Camp Cantina

In the heart of Riding Mountain National Park, nestled within a historic building, you'll find Camp Cantina.

UpHouse Inc. approached us with a unique brand identity project, crafting a highly visual brand for Camp Cantina in Riding Mountain National Park.

With a highly curated menu focused on organic and biodynamic wines, local craft beer, delectable cuisine and even a throwback deli counter with tasty picnic takeaways and groceteria shelves stocked with unique, local provisions and all the supplies you need to explore the national park, Camp Cantina presents an innovative blend of tantalizing flavors and practical camp essentials.

After a decade in the corporate world, Megan, founder of Camp Cantina, found she craved entrepreneurial freedom and creative expression. Driven by an unwavering love of craft wine, fine food and the breathtaking nature of Riding Mountain National Park, Megan embarked on a mission to bring something truly special to the area.

Megan's vision for the Camp Cantina brand identity blended an elevated experience with nostalgia. Influenced by the enchanting aesthetic of Camp Wandawega  and the historic Danceland building that Camp Cantina calls home, she wanted the brand to exude a vintage charm. With  a focus on the classic "camp" vibe, she saw an opportunity for Camp Cantina to provide a unique dining experience that combines nostalgia with refinement.

A moodboard provided by client client and further refied by our team explored a style inspired by classic diners and deli counters, pairing the aesthetic with upscale details of a classic, Madman style cocktail bar.

The logo mark took inspiration from the ranching culture in the area and the historic Danceland building, with its tudor rustic revival architecture style. The mark can be seen as a horseshoe or stylized wine glass featuring a star in the centre that represents a quote by Dom Pérignon "come quickly, I am tasting the stars". Although he was speaking to the feeling of sipping champagne, this quote made us think of the breathtaking blanket of stars seen in the sky at night above Riding Mountain National Park.

The interior design of Camp Cantina embraces vintage elements and heavily influenced the brand's colour system, emulating tile mosaic floors and mint green enamel drop lanterns reminiscent of classic deli counters from the 1940s. These colours add a touch of nostalgia and create a unique atmosphere for the brand.

The raw beauty of nature inspired Megan to establish Camp Cantina in this idyllic location. We wanted this brand to be a heartfelt tribute to the splendor and history of the area expressed through our selection of brand fonts, brand colours and shapes.

With a nod to the past, Camp Cantina's brand identity combines vintage charm and a throwback feel. It captures the essence of nostalgia while offering a refined and elevated experience for guests.

Stop by Camp Cantina on your next camping trip and learn more about the project through UpHouse.