As enthusiastic Torontonians would mostly agree, big city life is amazing. Everything is right outside your door and there's so much to do and see you couldn't possibly get bored. But sometimes, that hustle and bustle can become a little over the top. You might think to yourself how wonderful it would be to escape for a little while and head to a small town that gives off chill vibes and features low-key attractions. Well, look no further! Ontario is full of beautiful small towns that will do just that. View this post on Instagram Have you seen the Folmar Windmill, in nearby Bayfield? Modelled after a famous Dutch windmill called the Arend, the Folmar Windmill is North America’s only wind driven saw mill! #tbt #windmill #sawmill #folmar #bayfield #lambtoncounty #arend #dutchwindmill #ontario #ontariothebeautiful #canada #huronshores #bluepoint #bluepointlookout #ontariodaytrip #smalltownontario #canada A post shared by Bluepoint Lookout (@bluepointlookout) on Jun 18, 2020 at 8:46am PDT 1. Port Hope Distance from Toronto: 1.5 hours View this post on Instagram Nice afternoon for a quick visit to Port Hope West Beach. . . . #porthope #porthopewestbeach #porthopeontario #lakeontario #northumberlandcounty #beach #waves #newnormal #keepmovingforward A post shared by Steve Smiley, RGD (@stevejtsmiley) on Jun 24, 2020 at 7:27pm PDT Port Hope is a charming little town just east of the city. It has some really cute antique shops and one of the most well-preserved main streets in all of Ontario. You can do a little downtown shopping, check out hiking alone Ganaraska River, or hit up Cobourg Beach for some fun in the sun. 2. Wellington, Prince Edward County Distance from Toronto: 2.5 hours View this post on Instagram @wellington_taxi & @stayatcribs had some lovely visitors this weekend! #winetour #pec #countyup #countylife #wellytaxi #ilovemyjob #princeedwardcounty #wellingtonontario A post shared by Wellington Taxi & Tours 🇨🇦 (@wellington_taxi_and_tours) on May 6, 2018 at 10:50am PDT This super small lakeside village offers fine dining, award-winning wines, and some epic music and arts events. With its own stunning beach and a boardwalk that leads to a lighthouse, there's plenty to see in this quaint artist town. It also offers the best view of the Sandbanks Dunes. 3. Shakespeare Distance from Toronto: 3.5 hours View this post on Instagram I don't remember an October as lovely as this one in a long time!! 🍁🍂🍃🧡🍃🍂🍁🧡🍁🍂🍃🧡🍃🍂 A post shared by Suzanne Leakey (@suzanneleakeyphotography) on Oct 15, 2019 at 7:52pm PDT The quiet little town of Shakespeare is just outside of Stratford and was named after — you guessed it — William Shakespeare. It's home to a unique array of antique stores, and craft and artisan foods, so expect to get your eat on while visiting. 4. Paris Distance from Toronto: 1.5 hours View this post on Instagram 🇧🇷 A próxima cidade da lista é Paris. Sim nós temos uma Paris em Ontário e fica a apenas 110km de Toronto. A cidade tem importância histórica por ter recebido a primeira chamada telefônica do mundo, em 1876. Uma coisa super legal do lugar é que o rio passa tão perto de alguns restaurantes, que eles fizeram patios na parte de trás para os clientes aproveitarem a vista. Louca de vontade de voltar lá. Para ver mais fotos e detalhes clique no link da bio. . 🇨🇦 The next city on the list is Paris. Yes we have a Paris here in Ontario. The city is of historic importance because it received the first phone call in the world, in 1876. Our Paris is a really cute city and have a lot of restaurants with patios facing the Grand River. I am dreaming about going back there this summer. . . . Baianosnopolonorte.com . . #baianosnopolonorte #batevolta #dicasdetoronto #batevoltatoronto #brasileirosemtoronto #missãovt #viagemestadao #brasileirosnocanada #sourbbv #viagenscomfilhos #vidanocanada #parisontario #torontoblogger #attractionsontario #adventureon #exploreontario #livelovecanada #whereiwanttogoontario #discoveron @discoverontario @attractionsont A post shared by Livi Souza-BaianosNoPoloNorte (@livi_souza) on May 3, 2020 at 1:04pm PDT Rivalling the French city of Paris, this small town in Ontario is so beautiful that you'll feel as though you just stepped out of Ontario and into France. Voted the "Prettiest Little Town In Canada", there's so much to be admired. There's walking trails, a motorcycle speedway, and it's even been used to film big Hollywood productions. 