6 quaint Ontario small towns with charming streets that will whisk you away to England
No passport needed!
An Ontario small town: Right: A historic garden in Ontario.
You can enjoy a little taste of jolly old England this summer without getting on a plane. These beautiful Ontario small towns are brimming with British vibes and will have you feeling like you're in a whole different country.
With quaint streets, charming shops and old-world allure, these small towns and villages in Ontario are magical places to visit year-round.
You can imagine you're sipping drinks at a London cafe or wandering through a historic English village during your travels.
Here are 6 dreamy Ontario small towns to visit if you're craving an English getaway. Cheerio!
Perth
Address: Perth, ON
Why You Need To Go: Brimming with European vibes, endless attractions and historic charm, this small town is an idyllic destination if you're craving a taste of overseas.
With a history spanning over 200 years and deep Scottish and British heritage, visiting here feels like stepping into the English countryside.
You can check out the Perth Museum, see the Mammoth Cheese, relax in the Big Red Chair and visit the Gore St. Antique Market for an extra British experience.
The 5-acre Stewart Park, nestled in the heart of downtown, is a dreamy spot for an afternoon outing. It boasts stunning gardens, picturesque bridges, and mature trees that are straight off a postcard.
According to the website, the town features "a restaurant roster that ranges from delicious pub eats to mouth-watering fine dining to thirst-quenching brews and spirits," so be sure to bring your appetite.
Dessert lovers won't want to miss out on a trip to Perth Chocolate Works for some sweet treats.
Stratford
Address: Stratford, ON
Why you need to go: If you're really craving those British vibes, Stratford is the place to be. Though it's technically a city, Stratford has all the quaint charm of a small town, making it a great spot to visit when you're looking for a little piece of England.
According to Britannica, Stratford was named "to honor the birthplace of William Shakespeare, at Stratford-upon-Avon in England," so expect lots of British influence here.
One of its major attractions, especially in the warmer months, is the famous Stratford Festival, where you can enjoy a variety of contemporary and classic plays.
As you wander along the main street, you can check out the local boutiques and stop by the cute cafes and restaurants.
For those with a sweet tooth, the Chocolate Trail is a must-visit. This self-guided tour takes you through Stratford's iconic confectioneries and bakeries, allowing you to fill up on delicious treats at each stop.
The Shakespearean Gardens, complete with whimsical bridges and historic backdrops, will have you feeling like you jetted away across the ocean.
Port Hope
Address: Port Hope, ON
Why You Need To Go: England is full of old-world charm, something which you can find here in the small town of Port Hope. The community is home to the "best-preserved heritage main street in Ontario," according to Northumberland Tourism, so you'll be whisked back in time.
You'll want to spend some time in the heart of the town. The "historic downtown is filled to the brim with 19th century architecture and incredible stories," and is "the perfect one-stop shop for unique finds to take home," according to Port Hope Tourism.
Don't forget your bathing suit, because the town boasts two sandy beaches where you can take a dip and soak up some sun.
If you're craving a taste of the countryside, you can take a trip to the nearby Haute Goat farm and cuddle some adorable animals.
Merrickville
Address: Merrickville, ON
Why You Need To Go: There's no need to book a plane ticket in order to enjoy a little slice of England. Merrickville is a gorgeous destination and was even named "Canada's Most Beautiful Village" by Communities in Bloom in 1998.
The dreamy Victorian village is situated along the scenic Rideau Canal and it's like a trip to yesteryear.
According to the website, "Merrickville evokes fond memories of times gone by" and is complete with a Town Crier and "friendly villagers."
With a thriving arts scene, you can explore studios showcasing local jewelry, glass, pottery, and more. Some stores to check out include Pickle and Myrrh, Wick Witch Apothecary and the Merrickville Cheese Shop.
For a quintessentially British experience, you can head to The Goose & Gridiron. The pub looks like it belongs on a London street and serves up a range of boozy drinks and pub fare.
Nature lovers will find plenty to do, from cycling and kayaking to hiking and winter skating.
Oakville
Address: Oakville, ON
Why You Need To Go: This charming small town is located just outside of Toronto. Oakville features lots of experiences and activities, from exploring the quaint downtown area to dining at delicious restaurants and taking a stroll along the waterfront.
The quaint downtown area is home to historic buildings that will have you feeling like you're in London.
You'll find hundreds of boutiques and shops offering everything from home decor to fashion and jewelry.
You can spend a day exploring the local museums and exhibits scattered throughout the town, or checking out the galleries and events.
Oakville has many beautiful gardens to explore, including Gairloch Gardens, where you'll find a rose garden, a pond with a fountain and more for all the England vibes.
A walk by the lake during the warmer months is a must.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Address: Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Why You Need To Go: Tucked away amidst rolling vineyards and wineries, this enchanting small town near Toronto is full of "Victorian era 19th-century charm," according to Visit Niagara.
You can imagine you're in an English village as you stroll along the historic streets which are dotted with old-world buildings and local shops.
There are many boutiques to explore and you can find everything from antiques to food and clothing.
The town is known for spa scene, making it a great spot to visit if you're in need of some pampering. You can also sip high tea at the Prince of Wales for an extra-British experience.
One of the town's biggest attractions is the numerous surrounding wineries. Spend a day touring vineyards, sipping wine, and enjoying the scenic views. You can even enjoy winery tours or winery-hopping adventures.
The Shaw Festival is a popular attractions and offers some incredible theatre performances.
You can also head to Queens Royal Park where you can take a stroll by the water and even go for a swim.
Fill up on small town charm and more at these dreamy small towns that feel like a mini trip to England.
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.