This enchanting destination is 1 hour from Toronto and feels like a springtime trip to Europe

No passport needed.

Lead Writer, Travel

You don't need to travel far to experience a little taste of springtime in Europe. This dreamy destination near Toronto has old-world buildings and flower-filled streets that will transport you to another land.

Cambridge is a quaint city located an hour from Toronto on the shores of the Grand River.

The area has historic charm and a picturesque downtown, making it a magical spot for a day trip.

You can spend some time wandering through the downtown, which features charming streets, local shops and eateries.

The Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory is a "tropical paradise" featuring 2000 colourful butterflies. Other notable attractions include the McDougall Cottage Historic Site and the Hamilton Family Theatre.

If you'd like to enjoy the beautiful spring weather, you can take a stroll through Riverside Park, Mill Race Park, or Shade's Mills Conservation Area.

For some major European vibes, you'll want to head to Galt, a community in Cambridge where historic buildings line the river. You can grab a coffee from a cozy café and take in the beautiful views from the pedestrian bridge.

The area was even featured in The Handmaid's Tale, and you can take a self-guided tour of the filming locations.

The Cambridge Farmers' Market is a year-round attraction running every Saturday. From beautiful flowers to fruit and more, you can find all sorts of local produce and goods.

With old-world buildings and springtime charm, this destination is a beautiful place to spend a day.

Cambridge 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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