10 Charming Small Towns Near Toronto That You Can Get To In Under 1 Hour
You don't have to go far to find these hidden gems!
A person holding a basket of flowers by a historic house. Right: A small town with a clock.
You don't have to venture too far from the bustling streets of Toronto in order to enjoy some small-town charm. These small towns and villages are less than an hour away from the city and are idyllic spots to spend a day.
With historic streets, delicious eateries and unique attractions, you can enjoy all sorts of fun without a super long car ride.
Of course, Toronto traffic may impact the length of your journey, but if you depart at an off-peak time it shouldn't take you too long to reach these towns.
Here are 10 beautiful small towns near Toronto that make for a quick day trip.
Village of Kleinburg
Address: Kleinburg, ON
Why You Need To Go: This little village is just 40 minutes from Toronto and it's a quaint place to spend an afternoon. Kleinburg has both "romantic old world charm" and "European charm," making it an idyllic spot to escape the city.
The Main Street has several boutiques as well as delicious Italian restaurants and cute cafes. You can fill up on sweets at the Old Firehall Confectionary, sip coffee at the historic Balzac's, get pampered at a spa or take a stroll through Bindertwine Park.
Georgetown
Address: Georgetown, ON
Why You Need To Go: Located 50 minutes from Toronto, Georgetown is a cute little area featuring a historic Main Street. The town is brimming with charming buildings and many local shops, boutiques and eateries.
The Georgetown Farmers Market is a popular place to browse and offers lots of local goods.
The nearby Silver Creek Conservation Area is a picturesque spot for a hike and takes you along boardwalk trails past tiny waterfalls.
The town is accessible via GO Transit so you don't need a car to get to this scenic spot!
Uxbridge
Address: Uxbridge, ON
Why You Need To Go: This small town is about 45 minutes from Toronto and is a cute spot for a day trip. It's nestled in a scenic valley and offers shopping, dining and more.
According to the website, Uxbridge is the "Trail Capital of Canada, bursting with outdoor adventure for young families and avid explorers."
One of the highlights of the town is the York-Durham Heritage Railway. The train takes you through magical landscapes and often holds special events like high tea or themed dinners.
If you're an Anne of Green Gables fan, you'll want to explore the Lucy Maud Montgomery Trail, which takes you around the town and features tales from the author's life in Uxbridge.
Caledon Village
Address: Caledon Village, ON
Why You Need To Go: Fifty minutes from Toronto, you'll find yourself immersed in the charm of Caledon Village. This tiny village has some incredible hidden gems and is especially beautiful during the fall, when it transforms with vibrant colours.
You can chase a waterfall at Forks of the Credit Provincial Park, take a walking tour through villages and hamlets, see a show at Caledon Townhall Players or enjoy "some of the best trail experiences within the GTA."
There are several quaint shops to browse as well.
Schomberg
Address: Schomberg, ON
Why You Need To Go: This village will whisk you back in time. The small town of Schomberg is brimming with historic shops and buildings and is a short, 50-minute road trip from Toronto.
If you're interested in a quiet day filled with cute cafes, picturesque streets and beautiful shops, this is the place to be. You won't want to miss a meal at The Schomberg Pub & Patio, which serves up elevated pub fare.
Unionville
Address: Unionville, ON
Why You Need To Go: Calling all Gilmore Girls fans! You can travel to real-life Stars Hollow at this charming destination, which served as the fictional town during the pilot episode of the show.
With a picturesque Main Street, cute shops and cafes and delicious restaurants, you can live your best Gilmore life at this spot.
Located 40 minutes from Toronto, the town is charming during every season and hosts a number of events including Christmas and Easter festivities.
You won't want to miss snapping a cute photo in the town's Insta-worthy gazebo.
Newmarket
Address: Newmarket, ON
Why You Need To Go: Located 45 minutes from Toronto, Newmarket is another charming town to day trip to. The historic Main Street has shops, art galleries and more to explore.
You can take a stroll through the picturesque Fairy Lake Park, wander along the Tom Taylor Trail, or get pampered at a day spa.
Holland Marsh Winery is an idyllic spot to enjoy a boozy drink and take a tour.
History buffs will want to head to the Elman W. Campbell Museum to learn all about the area's history.
Dundas
Address: Dundas, ON
Why You Need To Go: An hour from Toronto lies the charming small town of Dundas. The town features "quiet tree-lined streets of historic 19th century buildings, where arts, culture, recreation, and over 100 shops, restaurants and services are nestled in the heart of the picturesque Dundas Valley."
You can check out the local boutiques, sip drinks at a cozy cafe or fill up on delicious food at one of the restaurants.
The area is surrounded by several beautiful waterfalls, so you'll want to bring your hiking boots. You can see cascades such as Webster Falls and Tew Falls.
Aurora
Address: Aurora, ON
Why You Need To Go: Located 50 minutes north of Toronto, this small town is a beautiful getaway from the city. It's home to many beautiful parks and trails as well as a historic downtown filled with shops.
Shepard's Bush Conservation Area is a picturesque spot for a stroll and features over 3 kilometres of hiking trails.
You can dig into droll-worthy dishes at restaurants like LOCALE AURORA and State & Main.
Bolton
Address: Bolton, ON
Why You Need To Go: This small village is "Caledon's largest urban centre" and is located 45 minutes from Toronto. Here, you'll find all sorts of shops and annual events.
Bolton is a charming spot to visit year-round and is home to beautiful natural areas like he Humber Valley Heritage Trail and Dick's Dam Park.
During the summer months, you'll want to grab an ice cream and explore the quaint shops.
One unique spot to check out is Ethereal Crystal, a pink shop selling gems and more.
Pack up your car and enjoy a day in one of these charming small towns. The best news is, you don't have to go too far in order to reach them.
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.