This magical lakeside town 1 hour from Toronto is one of the 'prettiest' in Canada

It's perfect for a late-summer getaway.

Lead Writer, Travel

You don't have to spend all day on the road to enjoy a beautiful getaway. This dreamy small town is just an hour away from Toronto, and locals say it's one of the "prettiest" in Canada.

With cozy shops, warm cafes and streets that are straight out of a storybook, this lakeside village is brimming with charm and is the perfect spot to visit for a last-minute summer escape.

On Facebook, we asked readers to share the prettiest towns in Canada, and this quaint Ontario gem was one of the spots mentioned.

Port Perry is a cozy hideaway perched along the shores of Lake Scugog, just one hour from Toronto.

The destination has Victorian-era streets, charming shops, delicious bakeries and more, making it a beautiful spot to enjoy the last weeks of summer.

You can stroll along the 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, such as the Piano Inn and Cafe and Hank's Pastries, where you can dig into a "big-as-your-face" apple fritter.

Palmer Park is a beautiful spot to spend a summer day. You can gaze over the sparkling lake, enjoy a picnic, and relax in the gazebo, which has major Stars Hollow vibes.

There's also the Waterfront Trail, which is perfect for a sunset stroll.

After a day spent in the sun, you can cool off with an ice cream cone from the Nutty Chocolatier — an old-fashioned candy shop that looks like it came straight out of the 1950s.

The Port Perry Farmers' Market runs every Saturday from May to Thanksgiving and boasts a variety of local produce and artisan items. Located on the waterfront next to one of the oldest grain mills in Canada, it's a dreamy spot to enjoy some small-town charm.

With its Victorian streets, cozy shops, and stunning lake views, locals agree that Port Perry is one of the "prettiest" towns in Canada and is worth a road trip.

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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