Looking for a unique Ontario stay? This Clarendon Station Airbnb lets you stay in a restored train station packed with charm, history, and cozy details.
I’ve stayed in a lot of unique places across Ontario, but nothing quite like this. Tucked away in the tiny village of Clarendon Station, I found an Airbnb that stopped me in my tracks, quite literally. This stay wasn’t just charming or cozy… it was a restored train station, beautifully transformed into a one-of-a-kind retreat.
When I pulled into the driveway, the building looked like something straight out of a vintage postcard : original wood siding and railway signs included. I knew right away this was going to be more than just another weekend getaway. It felt like stepping into a different time, without sacrificing the comfort and warmth of a modern stay.
In this post, I’m sharing everything about my stay at the Clarendon Station Airbnb : what it’s like inside, what makes it so special, and why it might just be one of the most unique Airbnbs in Ontario for history lovers, cozy weekenders, and anyone craving something a little different.
Read More // Looking for more unique stays in Ontario? Check out my recommendations here!
Why Stay at Clarendon Station?
From Kick & Push to Cozy Stay: The Story Behind Clarendon Station
Clarendon Station emerged in the late 1870s as a modest railway village with the arrival of the Kingston and Pembroke Railway (K&P). The K&P, often affectionately dubbed the “Kick and Push” railway, was incorporated in 1871 with the ambitious goal of connecting Kingston to Pembroke. By 1884, the railway had extended approximately 180 kilometers, reaching Renfrew. This expansion was instrumental in unlocking the region’s mineral wealth and providing a more efficient route for the lumber trade.
The K&P Railway played a pivotal role in the development of small communities like Clarendon Station, offering vital transportation links that spurred economic growth. However, as timber and mineral resources dwindled in the late 19th century, the railway faced financial challenges. It was leased to the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) in 1912, and by 1913, the K&P was fully integrated into the CPR network. The gradual decline of railway operations led to the abandonment of many sections, with the final segment from Kingston to Tichborne closing in 1986.
Today, remnants of the K&P Railway have been repurposed into the K&P Rail Trail, a recreational path that preserves the historical significance of the railway while offering scenic routes for hiking and cycling enthusiasts
Inside the Old Train Station Airbnb: What to Expect
Stepping into this restored train station feels like walking into a piece of Ontario history, except this time, you get to stay the night. The hosts have done an incredible job blending heritage charm with modern-day comfort, making the space feel both homey and completely one of a kind.
Inside, the space is thoughtfully designed to preserve historical elements while providing contemporary amenities. The living area features high ceilings and large windows that bathe the room in natural light, highlighting the rich wood floors and antique décor. Vintage railway artifacts and period-appropriate furnishings create an ambiance that transports guests back in time.
The kitchen is fully equipped with modern appliances, offering the convenience to prepare meals during your stay. Adjacent to the kitchen, a cozy sitting area invites relaxation, perhaps with a book or a glass of wine, as you soak in the unique atmosphere.
The Airbnb includes three bedrooms: two with queen beds, and one with two single beds that’s perfect for kids. There’s also two full bathrooms — one with a shower, the other with a classic bathtub, which makes the space ideal for families, friend groups, or anyone who just appreciates having a little extra room.
One of the most unique features is the train-themed recreation room, a fun, quirky space that works just as well as a kids’ playroom as it does a cozy hangout for adults. There’s also a wood stove for those cooler evenings and thoughtful design touches throughout that nod to the building’s past life as a functioning train station.
From the original wood floors to the little railway signs and antique touches, this place doesn’t just have personality, it has stories. It’s the kind of stay where you’ll want to put your phone down, light a candle, and imagine what this station must’ve seen over the last hundred years.
THE DETAILS
Price | Starting at 250$ a night (2 nights minimum) for 4 people. Additional $50 per night for each extra person (up to 6 people total)
Reservation | Book your stay at Clarendon Station here.
Things to Do Nearby
Go Full Train-Themed
Want to keep the railway vibes going? Head to Sharbot Lake, about 20 minutes away, and check out the Railway Heritage Park. There’s an old restored caboose (open on weekends in summer), a train-themed playground, and a short Railway Heritage Walkway that follows the historic K&P railbed with interpretive signs along the way.
While you’re there, stop by the Kick & Push Brewing Company, a cozy local brewery with a great story behind its name (yes, it’s a nod to the old K&P Railway, aka the “Kick and Push”). Their seasonal brews and laid-back patio make it a great afternoon stop.
Walk the K&P Trail
Right outside your door, you can hop on the K&P Trail itself, a long-distance multi-use trail that follows the former Kingston & Pembroke railway line. It’s perfect for walking, cycling, or just stretching your legs in nature while literally walking along the old railway route. It’s peaceful, scenic, and super accessible from several points near Clarendon Station and Sharbot Lake.
Picnic + Paddle at Sharbot Lake Provincial Park
If you’re craving water views and a bit of wilderness, Sharbot Lake Provincial Park is a gem. There are two sandy beaches, calm spots for canoeing, and short forest trails that give you a taste of the region’s natural beauty.
Stop for Coffee at Cardinal Café
If you’re passing through Sharbot Lake, Cardinal Café is a must. They serve up great coffee, fresh baked goods, and have that cozy small-town charm that makes you want to linger a little longer — whether you’re refueling after a hike or just enjoying a slow morning.
Explore Perth
If you’re up for a slightly longer drive (about 40 minutes), Perth is worth the detour. It’s charming, walkable, and full of heritage buildings, independent shops, and great restaurants. It makes a perfect half-day trip if you want to mix in a little culture or shopping during your stay.
