Top 5 Unusual Places to Stay in Eastern and Central Canada

L'Ôasis, Point Wolfe Campground, Fundy National Park, Alma, New Brunswick

Interested in experiencing the epic scenery, stunning natural wonders, and pristine wilderness in one of Canada's famous National Parks, but not thrilled about sleeping on the ground in a tent? Great news! Many National Parks across Canada now feature a series of quirky and cozy shelters that are unique and fascinating alternatives to traditional campsites. For example, the Ôasis in Point Wolfe Campground, Fundy National Park is an electric-blue cabin resembling a droplet of water which has a 6 m2 interior that features a sofa bed on the main level and a hammock loft above. Currently this eclectic shelter is perched on a wooden platform on the ground, but it may one day be suspended from the trees! Best of all, these unique and unusual places to stay can be found in six National Parks across Canada, offering visitors an exciting twist to a traditional camping trip!

Shamrock Train Inn and Suites, Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick, Wolastoq Valley Trail

If you're planning a trip to New Brunswick and looking for something a bit more exciting than the average hotel room, the Shamrock Train Inn and Suites may be just the thing for you! Here, guests have an opportunity to sleep in one of two fully renovated historic train cars located at the Shogomoc Railway Site in downtown Florenceville-Bristol. The 'Romancing the Rails' car features a queen bed, an electric fireplace, a washroom, and a kitchenette, whereas the 'Adventure on the Rails' offers enough sleeping space to accommodate a family. Furthermore, guests can dine at Fresh, a gourmet restaurant located in another one of the fully restored 1930's CR Rail cars at this historic site. Clearly, choosing an unusual place to stay doesn't have to mean sacrificing comfort or convenience!

Dorchester Jail B&B, Dorchester, New Brunswick

Unusual Places to Stay in Eastern Canada includes paranormal. Want to test your own bravery, we dare you to spend a night or two at the spooky Dorchester Jail B&B, located about 15 minutes west of Sackville, and half an hour south of Moncton. Built in 1875, this is one of Canada's oldest provincial jails, and the only privately owned Death Row in Canada. Moreover, it was the site of the Bannister Brothers hanging in 1936, which was the last double hanging in New Brunswick history. Incredibly, you will sleep behind bars, in a narrow cell just down the hall from the trapdoor where at one time condemned criminals met their end. The owners are super friendly and gave us a guided tour of the buildings, well as a tour of the local area, which included a walk on the ocean floor with their three pet goats. Would you have the courage to spend a night behind bars in a haunted jail cell?

Making Waves Boatel, Toronto, Ontario, Waterfront Trail

When planning a visit to Ontario's largest city, sleeping at a Bed and Breakfast might not be the first option that springs to mind, and staying on a boat probably isn't even on your radar. Why not surprise your friends and family with a stay at Toronto's only boat B&B? The Making Waves Boatel is usually moored on Toronto's waterfront during the summer months, just a few blocks from the CN Tower, the Roger's Center, and Ripley's Aquarium and right on the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. Canada's first boatel offers guests an opportunity to sleep on a 65 ft private yacht and wake up to a delicious homemade breakfast, right in the heart of Toronto. The innkeepers, Diane and Ted Greene, provide award winning customer service and an authentic local experience while sharing their home with guests.

Red Top Motor Inn, Iron Bridge, Ontario, Huron Shores Trail

A great addition to any cross-Canada road trip or visit to the Algoma Region of Ontario is a stop at the Red Top Motor Inn in Iron Bridge, Ontario. This landmark opened in 1961, right on the Trans Canada Highway, and you can't miss the unique main building, which was designed in the colourful and creative Festival Style. Moreover, the motels rooms are clean and perfectly preserved, making you feel as though you've traveled back through time to the 1960's.Perhaps best of all, the incredibly friendly and accommodating owners of the inn serve homemade, gourmet food that is by far the best in the area. This unusual place offers so much more than a typical motel stay along the Trans Canada Highway.