Please complete your profile to unlock commenting and other important features.

Please select your date of birth for special perks on your birthday. Your username will be your unique profile link and will be publicly used in comments.
Narcity Pro

This is a Pro feature.

Time to level up your local game with Narcity Pro.

Pro

$5/month

$40/year

  • Everything in the Free plan
  • Ad-free reading and browsing
  • Unlimited access to all content including AI summaries
  • Directly support our local and national reporting and become a Patron
  • Cancel anytime.
For Pro members only Pro
Summary

This Ontario town is one of the oldest in the province and it's like a little trip to Europe

It's a road trip from Toronto.

Lead Writer, Travel

You can discover one of the oldest towns in Ontario just a short road trip from Toronto. The quaint village is home to waterfalls, historic streets, and quaint stone buildings that will transport you to Europe.

Located an hour from Toronto, the town dates back to 1793 and is brimming with old-world charm.

Ancaster is an enchanting community within Hamilton. According to Tourism Hamilton, it used to be the largest industrial centre in Canada, and its rich heritage is still evident today.

The small but beautiful downtown is a magical spot to spend an afternoon.

You can explore the local shops, soak up the old-world atmosphere and grab a sweet treat from the Purple Poney ice creamery.

Trails Cafe offers cozy drinks and treats, while Caniche French Bakery has "famous" flaky croissants that will whisk you away to Paris.

If you're looking for a meal, spots like the 200-year-old Coach & Lantern or The Brassie Pub are worth a visit.

You can take your feast to the next level by heading to the Ancaster Mill, which features a dining room overlooking a waterfall.

There are many attractions to enjoy, from the Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum to the Griffin House historic site.

It's also worth hiking to Tiffany Falls, a stunning waterfall hidden along a forested trail.

If you're looking for a fun day trip, Ancaster offers a little slice of Europe close to home.

Tourism Hamilton 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.

Explore this list   👀

    • 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.

    8 enchanting small towns in Canada that feel like a summertime trip to Europe

    Visit English gardens and Victorian villages, no passport required.

    This enchanting small town set on a BC island was named among North America's 'most peaceful'

    Sandy beaches, ancient forests and a cozy town — anyone?. 🌲

    New data reveals the 'most peaceful' places to live and Canadian towns demolished US ones

    Five Canadian towns were named the most serene on the continent. 🍁

    This Ontario gem with waterfront towns and beaches is one of Canada's 'best' spots to live

    It has "large" homes "priced much lower" than major Canadian cities.