Here are 10 romantic small towns near Toronto to visit with your loved one this summer.
Southampton
Address: Southampton, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you're craving a beach getaway with your boo, Southampton is a romantic destination to escape to.
The quaint beach town is located about 3 hours away from Toronto and it's full of historic charm.
According to the website, the town "is known for its beautiful and unspoiled sandy beach" which "stretches for kilometres and is home to rare dune grass."
You can stroll through the Dunes System, gaze out at Chantry island and splash through the water together.
The town also boasts walking trails, local shops and water sports.
The Beach Motel is a romantic spot to book an overnight stay complete with a spa and rooftop patio.
Visit Southampton website
Bayfield
Address: Bayfield, ON
Why You Need To Go: Endless charm awaits at this lakeside town. Bayfield will have you feeling like you've stepped into a storybook and is a lovely spot for a getaway with a loved one.
According to the town's website, you can take a "stress-free countryside road trip where you [will] find one-of-a-kind boutique shopping, unique restaurants, wineries, breweries, hiking, accommodations, and more."
The town is like a "Hallmark experience" and is lined with cute shops and restaurants.
You can take a trip to one of the three beaches and soak up some sun for a romantic outing.
Village of Bayfield website
Cobourg
Address: Cobourg, ON
Why You Need To Go: Located two hours away from Toronto, this beach town paradise is a great spot to visit for a day or longer with your favourite person.
The small town is known for its dreamy white sand beach and you'll "swear you’re sitting somewhere ocean-side in the Caribbean," according to the website.
The town also has a "lively arts scene" and you can spend some time visiting the art gallery or concert hall.
Experience Cobourg website
Elora
Address: Elora, ON
Why You Need To Go: This enchanting small town is just over an hour from Toronto and it will whisk you away to Europe. With old-world buildings and picturesque streets, it will have you feeling like you're in a Disney movie.
There are many shops to explore as well as restaurants with sun-filled patios where you can enjoy local cuisine.
You won't want to miss out on a trip to the Elora Quarry which features a turquoise swimming hole and towering limestone cliffs.
You can also go on a tubing adventure through the gorge and hike along some of the scenic trails.
Elora website
Blue Mountain Village
Address: 156 Jozo Weider Blvd., The Blue Mountains, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you're looking for a fun-filled getaway with your loved one, Blue Mountain Village is the place to be. The pedestrian village is full of European charm and offers a range of activities to enjoy.
From shopping at the many stores lining the cobblestone streets to filling up on drool-worthy food on a patio, the Village has something for everyone.
You can also enjoy relaxing spa dates, rides on the mountain coaster, an open-air gondola and more.
Blue Mountain Village website
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Address: Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Why You Need To Go: Niagara-on-the-Lake is a super romantic getaway spot to visit year-round. The village was even named among the 25 best destinations in the world for a honeymoon in Tripadvisor's Traveler's Choice Awards.
Offering cozy inns, local restaurants, quaint shops and historic charm, you'll want to spend more than a day here.
The town is surrounded by wineries so you can spend your time sipping boozy drinks and wandering through lush vineyards.
You can also cool off with an ice cream cone at the iconic COWS parlour.
Located around an hour and a half from the city, this is spot makes for magical getaway spot.
Niagara-on-the-Lake website
Paris
Address: Paris, ON
Why You Need To Go: It doesn't get more romantic than a trip to Paris! While this destination may not be the iconic French city, it still offers tons of charm and beauty and is just over an hour from Toronto.
The village has been dubbed the "Cobblestone Capital of Canada" due to the many historic buildings you can find there.
You can explore the shops and local market and enjoy a meal at one of the rooftop patios which gaze over the Grand River.
There are many outdoor activities to enjoy, from tubing to hiking and more.
Downtown Paris website
Picton
Address: Picton, ON
Why You Need To Go: Nestled in beautiful Prince Edward County, this charming village is a magical spot for a getaway with your favourite person.
The destination is about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Toronto, making it a great spot for a weekend getaway.
There are many cute shops to check out, as well as a number of wineries and breweries where you can grab a boozy drink.
One of the most popular things to do in the area is visit Sandbanks Provincial Park, which boasts endless rolling dunes and sparkling waters.
Experience Picton website
Perth
Address: Perth, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you're looking for European charm, this small town is the place to be. Located 3 and a half hours from Toronto, the enchanting town of Perth has old-world vibes and endless romance.
There are a number of festivals to enjoy during the summer months, as well as theatres, music, studio tours, galleries and more to explore.
According to the website, the town has "a restaurant roster that ranges from delicious pub eats to mouth-watering fine dining to thirst-quenching brews and spirits" so you'll want to come hungry.
Perth Tourism website
Stratford
Address: Stratford, ON
Why You Need To Go: Located just under 2 hours from Toronto, Stratford is a super romantic spot to bring your boo.
The destination is known for its theatre scene and you can enjoy a range of performances this summer.
It also offers a delectable food scene complete with pubs, fine dining and a drool-worthy chocolate trail that will have you feeling sweet.
From strolling through the Shakespearean Gardens to floating along the Avon River in a paddleboat, there are lots of romantic activities to enjoy.
Visit Stratford 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.
