You don't need to hop on a plane in order to experience a little taste of Europe. This road trip map takes you to six European small towns near Toronto in just a few hours.
You can spend the day exploring quaint streets, indulging at delicious restaurants and soaking up that European charm without even leaving the province.
The trip takes about 3 hours one-way without stopping, so be sure to plan ahead and leave some time to explore the quaint destinations.
If you're dreaming of villages and a mini vacay, you can follow this map to six charming small towns near Toronto.
Erin
Why You Need To Go: The first stop on the road trip is Erin. Located about an hour from Toronto, this destination is known for its "scenic rural vistas, quaint shops and small town charm," according to the website.
With Irish heritage and "one of Ontario’s best-kept historic downtowns," it's a magical spot to explore.
You can take a trip along the Downtown Heritage Walking Trail which leads to Victorian-era architecture, a historic grist mill and more.
The downtown features a range of cute shops where you can find all sorts of goods including home decor, clothing and toys.
The Erin Farmers' Market is a great spot to find local produce and more. You can shop for fresh-picked fruits and vegetables, artisan jams and pickles, cut flowers, wines, maple syrup, baked goods, candles and more.
The village has a number of charming eateries where you can grab a meal or drink. The Tipsy Fox Pub & Grill is a great spot to enjoy pub-style food like burgers, shepherds pie and oven-baked penne.
If you're looking for a warm drink, head to the cozy Tin Roof Café where you'll find coffees, sandwiches and more. Another spot that isn't to be missed is Maddie Hatter, a whimsical tea shop that will whisk you away to Wonderland.
Fergus
Why You Need To Go: Next, you'll head to the quaint town of Fergus. The destination has a "rich Scottish heritage," according to the website, and is located about 35 minutes from Erin.
You'll feel as if you're wandering through Europe as you explore the historic downtown and quaint shops.
The town boasts limestone buildings, lush gardens, scenic trails and drool-worthy restaurants to enjoy.
There are also a number of festivals and events that take place throughout the year, such as Tartan Day, the Fergus Scottish Festival and Halloween Haunt.
You can spend the day exploring the main street, where you'll find a bookery, home decor, a chocolate shop and more.
There are a number of eateries to check out, including The Goofie Newfie which boasts beautiful river views and The Vault Coffee & Espresso Bar where you can indulge in baked goods and cozy drinks.
Elora
Why You Need To Go: You'll take a quick, 8 minute drive to the enchanting town of Elora. This destination also has Scottish roots — it was founded by Captain William Gilkison of Ayrshire, Scotland, according to Ontario Heritage Trust.
With its gorgeous limestone buildings and old-world streets, it's no surprise that Elora has some European influence.
Dubbed "Ontario's most beautiful village," this quaint town is full of scenic trails, unique shops, incredible restaurants, spas, and various attractions. Nestled on the edge of a gorge, it features stunning water views.
You can spend some time exploring local shops filled with all sorts of items from clothing to home decor and enjoy a variety of dining options.
If you're getting hungry, you can head to The Friendly Society, which is known for its brunch; Café Creperie, where you'll feel like you're in Paris; and The Wild Tart, where you can enjoy a whimsical afternoon tea.
Another highlight of the area is the Elora Quarry, a dreamy summer destination with towering limestone cliffs, a sandy beach, and turquoise waters perfect for a relaxing swim.
Elmira
Why You Need To Go: Fifteen minutes from Elora, you'll come across the small town of Elmira. This area was "settled primarily by emigrants from continental Germany," according to the Region of Waterloo Museums and you can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the historic downtown.
There are many beautiful trails and hiking spots surrounding the town so you can get out and stretch your legs.
The town is known for its Maple Syrup Festival, which is "the world's largest one-day maple syrup festival" and takes place in the spring each year.
Elmira is home to several local eateries where you can enjoy a meal. It also boasts some incredible baked goods, and you can grab some treats for the road at Elmira Donuts & Deli, which also offers meals and homemade dishes.
St. Jacobs
Why you need to go: The next stop is St. Jacobs Village, located just 8 minutes away from Elmira. According to the website, "The Village of St. Jacobs is a popular location for tourism, due to its quaint village appearance, retail focus and Mennonite heritage."
The area was settled in the early 1800s by primarily German emigrants.
This historic destination will whisk you back in time as you wander along its charming streets and explore the old-world buildings.
You won't want to miss out on a meal at one of the cozy bakeries or delicious restaurants, where you can find homemade goods and more.
There are many local shops to explore and you can find a range of products from toy stores to tea shops and more.
A visit to the iconic St. Jacobs Farmers' Market, located just outside the town, is a must. As Canada's largest year-round farmers' market, it's full of fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and more.
If you have room, you'll want to indulge in one of the famous apple fritters.
Stratford
Why you need to go: Stratford, while technically a city, is brimming with the quaint charm of a small town, making it a perfect destination to finish off your road trip. It's located about 45 minutes from Elmira and is worth the drive.
According to Britannica, Stratford received ints name to "honour the birthplace of William Shakespeare, at Stratford-upon-Avon in England," so you can expect some major British vibes here.
One of its main attractions, particularly during the warmer months, is the renowned Stratford Festival, where you can see a range of contemporary and classic plays.
Along the main street, you can enjoy window shopping at the local stores as you soak up the historic charm of the area. You can find an array of gifts, home decor items, and fashionable items.
For those with a sweet tooth, the Chocolate Trail is the place to be. This self-guided tour takes you to Stratford's iconic confectioners and bakeries and you can fill up on delicious treats at every stop.
Fans of Justin Bieber can even explore the town through the Justin Bieber Self-Guided Walking Tour, available at certain times of the year.
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.
