When you’re looking for accommodation do you ever think, ‘wow, another boring hotel that’s just like all the rest? I’ve been there! But along my extensive travelling in Ontario, I’ve come across some incredible places to stay, from a hotel inspired by classic novels to a room in a caboose! Here are some of the coolest and most unique places to stay in Ontario that will have you wanting to stay in as opposed to getting out exploring.
Most Unique Accommodations in Ontario
I am willing to book an Ontario road trip around a unique hotel! So, if you’re anything like me, then you’ll love this list of amazing unique hotels in Ontario that offer a memorable stay and so much more!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. By booking through these links I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Arlington Hotel
The Arlington Hotel tops my list of favourite places to stay in Ontario! Located in the charming and picturesque small town of Paris Ontario, the Arlington is a boutique hotel with rooms inspired by some of the world’s greatest authors, like Hemingway, Dr. Seuss, Jane Austen, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Each room is full of rich details, plush beds, and ensuites with free toiletries. Some are suites with seating rooms and incredible views. The Hotel is an Ontario Heritage Site and also offers continental breakfast. You can also dine at their award-winning restaurant with Chopped Canada winner Matt Kershaw as executive chef.
Book your stay at the Arlington Hotel today
Floatel
If staying lakeside is what you’re looking for then the Floatel in Penetanguishene is the perfect Ontario accommodation for you. This floating 5-star hotel offers guests the peace of a cottage on the lake but with the conveniences of a hotel.
Each suite includes a comfortable lounge area with a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, microwave, a sparkling private ensuite with free toiletries, and of course, beautiful lake views. There are a host of on-site amenities like a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, shared floating barbecue cabana and more.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape or exploring Midland and area for a few days, the Floatel is a great place to stay in the area.
Book your stay at the Floatel today
June Motel
For the young and young at heart, you’ll love the Key West beachy vibe with pops of pink that the June Motel in Prince Edward County oozes. I know I sure did! If you’re looking for adorable places to stay in Ontario or the most photogenic then the June Motel is what you’re after.
Located in Picton, the June Motel is close to Prince Edward County’s top attractions. Each room has a classic retro feel with everything from pink doors to palm trees wallpaper. There’s also a TV, private bathroom, coffee machine, and fridge. But beyond your room, you can enjoy the motel’s neon-lit bar, garden, lake views.
They’ve also opened a new motel in Sauble Beach too! So, if the original is booked, try the June Motel in Sauble!
Book your stay at the June Motel today
Retro Suites
If you’re planning a road trip down to southwestern Ontario then I highly recommend a stop in Chatham! There are so many fun things to do in Chatham! However, one of the top things is staying a Retro Suites!
This boutique hotel is one of the most unique places to stay in Ontario! It’s located in downtown Chatham and is home to 45 unique rooms. Each room has a different theme, which include Library, Wild West, Paris, So Cal, and Motorcycle. Plus, there’s also a suite that will make you feel like you’re staying in a log cabin!
The building itself is a collection of eight designated heritage buildings dating to the 19th century. They’ve been masterfully restored to maintain their historic charm but are outfitted with all the modern amenities.
One of the cool parts of the hotel, beyond the rooms, is all of the incredible art work! Throughout the hallways, entry, and other spaces you’ll find a fun mix of modern, retro, and historic pieces. A few must-see items are the nutcrackers from New York’s F.A.O. Schwartz, penny- farthing bicycle, and the 1895 staircase in the lobby.
Other amenities the hotel offers are free parking, access to a nearby gym, plus there’s a retro restaurant on-site too!
Book your stay at Retro Suites today
Clearview Station & Caboose B&B
If you love trains as much as me then you’ll love the Clearview Station & Caboose Bed and Breakfast in Creemore. Located just outside the charming small town of Creemore you’ll find one of the most unique places to stay Ontario.
This lovely bed and breakfast has a couple of rooms, the Station Master’s room, and the Conductors room. But the main attraction is next door set on its own track, a real caboose! You won’t have to worry about giving up your comforts as the Ontario Northland caboose has been completely refinished to luxurious standards. The Caboose has a private ensuite, plush bed and incredible views.
Book your stay in the Caboose today
Looking for more unusual places to stay in Ontario? Try this list of dreamy, cute, and quirky Airbnbs in Ontario that range from boats to old churches!
Edison’s Inn
History fans will love to stay at Edison’s Inn in Stratford. Set in a renovated building from the 1840s, the Edison Inn is where, you guessed it, Thomas Edison once lived. Located in downtown Stratford, the Inn has the perfect location, within walking distance to many Stratford attractions, which I love.
Each room at the Inn has its own flair, there’s a music room, a room for quiet and comfort, and one with a wonderful view of the Avon River. Edison’s Inn, with its prime location, is the perfect place to stay for exploring Stratford with a few days.
Book your stay at the Edison’s Inn today
Is the Edison’s Inn fully booked? Check out these other great places to stay in Stratford!
North Adventure Inn Igloos
No we all don’t live in igloos up here in Canada! But if you’re looking for unique places to stay in Ontario then an igloo would definitely top that list! The North Adventure Inn is located in the northern Ontario town of Cochrane.
And no, these igloos are not a frozen slab of ice for you to curl up in. These igloos are fitted with double beds, a lounge area with sofa and TV, as well as a full bathroom and even a kitchenette. But there’s more! The hotel has an array of fun activities with everything from a sauna to a snowmobile trail. Also close by is the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat.
