Mutts” About Under Canvas

Posted by Billy Francis Suggest an edit

Dreaming of sleeping under a bed of stars with Fido? Camping is a fun way to immerse yourself in nature, breathe fresh air, and escape the stress of modern life, but it’s not for everybody. For some, the thought of waking up in a tiny tent with a sprawling pooch for company is more like a nightmare than a dream vacation. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way. Glamping is the ideal choice for outbound hounds who still require creature comforts, and no one does it better than Under Canvas.

The Origins of Under Canvas

“Just collecting necessary treats, I mean supplies.” Photo by Melissa

Under Canvas first pitched its tent in 2012. Inspired by a safari trip to Zimbabwe, Sarah and Jacob Dusek aimed to bridge the gap between travel and the great outdoors by making Mother Nature, in all its glory, accessible to all, including pups!

“I’m on brand at the Grand Canyon!”Photo by @undercanvasofficial

The Duseks’ first effort was Sage Safaris, a unique Montana safari experience based out of Jacob’s family farm near the Canadian border. The innovative pair built on this concept, creating one of the first glamp-sites in North America when Under Canvas erected tents on the edge of Yellowstone National Park.

“I spy with my little eye, nobody for miles!”Photo by @undercanvasofficial

Under Canvas continues to add to its portfolio of pet-friendly camping properties in some of the most scenic destinations. With the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Yosemite in California, Acadia in Maine, two Yellowstone properties and Glacier in Montana, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, Bryce Canyon, Lake Powell-Grand Staircase, Moab and Zion in Utah; and Columbia River Gorge in Washington, Under Canvas has made its mark as the gold standard for glamping with your pup.

Why Fido Will Love Under Canvas

“This is a great place to take ‘paws’ and reflect.” Photo by @undercanvasofficial

Under Canvas is proud to leave the days of stuffy sleeping bags, canned beans and restless nights behind. Instead, guests are provided with daily housekeeping and fresh towels, plush king-size beds, luxurious linens, an en-suite bathroom, hot running water and even a wood-burning stove.

Luxury is great, but when it comes to providing your pooch with an unforgettable vacation, location is everything. Fido will be able to fill his Instagram with gorgeous photos and sniff out pet-friendly amenities within a short distance of every single Under Canvas campsite.

“Am I still leashed if you’re not holding the other end?”Photo by @hezoeybrooklyn


Grand Canyon

Visitors on two legs and four will love glamping it up at Under Canvas Grand Canyon, which lies along historic Route 66. After going for a walk on one of the trails at Grand Canyon National Park, gather around the fire on the patio at Yavapai Lodge Tavern for a delicious meal with your pooch.

Yosemite

Sleep among towering California black oak and Ponderosa pine forests at Under Canvas Yosemite, which covers 85 acres of forested land just 10 minutes from the main Big Oak Flat entrance station to Yosemite National Park. Although the national park has limited pet-friendly access, you and Fido can hike on a few trails within the park, like the Mirror Lake Trail. Afterward, grab a cerveza and nosh on some nachos on the patio at El Jardin Restaurant, which also has dog treats available for purchase.

Acadia

Explore the beauty of Maine on 100 acres of waterfront property near Acadia National Park at Under Canvas Acadia. BringFido’s choice for the most pet-friendly national park features rocky beaches, thousands of acres of woodlands, and the East Coast’s tallest granite peaks. More importantly for Fido, it boasts more than 100 miles of dog-friendly hiking trails. After a long day hiking, grab some New England fare at Stewman’s Lobster Pound in downtown Bar Harbor. End the day with complimentary s’mores by the fire back at camp.

West Yellowstone

The first of the two properties near Yellowstone National Park, Under Canvas West Yellowstone, is just 10 minutes from the primary West Entrance to the volcanic hotspot. It’s not the most pet-friendly national park in the country, but seeing Old Faithful from a distance is still worth checking off Fido’s bucket list. Beyond the park, spend a day at the lake at Henrys Lake State Park before moseying on down with your mutt to The Buffalo Bar for lunch.

