This Ontario small town with European charm and quaint streets is a dream spot to live

Locals dream of moving to this spot!

A town with historic buildings. Right: A river with a small waterfall.

A small town in Ontario.

Lead Writer, Travel

If living in a quaint small town sounds like your dream come true, you might want to check out listings in this quaint Ontario village. The destination boasts river views and European charm, and locals say it's a dream spot to live.

On Narcity Canada's Facebook page, we asked readers to share which Ontario town they would love to move to. This historic little town was one of the destinations named.

St. Marys is a picturesque village set along the Thames River, often called "The Stonetown" for its unique limestone buildings made from local stone.

The village is located just 15 minutes away from Stratford and boasts old-world vibes and cozy streets.

According to the town's website, St. Marys has about 7,265 residents and is one of Ontario's oldest and "most appealing communities."

It offers a "unique rural lifestyle with urban amenities," and residents can enjoy "an abundant lifestyle at an affordable cost of living."

You can spend your days wandering through the cute local shops, sipping coffee at the cozy cafes and enjoying the attractions and green spaces around the town.

During the summer, you can spend your days at St. Mary's Quarry, known as "Canada's largest outdoor freshwater swimming pool." The former limestone quarry is a beautiful spot for a swim and features a floating water park.

The town hosts annual community events, including a Stonetown Heritage Festival, Canada Day celebrations, Spooktacular St. Marys, and WinterLights, so there's always something to look forward to.

If you're longing for small-town charm and a slower pace of life, this cozy village might just be the place to call home.

Discover St. Marys 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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