Please complete your profile to unlock commenting and other important features.

Please select your date of birth for special perks on your birthday. Your username will be your unique profile link and will be publicly used in comments.
Narcity Pro

This is a Pro feature.

Time to level up your local game with Narcity Pro.

Pro

$5/month

$40/year

  • Everything in the Free plan
  • Ad-free reading and browsing
  • Unlimited access to all content including AI summaries
  • Directly support our local and national reporting and become a Patron
  • Cancel anytime.
For Pro members only Pro
Summary

7 Towns Near Toronto With Cute Boutiques Where You Can Spoil Yourself All Summer Long

If you're not ready to return to the mall!
Lead Writer, Travel

Summer is the season for beaches, ice cream dates, and day trips to cute towns. If you're in need of some retail therapy, these places across Ontario are perfect to explore. You can enjoy quaint streets, historic villages, and unique shops at these spots. Call up your best fashion advisors and spend the day at one of Ontario's best shopping towns.

If you don't feel like spending your day inside of a mall, you can soak up the sun and get your shopping done by strolling through these charming places.

These towns and cities around Ontario are perfect for window shopping, and you can find all sorts of unique items while supporting local businesses.

With adorable cafes, waterfront views, and dreamy stores, you can shop until you drop. 

Elora is always a must-visit, especially in the summer, when you can make a stop at the nearby quarry after.

The charming town boasts a string of interesting shops, and you can find everything from ice cream to jewelry.

St. Jacobs is another beautiful place to spend the day. Once you're done visiting the shops, you can head to the farmer's market for more goods.

Put on your comfy shoes and get ready to shop at these towns!

Elora

Address: Elora, ON

Why You Need To Go: Situated along the picturesque Grand River, this quaint town boasts lots of unique shops and old-time vibes.

St. Jacobs

Address: St. Jacobs, ON

Why You Need To Go: This charming village is the perfect spot to wander through on a sunny day. You can get delicious treats at the bakery, and even visit the nearby farmer's market.

Kingston

Address: Kingston, ON

Why You Need To Go: Set on the shores of Lake Ontario, this historic town offers lots of shopping and top restaurants.

Niagara-On-The-Lake

Address: Niagara-On-The-Lake, ON

Why You Need To Go: Nestled amongst lush vineyards, this town has picturesque streets filled with shops to explore.

Port Hope

Address: Port Hope, ON

Why You Need To Go: With colourful buildings lining the streets, you can fill up your shopping bag at this cheery historic spot.

Stratford

Address: Stratford, ON

Why You Need To Go: This city may be known for its theatre and Justin Bieber, but it also boasts lots of unique stores where you can find just about anything. Rheo Thompson Candies is a must-visit for all chocolate lovers.

Bayfield

Address: Bayfield, ON

Why You Need To Go: This thriving beach town is brimming with shops, patios, and galleries that will keep you busy all day long.

We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.

  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

This enchanting small town set on a BC island was named among North America's 'most peaceful'

Sandy beaches, ancient forests and a cozy town — anyone?. 🌲

New data reveals the 'most peaceful' places to live and Canadian towns demolished US ones

Five Canadian towns were named the most serene on the continent. 🍁

Canada's housing market is set to get cheaper and 5 cities are dropping more than Toronto

A buyer's market is finally taking shape across much of Canada. 🏡

This Ontario gem with waterfront towns and beaches is one of Canada's 'best' spots to live

It has "large" homes "priced much lower" than major Canadian cities.