You're not a true Ontarian unless you've been to at least 8 of these 12 charming small towns
How many have you visited?
A small town in Ontario.
Ontario's small towns are brimming with charm and are beautiful spots to visit for a weekend getaway or day trip. Whether it’s an old-world village or a peaceful lakeside retreat, these destinations offer an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The province is home to so many enchanting small towns, but only true Ontarians can say they’ve visited at least eight of these twelve must-see spots.
See how many of these small towns you've visited, and maybe start planning your next road trip to discover even more hidden gems.
Elora
Why You Need To Go: This popular small town near Toronto is like a little slice of Europe. Limestone buildings, quaint shops and cozy eateries line the old-world streets.
Known as "Ontario's most beautiful village," Elora is straight off a postcard and offers year-round attractions, including a turquoise swimming hole, Halloween town and enchanting Christmas market.
You can spend your days wandering the historic downtown and soaking up the magical atmosphere.
Perth
Why You Need To Go: Located just outside of Ottawa, Perth offers European charm, endless attractions and quaint local shops.
With its Scottish roots, the town will have you feeling like you've taken a little trip to Edinburgh.
There are many attractions to check out, from the Perth Museum to the Mammoth Cheese and Big Red Chair.
Scenic Stewart Park is a beautiful place to spend a day. It boasts lush gardens, whimsical bridges, and more.
According to the website, the town is home to "a restaurant roster that ranges from delicious pub eats to mouth-watering fine dining to thirst-quenching brews and spirits," making it a must-visit for food lovers.
Merrickville
Why you need to go: This spot is an ever-so-charming small town and a must-visit destination. Dubbed "Canada's Most Beautiful Village" in 1998 by Communities in Bloom, this postcard-worthy spot is nestled along the Rideau Canal and is brimming with historic vibes.
You can wander along the Victorian streets, where you’ll find local shops offering a range of goods.
In the warmer months, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy cycling, kayaking, and hiking, while in winter, they can skate around glistening landscapes.
Whether you're looking for a thriving arts scene, cute shops, or an old-world atmosphere, Merrickville is a great spot for a day trip.
Picton
Why You Need To Go: Located in beautiful Prince Edward County, Picton is a gorgeous spot to explore, especially during the summer months.
The town is surrounded by lush vineyards, lively markets and stunning beaches. Sandbanks Provincial Park is a short drive away and boasts three white sand beaches with rolling dunes.
The streets are lined with many local shops and cafes where you can find all sorts of unique items.
Goderich
Why You Need To Go: Known as "Canada's prettiest town," this beachside village has no shortage of charm. The small but quaint downtown has several local shops to explore, as well as cafes and ice cream spots.
You can spend your summer days strolling along the waterfront or soaking up some sun on one of the picturesque beaches.
Unionville
Why You Need To Go: Grab a cup of coffee and get ready to feel like the main character in this small town just 30 minutes from Toronto.
Unionville offers picturesque streets, historic charm, storybook scenery, boutique shops, and cozy cafés.
Gilmore Girls fans can enjoy a special tour that takes you to filming locations throughout the town, making it an idyllic destination for those who want to live out their Stars Hollow dreams.
Stratford
Address: Stratford, ON
Why You Need To Go: While Stratford is technically a city, you can enjoy quaint small-town vibes, local shops and more while visiting this spot.
Stratford is a dreamy year-round destination and offers an amazing food scene and European atmosphere.
Each year from April to October, you can catch a show at the iconic Stratford Festival, which features Shakespearean and contemporary shows.
There are also quaint inns, food trails and beautiful gardens to explore during your visit.
St. Jacobs Village
Why you need to go: Located just over an hour from Toronto, St. Jacobs will whisk you back in time with its old-world streets and charming buildings.
There are so many local shops and cozy bakeries where you can do some shopping and enjoy homemade treats.
You won't want to miss out on a visit to the iconic St. Jacobs Farmers' Market, located just outside the town. It's Canada's largest year-round farmer's market and is brimming with fresh produce, handcrafted goods and more.
Blue Mountain Village
Why You Need To Go: This four-season pedestrian village boasts many attractions and things to do.
During the summer, you can lounge on private beaches, relax at film festivals, enjoy a meal on patios and more, while the winter brings activities like skating and skiing.
Other highlights include the many shops and experiences like the mountain coaster.
Grand Bend
Why You Need To Go: Get ready for stunning sunsets and beach vibes! Grand Bend is a popular summer destination known for its vibrant sunsets and sandy shoreline.
During your visit, you can check out the beachside restaurants, shops, and more, or head to a festival for some extra excitement.
Pinery Provincial Park is a gorgeous spot to explore, offering dune-filled shores and scenic trails.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Why You Need To Go: This small town will have you feeling like you've jetted off to Europe.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is full of romance and was even named among the 25 best destinations in the world for a honeymoon in Tripadvisor's Traveler's Choice Awards.
The area offers local restaurants, charming shops and European charm, as well as enchanting wineries and vineyards. There are many inns and spas where you can book a weekend getaway and enjoy some rest and relaxation.
Creemore
Why You Need To Go: Brimming with storybook vibes, Creemore is a beautiful spot to visit year-round.
According to the website, the town is known as "the little village with the big heart," and strolling along the Main Street "transports you to a simpler time."
There are many cute cafes where you can relax with a coffee, as well as attractions such as "North America’s Smallest Jail."
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
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