All Aboard: A Railway-Themed Escape in Eastern Ontario

Our family recently set off on a railway-inspired getaway in Eastern Ontario and discovered that you don’t need to buy a ticket to enjoy the ride. 

From sleeping in a restored (super luxurious!) train station to spending the night in a 1967 caboose, our journey was filled with history, charm, and plenty of family fun, all less than two hours from Ottawa, Ontario.

The Story of the K&P Railway

Before diving into our first stop, it’s worth knowing a little history of the Kingston & Pembroke (K&P) Railway, the very line that shaped so much of this trip.

The Kingston & Pembroke Railway was incorporated in 1871 with plans to connect Kingston to Pembroke. By 1884, the line stretched about 180 kilometres with 23 stations, ending in Renfrew. Since another railway already ran from Renfrew to Pembroke, the original vision was never fully completed.

Photo courtesy of David Page - kickandpushca

Locals eventually gave it the playful nickname “Kick & Push,” which still sticks around today. The name likely came from its notoriously slow service. Apparently, it took around six hours to travel from Kingston to Renfrew, sparking the joke that passengers might need to hop out and literally kick and push the train to help it along!

As resources dwindled in the late 19th century, the railway faced financial difficulties. Sections of the line operated into the mid-20th century, but by the 1980s it had been abandoned.

Today, parts of the former route live on as the K&P Trail, a mixed-use recreational path for hikers, cyclists, skiers, and snowmobilers.

Our adventure began at one of the historic train stations along the old Kick & Push rail line; Clarendon Station.

First Stop: Clarendon Station: Sleeping in History

Our adventure began at Clarendon Station, a historic railway station once part of the Kingston & Pembroke line, now transformed into a stunning Airbnb. The owners have breathed new life into the building, keeping its heritage intact while adding bright, modern touches.

Inside, the main floor is completely open concept with soaring ceilings, elegant finishes, and thoughtful details like fancy drinkware and tableware. Upstairs, two separate staircases lead to bedrooms: the “Bunk Room” for kids, complete with toys and books, and the “Station Master’s Suite” with a comfortable bed and full ensuite for the grownups. A third bedroom on the main floor makes this spot perfect for families or groups of friends.

The true showstopper, though, was the Freight Room. This room was a super cool lounge space where we found railway lights, lawn games, seating, and even a basket full of train tracks for our daughter to build. It was the perfect spot to unwind after bedtime with a drink in hand.

What makes Clarendon Station special is how well the railway theme carries through. Vintage photos, posters, and books fill the space, creating an atmosphere that honours the past while offering every modern comfort. The owners’ attention to detail and warm communication made the stay feel extra special.

The wonderful owners hinted that Christmas is particularly magical here, with the whole station decked out in festive décor. We’re already planning a return visit!

Exploring Sharbot Lake: A Town That Loves Its Rails

Clarendon Station may be tucked away, but a short 10-minute drive takes you to Sharbot Lake, a town rich in railway history.

• Railway Heritage Park: A nostalgic space with historic artifacts, train-themed play structures, and even a caboose-turned-museum (open on Saturdays). Our daughter loved exploring the livestock pen and making friends with “Angus,” the cow statue.

• Kick and Push Brewery: Set right along the old rail line, this small brewery pours flavourful pints beneath a wall of train memorabilia. We enjoyed an amber ale on the patio while playing giant Jenga, totally family-friendly and fun!

• Cardinal Café: Housed in a renovated Catholic church, this café is as pretty as it is delicious. The crispy chicken wrap, grilled cheese club, and cheese bagel were perfect fuel before strolling Sharbot Lake’s picturesque shoreline.

Before moving on, we squeezed in a stop at River House Vineyard & Winery in Maberly. Between the scenic grounds and next-level appetizers (the baked brie and garlic shrimp were amazing!), it’s a place I’d love to return to for a tasting with friends.

Second Stop: Night at the Museum at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario

From Sharbot Lake, we headed east to Smiths Falls for the second half of our adventure, and this one was straight out of a childhood dream. The Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario offers overnight stays in vintage cabooses, and we slept in a 1967 Canadian National Steel Caboose for the night.

