Staying at the Best Bed and Breakfast in Cornwall, Ontario: The Historic Chesley’s Inn

If you’re looking for the best bed and breakfast in Cornwall, Ontario, look no further than Chesley’s Inn. Come for its history and location, but stay for its character, welcoming charm and delicious breakfasts.

The best bed and breakfast in Cornwall, Ontario, Chesley’s Inn, is an excellent place to stop on a road trip through Ontario, a journey from Quebec, or as a destination in itself.

Whether you’re coming from a weekend getaway in Kingston, a trip to Ottawa, or some time exploring Montreal or Trois-Rivières in Quebec, then a stop at Chesley’s Inn is only a few short miles or kilometres from the highway, and is certainly in the cards in Cornwall.

The historic Chesley’s Inn feels like an extension of your own home. The people running the inn are warm and inviting, the common areas to sit in are comfortable, and the enclosed garden beside the house is peaceful and calming.

The first evening I arrived at the inn during the summer months, I came in later in the evening and decided to sit outside and catch my breath after a long drive. Despite being a five minute walk to the downtown of Cornwall, I was surprised by how peaceful and quiet the garden was. As dusk turned to dark and I looked up from my mapped out bike routes, I realized there were fireflies floating all around me in the garden.

It was a magical moment, and I’m sure when you stay here, you’ll find your magical moment, too.

Let me outline all of the reasons to stay at this incredible bed and breakfast in Cornwall, so that you can enjoy your visit to the fullest the next time you’re in town.

*Please note that this article contains some affiliate links. Simply put, it means that we may receive a small commission for some of our heartfelt and honest recommendations at absolutely zero additional cost to you.

The Location and How to Get to Chesley’s Inn

Chesley’s Inn and guest house is located in Cornwall, which is very close to the Quebec border, and the bridge to the USA. This makes it a great place to lay your head for a night on the road, or stop for a few days and take in the beauty and history that surrounds you in Cornwall.

The inn is situtated steps from the restaurants and shops in downtown south Cornwall on Pitt Street, and equally a stone’s throw away from the expansive Lamoureux Park on the shores of the St. Lawrence.

The inn is even a popular stop for cycling tourists on one of the many cycling routes along the shores of the St. Lawrence. People stop at Chesley’s on their way along the river from Southern Quebec, or from more southern parts of Ontario.

Arriving by Car

To get to Chesley’s Inn by car, you’re going to want to exit the 401 at Brookdale Avenue and head south. From there, take 9th Street east to Augustus Street, and hang a right. Follow Augustus Street to First Street, and you’ll see Chesley’s Inn on your left. There are several parking spots in the small lot behind the inn, accessible from the small gravel driveway on Augustus Street, south of First.

Arriving by Bike

To get to the inn by bike, come along the Great Waterfront Trail through Lamoureux Park. Take the trail on the north side of the park, and cross Highway 2 between the Cornwall Visitor Centre and the Founding of Cornwall Historical Plaque.

Take a short walk with your bike against traffic on Augustus Street, or loop around so you’re coming the right way by bike. There is a locked garage to store your bike while you stay at the inn.

A Journey Through History at this Bed and Breakfast in Cornwall

After you’ve parked your car or brought through your bike and entered the grounds of the inn, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. This is because you really have. Although it’s been updated and gone through many changes over the years, Chesley’s Inn is one of the oldest inns in Ontario.

Chesley’s Inn has a captivating history. It was constructed in 1814 by Alsaints Chesley, one of three siblings who initially fought for the American Revolutionary cause. When Alsaints and his sons settled in Cornwall in 1800, they switched their allegiance to defend Canada during the War of 1812. It was a decision that created a rift in their extended family for generations to come.

Over the years, local rumours and lore have suggested that Thomas Edison may have wired the house when he and his team were brought to Cornwall to electrify the mill in the 1830’s, and Charles Dickens may have come through the inn during his 1840’s American tour.

When the railway came through town to north Cornwall, the inn became a private residence, famously called Dr. Taylor’s house in Cornwall. The Taylor family's time living in the house saw it become a hub for artistic gatherings and unique social events, including a winter beach party.

After some time of neglect, the inn was bought and restored by its current owner, Robert Prowse. Now, Chesley’s Inn is a site designated by the Ontario Heritage Act, and its doors are open to guests from all around the world.

A Stay at Chesley’s Inn Today

A stay at Chesley’s Inn today is comfortable, unique and memorable. While at the time of my visit, owner Robert Prowse was visiting family in the west coast, the friends he entrusted to run the inn during his absence were more than welcoming.

