This New Ontario Christmas Trail Takes You To Quaint Bookshops Hidden In Tiny Towns

It's a festive adventure!

Books in a store. Right: Snowy landscape.

Books in a store. Right: Snowy landscape.

Lead Writer, Travel

Put on your boots, because you'll want to take a trip along this enchanting Christmas trail in Ontario. Featuring charming bookshops and festive cheer, it's a wonderful way to get cozy on a cold winter day.

In celebration of the Christmas season, South Eastern Ontario has launched Yuletide Treasure Routes & Trails, a series of five holiday gift trails to help shoppers "sleigh their shopping lists" while supporting local businesses.

One of the trails is the Bookworm’s Paradise Shopping Route and it takes you on a magical journey through Brockville and 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways.

Along the way, you'll stop at independent bookstores where you can find gifts and unique items for those on your gift list, or maybe even for yourself.

The trail leads through places like Brockville, where you can check out the Book Trader and grab a drink at Cosies Tea Room.

You'll also travel through Kemptville and Merrickville, also know as "Canada's most beautiful village."

The other Christmas gift trails include the Gourmet Goodies Expedition Route where you can find gifts for the foodie on your list, the Artisan & Vintage Discovery Route filled with hidden art and antique gems, The Sweetest Route to Shop where you can satisfy your sweet tooth and the Home and the Holidays Shopping Route where you'll find everything from scented candles to plush pillows.

The maps and store locations for the Yuletide Treasure Routes & Trails can be found on the South Eastern Ontario website. If you're looking for a fun way to explore some of Ontario's charming small towns and local shops then plan an adventure along one of these trails.

Bookworm's Paradise Shopping Route

Price: Free

Address: Brockville and 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways, ON

Why You Need To Go: Spend your day exploring small towns and quaint local bookshops along this trail.

South Eastern Ontario 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.

Gunman at Mexico pyramids kills Canadian tourist

Canadian tourist killed, another injured after gunman opens fire at Mexico pyramids

8 Metrolinx jobs in Toronto and the GTA that pay up to $164,000 a year and $44 an hour

The transit agency operates GO Transit and UP Express in Ontario.

These companies were just named Canada's top employers for 2026 and here's why

Some well-known employers like IKEA, Loblaws, Parks Canada and UBC made the list.

Security boosted after Canadian killed in Mexico

Mexico boosts security at tourist spots after Canadian killed, others hurt on pyramid

Carney reshapes Canada-U.S. advisory committee

Carney names members of new advisory committee on Canada-U.S. economic relations

Kenneth Law case to return to court in May

Kenneth Law to return to court next month, expected to plead guilty to aiding suicide

6 things to skip if you're visiting Calgary for the first time, and what to do instead

Take it from a rookie like me and avoid these overhyped Calgary spots.👇