wh-Discover-Niagara-Dec24

About this series: With COVID-19 restrictions having eased over the last few months, Wheels wants to inspire you to get ready to explore — but only when it is safe to do so. This series of daytrips and longer drives highlight great experiences you can have in the province and across Canada, ands show you why this country is “Ours to Discover.”

If you haven’t already, one day soon you may look back on the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 with a bit of bittersweet nostalgia. For all the difficulties and despair, there were moments where the light clearly shone through. As a travel writer, those moments for me tended to happen when my family and I found safe opportunities to hit the road.

Along with the much-needed change of scenery, those trips reminded us that there is so much of our home province we still need to explore.  These five spots are just a few of the places and spaces that wowed over the last few years. As you’re planning your next trip, these getaways a quick drive from Toronto may be exactly what you’re looking for.
<h3>Point Grondine Park </h3>
Many of us are just beginning to grasp how much work there is to be done to foster a new relationship with Indigenous communities. Events over the course of the pandemic drove that point home. Lesser-known spots, like Point Grondine Park in Killarney, had a chance to shine. The park is Indigenous owned and operated, and combines traditional outing opportunities (canoeing, hiking and camping) with educational offerings. My family explored the park with an Indigenous guide, as part of a tour with Wikiwemekong Tourism. You can also venture out on your own: Well-marked pathways and informative signage make it an easy one to explore with young kids. (<a href="http://www.grondinepark.com">grondinepark.com</a>)

How to get there: Point Grondine Park is located a four-hour drive north of Toronto. Take Highway 400 north and continue as it merges into Highway 69. Exit onto Highway 637 and follow it west.
<h3>
Niagara Falls</h3>
If you haven’t visited in the last few years, it’s time to head back to Niagara Falls. This iconic destination is so much more than the waterway that draws millions each year. There is incredible cuisine from spots like Old Stone Inn (stay for its “Blunch” and don’t skip the cocktail list) and reinvigorated classics like Table Rock House Restaurant, where you’ll have incredible views of the Horseshoe Falls while you dine on a menu of items that celebrate the region. Year round, the parklands that run along the water’s edge, the biking and hiking trails, and the historical connections — don’t miss the Land of Nations Memorial in Queenston Heights Park — offer something to keep everyone in your travel party happy. Next summer there will be a new reason to visit. The Tailrace Tunnel Experience at the Niagara Parks Power Station will take you on an underground route to the falls. (niagarafallstourism.com)

How to get there: Follow the Queen Elizabeth Way west from Toronto and around the shore of Lake Ontario. Take the exit for Highway 420. The drive should take roughly one-and-a-half hours.
<h3>Buxton National Historic Site</h3>
Sometimes you find a gem so good you keep going back. Buxton is that place for me. I first visited pre-pandemic on my own and the connections to Black history were so profound, I revisited with my mother shortly after. Then, just when things felt fairly bleak in the wake of the George Floyd murder, I packed up my two teenaged sons and headed back to this site near Chatham in southwestern Ontario. When curator Shannon Prince walks you through the Buxton National Historic Site, pointing out the 19th century schoolhouse and the artifact packed museum, you get a chance for an education that is long overdue. (<a href="http://www.buxtonmuseum.com">buxtonmuseum.com</a>)

How to get there: Drive west along Highway 401, or Highway 403 to where it meets Highway 401 in Woodstock. Continue to Highway 14 west and follow it to the site, which is on A.D. Shadd Road. The drive should take three hours.

[caption id="attachment_164367" align="alignnone" width="2560"]<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/wh-Discover-Buxton-Dec24-2-scaled.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-164367" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/wh-Discover-Buxton-Dec24-2-scaled.jpg" alt="Ours to Discover" width="2560" height="1707" /></a> Buxton, ON  Shannon Prince, Curator of the Buxton National Historic Site. &amp; Museum,inside the historic schoolhouse located next to the museum. The museum preserves the history of the Elgin Settlement, which was established in 1849 as a refuge for fugitive slaves escaping into Canada via the Underground Railroad. Kelsey Wilson/Toronto Star[/caption]
<h3>Wander the Resort </h3>
Finding a few nights for Prince Edward County is a summer must. But when Wander the Resort (located in Bloomfield) opened to winter guests during the middle of the pandemic, it provided a summertime vibe to those seeking a chic winter hideaway. The plush blankets and bleached wood decor take Canadian cosy to another level. There’s room for you to bring along the kids (or another couple) and you’ll find yourself noting brand names and scouring local shops for the chic accessories that fill your kitchen. The staff here are the best friends you need in a place like this, offering must eats, tempting activities and sip-able suggestions. Book one of its four lakeside cabins (there are 10 total) with a clear view of the water (or ice rink) and you’ll wake up wondering how you got so lucky. (<a href="http://www.wanderresort.com">wandertheresort.com</a>)

