Here are five Ontario small towns that have received recognition for their gorgeous streets and charm.
Paris
Address: Paris, ON
Why You Need To Go: While it may not be Paris, France, this enchanting small town in Ontario still offers its fair share of charm and beauty. It's known as the "Cobblestone Capital of Canada" due to the many cobblestone buildings and houses that you can find there.
The town is also known for its stunning streets and has been named "The Prettiest Town in Canada" according to the website.
You can wander along historic streets and check out the cute local shops and boutiques along the way. Paris is a road trip from Toronto, making it a great spot for a little getaway.
The Paris Wincey Mills Co. is home to all sorts of goods from local vendors as well as cafes and eateries to enjoy.
You'll also want to check out Stillwaters! Plate & Pour, where you can dine on a rooftop patio with "a panoramic view of Paris and the Grand River with a focus on pure relaxation."
If you're feeling outdoorsy, you can head to the Grand River for a tubing adventure, or hike or cycle along the many scenic trails surrounding the town.
You can also plan a longer stay and book a unique room at the funky Arlington Hotel.
Downtown Paris website
Goderich
Address: Goderich, ON
Why You Need To Go: With shining turquoise waters, beautiful beaches and quaint streets, Goderich is worth adding to your bucket list. It's especially nice during the summer when you can enjoy the gorgeous waters of Lake Huron and soak up all the old-world charm.
According to the town's website, Goderich is known as "Canada's Prettiest Town," so you can expect endless beauty at this spot.
The town offers three dreamy beaches where you can take a dip and soak up some sun. The Main Beach is home to sandy shores and is an idyllic spot for families. St. Christopher's Beach has shady shores so you can enjoy some time out of the sun and Rotary Cove Beach is a shallow, sandy spot for a swim.
The town has "famous sunsets" so you'll want to stay late to catch one of these. You can see this colourful spectacle from the beaches or any of the 13 viewpoint parks at the top of the bluff.
The downtown area is unique due to its octagon shape. You'll find lots of boutiques and local shops as well as cafes, pubs and restaurants.
Goderich website
Merrickville
Address: Merrickville, ON
Why You Need To Go: You don't want to miss out on a trip to the enchanting small town of Merrickville. The destination was named "Canada's Most Beautiful Village" in 1998 by Communities in Bloom, and it will transport you back in time.
Perched along the shores of the Rideau Canal, this "unique and vibrant Victorian village" has small town charm and old-world beauty, according to the website.
The Merrickville Chamber website says that "Merrickville is renowned for its boutiques, which are filled with one-of-a-kind items made by local artists and artisans," so you'll want to do some shopping during your visit.
There's no shortage of spots to grab a bite to eat. Some restaurants in Merrickville include Yellow Canoe Cafe, The Goose & Gridiron and Mainstreet Family Restaurant.
If you're looking for an attraction to check out, you'll want to head to The Merrickville Blockhouse National Historic Site of Canada. It's "a fine example of the best type of blockhouses erected for the defence of the Rideau Canal about 1832," according to the website.
The Merrickville Lockstation is another interesting attraction to visit and you can find the ruins of a woollen mill and more.
Merrickville website
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Address: Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Why You Need To Go: This magical Victorian village is known for its charm and is nestled in the heart of wine country.
With its storybook streets and enchanting buildings, it's no surprise that this spot is known as the "prettiest town in Ontario," according to Niagara Falls Tourism.
The town has also been dubbed the "Culinary Capital of Canada," according to Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake, so you'll want to make some reservations at the local restaurants. From fine dining venues to wineries and pubs, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
The streets are lined with quaint shops where you can find clothing, sweet treats, home decor and more.
The town is home to some incredible hotels and spas, so if you're craving a weekend getaway or some pampering, this is the place to be. You can book a stay in spots like the iconic Prince of Wales or Pillar and Post.
Of course, you don't want to miss out on the surrounding wineries. With lush vineyards and amazing experiences, you can sip the day away at these places.
During the Christmas season, Niagara-on-the-Lake transforms into an "authentic Christmas village" filled with twinkling lights, events and more to enjoy.
Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake website
Elora
Why You Need To Go: This little village near Toronto is known for its beauty and charm. According to the website, it's been dubbed "Ontario's most beautiful village" and features European-like streets and old-world vibes.
The town is perched on the edge of a gorge, offering beautiful water views and peaceful trails.
You'll want to spend some time exploring the local shops, which are brimming with sweet treats, jewelry, clothing and more.
Of course, a day spent in a small town isn't complete without food, and you can find delicious meals at spots like The Friendly Society, Café Creperie and The Wild Tart.
One of the most iconic destinations in Elora is the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or day trip, this spot is a must-visit. The venue is home to a luxurious spa complete with an outdoor pool and hot tub as well as a restaurant where you can dig into some drool-worthy local cuisine.
Another popular destination in the area is the Elora Quarry. The dreamy swimming hole features giant limestone cliffs, a sandy beach and turquoise waters where you can take a dip. You'll have to make a reservation in advance, as this spot can get busy.
Elora 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.
