With the days seeming longer, the sun shining and summer knocking at the door, many people are starting to hear the call of the open road. Road trips for many provide a chance to connect with loved ones or to reflect internally if travelling solo. There is nothing quite like getting into your car, setting up your favourite playlist or turning on the radio, rolling down the windows and setting out to your destination. And if you’re lucky enough, you’ll discover some hidden gems along the way. At CAA Niagara, we not only want you to enjoy the road trip ahead of you, but we also want to take the worry out of the “what if”.
Hearing the call of the open road and ready to answer? Make sure to include your CAA Plus Membership in your suitcase. The Plus Membership covers you with all the benefits of our Basic Membership, and also includes the following added benefits:
- Towing up to 250km
- Emergency fuel delivery (including free fuel)
- A second service vehicle if needed at a breakdown site
- Vehicle lock and key services up to $100
- Motorcycle towing
So now that you’ve packed your Plus Membership, the next big question is, where to?
Start Me Up
Nothing ruins the beginning of a road trip more than a fuel shortage. Be sure to fill up both your car and your body before hitting the road. As a CAA Member, you can save 3¢/L on fuel every time you fill up at a participating Shell station with a CAA Membership. Swipe your CAA Membership card or load it into Shell EasyPay™ in the Shell app once to get savings on every trip.
Is a road trip even a road trip without snacks? That’s a question we don’t want to learn the answer to. While you’re at Shell, stop inside the C-Store to pick up your favourite road trip goodies and save 10%.
Sweet Home Niagara
There are plenty of places to visit right here in the Niagara Region if you decide to keep your road trip local. With everything from a game of beach volleyball at Crystal Beach to lunch on the patio at Kully’s in downtown St. Catharines (Members save 10%) to a fun-filled day with the family at Safari Niagara (save 35%), there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Life is a Highway
Looking to head out a bit further on your road trip? Why not add Toronto into your travel plans? While there, you can grab a bite to eat at a trendy patio on Queen West, check out the CN Tower (save 10%) or, depending on the time of year, try some new foods and rides at the CNE (save up to 46%). Travelling with little ones? Get out and stretch your legs at Legoland (save 30%) or stop by Ripley’s Aquarium (save 20%). You can also take a ferry over to Toronto Island and take in some pretty incredible views or, if you time it right, head over to Rogers Centre to check out a Blue Jays game.
Venturing out further? Turn up the tunes and head out to Wasaga Beach for the day. With patio restaurants, sandy beach for 14 kilometres, trails, parks, and stunning sunsets, this town has something for even the most discerning road tripper to enjoy. Collingwood is also only a 20-minute drive away, and has tons of cute shops, restaurants, and cafes.
If you’re a theatre lover, consider taking the two-hour trip to Stratford to see one of the classic productions put on by the Stratford Festival. The city also offers plenty of other activities, from taking a stroll through the Shakespearean Gardens to sipping a flight at a local brewery or taking a tour of the decadent Chocolate Trail.
Roadside Eats
Wherever you’re headed, enjoy tasty savings along your route at your favourite restaurants. CAA Members save 10% at locations across Canada, including East Side Mario’s, Kelseys, Harvey’s, Swiss Chalet, Montana’s, Original Joe’s, Bier Markt and State & Main Kitchen and Bar.
Or beat the summer heat with a cone from Marble Slab Creamery and save 15%.
Hit the Hay
If you’re looking to spend a couple nights away, book a stay at Best Western. CAA Members save 5% to 15% on room rates and earn 10% bonus Best Western Rewards points. Plus, until September 4th, when you book a two-night stay, you’ll receive a free one-night stay to use at any Best Western in the fall. Click HERE to learn more and register.
Don't Worry, Be Happy
Whether it’s to Toronto, Collingwood, Stratford, or another destination of your choice, you can embark on a road trip knowing that no matter what problems may arise along the way, we are there to help. Take the worry out of road tripping and replace it with more fun, more good music, and more memories.
Want to experience the Plus side of CAA? Please click here or call 1-800-263-7272 to learn more about our Plus Membership.
For more information on Member benefits and deals that can enhance your next road trip, please visit caaniagara.ca/rewards. Happy road tripping friends!
Ontario