Historic and unique hotels in Ontario

Greater Toronto Area (GTA)

The Ivy at Verity

Located in Toronto’s Garden District on historic Queen Street East, the Ivy at Verity is an intimate, four-suite boutique hotel with a celebrated restaurant and exclusive women’s spa.

The hotel guest rooms occupy the second floor of a restored building originally constructed in the early 1800s as a chocolate factory for the Robertson Brothers Wholesale Confections Company. You can still see remnants of the former factory in the original brickwork and beams. Each room features a balcony that opens onto the restaurant courtyard below, which once served as the delivery area for the factory.

The large, airy rooms, opulent washrooms, romantic terraces and vintage décor give the impression of a chic European pied-à-terre.

In addition to the award-winning cuisine at George Restaurant, Chef Lorenzo Loseto also makes artisanal gelato, so the tradition of sweet creations continues in this heritage building.

Location: 111 Queen Street East D, Toronto

Old Mill Toronto Hotel

Old Mill Toronto Hotel is a landmark property on the shores of the Humber River with a history shaped by the city that grew around it. The original sawmill was constructed in 1793, the same year Toronto was founded as the town of York.

Over the next two centuries, the site evolved from industrial to recreational through numerous reconstructions and restorations. In the early 1900s, it became a popular place for locals to socialize, complete with a dance hall and tea garden. By the end of the century, the buildings and grounds had transformed into a luxurious inn, spa, restaurant and gardens.

While all the modern amenities, comforts and extra touches of a boutique hotel are provided, beautiful historical elements such as the English Tudor-style architecture and afternoon tea tradition whisper of a bygone era.

Location: 9 Old Mill Road, Etobicoke

One King West Hotel

Occupying the corner of King and Yonge Street, in the heart of downtown Toronto’s financial district, One King West Hotel is a luxury hotel in Ontario’s original Dominion Bank building.

The bank’s head office was established at this location in 1879 and remained there for the next 126 years. Between 1910 and 1914, the building was converted from five to twelve floors in a modern Beaux-Arts white terracotta style. A massive vault shipped from the UK and dragged up Yonge Street by a team of horses was installed and remains today. 

In 2005, preservation was a driving factor in the conversion and construction of a contemporary 51-storey condo/hotel tower above the original structure. Now you can stay in one of the historic suites at this Ontario heritage designated site. Onsite valet parking is available.

Location: 1 King Street West, Toronto

Niagara Region

School House Bed and Breakfast

This attractive, ivy-covered bed and breakfast in the heart of Old Town was originally the first public schoolhouse in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Constructed in 1859 on military grounds after the War of 1812, the four-classroom school continued to serve as Niagara Public School until 1948. Over 50 years later, extensive renovation transformed the building from disrepair into a country inn. The original maple flooring and tin ceilings were salvaged and reinstalled. During the overhaul, blackboards with writing still on them were discovered behind walls.

Choose from one of only six aptly names suites like the Professor’s Suite, the Principal’s Loft and the Librarian’s Loft. Each spacious unit is tastefully decorated with a private en suite.

Location: 40 Platoff Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Sterling Inn & Spa

Sterling Inn & Spa is a boutique hotel with a full-service spa and fine dining in downtown Niagara Falls. It’s popular for romantic getaways and luxurious stays.

Dating back to the 1920s, the building’s former purpose was much less lavish. The site was established as Cairns Creamery, a large dairy and ice cream producer. Borden Creamery took over in 1930 and continued dairy operations for over 40 years, including a door-to-door bottled milk delivery service. 

In 2007, the building began its conversion into an upscale, 41-room boutique bed and breakfast inn and spa with modern finishes, amenities and comforts. The massive cement milk bottle above the main entrance is the only reminder of its industrial past.

Location: 5195 Magdalen Street, Niagara Falls

The Prince of Wales Hotel

Built in 1864, this historical landmark in Niagara-on-the-Lake adopted its current name in 1901 in honour of a visit by the Duke and Duchess of York. To this day, each of the 110 guest rooms, uniquely decorated with period decor, exudes a sense of royalty.

In 1997, Vintage Hotel Properties acquired this unique building and began a monumental restoration. The preserved Victorian details can be seen in the intricate window designs and decorative brackets below the roof line. The interior boasts gorgeous inlaid floors, ornate mouldings and bespoke artwork.

