These Are The 11 Best Small Towns In Ontario To Visit, According To Locals
From beach towns to historic villages.
A person in a skirt standing on a road. Right: A person walking down a street.
Ontario has so many beautiful small towns to explore, from lakeside villages to tiny hidden gems.
In a recent Instagram Q&A, we asked locals for the very best small towns in Ontario. People shared their favourite destinations to visit and we rounded up a list of the top 11 recommendations.
Whether you're looking for sandy beaches, quaint downtowns, old-world vibes or thrilling attractions, these destinations offer an array of experiences to enjoy.
Here are the 11 best small towns in Ontario, straight from locals themselves. You may want to plan a trip to some of these charming spots!
Port Hope
Address: Port Hope, ON
Why You Need To Go: One of the most voted-for towns was Port Hope, with three nominations. This destination is full of charm and the "historic downtown is filled to the brim with 19th century architecture and incredible stories," according to the website.
During the summer months, you can enjoy two sandy beaches as well as picturesque hiking trails and festivals.
Paris
Address: Paris, ON
Why You Need To Go: The small town of Paris also received three votes and with its picturesque streets and old-world charm, it's easy to see why this spot is popular.
While it may not be in France, it still has European vibes and is a fun spot to spend a day browsing local shops. There are many delicious restaurants where you can grab a bite and gaze over the river.
The town is surrounded by trails and natural beauty so you can hike, bike and more around the area.
Elora
Address: Elora, ON
Why You Need To Go: Tied with Port Hope and Paris is Elora. This town is known for its beauty and features sweet local shops, galleries and more to enjoy.
It's actually been dubbed "Ontario's most beautiful village," according to the BIA website.
The picturesque Elora Gorge is a stunning natural wonder to see, as is the Elora Quarry. This magical swimming spot is surrounded by limestone cliffs and is popular during the warmer months.
The Elora Mill Hotel & Spa is the place to be if you're looking to get pampered or enjoy a night of luxury.
Kincardine
Address: Kincardine, ON
Why You Need To Go: This tiny beach town received two nominations and it's a hidden gem for summer getaways. The Scottish village is nestled on the shores of Lake Huron and features a long stretch of sandy beach, turquoise waters and a charming lighthouse.
You can enjoy a meal on one of the patios while gazing over the water, paddle board or surf across the waves and check out the charming shops downtown.
During the warmer months, the town hosts a weekly Pipe Band Parade and you can march through the downtown along with the pipers.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Address: Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Why You Need To Go: This charming destination also received two shoutouts and is magical spot for a weekend retreat. Tucked away amidst lush vineyards, the village is home to attractions, spas, wineries, shops, restaurants and more.
Whether you're enjoying the "authentic Christmas village" during the holiday season, sipping ice wine in the winter or wandering along the flower-filled streets in the summer, Niagara-on-the-Lake is an idyllic year-round getaway spot.
Aside from visiting the many wineries, you can catch a show at the Shaw Festival, shop at the boutiques, visit one of the many festivals and more.
Stratford
Address: Stratford, ON
Why You Need To Go: Though Stratford is technically a city, it still received two nominations due to its small-town charm. It's known for its theatre scene and you can see some amazing shows during the annual Stratford Festival.
From lively festivals to cute B&Bs, drool-worthy restaurants and scenic parks, you'll want to spend more than a day in this destination.
You'll also want to save some time to explore the local shops and pick up some unique goodies.
Merrickville
Address: Merrickville, ON
Why You Need To Go: This quaint town was named "Canada's Most Beautiful Village" by Communities in Bloom and it's a magical spot to explore.
This "unique and vibrant Victorian village on The Rideau Canal" has many shops where you can find everything from home decor to fine food and artwork.
You can go on a walking tour of the town, paddle along the Rideau, and glide around the village ice rink during the winter.
Port Dover
Address: Port Dover, ON
Why You Need To Go: Located two hours from Toronto, this beach town is "one of Ontario's best kept secrets." It's a magical place to visit during the summer months and offers " a remarkable array of festivals, beautiful scenery and unique experiences."
You can enjoy the local shops, book a stay in one of the heritage hotels, wander along the pier or spend the day lounging on a sandy beach at this charming destination.
Tobermory
Address: Tobermory, ON
Why You Need To Go: This tiny town is a summer paradise and it will whisk you away to another world. The harbour town is "surrounded by crystal clear water, the majestic Niagara Escarpment and is home to Flowerpot Island along with two national parks."
You can take a dip in turquoise waters, enjoy a meal on a lakeside patio, shop for souvenirs and get lost in nature at this breathtaking spot.
Goderich
Address: Goderich, ON
Why You Need To Go: Known as "Canada's prettiest town," this quaint destination is worth a road trip. The town sits on the shores of Lake Huron and features a cute downtown and beautiful beaches.
The Town Square, which is actually shaped like an octagon, is full of cafes, eateries, local shops and more to enjoy.
Goderich has three main beaches where you can relax and take a dip on warm summer days.
A fun fact about the town is that it's home to "the world’s largest underground salt mine" and it's as deep as the CN Tower is tall.
Picton
Address: Picton, ON
Why You Need To Go: Situated in Prince Edward County, Picton and the surrounding area are known for "its Loyalist heritage, architecturally-significant buildings, quirky town hill and Main Street shops."
There's lots to do in the town, from seeing a show at the Regent Theatre to exploring the shops and visiting some of the nearby wineries.
Sandbanks Provincial Park is a popular spot to check out in the area and features dreamy white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.
There are so many incredible small towns to explore in the province, so start planning those road trips.
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.