How to get there: Follow Highway 401 east to County Road 40, following it south to Bloomfield. The total drive is roughly two-and-a-half hours.

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/wh-Discover-Wander-Dec24-1-scaled.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-164365" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/wh-Discover-Wander-Dec24-1-scaled.jpg" alt="Ours to Discover" width="2560" height="1704" /></a>
<h3>Gananoque</h3>
It would be easy to miss Gananoque if you weren’t looking. Taking the time to swing off Highway 401 east and into the charming town last year was a fantastic surprise. It’s most known as the access point to the Thousand Islands (1864 to be precise) and getting out to see those is a must do when weather permits. But year round there is something for anyone craving a break. Choose from options like a scenic helicopter tour, a sculpture park stroll, snowshoeing the trails or settling in for a chat at a local bakery or brewery. It’s the kind of town where breakneck speeds don’t exist and a love of quiet and quaint is rewarded. (<a href="http://www.ganaoque.ca">gananoque.ca</a>)

How to get there: Drive along Highway 401 east for three hours and you will be in the Thousand Islands region.

 <a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/wh-Discover-Heather-Dec24.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-164368" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/wh-Discover-Heather-Dec24.jpg" alt="Ours to Discover" width="1024" height="1820" /></a>

Heather Greenwood Davis is a contributing writer at National Geographic. You can follow her travels on Instagram, @byheathergd, or at <a href="http://www.heathergreenwooddavis.com">heathergreenwooddavis.com</a>
<h3>COVID-19 need to know</h3>
Note that the government-mandated proof of vaccination rule is in effect. Check provincial and local guidelines before you head out on your road trip (<a href="http://www.ontario.ca">ontario.ca</a>).

Ours to Discover: Ontario Gems

wh-Discover-BlackHistory-Bridge-June12

About this series: With COVID-19 restrictions expected to ease over the next few months, Wheels wants to inspire you to get ready to explore – but only when it is safe to do so. This series of daytrips and weekend drives highlights great experiences you can have in the province once conditions allow and show you why Ontario is “Ours to Discover” this summer and beyond.

The histories and contributions of Ontario’s Black community are often given short shrift in the greater Canadian historical context. A road trip through southern Ontario is an opportunity to meet the descendants of the incredible communities that, against all odds, thrived and survived in the province while also managing to leave lasting legacies that we all benefit from. This road trip itinerary offers a taste of the heroism and resilience of the community while also showcasing the beauty of the landscapes of the region.

For the full series, click<a href="https://www.wheels.ca/wheels-tags/ours-to-discover/"> here</a>.
<h2>DAY ONE </h2>
In the morning: Leave Toronto ahead of rush hour traffic and drive west along Hwy 401, or Hwy 403 to where it meets Hwy 401 in Woodstock, for a roughly three-hour drive to the Chatham-Kent Region. Have breakfast before you leave or pack some fruits and light snacks knowing you’ll have lunch in the early afternoon.

Arrive in Chatham and head directly to the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society &amp; Black Mecca Museum. There you can peek around at the exhibits that showcase the legacy of the Black community in the area since the early 1800s. Don’t miss the exhibit case featuring the Championship-winning Chatham Colored All-Stars and ask about purchasing one of the retro baseball caps that honour them.

The museum tour includes an eye-opening historic film and the chance to take a guided or self-guided walk of the area, including stops at the First Baptist church – where Abolitionist John Brown once held meetings ahead of his failed raid at Harper’s Ferry in the U.S. – and The BME Freedom Park. A bronze bust of Mary Ann Shad Cary, an anti-slavery activist and Canada’s first woman publisher, stands in the park on the site of the first Black Methodist Episcopal Church in the country.

