The roadside motel isn’t what it used to be. Throughout Canada, storied motels that had once seen better days are being reimagined to suit the tastes of discerning urbanites in the market for a weekend escape – and no shortage of Instagram material. From Sauble Beach and small-town Nova Scotia to Vancouver and Tofino, these eight retro-chic upscale motels redefine the 70s staple.
8 Retro-Chic Upscale Motels In Canada
1. The June Motel Sauble Beach, Ontario
The June Motel – arguably the pioneers in recent motel makeovers – was an overnight success when it opened in 2017, breathing new (highly instagrammable) life into a tired and uninspiring road side motel in Prince Edward County. The bubbly brand’s second location in Sauble Beach, which launched last summer, is now more famous than the first, thanks to the Netflix series that documents its impressive transformation, Motel Makeover. The 24-room motel embraces the retro beach vibe of the surrounding area, with things like sun-bleached wallpaper. The motel features balconies with hammocks, an indoor/outdoor restaurant, and – a social media star in itself– a retro floatie-filled pool with sunset views. Find more information here.
2. Somewhere Inn Calabogie, Ontario
Freshly opened in September, Somewhere Inn Calabogie is quickly putting the pristine Ottawa Valley region on the map with its new redesigned roadside motel. Nestled amongst stunning lakes, hills, and forests, Somewhere Inn Calabogie features cabin-inspired rooms with fireplaces, soaker tubs, and luxurious beds. Designed to facilitate a connection to nature, the resort foregoes TVs and invites guests to disconnect with hammocks and firepits. Here, a sandy beach is just a two-minute walk away. The spot’s lobby doubles as a bottle shop, offering a well curated selection of Ontario craft beer and organic wine. Find more information here.
3. The Burrard Hotel, British Columbia
For a unique non-touristy option in downtown Vancouver that brings the retro vibes with modern touches, book a stay at the celebrated Burrard Hotel, where guests are invited to “connect to the real deal Vancouver.” A converted motor hotel from 1956, the character-rich accommodations retain a photo-worthy retro feel but extensive renovations saw impressive makeovers of the lobby, rooms, and amenities. The relatively budget-friendly hotel features a bustling patio and a breezy courtyard oasis that’s complete with a ping-pong table and lounge areas. Downstairs, restaurant Burgoo serves up old-world comfort food. Find more information here.
4. Lighthouse Motel, Nova Scotia
On Canada’s picture-perfect and forever friendly east coast, Lighthouse Motel & Cottages in Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia, offers a modern twist on a classic roadside motel. One of the few remaining 1950s drive-in motels in the province, the property has been under new ownership and management since 2017. The unpretentious spot is located along the LaHave River on the south shore and blends modern Canadiana with eclectic coastal elements. The escape offers a small private beach, green space, a communal fire pit , BBQs, and guided river tours on their 24-foot pontoon boat. Lighthouse Motel features 15 impressively designed and distinctly themed guest rooms, studios, and cottages. Find more information here.
5. Penny’s Motel, Ontario
Another new player on the motel makeover scene is the reimagined just-opened Penny’s Motel in Thornbury in Grey County. An old roadside hotel of the same name has been given a glow up to become a thoughtful boutique hub of art and appreciated perks. Each of the 13 editorial-worthy rooms features original artwork, Malin + Goetz Apothecary, a bar kit, and completely photogenic wallpaper. The peaceful property features a celebrated on-site snack bar, a fire pit, a lobby bar and oyster bar, a large patio, herb garden, and a bocce ball court. Find more information here.
6. Hotel Zed Tofino, British Columbia
The bright, bold, and completely Instagram-worthy Hotel Zed has redefined motel travel on the west coast in recent years, with locations in Kelowna, Victoria, and – most recently – Tofino. Nestled in the rainforest, Hotel Zed Tofino is unlike any other hotel experience, offering a swanky 70s vibe, with completely unexpected amenities, like a bike path that rides straight through the lobby, a secret retro arcade, a psychic’s den (!), and a custom driftwood VW van. Other perks of this eye-catching escape include things like live-fire restaurant and bar Roar, retro in-room touches like rotary phones, and its location just a ten minute walk away from one of the most iconic beaches in the country – and its stunning sunsets. Find more information here.
7. The Drake Motor Inn, Ontario
In 2019, the Toronto-based Drake Hotel Properties expanded its Prince Edward County footprint further with the launch of the Drake Motor Inn. Located just steps from the artful brand’s existing Drake Devonshire hotel, the more affordable 12-room property plays homage to the classic roadside motel it once was with retro splashes of colour and nostalgic nods that complement modern, design-forward twists. The eclectic and impossible-to-miss property offers things like keyless check-in, Polaroid cameras, curated vending machines, vibrant art installations, and a fire pit. Find more information here.
8. The Lakeside Motel, Ontario
The Lakeside Motel gave Prince Edward County something to talk about – and weekend warriors something to post about – when it opened up shop in 2019. The 10-room motel property features sleek Scandinavian-influenced rooms with fireplaces, Apple TV, and noteworthy décor. Aside from the well-appointed rooms, The Lakeside Motel also invites guests to get up close and personal with nature with the option of glamping tents. But the stars of the show here are the large, sun soaked waterfront deck and bar that bring breezy Caribbean vibes and the photo-worthy lakeside swimming pool. Find more information here.
Word of advice: the reimagined rooms sell out quickly at these modern motels and it’s not too early to book for next season (in fact, you may be too late in some cases).
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