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Summary

This Ontario destination is brimming with quaint bookshops and tiny Christmas towns

It has all the cozy feels!

A person standing by Christmas decor. Right: The interior of a bookstore.

A store in Ontario. Right: A bookstore in Ontario.

@legallyhaills | Instagram, @a_romantic_tale | Instagram
Lead Writer, Travel

This Ontario spot has "cozy" written all over it. The destination features frosty little Christmas towns and snug bookshops that will give you all those warm holiday feels.

If wandering along sparkling small town streets, exploring dimly-lit bookshops and sipping festive coffee sounds like your idea of the perfect day, you'll want to plan a trip to this spot.

South Eastern Ontario is home to some enchanting hidden gems, and you can explore several of them along the Bookworm's Paradise Shopping Route.

The Christmas-themed trail takes you to independent bookstores throughout Brockville and 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways. You'll travel through enchanting small towns and streets decked out in festive decor along the way.

According to the website, you can "discover rare books and literary-themed items, maybe even a signed edition."

Some highlights of the adventure include the Book Trader in Brockville and The Merrickville Book Emporium, where you can find all sorts of literary treasures.

Aside from visiting bookshops, you can visit some of the cozy cafes around the area, such as The Village Bean, The Crusty Baker and Bubba & Bugs Coffee Bar.

You'll want to save some time to explore the charming towns of Merrickville, Prescott and Kemptville. Merrickville, known as "Canada's most beautiful village" is brimming with European charm and holiday cheer.

Brockville is also known for its Christmas vibes and was recently featured in the Netflix holiday film Hot Frosty.

South Eastern Ontario has several other Holiday Routes to explore, such as the Charmed: Village Gems Holiday Trail and Home and the Holidays Shopping Route.

You can find a full list of routes on the South Eastern Ontario website.

Enjoy some small town charm and cozy bookshops along this enchanting Christmas trail.

Bookworm's Paradise Shopping Route 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.

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merrickville ontariochristmas events ontarioontario small townschristmas in ontario
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    • Madeline Forsyth

      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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