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/wh-Discover-BlackHistory-Mecca-June12-scaled.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-159725" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/wh-Discover-BlackHistory-Mecca-June12-scaled.jpg" alt="Mecca" width="2560" height="1709" /></a>

In the afternoon: Grab lunch at the Williams Street Cafe for made-to-order sandwiches or wraps and lighter fare. Take it to go so you can enjoy at one of the picnic tables or sitting on the grass at the Buxton National Historic Site &amp; Museum. This is the site of the original Elgin Settlement, an all-Black community established in 1849 by a reformed slave owner and home to both Free Blacks and those who’d escaped American bondage via the Underground Railroad.

A traditional home, built to replicate one from the 1850s, can be explored on-site, as well as the original 1861 schoolhouse that taught generations in the community. The museum itself offers some context and you’ll want to spend at least a few hours on site. Don’t miss a chance to meet curator Shannon Prince, a sixth-generation Canadian who grew up in the area and traces her lineage directly to escaped American slaves.

[caption id="attachment_159723" align="alignnone" width="2560"]<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/wh-Discover-BlackHistory-Buxton-June12-scaled.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-159723" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/wh-Discover-BlackHistory-Buxton-June12-scaled.jpg" alt="Buxton" width="2560" height="1707" /></a> Buxton, ON  Shannon Prince, Curator of the Buxton National Historic Site. &amp; Museum, inside the historic schoolhouse located next to the museum. The museum preserves the history of the Elgin Settlement, which was established in 1849 as a refuge for fugitive slaves escaping into Canada via the Underground Railroad. Kelsey Wilson/Toronto Star[/caption]

In the evening: Check into Chatham’s Retro Suites Hotel where eclectic artwork and themed rooms will give you plenty of reasons to snap a photo inside. The corner where it is located has a history: The King William Block was built in 1888 and housed to the former Merrill Hotel. In those early years, like all hotels in downtown Chatham (including the famous William Pitt Hotel that once stood a few blocks away) Blacks would be hired for labour but they weren’t afforded service or access to hotel amenities, such as the dining room. If you prefer there are also a number of nearby bed and breakfasts.

Once you’re settled, head out to explore. The hotel is well positioned for an evening walk, taking in the murals, outdoor art and parkettes that provide a sense of what historic Chatham was like. For dinner, consider Mamma Maria’s Ristorante for a handmade pizza, pasta dish or an entree featuring perch or trout. Or check out nearby Sons of Kent Brewing Company for traditional pub grub and handcrafted beers, including a limited run that celebrated the Chatham Coloured All-Stars.
<h2>DAY TWO  </h2>
In the morning: Seize the day. Grab an early breakfast at the Chilled Cork or Eli’s and then set out for Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site. There you’ll learn about Josiah Henson, who fled American enslavement with his family and returned several times to help others. Tours showcase an incredible array of artifacts as well as an opportunity to walk through original structures. Don’t skip the gift shop where Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” based on Henson’s life, and Henson’s own autobiography are among the gems on the shelves.

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/wh-Discover-BlackHistory-Cabin-June12-scaled.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-159724" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/wh-Discover-BlackHistory-Cabin-June12-scaled.jpg" alt="Cabin" width="2560" height="1920" /></a>

Begin your three-hour drive to the Niagara Region by heading back on Hwy 401 or taking the more rural Hwy 3, which will add about 30-minutes to your trip. Order and pick-up a pizza from Piezano’s before you leave Chatham-Kent so you can have lunch on the road. As you drive, take note that many of the fields you’re passing were once owned by Black farmers.

In the afternoon: Once you arrive in the Niagara Region, you won’t have time to waste. Skip the self-guided options and opt for a pre-booked, bespoke Niagara Bound Tour. Led by Lezlie Harper, a direct descendant of slaves who traversed the area, her tour brings a personal touch to the story of The Niagara Freedom Trail.

The trail stretches from Fort Erie to St. Catharines and Ancaster, with historic sites and buildings that help tell the story of the approximately 30,000 enslaved people who followed a network of secret routes and safe houses to escape to Canada between 1800 and 1865. The area’s connections to Harriet Tubman, who made 11 trips along the Underground Railroad to bring people to Canada, and the Coloured Corps, Black militia men who fought in the War of 1812, are all explored.

