There's something so magical about spending the day in a charming small town — browsing local boutiques, sipping specialty coffee, and discovering hidden gems.
I recently spent an afternoon in this picturesque village just a short road trip from Toronto, and it felt like stepping into the pages of a storybook.
Cute shops in St. Jacobs Village.Madeline Forsyth | Narcity
Located just an hour and a half drive from the city, this cozy little town has major Gilmore Girls vibes and is a charming place to spend a day.
The Village of St. Jacobs is a small town situated along the Conestoga River, just outside of the Waterloo Region. Settled in the early 1800s by German immigrants and Pennsylvania Dutch communities, the village still reflects an old-world atmosphere — from horse-drawn buggies and charming bakeries to traditional Mennonite goods and stone buildings that line the storybook streets.
A historic building in St. Jacobs.Madeline Forsyth | Narcity
Despite visiting on a sunny Saturday afternoon, I found the village to be peaceful and quiet, without large crowds or busy streets. I wandered up the main strip, peeking into the unique shops and discovering all sorts of treasures.
A must-visit destination is Hamel Brooms. Founded in 1908, it's the last corn broom manufacturer left in Canada, according to the website. You can watch the brooms being made in the store and browse through the other items available, from stained glass to home decor.
Hamel Brooms.Madeline Forsyth | Narcity
There are so many cute eateries and restaurants offering house-baked goods, specialty coffees and more.
I popped into one of my favourite spots, the Stone Crock Bakery, which offers fresh baked goods including the "nation's best butter tarts" and "famous" Dutch apple pie. I also stopped by the cozy Eco Cafe for some food and drinks.
The Stone Crock Bakery.Madeline Forsyth | Narcity
I spent the rest of the day exploring the quaint streets, discovering unique shops and more. A highlight was Tea Earth & Sky, where I was offered complimentary iced tea, which was much needed on a hot summer day.
Other highlights were The Book Loft St. Jacobs, a cozy hideaway with Stars Hollow vibes, as well as Spoil The Dog Bakery, a shop dedicated entirely to specialty dog treats (I did manage to find some cat treats too!)
Stone Crock Butcher and MarketMadeline Forsyth | Narcity
Before heading out, I stopped by Stone Crock Butcher and Market, a quaint local market brimming with fresh food. It was the perfect spot to stock up on meats, local honey, snacks and more.
Sadly, I didn't have time to visit the St. Jacobs Farmers' Market, which is the largest of its kind in Canada. The venue is just minutes from downtown and offers three buildings and an outdoor space brimming with food, artwork and more.
Madeline in St. Jacobs Village.Madeline Forsyth | Narcity
St. Jacobs is such a magical spot for a day trip, offering endless charm, cozy bakeries, beautiful river views and quaint shops. If you're looking to escape the bustle of the city, this little town is worth exploring.
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.