North Yellowstone-Paradise Valley

Under Canvas North Yellowstone-Paradise Valley is a bit further at 45 minutes from the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. In addition to the park, this location offers access to Montana’s Paradise Valley outdoor adventures, including world-class fly fishing, river rafting and hiking. Before heading out for the day grab a coffee with Fido on Livingston’s main street at Tru North Coffee, and afterward, a locally crafted beer with sushi at Neptune’s Taphouse & Eatery.

Glacier

Unfortunately, Glacier National Park doesn’t allow dogs on the hiking trails that lead to some of the more spectacular views, but you can experience the same landscape with your pooch by your side at Under Canvas Glacier. It’s also just a tennis ball’s throw away from one of the most epic dog parks in the country, Hugh Rogers WAG Park. Grab a beer and a bite at Bonsai Brewing Project later.

Mount Rushmore

Whether pausing for the night on a South Dakota road trip or spending your whole vacation in the area, Under Canvas Mount Rushmore shouldn’t be missed. Once you’ve seen the famous presidential heads from the pet-friendly viewing area, saddle up and drive to nearby Keystone for a photoshoot at Professor Samuel’s Old Time Photos. After Fido’s finished voguing, continue his walk down memory lane with a meal on the patio at Ruby House Restaurant, a turn-of-the-century style eatery.

Great Smoky Mountains

Wake up to awesome Appalachian views at Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains. This East Coast glamp site is located on 200 acres in “The Land of Blue Smoke.” Once you’ve sniffed out the trails that welcome dogs in the national park, head into Gatlinburg to get a birds-eye view of town on the dog-friendly sky lift at Gatlinburg SkyPark, followed by donuts at Mad Dog's Creamery & Donuts. And while you’re in the area, don’t forget to bring Fido to Nantahala National Forest for more outdoor adventures.

Bryce Canyon

Located just 15 minutes from Bryce Canyon National Park, Under Canvas Bryce Canyon offers 700 acres of high-alpine juniper forest and easy access to the area’s famed, crimson-colored hoodoos. At one of the world’s first DarkSky resorts, you can experience the wonders of the night sky like never before. Sleep under endless star-filled skies in one of Under Canvas’ Stargazer Tents. After a restful night, grab a cuppa joe at Sevier Coffee Co. before heading out on the dog-friendly trails at Red Canyon Visitor Center.

Lake Powell - Grand Staircase

Explore the American Southwest in all its glory at Under Canvas Lake Powell - Grand Staircase, situated on a canyon rim plateau with its own on-site slot canyon and sweeping views right outside your tent accommodations. Explore the nearby Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument on the dog-friendly Toadstool Hoodoos Trail, or take an off-road adventure with Fido on a UTV tour with Epic Adventure Rides. Raise a toast at Grand Canyon Brewing + Distillery while you dig into burgers and BBQ with your pup on its shaded patio.

Moab

Spend your vacation on 40 acres just moments away from the entrance to both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Award-winning, Under Canvas Moab is just seven miles north of Arches, which means you can load up the mountain bike and your extreme canine for an adventure on the Great Escape Bike Trail. When you’re finished, spice up your life with a meal at Arches Thai.

Zion

Under Canvas Zion is ideally located near Zion National Park, surrounded by sandstone cliffs, majestic red rock, and wide-open desert skies that are synonymous with the American Southwest. Dog-friendly hiking options are plentiful, but like many parks out west, dogs aren’t permitted on every trail in the national park. However, one of the best is the Pa’rus Trail, which allows dogs to join you for a stroll on the paved track. Start your adventure with a healthy smoothie and a hearty sandwich at River Rock Roasting Company with your pup.

Columbia River Gorge

Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge is a 120-acre property in Washington’s picturesque White Salmon River Valley, surrounded by the Cascade Mountains, and offering spectacular views of nearby Mount Hood. The area is famous for waterfalls, and you can get a glimpse at one alongside wildflowers and a lush forest on a hike with Fido on the Dog Mountain Trail. Grab a beer and a bite to eat with your dog on the deck at Ferment Brewing Company in nearby Mount Hood, OR.

Travel Tips

“I don’t care how nice it is, I’m not sleeping in a tent!” Photo by @mallorydangerpaige

The pet fee is $35 at all Under Canvas locations. Dogs must be leashed while wandering around the campsites, and pups can’t be left unattended. Due to the abundance of wildlife surrounding the tent villages, food should not be kept inside the tents, including Fido’s treats and kibble.

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