9 enchanting small towns 1 hour from Toronto with storybook streets and summer charm
You don't have to go far to find enchanting villages.
A small town in Ontario.
You don't need to go far from the city to discover small-town charm. These enchanting towns are just an hour away from Toronto and offer quaint streets, cozy shops and more.
You can spend your day strolling through quaint boutiques, exploring unique attractions and enjoying local eateries without wasting a ton of time on the road.
Here are nine charming small towns located an hour away from Toronto to check out this summer.
Oakville
Why You Need To Go: Nestled on the shores of Lake Ontario, Oakville is a charming spot for a day trip.
According to the town's website, it's known for "its picturesque harbours, vibrant shopping districts, active arts community and some of the best dining options in the Greater Toronto Area."
You can spend the day strolling along the quaint main street, soaking up water views, or dining on a patio overlooking the lake. There are several parks and ice cream shops perfect for a summer escape.
Dundas
Why You Need To Go: Tucked away in a scenic valley just outside of Hamilton, Dundas is a charming historic town surrounded by gorgeous landscapes.
Its cozy downtown is lined with artisan shops, cozy cafes and more, making it a beautiful spot to spend an afternoon.
Bring some comfortable walking shoes, because there are so many stunning trails to check out around the town. The area is known for its waterfall hikes, and spots like Webster's Falls and Tew Falls are worth exploring.
Paris
Why You Need To Go: About an hour and 20 minutes away from Toronto, you can discover an enchanting riverside village that's straight out of a fairytale.
Paris is known as "the prettiest town in Canada," and with its cobblestone buildings, quaint shops and rushing river, it's easy to see why.
You'll be whisked away to Europe as you wander along the historic streets, pop into the cute local shops and enjoy a stroll by the Grand River.
From checking out Paris Wincey Mills Co. to enjoying a meal on the patio at Stillwater Plate and Pour, there's something for everyone.
Erin
Why You Need To Go: Home to "scenic rural vistas, quaint shops and small town charm," Erin is a charming spot for a day trip, according to the town's website.
The town has "one of Ontario’s best-kept historic downtowns," where you can find cute shops and Victorian-era architecture.
There are several cozy cafes and tea rooms to visit, such as Tin Roof Café and Maddie Hatter.
While you're in the area, you can check out some of the surrounding farms and markets. Erin Hill Acres features fluffy highland cows and dreamy lavender fields.
Uxbridge
Why You Need To Go: This quaint small town is full of summer charm. Dubbed the "Trail Capital of Canada," Uxbridge boasts more than 300 kilometres of trails, making it an idyllic spot to get outdoors and enjoy that summer sun.
The old-world downtown offers self-guided tours, cute boutiques, restaurants and more for you to check out during your adventures.
There are also farms, markets and cideries to visit in the surrounding region.
Port Perry
Why You Need To Go: This small town boasts lakeside charm and Hallmark vibes, and it's just an hour away from Toronto.
Situated along the shores of Lake Scugog, Port Perry is home to scenic waterfront trails, parks, and storybook vibes.
The streets are lined with Victorian-era buildings that will transport you back in time. There are so many local shops to check out, where you can find everything from home decor to chocolates and clothing.
Grab an iced coffee and head to the waterfront, or visit the farmers' market for an idyllic summer outing.
The iconic Big-As-Your-Face Apple Fritter from Hank's Pastries is a must-try.
Kleinburg
Why You Need To Go: Just under an hour from Toronto, you'll find the tiny but charming village of Kleinburg.
It's home to "spas, one-of-a-kind boutiques, world-class dining and European charm," according to its website, so it's a beautiful spot to spend a summer day.
You can indulge in brunch on a sun-filled patio, fill up on ice cream and gelato, and wander up and down the fairytale streets that look like something out of a storybook.
If you'd like to stretch your legs, grab an authentic Italian coffee and take a walk through the surrounding Humber Trails.
Cobourg
Address: Cobourg, ON
Why You Need To Go: You don't need to hop on a plane or even go far from Toronto to enjoy a taste of the tropics. This small town near Toronto is a little slice of paradise with velvety shores and old-world charm.
Cobourg town is a summer oasis with a white sand beach, winding boardwalk and blue waters.
The downtown area is brimming with local shops and eateries waiting to be explored.
Unionville
Why You Need To Go: Fancy a trip to Stars Hollow? Unionville is a picture-perfect community situated less than an hour's drive from Toronto.
Boasting flower-filled streets, sunny patios and shops that were plucked straight from a Hallmark movie, it's a must-visit destination.
It even served as the fictional town of Stars Hollow in the pilot episode of Gilmore Girls.
You can grab a coffee and explore the picturesque Main Street for a quintessential Gilmore day.
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.