This bed and breakfast in Cornwall is full of unique and historic furniture and home pieces. It has an antique square piano from the 1800’s, a gallery wall of all the previous owners and residents of the property since the early 19th century, and even a framed piece of old graffiti they found as they were peeling back the wallpaper of this old home.

You can find this framed graffiti in the parlour at the inn, with French text and a drawing from the early 1800’s.

If you look for them, you’ll also notice small and carefully placed Scottish Terrier tchotchkes sprinkled throughout the property, as an homage to Hamish, Robert’s adorable and welcoming Scottish Terrier. Hamish is as much of a beloved innkeeper as anyone else at this bed and breakfast in Cornwall, and you will absolutely love interacting with him during your stay.

It’s the character and stories in every corner of Chesley’s Inn that make the experience of staying at this bed and breakfast far more memorable than staying in a hotel.

The Rooms at This Delightful Bed and Breakfast

There are three suites to choose from when you visit Chesley’s Inn. The inn is a three star accommodation, and suites are equipped with high-speed wifi, a rain shower, and include a delicious breakfast on every morning of your stay.

The French Room

The French room is a small but comfortable room with two twin beds, and several bright windows looking out to the street and garden below. It’s great for friends or siblings on the go, and has luxurious bedding and linens.

It’s also styled with French ormolu furnishings, and Persian carpets..

The Governor’s Suite

The Governor’s Suite is the largest room at the inn, and has a queen four-poster bed. It also has a large, spa-like bathroom, and the suite includes one of the original 1814 fireplaces from when the house was first constructed.

One of the best features of this suite is its private sitting room/office space. It adds that extra touch of luxury and privacy to your stay at this bed and breakfast in Cornwall.

The Tudor Room

The Tudor Room at Chesley’s Inn has a wooden canopy king bed. The walls in the room are decorated with original art, and antique decor from the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

The Apartment at this Bed and Breakfast in Cornwall

There is also one apartment that you can stay at when you visit Chesley’s Inn.

The Innkeeper’s Quarters

The apartment is called the innkeeper’s quarters, which is a self-contained, two bedroom apartment. It has a fully equipped kitchen and living space, and a separate entrance to the building. Families with children or pets would be very comfortable in this private space.

It’s important to note that the famous, delicious breakfast offers aren’t included in your stay when you stay in the apartment.

More On Their Famous Breakfast

The breakfasts at Chesley’s Inn are a delight. Robert has put together menus that are frequently alternating, so guests rarely have the same meal twice.

During my two night stay at the inn, I had two delicious breakfasts. They were perfect to sustain me for the mornings on my cycling trip around Cornwall and the surrounding Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Counties.

Breakfast #1: Breakfast Quiche

The first breakfast during my stay at this bed and breakfast in Cornwall was vegetable quiche and breakfast sausages. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also a staple in every breakfast at Chesley’s Inn, along with a variety of gourmet yogurts to choose from.

Breakfast #2: French Toast

When I was at this bed and breakfast in Cornwall, breakfast on my second day was French toast and bacon. It was expertly cooked with a delicious batter, and was served with more fresh fruit.

Things to Do When You Stay at This Cornwall B&B

While you’re staying at Chesley’s Inn, there are a few different places you can visit during your time in Cornwall. If you’re looking for great lunch places in Cornwall, EK Market and Carrots’n’Dates are excellent options. Both have a wide variety of delicious options, and the latter is a completely vegan restaurant.

If you’re on the hunt for nice dinner options in town, ESCA Pizza and Schnitzels European Flavours are both delicious. They are well known establishments and beloved by locals and visitors to Cornwall alike.

If you enjoy biking short or long distances, then Marina 200 is walking distance from Chesley’s. It’s easy to rent a bike and bike around Lamoureux Park and further down the Waterfront Trail on the St. Lawrence is a great way to pass the time on a beautiful day.

If you’re more comfortable on foot, Lamoureux Park is also such a nice park to walk around. You can walk along the water and find yourself a bench to watch the large boats and yachts travelling down the St. Lawrence during the summertime. The views over to the river are beautiful.

Whatever you’ve come to this Cornwall bed and breakfast for, whether it’s to relax or just take some time to explore the city, Chesley’s Inn is such a wonderful place to base yourself. Not only will the house soothe you and allow you to get the rest you need, but the excellent innkeepers Robert (and Hamish) will ensure you are well taken care of during your stay.

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