5 Boutique Hotels for an Ontario Getaway
Local travel.
Hotel Julie
Ontario is made for summer road trips—especially the kind that lead to small towns with great restaurants, scenic trails, and boutique hotels that go beyond the basics. Whether you’re planning a weekend around wine tastings, theatre tickets, or beach time, these five properties offer both comfort and character, along with easy access to the local sights. From Prince Edward County to Caledon, each spot is within a few hours’ drive of Toronto and offers a distinctive place to check in, drop your bags and start exploring. Here’s where to stay on your next summer getaway.
South Beach Motel, Southampton
A short walk from Southampton’s wide sandy beach, South Beach Motel brings a playful, Miami-inspired energy to Ontario’s cottage country. The 12-suite motel wraps around a courtyard with lawn games and shared barbecues for casual outdoor dining. Bright-yellow accents and nostalgic South Beach-style details give the motel a breezy, escapist feel. Suites come with kitchenettes and roomy bathtubs, while a communal wellness area includes fire pits, a sauna, and cold plunge pools. Southampton’s charming downtown is about a 15-minute stroll away, but the main attraction is just down the road: a long stretch of beach with one of the best sunset views in the province.
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Photo by Lauren Miller
Photo by Lauren Miller
Photo by Lauren Miller
With jewel-toned suites, a hand-painted exterior mural, and theatrical design touches, Hotel Julie channels Stratford’s artistic spirit. Set in a renovated 19th-century row house, the nine-suite hotel features rich textures, moody palettes, and dramatic marble accents. There’s no front desk—guests use keyless entry to access their suite, each of which is equipped with a full kitchen and thoughtful touches that feel more pied-à-terre than hotel room. The atmosphere is design-forward, with visual references to Shakespearean drama woven through. Located near the Avon Theatre and Shakespearean Gardens, the hotel is within walking distance of Stratford’s boutiques and standout restaurants.
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Photo by Natalia Osmolovskaya
Photo by Natalia Osmolovskaya
Photo by Natalia Osmolovskaya
In a restored century home near Georgian Bay, Somewhere Inn offers a serene base for exploring Collingwood. Each of the 10 rooms features walk-in tile showers, Malin + Goetz amenities, and a mix of modern and vintage furnishings that create a relaxed yet curated feel. Brooky’s, the cozy lobby bar, serves morning coffee and evening wine, while outside, the leafy grounds include loungers, a cold plunge pool, and a small sauna—a compact thermal circuit that adds a restorative touch. The inn is a short walk from downtown Collingwood’s shops and restaurants and not far from the bay’s picturesque shoreline.
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Across the road from Forks of the Credit Provincial Park, the Liberty Inn is steps from beautiful trails, waterfalls, and sweeping escarpment views. The five-suite retreat is in one of Canada’s oldest brick-and-stone buildings, which has been carefully revived with a warm, modern touch. Suites feel like private apartments, with full kitchens, living areas, and handcrafted ceramics made by co-owner Jacqui Liberty. Wellness-focused extras like steam showers, infrared saunas, and light therapy masks vary by room. In the surrounding woods, an outdoor spa area includes a cedar sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge pool, all centred around a crackling fireplace. It’s a peaceful base for hiking, reading, or simply spending a quiet afternoon with nowhere to be.
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The Drake Motor Inn, Wellington
Tucked behind Wellington’s main street, The Drake Motor Inn reimagines the roadside motel with eclectic art, whimsical design, and a laid-back vibe. The 12 rooms pair retro charm with Scandinavian touches such as clean lines, bold colours, and minifridges stocked with local products. Each suite features contemporary artwork and quirky nods to Canadiana, while communal spaces include an outdoor firepit (s’mores kits are included), a lounge, and a vending machine filled with Drake-branded snacks. Guests can borrow vintage Polaroid cameras to document their stay. The inn’s location makes exploring easy—it’s a quick stroll to popular restaurants like La Condesa, as well as local shops, breweries, and galleries, plus a short drive to some of Prince Edward County’s best wineries.