During your stay, treat yourself to a cocktail in the beautifully appointed The Churchill Lounge before indulging in chef Chris Smythe’s menu at Noble Restaurant.

Relive the Victorian era with a traditional English tea service in The Drawing Room,  complete with ornate tea sets and delicate desserts that will transport you back in time.

If you have a sense of adventure, request room 207—it’s rumoured to be haunted.

Location: 6 Picton Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake

Hamilton, Halton and Brant

The Barracks Inn

The Barracks Inn is an upscale 18-room boutique hotel in the historic village of Ancaster, just west of the city of Hamilton.

Its original construction date and purpose is unclear, although many believe it was built to house soldiers during the War of 1812—hence the name. Later, the building served as a drug store until, like so many structures of the time, it was destroyed by fire in 1868.

After its reconstruction from the ruins of the fire, the site saw many uses, included a tool-and-die business and a car repair and dealership before being transformed into a luxury accommodation in 2016.  

Key historic features retained are the striking stone walls, including a cornerstone from 1851. 

Location: 425 Wilson Street East, Ancaster

Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington

Puddicombe House

In 1868, Samuel Merner, a local businessman, member of Parliament and Senator, oversaw the construction of what was to become his home, a lavish mansion in New Hamburg, between Stratford and Kitchener.

The house features rich window details, grand porches and gables, decorative cornice mouldings and high ceilings. Another prominent resident, Robert Puddicombe, purchased the home in 1888 and it remained in his family until 1969.

It wasn’t until 2006 that the current owners began an extensive and careful renovation to convert the property into Puddicombe House, an elegant eight-room inn, restaurant and spa.  Special touches like large canopy beds, chandeliers, antique settees and in-room fireplaces preserve the extravagance and luxury intended for this grand home.

Location: 145 Peel Street, New Hamburg

Elora Mill Hotel and Spa

The story of Elora Mill Hotel and Spa, one of Ontario’s most distinguished boutique accommodations, dates back to 1851 when the building’s original construction as a mill began.

After two devastating fires, the property changed hands, was rebuilt and expanded to include a gristmill, sawmill and wool factory. By 1944, the site was used for granary storage and sale.

Similar to the Old Mill in Toronto and numerous other mills across the nation, Elora Mill's important industrial and economic role evolved into a social one—it became a hub for people to gather. 

The property’s first reinvention as an inn occurred in 1975. However, it wasn’t until 2010, after numerous ownership changes and ensuing deterioration, that the mill underwent its ultimate revival. The newly transformed Elora Mill Hotel and Spa is now the perfect blend of modern hospitality and century-old heritage.

After a stay in one of the charming rooms, suites and lofts, each with stunning views and no expense spared on comfort, you’ll see why this hotel receives such high accolades.

Location: 77 Mill Street West, Elora

Ottawa

Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel

If you dare, spend a night in an authentic cell block of a former jailhouse at the Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel in downtown Ottawa.

Constructed and opened in 1862 adjacent to the Carleton County Courthouse, the Carleton County Gaol was one of the area’s earliest jails. Architecturally, the solid stone structure was designed to appear imposing and austere. Notably this was the site of Canada’s last public execution in 1869.

The prison continued to operate until 1972, when it was converted into a youth hotel. Shared and single room accommodations are available, and while original elements like the stone walls and iron doors remain, you’ll enjoy modern comforts like air conditioning, towels and individual lockers.

Not surprisingly its rumored that the building is haunted—several guests have reported hearing ghosts humming and playing with their cell doors. Find out for yourself if the rumors are true.

Location: 75 Nicholas Street, Ottawa

Southeastern Ontario

The Rosemount Inn

Kingston’s Rosemount Inn was a former mansion built between 1848 and 1850. It was designed by William Coverdale, a notable name in Kingston’s architectural heritage. Coverdale’s signature arches can be spotted throughout the Rosemount. The style of the arches resembles that of a Tuscan Villa. Guests can enjoy uniquely designed rooms with ensuite bathrooms, walk-in showers and luxurious fixtures for a comfortable retreat and start the day with a delicious breakfast that includes baked goods prepared and baked in-house daily.

