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Summary

This quaint Ontario town with storybook charm is better than a trip to the US, locals say

It's just over an hour from Toronto.

A person standing in front of a store. Right: An aerial view of a town.

A small town in Ontairo.

@lana13x | Instagram, Harold Stiver | Dreamstime
Lead Writer, Travel

You don't need to travel to the U.S. to enjoy an incredible getaway. This small town near Toronto is a beautiful spot for an escape, and readers say that it's even better than travelling across the border.

In a post on Narcity Canada's Facebook page, we asked readers to share what Ontario destinations they think are better than a trip to the U.S. This quaint town was one of the spots mentioned in the comments.

With old-world streets and German heritage, you'll be whisked away to Europe as you wander through the charming downtown.

St. Jacobs is a picturesque village located just over an hour from Toronto. It dates back to the early 1800s and was primarily settled by Germanic peoples.

The Village offers endless things to enjoy throughout the year. You'll want to stroll through the storybook downtown, which features historic streets lined with cute local shops.

Bring your appetite because the town is home to quaint bakeries and cafes where you can dig into handmade treats and cozy beverages.

Some attractions include the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, where you can see some local shows, or the St. Jacobs Art Walk, which features unique sites and installations.

If you're up for a longer adventure, hop aboard the Waterloo Central Railway, where you can enjoy trips through the surrounding towns and beautiful countryside on a historic passenger train.

The St. Jacobs Farmers' Market is a must-visit. Situated just outside the Village, the market is the largest of its kind in Canada and offers a range of local goods, from food to art and more.

If you're looking for an alternative to the U.S., locals say this Ontario town is even better than a trip across the border.

St. Jacobs Village 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.

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    • 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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