Inside, we settled into a cozy one-room caboose, each with our own bed, a setup that was fun and unique. The bathrooms and kitchen are shared with your neighbours, but having a private train car all to ourselves was pretty special! Our daughter was absolutely delighted, and her excitement made the stay even more memorable.

The real magic of this stay is the complementary full access to the museum. We climbed through dining cars, a dental car, and freight cars, then spent hours in the children’s steam train play area packed with toys, costumes, and train sets. Watching our daughter step into the role of conductor and mail carrier was worth the trip alone. There was also the cutest little museum kitten who entertained us all while playing on the tracks.

Discovering Smiths Falls: A Town That Keeps Chugging with Character

I’ve visited Smiths Falls before, but I never really explored much downtown. I was pleasantly surprised with the way the town is so well manicured, from their stunning gardens to the vibrant artwork and the renovated shops. This town does a great job at embracing its history while adding lots of modern charm.

• The Station Country Kitchen & Eatery: We enjoyed lunch here, at the railway-themed diner with a sunny patio, perfect for lunch.

• Rideau Canal & Turtle Island: We walked along Lock 31 at sunset, admiring the historic Bascule Bridge and wishing we’d brought our kayaks to paddle the Swale. Next time!

• Yukihana Sushi: Fresh, creative rolls with with cheeky names. You have to try the Smiths Falls and Summer Cottage rolls - so delish! They even have training chopsticks for little ones. It was a great spot for dinner.

• The Lighthouse Café: A morning coffee stop that surprised us with its board game, book, and toy nook. It felt like a community living room in a bright, airy space.

We also explored downtown, where the public art shines. From the mural at Artscape Parkette to the painted alleyways, every corner told a different story. The local thrifting scene is strong too, with eight shops mapped out for bargain hunters. Next time, I’m planning a girls’ day just to thrift and eat my way through town!

Though we ran out of time, I made note of places for my next visit: The Vault Eatery & Pub and The Lockmaster’s Taphouse. Smiths Falls definitely left us wanting more!

Final Stop: Carleton Place and Carleton Junction

On the way home, we stopped in Carleton Place, a town once shaped by the Canadian Pacific Railway. In 1886 it became a key junction and divisional point, the first through-train stop west of Montreal. The railway supported local industries like lumber and wool, helping the town thrive.

The historic Carleton Junction station, built in 1921–22, still stands today at 110 Miguel Street. Once a busy hub for passengers and freight, it remains a designated heritage site and a proud reminder of Carleton Place’s railway roots. It also houses clean public washrooms, which was a saving grace for me!

Bonus Stop: Barry’s Bay and Water Tower Park

For those who can’t get enough railway history, a detour to Barry’s Bay is worth the trip. The town is home to the Barry’s Bay Railway Station Museum, which showcases the area’s logging and rail heritage, and to Water Tower Park, where Ontario’s last wooden railway water tower still stands.

Built in 1894 for the Ottawa, Arnprior and Parry Sound Railway, the tower once supplied water for steam locomotives. It was moved in the 1950s, then restored in the 1990s by a local group, and now serves as the park’s centrepiece. Alongside it, you’ll find a restored station, a railcar, an old steam engine, and even a playground shaped like a train.

The park’s 1922 Canadian Pacific caboose has recently been purchased by the Central Frontenac Railway Heritage Society. It will soon be relocated to Railway Heritage Park in Sharbot Lake, where it will be restored and added to the collection, a neat connection between two of the railway stops on this adventure.

Why This Railway Adventure Belongs on Your Bucket List

In just a few days, we stayed in a restored train station, sipped beer along an old railway line, and woke up in a caboose, all while discovering a couple of small towns that celebrate their heritage in fun and unexpected ways.
This trip is perfect for families with kids, couples craving a unique getaway, or history buffs looking for something out of the ordinary. With both destinations under two hours from Ottawa, it’s easy to hop aboard your own railway-themed adventure in Eastern Ontario.

So pack your bags and let the tracks guide you. Your next unforgettable journey might just start at the station!