7 Enchanting Small Towns Near Ottawa That Are Like Stepping Into Stars Hollow
Live your best 'Gilmore Girls' life at these spots.
Merrickville, Ontario. Right: Carleton Place, Ontario.
There are so many charming small towns around Ottawa where you can spend the day like you're a character from Gilmore Girls. With historic main streets, cute cafes and old-world vibes, these villages will make you feel like you've stepped into Stars Hollow.
If you've been dreaming of a little city escape, these towns are located just a short drive from Ottawa and are beautiful places to visit.
Whether you're planning a last-minute fall adventure, winter retreat or warm-weather getaway, you'll find year-round charm at these seven towns.
Almonte
Address: Almonte, ON
Why You Need To Go: This "small-town gem" has no shortage of charm. Located just under an hour from Ottawa, the little village is known for the many Christmas movies that have been filmed there, earning it the nickname "mini Hollywood North."
Whether you're visiting during Christmas or a different time of year, you'll find lots to do in this small town.
The historic Mill Street is lined with shops and you can find antiques, gifts, clothing and more. You can spend the afternoon exploring boutiques and browsing unique items.
The Riverwalk is a scenic place to enjoy the outdoors. The hike takes you beneath a train bridge and to a lookout by the Victoria Woollen Mill where you can get a stunning view of the falls.
The Barley Mow is a beautiful spot to grab a meal. The restaurant has a patio overlooking the waterfalls and a delicious selection of pub fare.
Westport
Address: Westport, ON
Why You Need To Go: This small but quaint village is full of those Gilmore Girls vibes. The town is situated an hour and a half away from Ottawa along the banks of the Upper Rideau.
One of the highlights of the village is Foley Mountain Conservation Area. The nature reserve boasts stunning scenery and a gorgeous lookout with views of Westport below.
You can enjoy the local shops and restaurants and stroll along the historic streets. The Historical Walking Tour will take you past heritage buildings and immerse you in Westport's past.
If you really want to spend a day like Lorelai and Rory, then coffee is a must. Westport has several charming cafes including Vanilla Bean's Cafe & Creamery where you can indulge in Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream, coffee and more.
Wakefield
Address: Wakefield, QC
Why You Need To Go: Just half an hour away from Ottawa lies the picturesque town of Wakefield, Quebec. It's an "outdoor lovers paradise" and was one of the first villages to be established along the Gatineau River.
You can explore over 200 kilometres of surrounding trails and enjoy the town's "eclectic and lively arts scene."
The Wakefield Covered Bridge is an iconic landmark and will make you feel like you're wandering through Stars Hollow. The bridge links the two shores of the Gatineau River and is especially beautiful during fall and winter when it's surrounded by vibrant foliage and glistening snow.
Merrickville
Address: Merrickville, ON
Why You Need To Go: Dubbed "Canada's most beautiful village," Merrickville is a hidden small-town gem that boasts history and charm.
It's an hour drive from Ottawa so you can easily plan a day trip to this quaint spot. The Victorian village offers local shops, scenic trails and more.
From art galleries to fine food shops, you can find an array of unique items in Merrickville.
You can visit the Merrickville Ruins along the Merrickville Lockstation Walking Tour. The abandoned old foundation once belonged to a woollen mill and is now a beautiful piece of history along the water.
Perth
Address: Perth, ON
Why You Need To Go: While the name Perth may bring to mind a sunny city in Australia, this Ontario town is a historic destination with Stars Hollow vibes located just over an hour from Ottawa.
The streets are lined with heritage buildings including local shops, eateries and more. There are many attractions to visit within the town, from the Perth Museum to the 22,000-lb block of cheese.
Stewart Park is a beautiful place for a stroll and is known for "its wide open spaces; gorgeous gardens; tall, mature trees; photogenic bridges over the rivers; and beautiful views of Code's Mill, Town Hall, Terrace on the Tay and the Perth water tower."
The town is also the scene for many festivals and events, from the Festival of Lights during the Christmas season to the Frost & Fire Winter Festival in February.
Chelsea
Address: Chelsea, QC
Why You Need To Go: This historic Quebec town is home to several major attractions that make it a dreamy destination for a little getaway.
You can wander through the stunning Gatineau Park, "a natural oasis covering 361 square kilometres of hills and forest." Some must-see places include Mackenzie King Estate, Champlain Lookout and Philippe Lake.
Chelsea is also home to Nordik Spa-Nature, the "largest spa in North America." With 10 outdoor baths, 9 saunas, a restaurant and more, it's the perfect place to get pampered.
The town itself has lots of art galleries, cafes and more, making it an enchanting place to explore.
Carleton Place
Address: Carleton Place, ON
Why You Need To Go: Perched along the Mississippi River, the dreamy town of Carleton Place offers a "harmonious blend of scenic trails, captivating history, and vibrant community events."
It's just under an hour from Ottawa and you can spend the day living out your Gilmore Girls dreams.
You can head to the "tree-lined downtown to discover independent bookstores, vintage apparel, floral boutiques, and unique gifts." Whether you're shopping for clothes, gifts or trinkets, there are tons of items to be found at these local stores.
There are many parks, trails, swimming spots and more to enjoy around the town. The Mississippi RiverWalk is a popular trail that leads from Princess Street to Anthony Curro Park. You can learn all about the town's history while enjoying the outdoors along this self-guided walk.
There are many restaurants to enjoy in the town, from pubs to brunch spots and sushi places.
Carleton Place 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.