In recent years I’ve had the opportunity to explore Ontario a little more. There’s so much to see and do, but until recently I saw accommodation only as a place to sleep. That all changed after testing out some very nice accommodations. Original accommodations but above all where the intention is for visitors to enjoy their stay on site as well as the activities around it. Accommodation becomes an activity, not just a place to rest. In this article, we’ll be focusing on a new trend that has emerged in recent years: the renovation of roadside motels into trendy motels. Let me take you on a tour of 4 tastefully renovated motels around Toronto.
Feel free to come back and read this article later. My goal is to visit new ones to extend your list of options!
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Le June Motel Sauble Beach
When you think of renovated motels around Toronto, the June Motel immediately comes to mind. And with good reason: Sarah and April, the two best friends behind the June Motel, were pioneers in Ontario. Sauble Beach is their second motel. They even shared the renovations of this second addition in a Netflix series called Motel Makeover. I remember devouring the episodes, never imagining I’d ever stay there.
It’s also in the Bruce County area that this motel is located, in Sauble Beach. A very popular spot with Ontarians during the summer. When you walk through the door of this motel, you’re immersed in a 70s ambiance with impressive attention to detail. You’ve got a great pool, and as you can tell from my photos, I really enjoyed the pool. There’s also an on-site restaurant and evening fires for smores and chit-chat. Everything has been thought of to ensure that you have the perfect time with your friends.
You’re also just a few minutes’ walk from the beach and the street where you’ll find restaurants and stores. If you want to explore the surrounding area, you can head to Bruce Peninsula, one of Ontario’s jewels.
I recommend you read the story behind the creation of June Motels on their website. I don’t know about you, but I love seeing the before and after and learning more about what goes on behind the scenes.
The Beach Motel
For this second motel, we’re off to Bruce County, in the small town of Southampton, which I’d already mentioned in my article “5 towns to explore for a weekend away from Toronto”. This region is well known for its summer activities. And if you’re going there for the beach, you’ll love this motel’s location: in just a few minutes on foot, you’ll have your feet in the sand. Behind The Beach Motel is the story of Samantha and Dane, a couple who love to travel and wanted to create in their hometown what they love so much about traveling: human-scale accommodation, proximity to the owners and connection with the locals. They fell under the spell of this motel dating back to the 60s, and after extensive renovations opened their doors in 2021.
Having stayed there in 2024, I can confirm that they succeeded. The welcome was super warm, the restaurant was delicious and the chef took the time to chat with us. The rooms are spacious, the roof terrace is really nice, and there’s even a little fireplace for cooler days. You can also book a massage on site. I also really liked the egg chairs in front of the rooms. Of course, I couldn’t resist taking a few photos.
The June Motel Beaver Valley
This motel is completely different from the others on this list. The others offer more of a beach vibe, while the June Motel Beaver Valley takes you into the country. Unlike the other options, this motel is completely self-contained. You have no on-site staff except for breakfast and housekeeping. This may come as a surprise at first, but it actually made you feel like you were in your grandparents’ country house.
The large garden out back is a plus, as is the river that runs behind the property where you can swim or just sit and listen to the gentle sound of the water. I loved the sauna overlooking the garden and river. It’s so special, so pretty the way it looks. In the evening we sat by the fire and chatted with other girls who were also on a girls’ weekend!
It’s a destination that’s just as enjoyable in summer as it is in winter, since you can also go skiing nearby. If you’re in the area and looking for things to do, I recommend exploring Collingwood.
All I need to do is try their third motel (and original) and I can add it to the list!
The Kiwi Motel
Our latest addition to my list, just added a few days ago. The Kiwi Motel is located in Grand Bend, west of Toronto. It’s an area I didn’t know at all. But when last week we had a change of plans, I decided to book a stay there. I wanted to try out a new motel to add to this article I’d had in draft form for months.
Grand Bend has one of the most beautiful beaches in Canada. It’s also one of Ontario’s most popular summer destinations. Our experience was a little different, as we went in March, when the weather wasn’t at its best. But we’re already planning to go back before summer to tell you all about it. Because believe me, it’s promising: they’ve got a pool, a Jacuzzi, an outdoor bar, little fires to melt your smores and, above all, a beach volleyball court for the more sporty types!
The owners, experts in renovation, wanted to create a fun accommodation to welcome tourists to their region. With a lot of love, beautiful tropical inspirations and elbow grease, they gave a second life to this motel dating back (probably) to the 70s.
The motel is superbly located: just a few minutes’ walk from the main street, where you’ll find all the restaurants, and from the beach. A few minutes’ walk from the supermarkets if you need anything. And just a short drive from one of the most beautiful provincial parks: Pinery Provincial Park.
I hope this article will help you book your next stay to discover one of the renovated motels around Toronto. The work done by the owners is incredible. They’re all committed to giving us an exceptional experience. Let me know in the comments which one I should try next?
