This charming small town 1 hour from Toronto was named among Canada's best spots to live

Canada is full of beautiful small towns, from waterfront villages to historic gems. If you dream of that small-town life, this Ontario spot might be worth checking out.

We asked Narcity Canada's Facebook followers to name the best small towns to live in Canada, and this quaint Ontario gem was one of their picks.

Port Hope is a cozy small town located on the shores of Lake Ontario, about 1 hour from Toronto.

If you love old-world charm, it's the place to be, as it boasts the "best-preserved heritage main street" in the province, according to Northumberland Tourism.

You can spend your days wandering past the historic shops and taking in the stunning 19th-century architecture.

Another draw of Port Hope is its beaches. The town is home to two sandy gems — East Beach and West Beach, offering soft shores and sparkling waves perfect for a hot summer day.

Despite its smaller size, Port Hope still offers plenty to enjoy. From catching shows at the Capitol Theatre to visiting nearby farms like Haute Goat, there's something for everyone.

According to the Port Hope website, the town has "an ideal quality of life" with "a variety of wonderful amenities and excellent services, a distinctively preserved downtown, locally owned and operated businesses, rolling hills and farmland to explore and so much more."

It boasts lots to experience year-round, and you can enjoy "spending summer evenings at the beach, picking up fresh veggies at the Farmers' Market and wandering around a sparkling downtown in the winter."

With quaint shops and waterfront charm, Canadians say this small town near Toronto is among the best places to live in the country.

Port Hope Tourism 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.