9 Georgian Bay Hotels For a Summer by the Water

Owen Sound is at the crossroads of where the Niagara Escarpment meets Georgian Bay. That said, this cute town is home to thundering waterfalls, great hiking trails that lead to surreal lookouts, and beaches perfect for both sunbathing and skipping rocks. And the Best Western Inn on the Bay is ground zero to all that is naturally beautiful in this part of the bay.

This 25-suite hotel caters to everyone’s needs and exceeds expectations at every turn. Bayshore Rooms feature king-and queen-sized beds, a sitting area, large windows, mini fridge, and are perfect for couples and families staying the night.

Meanwhile, the Tower Rooms offer an elevated experience for those wishing to extend their stay. The Jacuzzi Suite offers an in-room, two-person whirlpool and a fireplace tower, while the Water View Suite features a king-sized bed, separate sitting area, a kitchenette and a partial view of nearby Georgian Bay. Once settled in, make your way to the Bishop’s Landing, the onsite, hotel restaurant. Whether you want to enjoy a hot and filling breakfast, a quick and nutritious lunch, a hearty and satisfying dinner or even just a glass of wine, do so on the elegant patio adjacent to the Bay and feel the warm summer breeze soothe your soul.

Imagine a place where the air smells like apple cider, freshly baked bread, and butter tarts. The water looks like silk and the beautiful green hills with magnificent hiking trails act as a backdrop to sailboats gracefully drifting on the bay. You no longer have to imagine this idyllic setting. It exists and generations of people have been enjoying it at the Royal Harbour Resort in Thornbury for over 30 years, with no sign of stopping.

The cozy studio and spacious two-bedroom two-bathroom suites are all open-concept and each include a fireplace, fully-equipped kitchen, dining area and views of both the harbour and Georgian Bay. Truly an oasis with relaxation and comfort top of mind, the Royal Harbour Resort has everything you could possibly need and more, including; an indoor saltwater-heated pool, tennis and pickleball court, BBQ’s, sauna, hot tub, and exercise room. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, bicycles are available and are perfect for those wishing to cycle along the scenic Georgian Trail and picturesque downtown Thornbury is located only minutes away.

For many, this outpost along Georgian Bay is epitomises laid-back hospitality and charm. Complete with cool, transparent, deep blue water, visible shipwrecks and escarpment views of the bay, the Bruce Peninsula is unmatched in beauty. Take to the water and scuba in the diving capital of Canada or visit nearby Flowerpot Island for rock formations reminiscent of the most recent ice age.

The perfect launching pad to explore and enjoy all of the natural surroundings is the Escarpment Heights, a 14-room motel built by Adam Robins, his brother, and grandfather. 25 years of hospitality has made the Robins family synonymous in this region and their motel puts you well within walking distance of the town’s restaurants, boutiques, and harbour. Seven Queen rooms and three King rooms offer a bar fridge, microwave, and coffee maker, while the two-bedroom suite features a family room, full kitchen, and dining space. Each has access to the balcony and patio as well as the outdoor charcoal BBQ’s.

If you need more space, two large and fully-loaded cottages are also available for families looking for a longer stay. Relax in a three-bedroom chalet-style cottage in the middle of lush forest. Or, a four-bedroom cottage which comes with a private 300-square-foot raised deck with patio furniture, giving you a front-row seat to the nature around you and the stars above.

Whether you choose to strap on your hiking boots and explore the surrounding conservation areas, enjoy a round of golf, lounge in an outdoor spa, or, simply do some window shopping, Collingwood is a much-loved, year-round destination. Combining big-city excitement with small-town charm and friendliness, a vacation here will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. And The Findlay House is the perfect place to experience it all.

Hosts Tanya and Andrew Major specialize in hospitality and you can bet that every detail is taken care of. Built in 1954, The Findlay is a rustic home with a terrace, pristine backyard, private tavern-style bar, media room, stone fireplace and four patio sections that include stone sitting areas. Whether you want to read the paper surrounded by forest or enjoy a glass of wine as you watch the setting sun over the Blue Mountains, The Findlay House has you covered.

