B&Bs without the cheese: Sweet spots to stay across the country

by Caroline Barlott

Bed and Breakfasts have accumulated many stereotypes. People sometimes envision a dusty old home full of doilies and a communal table where all guests partake in meals. But the truth is there is a dizzying array of beautiful and unique B&Bs across Canada. From a lighthouse in Newfoundland to an arctic chalet in the Northwest Territories, your options are as diverse as the landscapes you’d come across travelling from one end of the country to the other. [Image credit: iStock.com/Larissa Belova]

Abbeymore Manor in Victoria has some of that historic charm you might expect from a bed and breakfast, but it will likely far exceed your expectations in every other way. The award-winning historic home is beautifully decorated with several room options to choose from. It’s a spacious home that retains plenty of warmth. Gourmet breakfasts are served each morning.

The Canadian Artisans Bed and Breakfast in Canmore is a convenient base from which you can explore Banff, Lake Louise and Kananaskis. But who says you even have to leave the property? The treehouse suite is truly unique – intertwining balsam fir beams form an intricate ceiling that reflects the amount of artful detail you’ll see all around you. Breakfast is served in what they call the greenhouse – aptly named for the wall of windows overlooking a canopy of trees outside.

The Fir River Ranch bed and breakfast in Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan isn’t about fancy table clothes and historic details. Instead, guests can choose from large cabins, fitting up to eight, and enjoy fun activities right on the property including wagon rides, horseback rides or walks. In the summer, guests can pick produce from the garden or orchard.

Cloverdale Farm B&B is a large log cabin located outside of Selkirk, about 25 minutes from Winnipeg. The location is ideal for those wanting to experience the outdoors, along with opportunities to learn heritage crafts through Cloverdale Farms. Courses in basic blacksmithing give participants the chance to craft metal art pieces under instruction from a local award-winning blacksmith.

In West Kitchener, Little City Farm is pretty far removed from the stereotypes of the stuffy bed and breakfast. Instead, you’ll find an urban homestead where the owners offer mindfulness retreats, seed saving retreats and classes on identifying plants. The owners live a sustainable life by growing their own food, and reducing their impact on the environment – and they enjoy sharing some of that experience with guests.

Le Rayon Vert is a bed and breakfast located just a 20-minute walk from downtown Montreal, and a two-minute walk to a subway station. The breakfast area overlooks an incredible garden terrace, that’s an oasis in the summertime. But regardless of the season, the inn has an elegant, romantic yet comfortable vibe.

Blair House looks like something from a fairy tale – it’s a late 1800s mansion that’s been flawlessly maintained with ornate detailing on the outside and Victorian-style shutters. The inside is as beautiful as the outside, with five rooms to choose from. Located in the small town of St. Stephen, New Brunswick, the bed and breakfast makes it easy to explore several places in the province, along with Maine, since the border is very close by.

The Beach House Inn’s view speaks for itself. A short walk will result in a beautiful beach and an iconic scene of a lighthouse. A 20-minute drive away, you’ll find the area where Anne of Green Gables is located, and Charlottetown is also close by. The bed and breakfast offers rooms and cottages each with their own unique, modern style.

Quirpon Lighthouse Inn is not just a place to stay; it’s basically the reason for going on vacation. It’s a 1922 restored lighthouse located on the deserted island of Quirpon, just off the northern most tip of Newfoundland. There are opportunities for tours, kayaking, whale and iceberg viewing, and incredible walking trails with incredible views of craggy cliffs.

Queen Ann Inn is a Victorian mansion on the Evangeline Trail in Annapolis Royal. The home was built in 1865, and now operates in partnership with the province to help promote cultural heritage. Staying at the inn would be an experience in itself, but there are also special packages for those wanting to whale watch.

Hidden Valley Bed and Breakfast in Whitehorse is surrounded by forest and beautiful natural surroundings, which would likely be one of your main reasons for visiting the Yukon. The beautiful home has a huge patio, garden and even professional spa services that can be ordered right in your room in the form of facials, manicures and pedicures.

The Arctic Chalet offers individual cabins within walking distance of Inuvik, though there is also a town shuttle. The cabins are rustic and comfortable, and stocked with breakfast foods so that visitors can make their own meal whenever they wake up.

Beaches Bed and Breakfast is located in Iqaluit, and it faces Frobisher Bay, providing a beautiful view. It’s a great location, close to the museum, visitor centre and library; and the owners can help organize tours and other activities in the community.

These bed and breakfasts are more than just places to stay – they offer unique experiences that will become a memorable part of your journey. And they are just a taste of many of the intriguing options out there, whether your style is relaxed comfort or refined elegance. Happy travels!