5. Almonte Distance from Toronto: 4.5 hours View this post on Instagram @barleymowalmonte what a great place to have a meal with family. #almonteontario A post shared by Brian Crawford (@lifeof__bri) on May 22, 2018 at 3:47pm PDT This scenic mill town is super friendly, so be prepared to wave and smile and strangers. Their 19th-century main street has some seriously cool shops, and their historical buildings along the Canadian Mississippi River are a must-see. 6. Niagara-on-the-Lake Distance from Toronto: 1.5 hours View this post on Instagram Beautiful sights. Top-rated tourist attractions. Restaurants and vineyards. And great people! Niagara-on-the-Lake offers hospitality like no other, which is why it comes to no surprise that @expediaca ranked #NOTL the friendliest city in Canada! Read more about it. 🔗 in bio. . . . 📸: @eat_travel_repeat_life A post shared by Visit Niagara 🇨🇦 (@visit_niagara) on Jun 21, 2018 at 8:10am PDT Niagara-on-the-Lake is a super popular spot for Torontonians, and for good reason. The small-town vibes are unmatched with their 19th century-style buildings and tree-lined streets. With a ton of things to do, such as wine tastings and the Summer Shaw Festival, there's a reason people keep going back. 7. Bobcaygeon Distance from Toronto: 2 hours View this post on Instagram Thanksgiving is just around the corner! How will you be spending your #KawarthaLakes holiday? 🦃 A post shared by Kawartha Works Community Co-op (@kawarthacoop) on Oct 7, 2019 at 6:33am PDT Located between Sturgeon and Pigeon Lakes in the Kawarthas, Bobcaygeon is a beautiful place to visit when you need to escape the hustle and bustle of big city life. With a beautiful sandy beach, quaint shops, and some cool local pubs, this place should definitely be on the bucket list. 8. Merrickville Distance from Toronto: 4 hours View this post on Instagram Beautiful day in Merrickville. #MerrickvilleOntario #HometownNewsMerrickville A post shared by Hometown News (@hometownnewslc) on Jun 8, 2018 at 1:17pm PDT Spanning along both shores of the Rideau River, Merrickville is a historic village full of nice surprises. It's at the site of a lock station and has some of the coolest independent shops you'll ever see. It also claims to be home to Canada's oldest operating foundry. 9. Stratford Distance from Toronto: 2 hours View this post on Instagram The clouds and colors reflecting on the Avon this evening... Took a break from studying and did some long exposure photoshooting on the Avon River in Stratford... 🌆 #stratford #stratfordontario #stratfordon #premierartstown #ig_great_shots_canada #huronperth #perthcounty #visitstratfordon #mystratford365 #stratford365 #stratfordlife #imagesofontario #imagesofcanada #canadapics #explorecanada #tourcanada #becausecanada #visualarchitects #519shooters #planetearth #swontario #canadapics #pocket_canada #loadedlenses #eclectic_shotz #earthpix #ig_color #ig_masterpiece #beautifuldestinations #stratfordcanada A post shared by RJSBird Photography(Jay Smith) (@rjsbirdphotography) on Jun 24, 2018 at 6:55pm PDT Located on the Avon River, this charming town is bigger than most on this list, but it doesn't make it any less quaint. You'll want to visit Stratford for its stunning beauty and small-town feel, but you'll stay for its Shakespeare Gardens, beautiful architecture, and unique art gallery. 10. Erin Distance from Toronto: 1 hour View this post on Instagram The warm weather is here to stay! Erin’s Main Street is the perfect spot to walk around to enjoy our beautiful town, while shopping at our many local shops. 📷: Martin Lamprecht #discoverErin #shoplocal A post shared by Town of Erin (@townoferin) on May 17, 2018 at 10:15am PDT This place has the power to channel that homey feeling without the heel clicks of any ruby slippers. Erin is super close to Toronto, so you can even make it a day trip out to visit. You can discover one of their many unique shops, or just explore the natural beauty of the downtown area or the scenic wonder of the local trails or Erin Water Tower Hill. We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment and obey any local laws.