Location: 46 Sydenham Street, Kingston

The Smith Hotel

The Smith Hotel is a luxury, 10-unit accommodation housed on the lower level of a beautifully converted 19th-century church. Located in the heart of Kingston, also known as “limestone city”, naturally the original structure was constructed of limestone.

Built over 200 years ago, you can still admire the craftsmanship of the Gothic-style spire and stone walls. Features like metal beams, exposed stone, stained glass and concrete floors preserved from the original structure are balanced with custom furnishing and soft linens and full, modern kitchens.

Location: 221 Queen Street, Kingston

Merrill House

One of the most renowned hotels in Prince Edward County, Merrill House is a stylish boutique hotel with quality service and luxurious amenities.

This Victorian-style building was once the home of Edwards Merrill, a progressive lawyer who made significant and positive reforms to the Canadian justice system in the 1800s. 

The most recent restoration of Merrill House was completed in 2019. Many of the original features remain today, including the bargeboard trim and slim chimneys. In addition to sophisticated accommodations, Merrill House offers fine French dining, a Wine Spectator-awarded cellar, a conservatory bar and a cocktail parlour.

Location: 343 Main Street East, Picton

Frontenac Club

Just two blocks from the Market Square in Kingston, the Frontenac Club is a beautifully designed hotel with, quite literally, a rich history.

Originally opened as a Bank of Montreal branch in 1845, this limestone landmark property has undergone many diverse transformations. It’s been a bowling alley, a private home, a gentlemen’s club and a friendly bed and breakfast.

With its most recent reinvention, the Frontenac Club has become a stylish blend of old and new. It has tastefully renovated rooms offering fantastic views of Kingston, the St. Lawrence River and St. George’s Cathedral. Deep soaker tubs, fireplaces and private patios add a touch of elegance. Amazingly, the original bank vaults have been kept intact and are used for special events.

Complimentary building tours give you a peek at some of its new spaces and hidden places, including those secret vaults!

Location: 225 King Street East, Kingston

Southwestern Ontario

Clonmel Castle

Experience a taste of royal treatment at Clonmel Castle, a Georgian-style mansion in Norfolk County.  

Encircled by a handcrafted stone wall and a hectare of gardens, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back a century or two.

However, the story of Clonmel is much more recent. After receiving a large inheritance during the Great Depression, Harry Barrett, a veterinarian from Port Dover, commissioned the building to emulate the original Clonmel mansion in County Tipperary, Ireland. ItConstruction was completed in 1929

In 2015, the property underwent a much-needed restoration. Today, this luxury, all-inclusive country estate features a grand staircase, library, music rooms, dining hall and traditional gardens.

Location: 150 Prospect Street, Port Dover

Kawarthas Northumberland

The King George Inn

Stay in a former jail and designated historic site in the lakeside town of Cobourg.

In 1906 this Georgian manor was converted from a family home into a penitentiary by the Corporation of the United Counties of Northumberland. Over the next 92 years, the Cobourg Jail expanded. It housed up to 100 inmates at any given time behind five-metre tall concrete walls. It continued to operate until 1998, when it was closed and auctioned off to private investors. Eventually the site was turned into an upscale inn.

Six of the 18 rooms are original jail cells complete with steel bars. With such a colourful history, its not surprising that ghostly and paranormal activity has been reported by guests at the inn. Ask about jail escape and ghost hunting games as well as guided history tours of the property.

Location: 77 Albert Street, Cobourg

The Waddell Hotel

In 1845, Robert Waddell, an Irish businessman, commissioned two top architects to design the structure. The building included a bank and retail spaces on the main level, with accommodations on the upper floors. Impressive stone columns welcomed patrons to the bank on Mill Street, while the hotel portion operated from Walton Street.

Over the years, the structure has undergone several renovations and ownership changes, but its notable architecture, including polished stone columns, elevated chimneys, decorative details and distinguishing brickwork, has remained.

Spacious rooms and suites blend heritage elements with modern amenities. Enjoy award-winning, Italian-inspired cuisine on the riverside patio, and explore Port Hope's historic architecture, waterfront trails and scenic country routes.

Location: 1 Walton Street, Port Hope