Finding the right place to stay is the cornerstone of planning any travel. Your stay is likely somewhere you will spend a lot of time and it is going to set the tone for the entire trip. If you are looking for something a bit different, we have a list of 5 unique stays in Lanark County that will take your experience to the next level. From glamping in a forest cabin to spending the night in a vintage caboose, these stays promise far more than just a place to sleep.

1️⃣ Billie the Bluebird

Billie the Bluebird is a blast from the past for all of our 90s babies out there. This 1994 school bus has been lovingly renovated as an RV. According to the description, “he sleeps 2 adults comfortably & gives a whole new meaning to the phrase jungle fever – all in the heart of Mississippi Mills, at Cartwright Springs Brewery.” This off-grid experience offers the perfect combination of comfort and back-to-nature with immaculately curated decor and a perfect opportunity to unplug. Cartwright Springs Brewery offers an experience in itself, with its vast stretches of hiking trails through majestic pines and flowing creeks. Whether you’re taking a tour of the brewery, bringing the best beers back to your camper to enjoy around a fire, taking a dip in the spring-fed pond, or challenging your friends to a game of volleyball, the activities at Cartwright are endless. 

2️⃣ Cabinscape Rhya Cabin

Rhya Cabin offers a unique opportunity to stay on Rideau Valley Conservation land in the Eastern Ontario township of Tay Valley! This off-grid retreat overlooks a quiet, protected lake and is surrounded by wilderness. Rhya is comfortably tucked in an inlet of it’s very own, a location specifically designed to be hidden amongst the trees, so you can enjoy the privacy of being alone in the woods on serene conservation land with the comfort of knowing others are nearby. Enjoy evening sunsets from your deck, hiking trails off your doorstep, bird watching and pristine paddling on Mills Lake.

3️⃣ Closs Crossing Treehouse

Looking for something more on the luxurious end but still packed with adventure? The Cabin is your indoor oasis with a fully equipped kitchen, elegant bathroom, master bedroom, second bedroom, dining area and living space. Off of the Cabin is a covered, outdoor dining area with a BBQ. The Treehouse is only a few steps away and features the third bedroom with stunning views. And yes, the Treehouse has heat and AC! The 1-acre fenced property has water on 3 sides and is located at the end of a private cottage road. There are many outdoor spaces for you to enjoy including; a lounge area in the pergola, hot tub under the Treehouse and a private beach with a dock.  Kayaks, a paddleboard, water-slash-pad and life jackets are provided. This location is so perfect, you might never want to leave, but there is plenty to see nearby, including Wheeler’s Maple, Blueberry Mountain, and Purdon Conservation Area. Sleeps 6.

4️⃣ Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario

Enjoy one of Lanark County’s most popular museums in a totally novel way. The Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario has been offering guest the opportunity to stay inside one of their authentic cabooses since 2022 and this year the experience has gotten even better with a renovated shared kitchen. Curl up in a comfortable pull-down beds with fresh linens and relax in the quiet glow of the lantern as you travel back in time.

5️⃣ Cabin Glamping @ Rocky Leaf Farm

Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. Rocky Leaf Farm is a private campground located on the Clyde River in Lanark Highlands and this tiny cabin offers stunning views from sunrise to sunset. Come watch the turtles, birds, dragon flies and fireflies, enjoy hiking at nearby Blueberry Mountain, or take in the river by kayak.

During the early spring, this cabin offers a great base from which to explore the famous maple syrup production of Lanark County. This is cabin camping, so be prepared for a short walk in to the site (trailer assistance with gear is offered) and to cook under the stars. The privacy and peace of this location is unmatched.

These 5 unique stays are just the beginning. Create your own unique Lanark County visit by planning a gorgeous picnic or stopping in to visit one of the restaurants on our list of Fan Favorite Patios.