Forget checking into another ordinary hotel. There are tons of unforgettable places to stay across Ontario, from glass domes to fairytale-like cabins in the forest. And one Ontario railway museum takes things in an entirely different direction, letting you spend the night inside a real vintage train caboose, complete with original railway details, super-cozy beds and your very own cupola lookout!
The Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario is nestled in Smiths Falls, about a 3.5-hour drive from Toronto, and showcases historic locomotives and train cars from the region’s rail history. The museum offers three restored cabooses for rent through Airbnb, with options dating from the 1920s, 1940s and 1960s. The whole experience is very niche, very vintage glamping.
This caboose is more than half a century old and sleeps up to three guests in three beds. It spent around 30 years as a working railcar, but in recent years, it’s been updated with electricity, wired lighting and AC. Guests can expect an interior that follows its original railway layout, with an elevated cupola lookout, a dinette and some old-school photographs of local railway workers from the museum’s collection lining the walls.
And remember how we said this is more of a glamping experience? There’s no bathroom or running water inside the cabooses, but the shared bathrooms, tiled showers and newly updated kitchenette are located a few steps away inside the museum station.
This historic railcar is more than 100 years old, making it the oldest of the three cabooses! It accommodates up to two guests in two pull-down beds, and still retains several features from its working days, including a writing desk, a (non-operational) coal stove and a sink with a water tank (for show!). As with the other options, electricity, wired lighting and AC have been added, along with fresh linens and newer mattresses. Historic photographs of local railway employees are also displayed inside.
Again, no bathroom facilities inside the caboose, but overnight guests can use the shared bathrooms and shower inside the station.
This plywood caboose was built in 1945 during the postwar period. It sleeps up to three guests in three fold-out beds, so you and your friends can curl up in fresh linens and relax in the quiet glow of the railway-style light inside the caboose.
No matter which railcar you choose, overnight visitors can access the museum’s Baggage Room, which contains an eight-person dining table, a smart TV and Lego tables for kids. Outside, there are picnic tables and benches along the covered breezeway and throughout the property, so a cute spot for an unconventional date night, perhaps?
Bonus: overnight guests can explore the museum grounds after closing!
Before settling in for the night, stop by the museum’s Station Scoops ice cream shop for a cone or milkshake to enjoy while wandering the historic grounds.
There’s tons to explore before bedtime, including the vintage passenger and freight railcars, historic locomotives and one of the museum’s most unusual attractions: a fully restored railway dental car that once travelled to remote northern Ontario communities to provide essential dental care.
Depending on when you visit, you can also hop aboard a historic caboose train ride on Sundays during the summer season, try operating a vintage railway handcar or book a guided tour with costumed interpreters who bring the railyard’s history to life.
Throughout the year, the museum also hosts popular seasonal events like Trainfest, the North Pole Express and, because we love anything involving afternoon tea, High Tea in the Dining Car, so you’ll have a perfect excuse to return!
Since you’ll already be in a charming little town known for its pretty setting, turn the trip into a full weekend getaway. Head to the Smiths Falls Combined Lockstation near the heart of downtown to watch boats pass through the locks. This station features an impressive 26-foot drop, the largest single lock lift along the entire Rideau Canal system.
Afterward, walk or cycle part of the Cataraqui Trail: the 103-kilometre recreational route follows the former CN railway corridor through town and several nearby communities. For a bit of Mother Nature, visit Centennial Park beside the canal, then head to Lower Reach Park to explore the trails or stop at Murphy Park Beach to take a quick dip in the water.
The downtown core has some amazing food, including C’est Tout Bakery, a popular local hangout known for its baked goods, all made from scratch using fresh, seasonal ingredients and local finds.
Before you leave, pick up a few souvenirs from the Special Greetings Card & Gift Shop, located less than a 10-minute walk from the museum.
The Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario is located at 90 William St W, Smiths Falls. Click here for more info on overnight stays or follow @rmeo.sf for updates.
And after exploring Smiths Falls, check out these other nearby destinations that are perfect for a day trip or weekend escape.