Read More // Don’t forget to check out my Top Things to do in Perth before your visit.
Final Thoughts : Staying at Clarendon Station
Staying at the old train station in Clarendon Station was more than just a weekend away, it was an experience that felt grounded in history, wrapped in quiet, and completely unique.
From the moment I arrived, I could tell this wasn’t your average Airbnb. There’s something special about sleeping in a place that once connected people across the province — a place built for movement, now reimagined for rest. The thoughtful details, the cozy atmosphere, and the stillness of the surroundings made it easy to slow down and fully soak it all in.
If you love places with a story, spaces that feel different in the best way, or you’re simply craving a peaceful reset with character, I can’t recommend this stay enough. It reminded me that you don’t always have to go far to feel far away, sometimes, all it takes is a quiet road, a bit of history, and a good place to land.
* P.S. I was invited by Clarendon Station for this stay but all opinions (and obsessions) are 100% mine!
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If someone asked you to name an Ontario weekend getaway right now, Lanark County probably wouldn’t be the first thing that came to mind. Maybe not even the fifth. And honestly, that’s exactly why I want to talk about it.
It sits right between Ottawa and Kingston. About hour from either city. And somehow, most people drive right past it without ever stopping. I did too, for years.
Then I actually went. And I’ve been recommending it to everyone since.
Because what’s here is the kind of thing you don’t expect to find so close to home. A thermal spa tucked into the forest. A restaurant with one of the best patios in Ontario. A town that looks like it was designed for a Hallmark movie. Rivers and lakes that beg to be paddled. A treehouse on a peninsula with water on every side. And enough charm per square kilometre to make you feel like you’ve properly gotten away, even if you were home by Sunday night.
Lanark County is the weekend getaway that’s been right there the whole time. Swipe through for everything you need to plan it.
Have you been to Lanark County before? Is it going on your list this summer 👇
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#lanarkcounty #ontariogetaway #exploreontario #ontariotravel #ottawaweekend
When I walk into a space for the first time, I’m not really looking at the room. I’m looking at the light.
Where it comes in. How it moves through the curtains. What it does at 7am versus 4pm. That’s what tells me what kind of story I’m going to be able to tell.
Closs Crossing gave me a lot to work with.
The morning light through the treehouse windows. The deck faced east so the sunrise came in early and golden, through the trees, catching the string lights just right. By late afternoon the whole property turned amber. The hot tub at sunset, the hammock in the trees, the still water reflecting everything back, I was basically chasing light from one corner of this property to the other and I didn’t want to stop.
The interiors were just as beautiful. Every room had its own personality: the wallpaper, the vintage furniture, the carefully chosen details that tell you the people behind this place genuinely care about how it feels to be here. That kind of intentionality shows up in photos. You can’t fake it.
This is the kind of property that makes my job feel less like work.
If you own a cottage, a rental property or a stay and you’re looking for someone to capture it, this is what I do. Feel free to reach out. 🌿
Which shot is your favourite? 👇
A huge thank you to my friend @melina.e.l.i.a.s for helping me capture this one, some shots just need a second set of hands and she was the best person to have behind the lens. 🤍
Thank you to @closscrossing for hosting me.
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#closscrossing #lanarkcounty #ontariophotographer #travelphotography
Ontario is big. Like, really big. And most of us end up visiting the same handful of cities on repeat, which honestly makes sense because they’re great.
But this province has so many towns and cities that fly completely under the radar and I have been on a mission to find them.
Some of these I stumbled across by accident. Some were recommended by people who clearly had very good taste. And a few of them genuinely surprised me in ways I didn’t expect.
Swipe through and tell me how many you’ve actually been to. I have a feeling most of you will surprise yourselves.
Drop a number below : how many have you visited? 👇
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#exploreontario #ontariotravel #ontariotowns #ontariocities #canadatravel
Muskoka. Algonquin. Haliburton.
Three of Ontario’s most beautiful regions, and most people visit them separately, on different trips, in different summers. But do them together as one loop and something clicks. It just makes sense. And it is so good.
363 kilometres of waterfalls, lakes, hikes with, wildlife encounters you’ll be talking about for years. And some of the most beautiful stays in Ontario tucked right along the route.
Save this, summer fills up fast and this loop deserves a spot on your calendar.
Have you done this loop before? What was you favourite stop?
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#muskoka #algonquin #haliburton #ontarioroadtrip #exploreontario
I still remember the first time I drove up to Bruce Peninsula. I had no idea what to expect. I just knew the water was supposed to be blue and the hiking was supposed to be good.
What I did not expect was to be standing at the edge of the Grotto looking down at water so clear and so impossibly turquoise that I genuinely questioned whether I was still in Ontario. Or to be paddling over a shipwreck from 1885 in water I could see straight through. Or to watch the sun melt into Lake Huron from Tobermory harbour.
Bruce Peninsula is definitely the kind of place that makes you want to cancel everything and just stay another day. And then another.
So if you’ve never been, or if you’ve been and want to go back with a proper plan, swipe through. I put together everything I’d tell a friend who was going for the first time. The hikes, the hidden beaches, the glamping spot, where to eat, and the sunset you absolutely cannot miss. 🌊
Save this for your next Ontario summer trip 🔖
Have you been to Bruce Peninsula? Drop a ❤️ if it’s on your list this summer 👇
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#brucepeninsula #tobermory #exploreontario #ontariotrave #brucepeninsulanationalpark
