Are you staying local this summer? Ontario is a prime place to park yourself with countless local getaways that are perfect for capturing those last summer rays. Leave the passport at home this coming long weekend. We have some top staycation spots to soak up the sun, so grab your weekend bag and a few friends.

LOCAL GETAWAYS TO LOVE THIS SUMMER

Ranging from standard singles to a posh corner king room and a fully-equipped two-bedroom + kitchenette suite, there’s room for everyone at The Beach Motel. This adorable property is a stone’s throw away from Lake Huron and a short walk into town. A shared veranda and firepit allow guests to mingle on a communal rooftop. Perfect for much-needed girls’ getaways or a romantic rendezvous. Book here –https://thebeachmotel.ca/

There are 33 rooms at The Royal, including the pet-friendly adjacent property The Annex. They’re all meticulously and thoughtfully designed and lit, pulling from a slightly Scandi design. Each room is named after a locally grown apple, echoing the owner’s nearby farm roots. If you’re looking for somewhere to truly unwind and let someone do the cooking for you, this is the spot. Nearby Sandbanks Provincial Park provides a summer escape that’s a dune-filled departure from anything you’ve seen in Ontario. Book now- https://www.theroyalhotel.ca/

MORE PERFECT ONTARIO STAYCATIONS TO SOAK UP THE LAST DAYS OF SUMMER

The June Motel is also located near Sandbanks Provincial Park. This pink-clad motel is one of the OG properties that unleashed motel-life in our province. 16 rooms comprise the sleep situation at this Picton palace, but the real draw is the shared spaces to unwind and relax. Firepits, wine and friends, yes, please. https://thejunemotel.com/pages/prince-edward-county

We tucked into the lakeside dreamboat The Pearle Hotel in downtown Burlington this year and loved the beautiful views from the gorgeous suites. Boasting Isabelle Restaurant right in-house, as well as Pearle’s Cafe, and a full-service spa, The Pearle Hotel also has a beautiful indoor pool with lakeside views. Park your car and stay and play, this restful property is meant for chilling. https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yhmak-the-pearle-hotel-and-spa-autograph-collection/

NO PASSPORT= NO PROBLEM

Deerhurst is the gateway to Muskoka and is an easy introduction to this rugged landscape. This August Long Weekend they’re offering a limited-time deal to save 25% on stays between August 4th and 6th. Must book by Wednesday, August 2nd. Find out more here- https://deerhurstresort.com/

Another PEC paradise, Wander the Resort bridges lakeside retreat with she-shed luxury living. Cute cabins dot the Lake Ontario landscape, with a hot tub, pool and sauna for soaking. Each cabin has its own firepit and BBQ, so if you’re hoping for some privacy for those fireside chats this spacious resort is the ticket. Book directly- https://www.wandertheresort.com/

Hotel Julie is a hot new property with a hot new show- STAYING INN: HOTEL JULIE premiers on Monday, August 7 at 8 p.m. on CTV. The Stratford area property is making its double debut much to the delight of many festival goers right in the theatre’s busy season. Owned and operated by sisters Haley McDonough and Jillian Smith-Moher, the property boasts nine uniquely designed “flats” keeping in the charm of the village. Stay tuned for more on this hot property and book your stay here- https://hoteljulie.com/

All images by Libby Roach.