<a href="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/wh-Discover-BlackHistory-Press-June12-1-scaled.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-159727" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/wh-Discover-BlackHistory-Press-June12-1-scaled.jpg" alt="Press" width="2560" height="1709" /></a>

In  the evening: If you have time, splurge on a dinner overlooking Horseshoe Falls at the Table Rock House Restaurant in Niagara Falls. It’ll give you a chance to truly take in the power of the waterway and also a sense of the dangers enslaved Black Africans faced as they risked their lives to cross the Niagara River to freedom. Then, start the drive back to Toronto knowing that you’ve only scratched the surface of the history here and are committed to continuing your understanding.

&nbsp;

SIDEBAR: For the drive

Start your learning in the car by listening to Radio Canada International’s “Portraits of Black Canadians” series. The episodes featuring Josiah Henson, Mary Ann Shadd Cary and Harriet Tubman will help inform the spots you’re visiting. If you’ve got baseball fans with you, deep diving into the story of the Chatham Coloured All-Stars (cdigs.uwindsor.ca/BreakingColourBarrier) ahead of your trip to get them excited.

 

SIDEBAR: COVID-19 need to know

Travel restrictions and advice continue to change as summer progresses and more people are vaccinated. Detailed information on local measures is available on the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit website, ckphu.com, and on niagararegion.ca.

&nbsp;

TIMELINE SIDEBAR: Drive Guide

Day one
<ul>
 	<li>8 a.m. Leave Toronto</li>
 	<li>Drive west on Hwy 403</li>
 	<li>11 a.m. CBHS Black Mecca Museum.</li>
 	<li>1 p.m. Williams Street Cafe</li>
 	<li>1:30 p.m. Buxton National Historic Site and Museum</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<ul>
 	<li>4 p.m. Retro Suites Hotel</li>
 	<li>5:30 p.m. Explore Chatham</li>
 	<li>6:30 p.m. Mamma Maria’s Ristorante or Sons of Kent Brewing Company</li>
 	<li>Side trip: Grab a cone from Riverside Ice Cream</li>
 	<li>8 p.m. Walk back to hotel</li>
</ul>
Day two
<ul>
 	<li>7:30 a.m. Wake up</li>
 	<li>8:15 a.m. Chilled Cork or Eli’s</li>
 	<li>9 a.m. Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site</li>
 	<li>11 a.m. Drive Hwy 401 of Hwy 3 east</li>
 	<li>2 p.m. Niagara Region and North Bound Tours</li>
 	<li>2:15 p.m. The Niagara Freedom Trail</li>
 	<li>5:30 p.m. Table Rock House Restaurant</li>
 	<li>7 p.m. Drive back to Toronto</li>
</ul>

Ours to discover: A road trip to learn about the past

wh-RVGuide-Main-April10

The first time my family set out in an RV in 2018, our nerves rattled more than the dishes in the cupboard as we drove. By the end of the trip, we were hooked. During the pandemic, Canadians fell in love too.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in RV travel over the past year, and all signs point to a continued surge in interest this summer,” said Chris Mahony, president of Go RVing Canada. He noted there’s a 100 per cent year-over-year increase in searches for motorhomes on its website.

A recent survey commissioned for peer-to-peer RV sharing website RVezy.com found that Canadians felt RVing and camping were as much as three times safer than other accommodation options.

“When the pandemic hit in 2020, Canadians turned to road trips, camping and RVing as a safe alternative to the traditional flights and hotels. When families discovered how safe and convenient it was to explore the great outdoors in an RV, word got around,” said RVezy.com co-founder Michael McNaught.

But just because its popular doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. “It’s important to note that driving an RV is different than your everyday car,” said Ryan Peterson, manager of auto advice for CAA South Central Ontario. “Braking distances are longer. Acceleration is slower. And your blind spots are much bigger. As a new RV driver, plan your routes, practice your turns and make sure you take it easy.”

If you’re contemplating hitting the open road this summer, you should put this article down and immediately secure your dates – it is that popular. Then, come on back for the answers to your most pressing questions.

