With shopping, farmers markets and local festivals and events, these towns make for perfect day trips to take this summer, and many are located not far from Toronto.
From historic villages full of history to waterfront towns with tons to see and do, here are seven towns in Ontario where you can live out your Gilmore Girls dreams this summer.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Why You Need To Go: Niagara-on-the-Lake is a small town less than 30 minutes away from Niagara Falls that offers a blend of history and charm.
Full of flower-lined streets, horse-drawn carriages, cute boutiques, antique stores and even a white gazebo, it could easily pass for a Canadian version of Stars Hollow.
You can make an afternoon of strolling the streets and sightseeing here, or visit one of the town's galleries and museums. Plenty of events take place throughout the summer, including daily walking tours, coffee concerts and outdoor shows.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is also known for its wineries and is home to some of the oldest and most established wine-producing vineyards in Canada, where you can sample world-class and local wines.
You'll also find national historic sites like Fort George, a botanical garden, and lots more to do in the area.
Niagara-on-the-lake website
Gananoque
Why You Need To Go: Located in the heart of the 1000 Islands, Gananoque is a waterfront town rich in history and culture, with unique heritage buildings and architecture.
The town has been recognized as one of the region's most stunning waterfront communities and is full of natural beauty, with emerald green forests surrounded by the sparkling St. Lawrence River.
Here, you'll find a charming downtown core with dining, shopping, arts and culture, a waterfront trail with gorgeous views, a small beach area, and even live waterfront theatre. There's even a cute town gazebo and a lighthouse in Joel Stone Park.
You can go on a historic walking tour of the town's many heritage sites and buildings, visit a quaint country market, or peruse local bookstores and cute shops.
Gananoque website
St. Jacobs
Why You Need To Go: St. Jacobs, a village located just outside of Waterloo, is a picturesque spot that offers small-town charm and an escape from the hustle of everyday life.
Established in 1852, the village has a rich Mennonite heritage, and is located in a beautiful natural setting.
The quaint village is home to unique gift and specialty shops, fashion boutiques and antique markets. If you're hungry, there are plenty of restaurants in the village including cafes, bakeries, breweries and more serving up everything from pizza to sushi and ice cream.
For those who love the outdoors, the village has trails that run along the Conestoga River. You can take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the scenic paths, or enjoy a walking tour to view St. Jacobs' heritage buildings and landmarks.
Just a short drive from the village, you'll find the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market, Canada’s largest year-round farmers' market where hundreds of vendors sell a variety of items from food to art and collectibles and more.
St. Jacobs website
Oakville
Why You Need To Go: While it's not a small town, Oakville offers many of the same charms you'd find in Stars Hollow, and makes for a great day trip.
Located between Toronto and Niagara, Oakville is nestled on the shores of Lake Ontario, and is known for its picturesque harbours, shopping district, and dining scene.
The town is home to hundreds of unique small boutiques and storefronts offering everything from clothing and decor to one-of-a-kind gifts and crafts. Oakville is also home to over 200 restaurants, with a mix of award-winning dining and innovative eateries.
There are a number of heritage trails to explore in town. The Waterfront Trail features tree-lined streets, lovely homes, museums, harbours, gardens and a system of river trails that run through wooded areas and meadows.
Whether you head to the water to gaze out onto the lake or stroll around town to take in the charming homes, there's tons to do and see here.
Oakville website
Paris
Why You Need To Go: Paris, Ontario, is a picturesque little town located just 2 hours from Toronto that's nestled along a flowing river.
The town is known as the "cobblestone capital of Canada," and has also been named the "prettiest little town in Canada."
Here, cobblestone streets give the town a European flair, and 19th-century structures situated along the Grand River transport you back in time.
Like the fictional Connecticut town of Stars Hollow, in Paris, you'll find friendly locals and plenty of events and things to do throughout the year.
The town has a number of cute specialty shops, marketplaces, vintage stores and more. Check out places like the Paris Apothecary for natural skin and hair care products, or WordKind for writing essentials and stationery.
There are also tons of eateries and restaurants in town, as well as places to purchase baked goods, sweets, treats and snacks.
Paris website
Elora
Why You Need To Go: Known as Ontario's "most beautiful village," Elora offers natural beauty and small-town charm.
The historic village can be found in the township of Centre Wellington, perched on the edge of a spectacular gorge and nestled along the banks of the Grand River and Irvine Creek.
The village is bustling with unique shopping, including clothing boutiques, bookstores and specialty shops, just like Stars Hollow. If you're feeling hungry, the village is home to bistros, pubs, grills, breweries, cafes, bakeries and more serving up tasty treats.
If you want to unwind, you can visit the Elora Mill Hotel and Spa, a historic landmark that's been part of the community for over 175 years.
For outdoor adventures, look no further than the Elora Gorge, one of the most beautiful natural areas in the Grand River valley with riverside trails and scenic overlooks.
Elora website
Unionville
Why You Need To Go: Unionville is a hamlet in Markham, just north of Toronto, with tons of small-town charm.
Main Street Unionville is the main draw, a flower-lined street where you'll find cafes, restaurants, bakeries, independent shops and boutiques and more. Throughout the year, Main Street Unionville also hosts a variety of events, such as concerts, markets and holiday festivities.
If the town feels like Stars Hollow, that's because it basically is Stars Hollow — Unionville served as the fictional New England town in the pilot episode of Gilmore Girls, and many spots in town can be seen in the show.
Unionville's gazebo, which can be found on Main Street and is decorated for each season, even served as inspiration for the well-known town gazebo in the show.
You can embark on a self-guided tour of Unionville to catch all of the sights and stops featured in the series. Unionville's historic buildings are a highlight of the area, so be sure to stop for a pic.
Unionville 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.
