Traditional hotels are a great and reliable option, but sometimes you just want to explore and stay in a place that is totally different. From teardrops in the trees in Nova Scotia to a hobbit hole in Washington to a floating barge in France, here is our list of unique places to stay that we are dying to visit!
We will list the current price as of writing and, since we’re a WiFi company, availability of WiFi!
Ôasis Teardrop in the Trees
These raised treehouses are so adorable and cool. There is a bed platform as well as a suspended hammock above! They start at $128CAD/100USD a night and book up fast.
You can find them in multiple National Parks in Eastern Canada, including Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site in Nova Scotia, Fundy National Park and Kouchibouguac National Park in New Brunswick, and Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve in Quebec.
Cost: $128CAD / $100USD
WiFi: Visitor Centre
Geodesic Dome Under the Stars
These domes are all the rage. You can even find them at restaurants, offering a very unique dining experience.
This one is part of Archer’s Edge Luxury Camping in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. There is a two-night minimum, and they’re a bit pricey, but we think it’s worth it for such a unique, romantic experience.
Price: $500CAD / $392 for two nights (minimum)
WiFi: No
A Converted Fire Lookout
Maybe you love forest and mountain views, or maybe you enjoyed the video game Firewatch. Either way, this converted fire lookout in Idaho is a treehouse-lovers dream.
This one is hosted by Kristie Wolfe, whom The Hustle calls “the woman who builds the world’s most unique Airbnbs.”
Price: $558CAD / $438USD
WiFi: No
A Real-Life Hobbit House
We mentioned Kristie Wolfe above, and this is another one of her incredible properties. It’s a Lord of the Rings fan’s dream come true, nestled in the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge mountainside.
Price: $745CAD / $585USD
WIFI: No
Shackup Cabin with Wood-Fired Hot Tub
This place is insanely gorgeous. It’s built in the woods in LaHave, Nova Scotia, with a raised walkway/deck all around it, winding between the trees. It’s a lovely loft style with a wood stove, a hand-crafted eating nook, and a record player with a sweet vinyl collection.
The best part, though, is the wood-fired hot tub. It’s a true labour of love, but once it’s up to temperature there is absolutely nothing like being surrounded by nature, beside a babbling brook, sipping wine and soaking your cares away.
Be sure to checkout the LaHave Cabin nearby, which also features a wood-fired hot tub! 🔥
Price: $479CAD / $376USD
WiFi: Yes
A Converted Church
You have to see this one to believe it. The owner took an aging church in a very small town and converted it into a stunning place to stay. He added a loft bedroom and a modern kitchen, but kept so many incredible original pieces. It truly is unique! ⛪
Check out The Trinity in Stewiacke, Nova Scotia.
Price: $240CAD / $188USD
WiFi: Yes
Quebec Ice Hotel
A list like this wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Hôtel de Glace in Quebec. 🥶
With its majestic snow arches, crystal clear ice sculptures and beautiful rooms, the Hôtel de Glace (ice hotel) offers its guests a one-of-a-kind winter experience, unique in North America.
With your stay, you also have a room in the main hotel to store your luggage and take a shower. You have access to the Nordic spa with a sauna under the stars and you get a welcome cocktail. 🍹
Price: $399CAD / $315USD
WiFi: Yes!
Stay in a Jail…
Okay, we’re not sure this is actually on our bucket list, but anyone who’s driven between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick has most likely seen the handmade signs posted that simply say “Stay In a Jail.”
Yes, it was a real jail in Dorchester, New Brunswick. You can rent a room (cell) on AirBNB, or you can rent out the whole thing for up to 24 people. 👮♀️
Price: $137CAD / $108USD
WiFi: Yes, 400Mbps
Wake Up in the Past…
Fortress Louisbourg is a National Historic Site – a one-quarter partial reconstruction of an 18th-century French fortress on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. It is staffed by authentically-clad “residents” who can tell you what life was like for them back then.
And you can stay the night! Lartigue House is a period style house that provides a truly unique experience. A propane camp stove and lanterns are provided, as well as access to a fire pit.
Price: $128CAD / $100USD
WiFi: At Visitor Centres
Your Own Golf Course
Staying close to a golf course is cool, but wanna know what’s even cooler? Staying on your own private golf course!
This 575-acre property includes a 26-tee private golf course and an insane house that sleeps 16 guests.
It’s not cheap, but if 16 of you go splits… ⛳
Price: $4600CAD/night with 3-night minimum ($3600USD)
WiFi: Yes
A Floating Barge in France
How cute is that hanging swing? This entire place is pure luxury: a spa, a video projector, steps from the beach, bars and restaurants.
Get yourself to France and stay on the water at Port Ilon!
After that, it’s just a quick jaunt to another houseboat in the UK, and another in Belgium.
Price: $393CAD / $309USD
WiFi: Yes
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Written by: Matt Corkum, Digital Content Manager.