8 dreamy Ontario towns and cities locals say you should visit instead of Toronto
There are so many amazing places to explore in the province.
A city in Ontario. Right: A cafe in Ontario.
Toronto is a go-to destination for Ontario getaways, with its impressive attractions, renowned restaurants, and endless entertainment—but locals say that these Ontario towns and cities deserve a spot on your radar.
Narcity Canada asked readers on Facebook which Ontario cities are worth visiting instead of Toronto, and these destinations were among the suggestions.
From cozy beach towns to bustling cities, these spots are dreamy alternatives to Toronto.
Here are eight Ontario destinations locals say you should visit instead of Toronto.
Niagara Falls
Why You Need To Go: Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or day trip, Niagara Falls is an iconic Ontario spot to visit. The city boasts endless attractions, restaurants, and, of course, the iconic waterfalls that draw tourists from around the globe.
Some top things to enjoy in the city include Journey Behind the Falls, the Whirlpool Aero Car, SkyWheel, and Niagara City Cruises.
You can also visit some of the fun houses, arcades and more dotted throughout the downtown.
This summer, Niagara Parks is opening a new attraction called Niagara Takes Flight, which lets you soar over the Falls in a flying movie theatre.
Kingston
Why You Need To Go: Perched on the shores of Lake Ontario, Kingston is a stunning, old-world alternative to Toronto that's brimming with European vibes. The historic city has Victorian neighbourhoods and streets lined with limestone buildings, earning it the nickname the "Limestone City".
Like Toronto, Kingston has no shortage of things to do. During the summer, you can enjoy cruises around the nearby islands, soak up sun on patios and enjoy outdoor movies. The winter offers skating rinks and festive events. Other attractions include museums, historic sites, and trolley tours.
Bring your appetite! Kingston has an incredible food scene complete with cafes, pubs, fine dining and more.
Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: If you want that big city energy, but are looking for somewhere different than Toronto, Ottawa is a great alternative.
The capital city offers a wide range of attractions, including museums, tours, parks, and art galleries. Some of the popular spots to check out include the National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian War Museum.
The most visited attraction in Ottawa is Parliament Hill, and you can enjoy a free guided tour. If you're looking for a good nightlife scene, ByWard Market is the place to go, offering restaurants, bars and more.
During the winter, you can glide along the Rideau Canal, and, in the spring, enjoy the Canadian Tulip Festival.
Stratford
Why You Need To Go: If you're looking for a quieter getaway, locals recommend a trip to this enchanting small city instead of Toronto. You'll feel like you've travelled to England as you explore the Victorian streets and quaint shops.
One of Stratford's biggest draws is its theatre festival, which showcases a series of modern and Shakespearean productions from April to October each year.
You can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the Shakespearean Gardens or Upper Queen's Park, as well as the many restaurants dotted throughout the downtown.
Elora
Why You Need To Go: You can enjoy a mini European getaway at this small town near Toronto. Elora is lined with limestone buildings, cute local shops and unique eateries that are straight out of a storybook.
Dubbed "Ontario's most beautiful village," Elora is a popular destination for day trips and weekend escapes. Despite its small size, there's a lot to enjoy throughout the year, such as the turquoise swimming hole, Halloween festivities and an enchanting Christmas market.
The downtown was made for exploring, and if you want to pamper yourself, you can book a spa day or overnight stay at the Elora Mill.
Picton
Why you need to go: If you're dreaming of lakeside charm, quaint streets and sandy beaches, Picton is the place to be.
Located in scenic Prince Edward County, Picton boasts old-world streets where you'll find everything from cafes to bookshops.
It's a short drive away from Sandbanks Provincial Park, which is renowned for its three white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
You'll also find a plethora of wineries and vineyards in the area, making it an idyllic spot for a boozy weekend away.
Goderich
Why You Need To Go: Known as "Canada's Prettiest Town," Goderich is a much quieter alternative to the bustling streets of Toronto.
Located on the blue waters of Lake Huron, the locally-loved town is home to scenic patios and three dreamy beaches, making it the perfect spot for a summer getaway.
You can enjoy stunning sunsets in the evening, as well as local festivals and events year-round.
The town has a unique, octagon-shaped main area where you'l find boutiques, local shops and cafes. You can wander through quaint shops and pick up some treats along the way.
Some of Goderich's attractions include its theatre festivals, the Huron County Museum, the Celtic Roots Festival, and art galleries.
North Bay
Why You Need To Go: If you dream of spending some time in nature, North Bay offers a blend of stunning scenery and city vibes.
Nestled between Lake Nipissing and Trout Lake, the city offers a variety of activities for visitors, from the scenic Duchesnay Falls Trails to dreamy Shabogesic Beach and the Kate Pace Way bike paths.
You can learn about the area's past at the North Bay Museum, or take in the views on a sunset cruise.
With endless natural beauty and a range of attractions, North Bay is a dreamy alternative to Toronto.
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.