Step inside and rest comfortably knowing that each of the four bedrooms are charming, uniquely decorated escapes that offer the best in comfort and style. The Vogue Room features a 2700 coil Kingsdown mattress with cashmere pillow top, Egyptian cotton towels, bathrobes, and slippers, while the Boutique and Manor Rooms offer oversized windows, with perfect views of the lush forest surrounding the property. Wake up smiling and get ready to enjoy a hot and home-cooked breakfast before going on a guided tour or taking a walk along the inviting harbour-front.

Home to the longest freshwater beach on the planet, Wasaga Beach offers 14 kilometres worth of fun in the sun along the Georgian Bay coast. Located just steps away from the beach is the Oasis by the Bay. A cozy and comfortable resort that offers guests 10 impeccable rooms to choose from, guided experiences and accessible vacation excursions that are perfect for couples looking for a quick weekend retreat and families looking to stay a while.

Apartment-style one and two-bedroom suites offer a living area, kitchenette or fully-equipped kitchen, an outdoor patio, BBQ and fire pit area to enjoy not only a meal and a drink on those warm summer nights, but also panoramic views of the Bay. What elevates the experience and distinguishes this Georgian Bay Oasis is the fact that it takes accessibility seriously. Ceiling lift systems in bedrooms and washrooms, wider doorways, bed railings, wheelchair access, and even beach wheelchairs are all available for those who need extra assistance in enjoying the great outdoors.

For a small additional cost, the Oasis also offers memorable experiences that include everything from Georgian Bay sunset boat cruises and plane rides to Georgian Bay sailing trips and family fishing adventures. The Oasis hotel is truly an oasis for all.

A perfect launching pad to the 30,000 island region of Georgian Bay, Midland, Ontario is a quaint town that sees an influx of people every summer eager to enjoy all the activities it has to offer. Putting you in the centre of it all is the 1875 Charters Inn Bed and Breakfast, the town’s best-kept secret. Host, chef, and Captain, Gerry Lesperance, is at the helm of this gorgeous Victorian three-bedroom bed and breakfast, which offers a delightful garden patio and wrap around veranda with views of Georgian Bay.

The Captain’s Quarters is a luxurious king-sized room with fine linens and quilts, a kitchenette, gas fireplace and private access to the garden. The Navigator’s En-suite Room offers a soothing antique tub and fireplace with views of towering nearby pines and maple trees, while the Pilothouse Room is the largest room in the house and is set in a Victorian style. Charming and comfortable, it features wing-back reclining chairs and views of the bay.

Wake up totally refreshed and enjoy a gourmet, multiple-course breakfast prepared by Gerry himself on the outdoor patio. Surrounded by dozens of lilacs, roses, and magnolias, the aromatic scents in the air, coupled with the delectable flavours on your plate make the experience that much more romantic. After breakfast, make sure you book a charter cruise with Gerry, as he takes you in, through, and around, the Georgian Bay islands for an outdoor adventure like no other.

Surrounded by water and sprinkled with islands, Port Severn is so serene that the most common sound is distant loon calls echoing off the calm waves. Close your eyes and imagine yourself with a glass of wine in hand, enjoying an unobstructed view of the bay, listening to the sounds of nature with a summer breeze coming on shore. Thanks to the Rawley Resort, you don’t have to just imagine it; you can live it, in real time.

Luxurious and classy, Rawley Resort offers an unmatched waterfront escape. Seven suites offer everything from fully-equipped kitchenettes, separate living rooms, electric fireplaces, and seated balconies with views of the courtyard, resort and of course, the bay. The Severn Executive and Trent Executive are both 1,400 square foot suites featuring over-sized marble bathrooms complete with rainforest showers, plus courtyard and water facing balconies respectively. Each balcony is so large that it extends across from the master bedroom to the living room and each come with plush reclining patio loungers.

The Terrace is perfect for a family of four and features a ground floor walk-out patio with stunning water views. While the Waterside Lofts are two-storey gems with second-floor balconies, ideal for watching the world go-by or reading a book. The Lakehouse is the ultimate in comfort and luxury, with four bedrooms, two full bathrooms, two living and dining areas, and a hospitality kitchen, as well as a large water-facing deck.