Which RV should I rent?

How you intend to use the vehicle (just for sleeping?), the type of trip you are taking (multiple stops?), your destination activities (will you need a car?) and how many people you’re travelling with are a few of the things to think about before making your choice. Sites like the RV renter CanaDream’s Trip Planner tool can help you narrow it down. A Class G licence (the one you use to drive your car) will allow you to tow and operate motor homes for personal use up to a certain weight (no more than a combined weight of 11,000 kg). Bigger than that and you’ll require a Class D licence.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-158445" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/wh-RVGuide-Interior-April10.jpg" alt="RVing" width="1280" height="960" />

How can I be COVID-aware?

Organize a meal plan before leaving home and bring along the things you need. Run out of milk on the road? Having a grocery delivery app at the ready can save the day. Also, bring your own cleaning supplies and be sure to disinfect the vehicle once you take possession. Skip campground group activities and opt for options like hiking and biking instead.

Where should we go?

For now, stay fairly close to home. Interprovincial travel is frowned upon right now, so you’ll want to keep your eye on the evolving regulations and approved travel corridors. There is no shortage of options for an incredible Canadian escape, but planning is key. Check provincial tourism websites and RV rental sites for itinerary suggestions. Prefer to leave the planning to someone else? Consider outfitters like Tracks and Trails RV Adventures. For a fee, they’ll tailor an itinerary including a driving route and suggested stops.

Where can we sleep?

Provincial and national parks, along with private campgrounds, offer RV sites. Be realistic to avoid paying for on-site amenities you won’t likely use. Companies like Harvest Hosts offers RV sites on family farms and wineries, and many Walmart stores will allow you to park in their lot if you ask. Wherever you choose, understanding the types of “hook-up” the site offers are important. Full hook-up sites give you access to water, electricity and sewer. Other options include partial hook-ups or none. Reserve your site as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. (Campsite fees typically are less than $40 per night but a remote or popular location can see that amount triple.)

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-158446" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/wh-RVGuide-Night-April10.jpg" alt="RVing" width="1280" height="853" />

How much is this going to cost me? 

It depends. Length of trip, mileage and insurance can all factor into your costs. Use of the generator and propane tank will add to that. CanaDream estimates a trip from April 9 through 16 in their Maxi Motorhome (which sleeps four adults and two children) is approximately $150 per night. If your timing is flexible, consider their relocation service rentals that offer the use of the RV at a reduced rate. While your projected bill might not be exact, with the right planning surprises will be less painful.

Heather Greenwood Davis Special to Wheels

Get ready for an RV Summer  

wh-RoadsideMotels-Burrard2-April3

In the 1970s, a motel stay was as much a part of a family road trip as siblings fighting over the middle seat. Fast forward a few decades and things changed. This once convenient roadside option was suddenly either popping up in horror films as a naturally spooky setting or filled with guests who didn’t mind a rough and tumble aesthetic.

For the average traveler, the motel experience went from a must-do to an only-if-we-must option. But much like recreational vehicle camping and family road trips, motels are making a comeback thanks to the pandemic and a reimagining.

“It's no longer this old, dirty, rundown, off the highway place where you're going to take off the top cover on the bed because you don't want to even touch it,” said Darren Simpson, general manager of The Burrard in Vancouver. His property, renovated in 2011, boasts crisp linens, a fleet of bikes, a palm tree-filled courtyard and ping-pong tables.

It’s the sort of re-branding that The June Motel co-owners April Brown and Sarah Sklash said has attracted people to their boutique properties, too. What used to be a place where the only art on the wall was a ‘No gutting fish in the room’ sign now offers chilled bottles of rose to greet millennial guests on arrival.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-158229" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/wh-RoadsideMotels-June1-April3.jpg" alt="Roadside Motel" width="1280" height="853" />

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-158230" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/wh-RoadsideMotels-June2-April3.jpg" alt="Roadside Motel" width="1280" height="853" />

“We spent about a year transforming the entire property,” said Brown of their Prince Edward County location. “Now you pull up and there’s pink doors, funky pink neon signs and a wine bar in the lobby.”

Millennials, their target market, love it, Sklash said. “It's super-curated and all of the things they love about a great place to stay, but there is a bit of a throwback to the good-old-days kind of vibe.”

