This little Scottish village with riverside charm was named among the best towns in Ontario​

It's a road trip from Toronto.

An aerial view of a riverside village. Right: A person standing by a stone wall.

A small town in Ontario.

Harold Stiver | Dreamstime, @brigittetruong | Instagram
Lead Writer, Travel

You can enjoy a little slice of Scotland without leaving the province. Ontario is home to an enchanting small town with British vibes, and it's just a road trip away from Toronto.

With riverside charm and old-world streets, it's a beautiful spot for a day trip.

Fergus is a historic small town along the Grand River, about an hour from Toronto.

It was named one of the "best small towns in Ontario" by Zoocasa and boasts endless charm.

According to its website, Fergus "embodies its rich Scottish heritage through its natural limestone buildings, parks and public gardens, trail network, unique shops and excellent restaurants."

Every year, the town hosts a Scottish Festival and Highland Games to celebrate its roots. The three-day event includes pipe band competitions, whiskey tasting, and more.

The cozy main street features stone boutiques offering a diverse range of products, from books to chocolate and clothing. You can grab a drink at the quaint Vault Coffee & Espresso Bar and wander the streets, soaking up the old-world architecture.

You can enjoy a show at the Fergus Grand Theatre, explore the exhibits at the Wellington County Museum and Archives, or dine at one of the delicious local restaurants, such as The Goofie Newfie.

During the warmer months, you can head to the nearby Elora Quarry and take a dip in the turquoise water. Or, wander through the hidden Templin Gardens, where you'll find a stone staircase leading down to the river.

You can also explore the enchanting village of Elora, located minutes from Fergus. Here, you'll find more historic shops and European vibes.

With Scottish roots and a charming downtown, it's easy to see why Fergus was named one of the best small towns in the province.

Historic Fergus 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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