This village is the 'prettiest town in Ontario' with cobblestone streets and quaint shops

It's a magical spot for a day trip.

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

A small town in Ontario.

@clarisse1600 | Instagram, Harold Stiver| Dreamstime
Lead Writer, Travel

Ontario is home to so many beautiful small towns, but this enchanting gem near Toronto might just be the prettiest. With quaint shops, cozy bakeries, and cobblestone streets, it looks like a scene from a storybook.

Located just over an hour from Toronto, the charming small town is brimming with historic buildings and year-round charm, making it a beautiful spot for a day trip.

St. Jacobs is an old-world village with German influence that dates back to the early 1800s.

It was recently named one of the best small towns in Ontario by Zoocasa, and once you see its picturesque streets and cozy shops, you'll understand why.

According to Zoocasa, "It's one of the most beautiful towns in Ontario, featuring cobblestone streets, scenic country views, and local artisan shops."

There's a lot to enjoy in the Village year-round. You can wander along the historic streets and pop into the quaint boutiques and shops, where you'll find all sorts of unique items. There are several bakeries and cafes offering handmade treats and cozy beverages.

You can see a show at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse or visit some of the town's unique sites on the St. Jacobs Art Walk. The Waterloo Central Railway offers scenic trips around the area on a historic passenger train.

The St. Jacobs Farmers' Market, located just outside the Village, is worth a trip. It's the largest of its kind in Canada and sells all sorts of local goods, from food to art and more.

If you're considering a move, you might want to check out listings in the area. According to Zoocasa, "Home prices in the Kitchener-Waterloo region are around $730,000, offering a more affordable option than nearby cities like Toronto."

With countryside charm and storybook streets, St. Jacobs is a dreamy spot for a day trip or a more extended getaway.

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.

  • 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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