Starting a glamping dome business in Canada can be a rewarding way to merge a love of the outdoors with luxury accommodations. For first-time glamping entrepreneurs, it’s essential to understand the costs involved. This guide provides a breakdown of the major expenses—dome construction, infrastructure, other startup costs, and land—based on an example from Southern Ontario, approximately two hours away from Toronto.
In this example, we assume you will start by building two luxurious domes, equipped with septic washrooms, heating, and water, and have enough land to eventually accommodate up to four or five domes. Note that the costs will vary depending on the amenities you plan to provide, the size of your operation, and where you are building.
Building the Domes: $95,000 (Two Domes)
Your domes will be the heart of your glamping business, offering a unique, luxurious guest experience. Northern Glamping offers an 8 Meter Dome Bundle with Deck for $23,000, which includes the dome structure, foundation, and other essentials, ensuring durability and style. Additionally, Northern Glamping’s Washroom Module for $10,000 replaces the need for separate investments in a shower, toilet, and bathroom sink, providing an all-in-one premium bathroom solution.
By choosing Northern Glamping, you can save up to $15,000 in costs by bundling the dome and washroom components, making it easier to manage the construction process and ensure high-quality results.
Here's the breakdown for two domes:
- Two 8 Meter Dome Bundles with Deck (from Northern Glamping): $46,000
- Furnishings: $14,000 - $20,000
- Two Washroom Modules (from Northern Glamping): $20,000
- Electrical Installation: $2,500 - $3,500
- Installation Labor: $5,000 - $7,000
- Kitchenettes: $1,000 - $1,500
- Supplies Float: $1,500 - $2,500
Cost Range Across Canada: $90,000 - $100,500
Infrastructure: $82,000
Building infrastructure is essential to making your glamping site operational and comfortable. This includes road access, utilities, and systems like septic and water. Here’s a breakdown:
- Septic System: $8,500 - $11,500
- Water Well: $6,000 - $9,000
- Road and Grading: $10,000 - $14,000
- Tree Felling and Clearing: $13,000 - $17,000
- Hydro Connection: $25,500 - $34,500
- Survey and Permits: $6,500 - $8,500
Cost Range Across Canada: $69,500 - $94,500
Other Expenses: $28,000
Beyond land, infrastructure, and dome construction, there are additional costs to consider when starting your glamping business. These expenses cover the essentials like marketing, legal fees, and a cash float to ensure smooth operations in the early days.
- Marketing Assets: $300 - $500
- Incorporation Fees: $300 - $400
- Legal Startup Costs: $4,500 - $6,000
- Cash Float: $8,500 - $11,500
- Closing Costs (if purchasing land): $7,500 - $10,500
- Miscellaneous Expenses: $2,500 - $3,500
Cost Range Across Canada: $23,500 - $32,500
Land: $300,000
Finally, the big elephant in the room—land. The cost of land will vary significantly depending on your location. In this example, we assume you’ll need enough land to accommodate up to four domes, though you’ll start with two. We'll stick with $300,000 for vacant land as that is what we have seen available today, without a water well or hydro.
If you already have access to land, you can ignore this section. However, if you’re still exploring options, check out our article on land acquisition for a glamping business, which dives into buying land outright, renting it, or sharing land.
- Cost Range Across Canada: $255,000 - $345,000
Total Estimated Cost
Building a luxury glamping dome business, starting with two domes and enough land for future expansion to 5 domes, will require an estimated $505,000. Across Canada, the cost could range from $438,000 to $572.5 depending on your location and specific project details.
Financing Options for Small Business Owners
If you're a first-time entrepreneur, financing can be an important part of launching your glamping business. Various options are available to Canadian business owners, including government grants, small business loans, and private financing. To explore potential funding sources, visit these financing options for small businesses in Canada.
Please note that this article is not financial advice. It’s highly recommended that you check the numbers for your specific situation before making any financial decisions. While building a glamping dome business may seem daunting, it's a fantastic opportunity that can be significantly cheaper than constructing a tiny home cottage or cabin.
Stay Tuned for More!
This post outlines the upfront costs of building a glamping dome business, but stay tuned for our upcoming article on monetization and how to calculate your return on investment (ROI). It will guide you through pricing your glamping stays and estimating how long it will take to recoup your investment.
