Wasaga Beach has over 14 kilometers of uninterrupted sandy beach on the Southern shore of Georgian Bay, making it the longest freshwater beach in the World. This is just one of the attractions that make the Georgian Bay a top year-round destination for Torontonians wanting to escape the city. There is Wasaga Beach in the Summer and Blue Mountain in the Winter for all the skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. I’m more of a Summer enthusiast and escaping the humidity of Toronto for some relaxing chill time in South Georgian Bay sounds perfect to me. Just a two-hour drive North of the city and I’m ready to unwind for some R&R. Now I just need to select my home away from home from the Georgia Bay accommodations on offer and I am all set. Do I pick a hotel in Thornbury or perhaps a Bed & Breakfast in Stayner? Maybe I’ll choose both.
Royal Harbour Resort 1 Harbour St, Thornbury – Located right on the water overlooking a marina, the Royal Harbour Resort is a perfect home base for anyone that requires a little extra room while they explore the South Georgian Bay. The majority of the rooms are 2 bed + 2 bath suites complete with full kitchens, a dining room, and a living room. If you are vacationing with friends or family this may be the perfect place to call home.
Every room has a balcony and a view of the Georgian Bay. This makes for some beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
The resort also offers an indoor salt water pool, sauna, and tennis courts if you want to channel your inner Serena Williams or Roger Federer. Great value, awesome location, and fantastic amenities make the Royal Harbour Resort a top contender for your South Georgian Bay accommodations choice.
Craigleith Manor Bed & Breakfast 9 Craigleith Ct, Collingwood – If something modern, high end and without children is more to your taste then you will want to book a few nights in Collingwood at Craigleith Manor. Innkeepers Guy and Craig have turned this modern family home into a perfect three suite retreat for discerning travelers.
The entire main and second floor are for guests at Craigleith Manor. There is a large living room to sit, relax and converse with other guests or for just cozying up with a good book.
The second floor has three guest suites, each with their own private bathroom. I had the Mountain Suite which was tastefully decorated, complete with an ultra comfortable Queen sized bed. I couldn’t check the thread count on the bed linens but they were very soft on my skin.
My room also has a private balcony that overlooks the back garden. A perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine as the evening unwinds.
In the morning, Guy is your personal Chef and prepares a delicious gourmet feast to put your day on the right track for success. The Bacon was perfect.
Always the consummate hosts, both Guy and Craig are a font of knowledge on the area. Ask for a restaurant recommendation and they’ll direct you to a binder with over 40 restaurants from the area that they have personally checked out. The binder has a menu from each restaurant so you know what they are serving. They were even nice enough to let me plug my Chevrolet Volt in for the night. A full nights charge and allowed me to explore the area without using any gas.
With only three guest suites and an immaculate attention to detail the Craigleith Manor books up quickly, so if this is the place for you, you’d better book it now.
Gables Bed and Breakfast 207 Point St, Stayner – If Wasaga Beach is your main destination while in South Georgian Bay then the Gables B&B is a perfect home base for you. Less than a 10-minute drive to Wasaga Beach, it is close enough to enjoy and yet it is far enough away to offer the peace and quiet we all need at night to rest.
Innkeepers Lois and Bill welcomed me as a guest to Gables B&B like I was family. If you are ever stranded in the area and without accommodations they always have back up cots available, just saying you won’t have to sleep in your car. With three suites available the Gables definitely feels like a home and that you are staying with friends.
My room was a lovely quaint space in which I had a comfy bed, desk to write on and even a mini bar fridge to keep a couple fo beers cold.
This particular room separates the wash sink from the shower and toilet area. So if you are sharing with a loved one you don’t have to alternate who getting ready.
Breakfast is served in the main floor dining room and Lois makes everything from scratch, except for the bread. Homemade biscuits, and Egg Fritatta, peameal Bacon and hash brown potatoes all served with a good cup of coffee. My day is starting off fabulously.
A great resource for info on the area if you have any questions just ask Lois, she’s more than ready to assist. Thanks again to Lois and Bill for allowing me to “plug” in my Chevrolet Volt. Charging up the battery every night really keeps my gas bill low.
While I was eating breakfast at the Gables B&B I met a lovely retired couple from the USA. It was their third time in the area and their third time staying at Gables B&B. If that is not a ringing endorsement I don’t know what is.
These three great South Georgian Bay accommodations are just a few of what’s available in the area, but based on my experience they are all top notch. It just depends on what you are looking for. What generous space and the ability to cook your own meals, then it is the Royal Harbour Resort for you. Modern elegance with no children and high end finishes you will choose Craigleith Manor B&B. Close to Wasaga Beach with a home like feel and country hospitality, welcome to Gables B&B.
You can’t go wrong with any of these South Georgian Bay accommodations. Enjoy a great nights sleep in your home away from home.