Please complete your profile to unlock commenting and other important features.

Please select your date of birth for special perks on your birthday. Your username will be your unique profile link and will be publicly used in comments.
Narcity Pro

This is a Pro feature.

Time to level up your local game with Narcity Pro.

Pro

$5/month

$40/year

  • Everything in the Free plan
  • Ad-free reading and browsing
  • Unlimited access to all content including AI summaries
  • Directly support our local and national reporting and become a Patron
  • Cancel anytime.
For Pro members only Pro
Summary

This colourful beach town is one of the best places to live in Ontario, according to locals

It's just outside of Toronto.

Lead Writer, Travel

If small-town charm, cute shops, and beautiful waterfront views sound like your idea of the perfect place to call home, this Ontario small town might be your dream destination. Located just outside of Toronto, it's home to stunning views and a quaint downtown.

On Narcity Canada's Facebook page, we asked readers for their suggestions on the best places to live in Ontario. The post gained hundreds of comments, and this beautiful beach town was among the destinations suggested.

Grimsby is a charming small town about an hour outside of Toronto, nestled between the majestic Niagara Escarpment and the shores of Lake Ontario.

It offers a variety of attractions and activities, from scenic parks to heritage sites and pristine waterfront areas.

You can spend your days soaking up some sun on the beach, enjoying the local cuisine, and exploring the local shops downtown.

A highlight of the town is the painted ladies — a collection of colourful beach cottages that add a whimsical touch to the area.

According to the Town of Grimsby website, "If you are looking for safe neighbourhoods, tree-lined streets, a focus on family, enough space to call your own, and a relaxed pace, then Grimsby is the town for you."

Residents can enjoy "a diverse mix of year-round activities that celebrate [the town's] wealth of art, culture and history," such as the Grimsby Art Gallery, the Public Library, and the Grimsby Museum.

The community hosts several events throughout the year, such as Canada Day celebrations and movies in the park.

It's a short drive from cities like Hamilton, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls, allowing you to enjoy small-town living with nearby city amenities.

If you're considering a move, locals recommend this cute beach town as one of the best spots to live in the province.

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.

Explore this list   👀

    • 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.

    The Marineland from your childhood is dead: Inside the grim reality of what's left behind

    Recent drone footage from the semi-abandoned site shows the animals who've been left behind.