I was looking for an Ontario-based getaway that wouldn’t cost a fortune and I managed to stumble upon The June Motel. Located about a 3-hour drive from Toronto, Sauble Beach is a relaxed beach town with an unpretentious attitude. Thankfully, it’s not overrun with people either, like other Ontario beaches that we’ve visited. The lakefront beach here receives a lot of praise for its beauty and unspoiled surrounding nature parks. I can vouch for that myself, now that I’ve been in person!
The June Motel at Sauble Beach is perfect for a 3 day getaway with friends, family, or your partner. This once-neglected motel was fully renovated by the same duo behind the June Motel’s Prince Edward County location. It’s been popping up all over social media, and it’s no surprise why. This humble motel is downright adorable and aesthetically pleasing at every turn. You can see how much passion went into this renovation. And I really love that it embodies the beach-town nostalgia that you would normally find in places much further south. We felt transported once we stepped on the property because it really doesn’t feel like you’re in Ontario.
2022 Update: Netflix released a documentary all about The June Motel’s Sauble Beach location renovation. Because of this, their limited set of rooms get booked up months in advance. If you have your heart set on visiting, plan to book early!
ETHICAL OUTFIT // ORGANIC COTTON TOP BY MATE, LINEN SKIRT BY SLATE WEARABLES, CORN-LEATHER BAG BY ALEXANDRA K, RECYCLED FIBER SHOES BY ROTHY’S
This is the second motel renovation from The June Motel team. The first was in Prince Edward County. You’ll notice a lot of similar millennial-themed upgrades at this second location, but with much more of a beach vacation feel. Potted tropical plants, vintage rattan furniture, hammocks, and fringed beach umbrellas encourage you to totally embrace the Sauble Beach lifestyle. Most people, ie: locals and guests, were wearing flip flops and casual wear. So this is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a care-free mini getaway that’s a short walk from the beach!
While still a motel, the fully renovated rooms are quite adorable. You can check out my room tour video on TikTok or Instagram. The beds are very comfortable, the bathrooms were petite but clean, cute, and modernized, and the neon sign that greets you when you enter your room is a cheerful touch.
Our favourite part was the semi-private balcony hammock. We spent several hours snoozing in the sun while summer-time music and delicious smells wafted over from the on-site restaurant and pool.
I think The Shop is the most Instagramable part of the June Motel. You can’t help but feel fully immersed in beach-town vibes as soon as you step inside! Free coffee in the morning (yes, they have oat milk) and chilled wine or juices in the fridge make this an essential stop at some point during your stay at The June.
They are also fully stocked with lots of local, small-batch, and artisan-made goods. Pick up cute pj’s, a woven rattan bag, SPF, skin lotion, room spray, and lots more. Tucked into the vintage credenza is a stash of board games that you can borrow if you find yourself stuck indoors on a rainy day.
If you’re staying at The June Motel, you must swing by their pool, complete with retro-inspired beach umbrellas and full service from their bar. Lounge chairs are limited, but if there are fully occupied don’t worry. The pool is just a 30 second walk from your personal hammock and an even shorter walk from the outdoor seating at their Heydays restaurant.
The outdoor seating for Heydays brims with a welcoming ambiance. Freshly painted white pergolas, picnic tables, potted plants, and beachy cocktail drinks beckon you to relax under twinkling string lights. Plan to chill out either by the pool or at Heydays patio for a few hours, because once you sit down you won’t want to leave.
We loved The June Motel so much that we went back for a second visit. They have made a few updates and improvements since our last visit:
Dusan and I were plesantly surprised by how many vegan options there are in Sauble Beach. Heydays, The Wellness Refinery, Sola’s Grill on the Beach, plus many other small eateries on Main Street all had vegan meals and snacks on their menus. (A much better offering than Niagara-on-the-Lake.) Speaking of The Wellness Refinery, this is about a ten-minute walk from The June Motel. This wellness store combines healthy food and interesting home goods. Think acai-bowls, smoothies, forest and beach scented candles, avocado toast, natural incense, gemstones, cannabis enhancers, CBD oils, and botanical-focused skincare products. Just be sure to check their open hours before walking over! For cute clothing shopping, or if the weather turns unexpectedly, pop in to Grit & Grace on Main Street. I had to pick up a sweater here when a cold front rolled in, but they have lots of breezy So-Cal type dresses here too.
Easily the crown attraction of anyone visiting Sauble Beach is, well, the beach itself! And this is quite a beautiful beach. Visually, it looks a lot like the white-sand beaches of Flordia, minus the seaweed. I was shocked when I first saw how pristine and clear the beachfront is: clear, almost turquoise waters, fine sand, and plenty of untouched forests nearby. Walk down Main Street to see all of the small shops, bakeries, and eateries on your way to the lake. The beach is perfect for long walks. You can also rent water gear at a few locations if you want to go kayaking, sailing, or seadooing.
When I posted videos of Sauble Beach to social media, most people assumed I was at the ocean! You would be hard-pressed to even tell the difference once you’re there, minus the salt water and ocean smells. We look forward to visiting again!
If you’re looking for more unique travel destinations in Ontario, you may want to check out Ste. Anne’s Spa in Grafton. Or browse other places that I’ve visited in the province.
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