The Secret Garden Inn in Kingston, Ontario: Your Boutique Retreat in Canada's First Capital
The Secret Garden Inn is a historic, boutique hotel centrally located in Kingston’s “Sydenham Ward.” It’s a way to connect with the city’s rich history, while soaking in all the pleasantries offered by a recently renovated inn with modern conveniences. Not to mention, the food, staff, and ambiance here just cannot be beat.
When I was younger (and travelling on a much tighter budget), I used to think of my accommodation in very pragmatic, functional terms. It was, more or less, the place that I was going to rest after a long day of exploring a destination.
I realize now that where you stay can have an enormous impact on your experience, and can make or break a trip in many ways. It can be your sanctuary in a busy city, a place to find community when you’re travelling alone, a porch to sit on that makes you feel at ease, or a retreat that provides a fresh, memorable meal every morning when you open your eyes.
In the case of the Secret Garden Inn, it was all of the above. Many longtime readers will know that I actually went to university in Kingston (at Queen’s University), and so I always yearn for the chance to return to Kingston (a city that I feel is criminally underrated).
After my most recent visit, it’s hard to imagine wanting to stay anywhere else than here - an inn that offers a true home away from home.
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The Historic Secret Garden Inn at Argyle Place
For starters, it’s worth noting that, in my humble opinion, you’re not going to find a better location. It’s situated in the quiet residential area between Kingston’s downtown core and Queen’s University. In short, it means it’s pleasant and peaceful, but you’re within walking distance of pretty much everything.
As the Secret Garden Inn notes themselves, “the Secret Garden Inn is an oasis in a quiet historic neighbourhood that allows you to explore everything Kingston has to offer.”
The Story Starts in 1888
Originally built in 1888 as a family home, the building was constructed in the Queen Anne Victorian style and features a rather iconic and photogenic turret that you’ll see many a passerby stop to admire if you’re sitting on the porch. It faces the Sydenham Street United Church, which was and continues to be a beautiful example of Kingston’s use of limestone in their architecture.
Over the years, the home was occupied by several notable families before being converted into a bed and breakfast in 1996. The current owners (wonderful people from what I gathered from my visit) bought the place in 2020, and they focused on renovating the property to provide modern amenities, while ensuring that they maintained its historic charm.
As they note:
“As you enjoy the Inn’s splendour, you will also appreciate the architectural marvels from the past. From the stained glass windows and antique fireplaces to the arch ways, The Secret Garden has been fully restored to its former glory and elegance. They simply don’t make things like this anymore.”
The interior is magnificent, but if it’s a nice day, you’ll want to ensure you spend some time on the porch. I actually spent some time working out there with a glass of wine, and it ended up being one of the highlights of my stay. Think porch swings, wind chimes, gardens, sunshine, and relaxation. I also met a couple while out on the porch, and we ended up chatting for quite some time - another highlight of the visit.
Options for Rooms at This Gorgeous Kingston Inn
There are seven spacious rooms on offer at the Secret Garden Inn. As a guest, seven rooms felt very manageable. Nobody was ever in your way, yet there was movement in the Inn. By the last day, I was offering a smile or wave to other guests who were coming down for breakfast that I’d crossed paths with.
I suppose the takeaway is that it’s big enough that you can do your own thing if you choose to, but small enough that you could share a moment with a fellow guest if you’d like to.
The Bader Room: The highlight of this room to me, which perhaps comes as no surprise, is the writer’s alcove. Others might also appreciate the carved four-poster queen canopy bed, or the clawfoot slipper tub. This room is inspired by the colour indigo. It’s named after Alfred Bader, a famed Queen’s Alumni and philanthropist.
The McKay Room: This was the original master suite when the house was built in 1888 (for John McKay). The suite features a four-poster king-sized bed, matching armoire, a sunny alcove overlooking gardens and a koi pond, a converted gas fireplace with a carved mantle, and an en suite bathroom with a walk-in shower. The McKay room focuses on the colour violet.
The Limestone Room: This room is, of course, named to honour Kingston’s building material of choice. Its colour is green, and the highlights here are the original stained glass in the bathroom, and the private patio complete with rocking chairs.
The LaSalle Room: This room is named after one of the first explorers of the Great Lakes area, and is meant to “evoke a feeling of escape to a sunny, comfortable, elegant retreat.” There’s a comfortable sitting area with an electric fireplace, a spa style bathroom, and a view of the Kingston skyline. Yellow is the colour of choice here.
The Coverdale Room: The Coverdale Room was named after William Coverdale, a renowned 18th century Kingston architect who fittingly built The Sydenham Street United Church across the street! The room features a quilted queen-sized bed, a nice little seating area with views of Kingston, a large corner gas fireplace, and an en suite bathroom with a walk-in shower. This is where I stayed when I visited, and it was a great spot to be (picture above). The colour of choice here is blue.
The Martello Room: The Martello Room gets its name from the coastal forts that the British empire built during the 19th century, and Kingston has five of them! The room itself is turret shaped in a way, so it’s a fitting name. In this room, you’ve got a two sided gas fireplace, a large seating area in the turret which has views of the property, and even a daybed to accommodate a third guest if need be. This room emphasizes the colour orange.
The Brant Room: This room was named after Molly Brant, a Mohawk woman who served as an intermediary between the British and Iroquois during difficult times. The room overlooks the Spire, so the room to be a place of peace and harmony, and the colour red is used to accentuate that. Here you’ve got a carved four poster queen, a sitting area with a gas stove fireplace, and a walk-in shower.
It should be noted that you can also expect wi-fi access, a smart TV, and access to a Keurig coffee maker in all rooms. I will also note that the walls are a little thin, so you might hear the comings and goings of the inn a touch, but it’s part of the experience in some way when you stay in a historic Inn situated in a building that was built well over 100 years ago.
The stained glass at the top of the stairs at the entrance.
What Else Do You Need to Know About the Secret Garden Inn?
Firstly, you can check availability for your stay here. All the rooms come at a different price point, as you’d imagine.
They offer some packages as well, such as the “Romance Package.” They recently started a Victorian Afternoon Tea Service as well, which is included in their second package. I saw several groups coming for Afternoon Tea dressed in their finest attire, and it looked lovely. You don’t have to be staying here to experience the grandeur of this inn for Afternoon Tea. Their 5 Course Fondue Menu is also popular, and is included as part of the Romance Package.
I should note, based on that previous note, that the food here is exceptional. Each morning, you’ll have the choice between a sweet and savoury breakfast, and you can expect things to kick off with some fresh ground coffee and a homemade scone.
They also do weddings, private events and business events if that’s of interest to you.
It’s fairly hands off and casual, but you should know that 24 hour assistance is available at 613-222-2637 after hours, or at 613-548-1081 if you’re trying to reach the inn keeper during regular office hours.
Check inns tend to begin at 4pm, but I know from talking to the owners that they try to be flexible and accommodating. Check out is typically 11am.
This One-of-a-Kind Ontario Inn Awaits
I don’t write all that much about specific accommodation, largely because I only try to focus on places that I feel can legitimately elevate your stay in a town or city. This is very much one of those places. From the staff to the scenery, and the gardens to the gourmet cuisine, the Secret Garden Inn provides a stay like no other, and the perfect jumping off point to explore one of Ontario’s great cities.
We want to humbly thank Visit Kingston for hosting us as media. All opinions are completely our own.
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