Ontario is home to Canada's 'prettiest' town and houses are so cheap it's a 'miracle'

This dreamy beach town is one of the best spots to live in the province.

Lead Writer, Travel

You might think that living in Canada's "prettiest" town comes with a hefty price tag, yet it's surprisingly affordable.

Money.ca, a financial news and comparison site, recently shared its list of the 12 best small towns in Ontario to live, highlighting charming and affordable spots across the province.

The villages were chosen for their affordability, job prospects, and overall quality of life, and this dreamy beach town, known for its picturesque setting, was one of the spots featured.

Goderich is a quaint village nestled along the shores of Lake Huron. Known as "Canada's prettiest town," the destination offers old-world charm and beautiful water views.

According to Money.ca, "the town's built around an octagonal town square (unique much?), has three beaches, and won a People's Choice award for Canada's greatest public space. Lake Huron sunsets are included free of charge."

You can spend your days strolling along the storybook streets, popping into shops and cozying up with a treat in a cafe.

During the summer months, you can spend all your time on the three beautiful beaches, swimming in the sparkling waters of Lake Huron and basking in the colourful sunsets.

The town also boasts several attractions, such as the Huron County Museum, Huron County Gaol, and the oldest Canadian light station on Lake Huron.

During the fall, you'll want to wander along some trails, such as The Menesetung Bridge—a restored railway bridge offering breathtaking views of Lake Huron and the Maitland River.

Not only is Goderich Canada's "prettiest" town, it's also the "cheapest," according to Money.ca, with an average home price of $621,000.

"The $621,000 average home price? That's well below the Ontario average of ~$834k. You can actually find decent historic homes under $600k. In 2025, that's basically a miracle," the study says.

If you're looking for a quieter pace of life, Goderich is the place to be, as it's over an hour to the nearest city.

With beachside charm, beautiful trails and affordable housing, Goderich might just be your dream destination in Ontario.

Goderich website

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.

  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

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