Many hotels market the fact that every room is different, but Edmonton’s Fantasyland really means it. Located within the West Edmonton Mall, guests can choose from a dozen themed rooms or suites, including Space (with two capsule beds), Roman, Polynesian, Truck, Sports, African, Pirate, Igloo and Princess. Less kitschy is Toronto’s Gladstone House, which feels like a hipster artist colony. When I stayed there years ago, I felt like I was sleeping inside an artist’s head, complete with erratic brush strokes across the exposed red-brick wall. “Newly re-imagined” rooms are reassuringly more familiar, but still feature original local artwork and a fun, creative use of space.
Sleep on a stationary train
Technically, the sleeper berth on VIA’s iconic Canadian could qualify as a hotel, but this particular list prefers a stationary hotel, which brings us to Tatamagouche, N.S. The Train Station Inn features luxury suites in authentic vintage cabooses and railcars, located on a former rail bed that now forms part of the Trans-Canada Trail. As for dining, look no further than the fine Dining Car, built in 1928, or snacks in the Jitney Café. Summer attractions include bar service on the platform, and live music twice a week.
Sprout dreams in a grain bin
Ever driven through the prairies and wondered what it would be like to sleep in a grain bin? Thanks to Alive Sky Lodge, we’re in luck. Located an hour from Saskatoon, let’s spend a couple of nights in the BINcredible Luxury Grain Bin, which features a romantic hot tub, a fireplace-lit bedroom/bathroom, and breakfast delivered to our door. If the kids are with us, we can book the Boho Two-Story Bin, which offers a prairie vista, ‘hippie vibe’ and ship-ladder to an upper deck to accommodate six guests.
Crash in a pod