Book your stay in an Igloo today
The Grove
Another fun Ontario hotel is The Grove! This iconic hotel dominates the downtown of Kingsville, the southernmost town in Canada! You’ll immediately see it’s bright blue exterior and towering white columns.
The hotel was built in 1860 but has been completely remodeled. Now a boutique hotel, The Grove has 18 individually themed rooms, and has seen it’s fair share of famous people gracing its beds! During my stay I had the Bye Bye Birdie room, with its cat pillow and feathered lights. Other fun themes include Canadiana, cars, and even a beer room! Some suites have private balconies overlooking Main Street too! Plus, if you’re looking for a great way to explore town, the hotel offers bike rentals.
So, if you’re looking for things to do in Kingsville, add a stay at The Grove to your list!
Book your stay at The Grove today
Forest Motel
UPDATE: After a fire, they are currently closed and need to rebuild.
If you’re looking for where to stay in Ontario that offers a retreat from the busy city then the Forest Motel in Stratford is ideal. This sprawling property was owned by the Grand Trunk Railway nearly 150 years ago. Now, it’s now home to a lovely motel and retreat center as well as a grand home that’s been converted into incredible suites that offer charming rustic décor with bedrooms, seating room, hot tub, and modern ensuite. Every morning you can enjoy a delicious continental breakfast with fresh fruit and hot from the oven-baked goods.
The Forest Motel has so much to offer its guests, with a beautiful lake to canoe, swim or skate on, as well as trails through the forest, you may not need to leave the property. But if you’re looking for a night out at the theatre or a little exploring, Stratford is only a five minute drive away.
Darling Mansion
Another incredible place that should be on your Ontario accommodation bucket list is the Darling Mansion. This Victorian mansion was built in 1888 in Toronto’s west end has been reimagined into a crazy mix of eclectic boudoir meets art gallery.
What will you find within? There’s everything from antiques to murals by famed street art artists and the detailed architecture of the building will wow your pants off!
Book your stay at the Darling Mansion today
Looking for great cottage rentals in Ontario? Check out these cute and cozy Muskoka cottage rentals
Fairmont Royal York Toronto
Luxury, history, and style are what you’ll find at the Fairmont Hotel in downtown Toronto. Built in 1929 in the Châteauesque style by the Canadian Pacific Railway Company, the Fairmont is not only one of the greatest places to stay in Ontario but considered to be one of Canada’s grand railway hotels.
With its prime location across from Union Station, it’s the perfect place to stay during your time exploring Toronto. Standing over 400 feet you’ll find some epic views from many of its rooms. Rooms are expansive with stunning room details and have designer bathrobes and toiletries. The hotel is also home to award-winning restaurants, a sky-lit indoor pool, a gym, and all the classic charm from the 1920s.
Book your stay at the Fairmont in Toronto today
Tree House
Remember dreaming of staying in a treehouse as a child? Well, now you can! This dreamy house in the trees is located 2 hours outside of Toronto in the Durham region. If it’s unique places to stay in Ontario you’re after, it doesn’t get much better than a treehouse.
Surrounded by forest, this incredible Ontario getaway has a range of things to do on and around the property. The Tree House is fashioned in a rustic farmhouse style that’s both modern and comfortable. It has one bedroom, one bath, and would be ideal for a romantic escape.
Book your stay in the Tree House today
Glen Oro Farm
One of the coolest places to go glamping in Ontario is at Glen Oro Farm. This peaceful Eco-Retreat is located just outside Orillia and focuses on sustainability and connecting with nature.
Glen Oro features a number of unique accommodations. One is the Explorer’s Tent, which is a typical glamping experience with a frontier style tent on an elevated platform. The one that I’d love to try is the Stargazer Geodesic Dome.
The spectacular dome is outfitted with a king sized bed that sits in a loft with an unobstructive clear view of the night’s sky above. It’s perfect for a romantic getaway or personal escape. Inside the dome there’s an ensuite with a cedar shower as well as a small kitchenette with a burner and mini-fridge.
Each of the sites also have their own private campfire and Muskoka chairs to sit back and relax in. Plus, guests have access to book their cedar barrel sauna and cold plunge.
While glamping at Glen Oro you’ll find a variety of things to do on the property as well as nearby. You can book a 2-hour trail ride as well as a private dining experience.
My friend Alison stayed at Glen Oro twice and said it’s a truly amazing experience.
Stay in a Caboose at a Museum
I’m such a big train nerd that when I was in Lanark County and learned that you can stay in a caboose, I knew I had to add it to my bucket list!
At the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario in Smith Falls you can book a stay in a caboose. Two of which are a Canadian National and the other is a Canadian Pacific wood caboose. They vary in style and can sleep anywhere from 2 to 3 people, depending on the caboose you book.
Inside each caboose you’ll find fresh linens, a small kitchenette, and a variety of books sharing information about the museum and Smith Falls. I love all of the unique railroad memorabilia throughout too! And each guest also receives a private tour of the museum.
One thing to note is that there is no bathroom in the caboose but there is one for each within the station.
Plan for a Unique Getaway Today
So, whether you’re looking for accommodation in Ontario that will be an adventure in itself – like an igloo or a tree house, or looking for an interesting hotel with a spark, I’m sure one of these 10 unique places to stay in Ontario will be exactly what you’re after!
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