8 beautiful small towns in Ontario that are so charming you’ll want to move there
From beach towns to European-like villages.
A beach town in Ontario. Right: A small town in Ontario.
Considering a move? You might want to explore listings in these charming small towns across Ontario. With cozy vibes and old-world charm, these destinations have been named dream places to live by readers.
In a post on Narcity Canada's Facebook page, we asked readers to share which Ontario town they would love to relocate to, and these are some of the places mentioned.
From beautiful beach towns to villages with European vibes, here are eight small towns in Ontario that locals say they'd love to move to.
Port Stanley
About: You can enjoy beach vibes every day at this waterfront village in Ontario.
Port Stanley is a dream destination to move to, according to readers, and is home to a beautiful sandy shoreline.
According to Ontario's Southwest, the town's Main Beach is "one of the finest stretches of sandy beach on Lake Erie's north shore." You can spend your summers lounging on the soft shores and listening to the sound of the waves.
In addition to its coastal charm, the town has cute shops, eateries and attractions to enjoy.
Port Stanley's Instagram page notes that it is a "fantastic idea" to move to this town, where you can enjoy friendly vibes, amazing restaurants and beautiful scenery year-round.
Picton
Address: Picton, ON
About: This dreamy lakeside gem is straight out of a storybook, so it's no surprise that readers wish to move here.
Located in beautiful Prince Edward County, Picton has historic streets brimming with everything from bookstores to chocolate shops.
It's surrounded by pristine white sand beaches and rolling vineyards, so you can feel like you're on holiday every day.
According to The County website, the area is home to "outstanding natural beauty surrounded by Lake Ontario, fresh farm-to-table cuisine and Ontario's fastest growing wine and craft beer region," allowing for a "unique and unmatched quality of life."
Stratford
Address: Stratford, ON
Why You Need To Go: This enchanting small city will have you feeling like you've moved to England. With riverside charm, old-world vibes and Victorian streets, it's a magical spot to call home.
Stratford is renowned for its theatre scene, showcasing a series of modern and Shakespearean productions from April to October each year.
With its quieter pace and range of attractions, Stratford offers a peaceful lifestyle with lots to enjoy.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Address: Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
About: You can wake up in wine country at this beautiful Ontario destination.
Nestled amidst vineyards, Niagara-on-the-Lake is known for its storybook streets and Victorian-era downtown.
It has year-round festivals and is home to a range of spas and local shops, combining the convenience of a big city with the charm and tranquillity of a small town.
According to McGarr Realty, "from newcomers to longtime residents, people love this area due to its relaxed pace."
Port Hope
About: With beautiful beaches and old-world streets, Port Hope is another town that readers dream of moving to.
According to the website, "you can look forward to spending summer evenings at the beach, picking up fresh veggies at the Farmers' Market and wandering around a sparkling downtown in the winter."
Port Hope boasts "the best-preserved heritage main street in Ontario," so you can expect some major charm at this spot.
Grand Bend
About: White sand shores and beachy vibes await at this small town in Ontario.
According to Lambton Shores, Grand Bend is known as "one of Canada's best beach towns" and is home to "a variety of restaurants, shops, and nightlife destinations."
Here, you can spend your days on the white sand shores, soak up some incredible sunsets, or explore the nearby Pinery Provincial Park.
According to the Grand Bend website, people move to the area to "advance their quality of life or just to love the continuous beaches, warm waters and sandy lake bottoms even if just for the afternoon."
Goderich
About: This Lake Huron gem has no shortage of charm and has even been dubbed "Canada's prettiest town."
Goderich is home to a quaint downtown lined with shops and cozy cafes where you can find all sorts of unique treasures.
During the summer, its three stunning beaches come alive with sandy shores and dreamy lake views.
According to the town's website, "Goderich is a growing community and the largest urban community in Huron County" and offers "quality childcare, healthcare, top-notch schools, state-of-the-art recreation, dozens of active community and sporting groups/service clubs, as well as government and community services" and more.
It has many historic neighbourhoods and waterfront homes, making it a scenic spot to settle down.
Smiths Falls
About: If you crave a quieter lifestyle, you might consider moving to this historic small town perched along the shores of the Rideau Canal.
Smiths Falls has cozy small-town vibes, local shops and picturesque surroundings, making it a beautiful spot to call home.
According to the town's website, its "close proximity to the nation's capital, bridges to the USA and the 401 Corridor make this an ideal location to live, work and play."
With museums, hiking areas, boutiques, restaurants and more, there's something for everyone.
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.