This quaint lakeside town 1 hour from Toronto is one of the most beautiful in Canada

You don't have to go far to find small town charm.

Lead Writer, Travel

You don't have to travel far to stumble upon a truly enchanting getaway. Just an hour from Toronto lies a small Ontario town that locals say is among the most beautiful in the country.

From its storybook streets to cozy cafes and old-world shops, this lakeside village has no shortage of charm and makes for a dreamy escape any time of year.

In a Facebook post, we asked readers to share Canada's most beautiful towns, and this hidden gem near Toronto stood out.

Port Perry is a picturesque community tucked along the shores of Lake Scugog, just an hour from the city.

With its Victorian-style streets, endless shops, and cute bakeries, this lakeside town is a magical spot to spend a day or weekend.

You can take a peaceful stroll along the town's old-world main street, where you'll find all sorts of unique shops, from clothing boutiques to art galleries.

The town is also home to some incredible eateries, like the Piano Inn and Cafe and Hank's Pastries, where you can dig into a "big-as-your-face" apple fritter.

If you're looking for more sweet treats, the Nutty Chocolatier is the place to go. The old-fashioned candy shop looks like it came straight out of the 1950s and offers a range of goodies.

Palmer Park is a lovely spot to spend the day. You can gaze over the sparkling lake, enjoy a picnic, and relax in the gazebo, which has major storybook-town vibes.

During the warmer months, you can check out the Port Perry Farmers' Market, which takes place every Saturday from May through Thanksgiving, offering an array of local produce and handmade goods.

Perched along the waterfront beside one of Canada's oldest grain mills, it's a picturesque spot to soak up small-town charm.

In the winter, you can enjoy lakeside skating, followed by a warm cup of cocoa from one of the quaint cafes.

With its Victorian-era streets, small-town vibes and lake views, it's no wonder readers say Port Perry is one of the prettiest villages in Canada.

Port Perry BIA 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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