Side Tracked In Muskoka

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Gravenhurst, ON
Side Tracked In Muskoka

Muskoka's Premier Railway Themed Airbnb Lodging.

04/01/2026

🚨 BIG NEWS FROM SIDE TRACKED IN MUSKOKA 🚨

We’re excited to share that Side Tracked in Muskoka has officially acquired Ontario Northland GP9 #1604.

Over the coming months, 1604 will be carefully positioned and coupled with Caboose #122 as part of a unique on-site rail display — creating an even more immersive railway experience for our guests.

Looking ahead, plans are already in motion to transform the locomotive cab into an interactive simulator, allowing guests to step into the engineer’s seat and experience what it’s like to run a classic Ontario Northland locomotive.

This addition continues our goal of creating a one-of-a-kind, railway-themed stay right here in Muskoka.

Stay tuned… the next chapter is just getting underway.
Just kidding. April Fools haha. We can dream!!

02/23/2026

🚂 All Aboard!

I’m incredibly humbled and honored to share that Side Tracked in Muskoka has been featured by Brent Cooper and the team at Metroland Media.
What started as a dream in 2020, a retired Ontario Northland Railway caboose with a second chance at life, officially welcomed its first guests in August 2023. Since then, it’s been amazing to watch families, railfans, couples, and adventurers step aboard and create memories of their own.

This project has always been about more than just a unique place to stay. It’s about preserving a piece of railway history, contributing to our Gravenhurst small business community, and giving guests an experience they simply can’t find anywhere else.

With the Northlander’s return on the horizon, it feels like the perfect time to celebrate how rail history continues to shape Muskoka’s future.
A huge thank you to Brent for telling the story so thoughtfully — and to every single guest who has supported this journey. You’re the reason the signal stays green. 💛💙

https://www.muskokaregion.com/business/gravenhurst-northlander-caboose/article_89e373ba-05b3-5976-aa1d-00a63e31bd68.html

12/31/2025

Side Tracked in Muskoka wants to wish you and yours a very Happy New years and all the best in 2026!

As the year rolls into the station, we’re taking a moment to look back on an unforgettable 2025 at Side Tracked in Muskoka.

In 2025, we were proud to welcome over 300 guests of all ages, traveling from across Canada, the United States, and four European countries, each coming to experience Muskoka in all its splendor, from pristine lakes and forests to small town charm and unforgettable seasonal beauty. From snowy winter nights with the marker lights glowing, to summer mornings with coffee in the cupola, every season brought its own kind of magic.

Throughout the year, our little caboose on the rails hosted first-time train lovers, lifelong railfans, couples celebrating milestones, families making memories, and travelers simply looking to slow down and disconnect.

What 2025 Brought Us:

Over 300 incredible guests from around the world

Consistently strong reviews built on great communication, care, and respect for the space.

Repeat visitors who returned “down the line” for another stay.

Charity donations and fundraising stays supporting our local Muskoka/Simcoe community.

What makes Side Tracked in Muskoka special isn’t just the caboose, it’s the people who stay here. The handwritten notes, the stories shared, and the care shown for a truly one-of-a-kind place are what fuel us.

As we head into 2026, we’re excited to continue refining the experience, welcoming new faces, and staying true to what this place was built to be: a cozy, railway themed escape where time slows down and lasting memories are made.

Thank you to everyone who helped make 2025 such a remarkable year.

Jason — Side Tracked in Muskoka

12/24/2025

Merry Christmas from Side Tracked in Muskoka 🎄

As the year comes to a close, we want to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who helped make this such an incredible season.

From near and far, each guest, stay, and shared moment helped keep Side Tracked in Muskoka moving forward on the right track. Your support, enthusiasm, and appreciation have meant everything as we continue to grow this one-of-a-kind rail experience.

As we head into the holidays, we’re grateful for a year filled with green signals, smooth operations, and memories that will last well beyond the final whistle.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas, safe travels, and clear signals ahead as we roll into the New Year.

🚦 🚂Green signal displayed, onward to the New Year!!

10/31/2025

🎉🚂 Happy 17th Caboose-iversary! 🚂🎉

Seventeen years ago today, October 31, 2008 our ex–Ontario Northland Railway caboose rolled down Highway 11 from North Bay to Kilworthy its new home. What began as a retired railcar has since been lovingly transformed into Central Ontario’s premier railway-themed lodging.

From its days riding the rails up north to now welcoming guests from all over the world, this caboose continues to create new memories while preserving a proud piece of Ontario’s railway history.

Here’s to 17 years of memories, restoration, and the journey still ahead.

09/11/2025

🚂✨ Big upgrade at the caboose!

When I first started the interior design work back in 2022, I obsessed over every little detail to make this place truly special. But… I forgot one thing: hardwired internet. For the past two years we’ve been stretching Wi-Fi from the main house with a signal extender. Between the solid metal walls of the caboose and the weak connection, our amazing guests always made the best of it, even when the bandwidth didn’t.

Not anymore! Today a fantastic Bell technician got us set up with dedicated internet right inside the caboose 🙌. The difference is night and day. Looking forward to upgrading to Bell Fibe in the coming months, but for now, Side Tracked in Muskoka just got a whole lot more connected.

📍 Side Tracked in Muskoka — where history meets modern comfort.

08/21/2025

🚂✨ Celebrating 2 Years of Side Tracked in Muskoka ✨🚂

Two years ago, Side Tracked opened its doors as Muskoka’s premier year-round railway-themed lodging. First hosting renown Ontario Northland Railway author Bram Bailey and his beautiful wife. Since then, we’ve had the privilege of welcoming hundreds of guests from 7 different countries, each leaving behind stories, laughter, and memories that make this place so special.

This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the numerous talented contractors and dedicated family members who helped bring my vision to life. Their hard work, craftsmanship, and support turned a dream into the unique experience that Side Tracked is today.

From romantic escapes and family adventures to quiet getaways steeped in nostalgia, we are proud to have created a space where moments are not only made, but also relived.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey so far — our guests, our community, and those who laid the foundation behind the scenes. Here’s to many more years of railway-inspired memories in the heart of Muskoka.

06/26/2025

Since day one when 122 arrived on our property in 2008, we have always had amazing support from Ontario Northland. From providing with design questions, history of the caboose to proper paint colours. We can't say enough great things about the organization. As we opened Side Tracked in Muskoka, they have been gracious in providing us with complimentary Wooden Whistles and Colouring Books for our younger guests. Thank you from all of us at Side Tracked in Muskoka, and we can't wait to have guests travel to us on the Northlander in the coming years!

05/31/2025

Four years ago today, May 31, 2021. We completed the two and a half days of careful movement and a plan A through F. Ontario Northland Caboose 122 made its 220-foot journey across the property safe and sound.

What an amazing journey it has been. Hosting guests from all over Canada, United States, and 5 European countries.

We are so thankful and blessed for all our amazing guests! We are looking forward to the years to come.

Address

1005 Tryon Drive
Gravenhurst, ON
P0E1G0

Website

http://www.sidetrackedinmuskoka.ca/

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