While most of The June’s guests likely weren’t around during the heyday of motels, The Burrard’s guests also include both Gen Xers and Baby Boomers. Simpson said his guests aren’t interested in a traditional hotel stay. “I think there is a specific niche of traveler looking for a unique design or the unique character of a building, and some of these renovated motels really offer that,” he said.

A year of pandemic lockdowns has only grown the popularity of motels. An obvious appeal of many modern roadside stays are their private entrances and exterior hallways and courtyards that allow for social distancing and air flow. According to a recent study by Booking.com, alternative accommodations (including motels) accounted for 30 per cent of all new bookings in the third quarter of 2020. That number was only 12 per cent in 2019.

Business has been so good that The June opened a second location, in Sauble Beach on Lake Huron, over Labour Day weekend in 2020.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-158231" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/wh-RoadsideMotels-Burrard1-April3.jpg" alt="Business has been so go" width="1280" height="853" />
Families aren’t being left out either. Each of the 10 winterized cabins at Wander the Resort, located in Bloomfield, Ont., offers two-large bedrooms, a spacious living area, a full-kitchen and a private patio. The stunning property opened earlier this year in Prince Edward County and is already completely sold out for 2021.

This renewed motel interest, Simpson said, is a clear reflection of people’s increased comfort levels with a new way of traveling that includes staying close to home and taking all health precautions.

“We are seeing people very hyper-locally traveling because I think they're just sick of being at home,” he said. “People just really want to get out.”

Brown agreed. “We are looking forward to a very busy summer,” she said.
<h2>Ready for a roadside stopover? Try one of these three twists on motel chic.</h2>
Hotel Zed: With the opening of Hotel Zed Tofino last fall, the Hotel Zed chain is celebrating its third motel in British Columbia. A $20 million investment has resulted in a funky, 58-room enclave complete with a retro arcade, psychic’s den (including a crystal ball for visitor to use to divine their future) and a lobby you can ride a bike through – literally. Need a lift into town? Their 1968 station wagon shuttle helps guest to get where they need to go (note: the service is currently not operating due to Covid restrictions). (hotelzed.com)

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-158228" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/wh-RoadsideMotels-HotelZed-April3.jpg" alt="Roadside Motel" width="1280" height="853" />

The Lakeside Motel: Less than two years old, Prince Edward County’s largest waterfront hotel deck and bar are already a summertime staple. The 10-room traditionally laid out motel property mixes classic, minimalist touches with a pool that offers South Beach summer weekend vibes. Two small homes are also available for rent for larger bubbled groups. Prefer a camp-out? Four canvas tents, each with a Queen-sized bed and private fire pit, are also available to guest who want to do a little glamping. (thelakesidemotel.com)

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-158224" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/wh-RoadsideMotels-Lakeside1-April3.jpg" alt="Roadside Motel" width="1280" height="888" />

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-158225" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/wh-RoadsideMotels-Lakeside2-April3.jpg" alt="Roadside Motel" width="1280" height="853" />

The Lamphouse Hotel: Canmore, Alta., is a popular year-round playscape for active travellers and the Lamphouse Hotel has brought non-fussy, comfy-chic accommodations to the mix. Perfectly suited for the times, a virtual check-in provides you with the code to unlock your room pre-arrival making the entire process contactless. In-room martini stations and an outdoor hot tub are among the amenities. Travelling with a bigger bubble? Consider the Lamphouse Apartment that sleeps up to 10 people with a full kitchen, two-and-a-half baths and a washing machine and dryer. (lamphousehotel.com)

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-158226" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/wh-RoadsideMotels-Lamphouse1-April3.jpg" alt="Roadside Motel" width="1280" height="914" />

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-158227" src="http://d3odfdcwc42kff.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/wh-RoadsideMotels-Lamphouse2-April3.jpg" alt="Roadside Motel" width="1280" height="853" />

&nbsp;

Heather Greenwood Davis Special to Wheels

Heather Greenwood Davis

Articles by Heather Greenwood Davis

Ours to Discover: Ontario Gems

Ours to discover: A road trip to learn about the past

Get ready for an RV Summer

The Return of the Roadside Motel