Trade a chain hotel for something a little more interesting. Canada is home to some truly wild and wacky hotels and we’re sharing some of the most unique stays across the country.
HI-Ottawa Jail Hostel
Whether you feel you deserve to be behind bars or not, you can find out what it feels like to go to jail with a night at the HI-Ottawa Jail Hostel. Housed in a 150 year old former Carleton County jail, your room will be an authentic jail cell (albeit with more amenities and comfort).
Fantasyland Hotel
Fantasyland Hotel is a hotel inside West Edmonton Mall – yes, a hotel in a mall. That’s pretty cool on its own, but the rooms here add to the quirky nature of the property. Each room has a theme – stay in a truck-themed room in a bed made to look like a truck, or stay in a room with a Polynesian theme, or a western theme. There is even a safari themed room, just to name a few.
Hôtel de Glace
Bring your parka – you’ll need it if you’re staying at this hotel made of ice in Quebec City. There are 44 rooms and suites and everything you see (including the beds) are made of ice. When you’re not tucked into your ice bed, you can enjoy the Nordic relaxation area with an outdoor spa and sauna.
Bombay Peggy’s
Spend the night in the Yukon’s only restored brothel. The Dawson City Inn has a colourful past that features nine rooms, all with modern amenities, antique furnishing and contemporary art. Stop by the adjoining pub to grab a meal or beer.
Free Spirit Spheres
If you’ve ever wanted to sleep in a tree house, you can do so on Vancouver Island, British Columbia in this strange and wonderful hotel. The spheres are hand crafted and sit among the treetops in the Vancouver Island rainforest.
The Boatel
If you like being on the water, you’ll get a kick out of Toronto’s only boat hotel (hence the name: Boatel). It’s ideally located for some great sightseeing, including the CN Tower, Roger’s Center and Ripley’s Aquarium. A stay at this bed and breakfast will feel like you’re sleeping on your own private yacht.
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort
Tofino, British Columbia is home to Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, which takes camping to a seriously luxurious level. 12 glam tents have heated floors, en-suite bathrooms and indoor/outdoor showers. Oh, and the resort is only accessible by seaplane or boat to ensure total seclusion.
Aquarium sleepover
While not exactly a hotel, you can get up close and personal with your favourite undersea creatures with a sleepover at the Vancouver Aquarium. There are family-themed sleepovers, student and group sleepovers, and even sleepovers geared towards couples. Romance in the aquarium? Why not?
Lead photo: Clayoquot Wilderness Retreat
