7 beautiful small towns 3 hours or less from Toronto that are a slice of summer paradise
Sun rays and beach days await! ☀️
A beach town in Ontario. Right: A building in an Ontario small town.
There are still a few weeks left of the summer season and it's not too late to plan a warm-weather getaway from Toronto.
You can soak up some sun in these enchanting small towns near Toronto and enjoy the last bit of summer. These charming villages make for idyllic city escapes where you'll find sandy shores, historic vibes and more.
All located three hours or less from Toronto, these small towns are brimming with things to do and are beautiful destinations to visit for a day trip or longer getaway. Start your engines and take a summer trip to these dreamy villages for the ultimate warm-weather adventure.
Gananoque
This historic lakeside town will make you feel like you've stepped into Europe and it will take you around three hours to drive there from Toronto. It boasts quaint stone buildings and sparkling waters. As a region of the Thousand Islands, there are endless summer activities to enjoy in Gananoque and nearby Kingston. From boat cruises to hiking trails and theatre performances at the Thousand Islands Playhouse, you can have a fun little getaway in this town.
Port Stanley
If you're craving a beach getaway, you'll want to head to this charming small town located two and a half hours from Toronto, just south of London on Lake Erie. Port Stanley is home to a gorgeous sandy beach with warm water and East Coast vibes. You can spend your time exploring Port Stanley Harbour or shopping at the boutiques.
Southampton
You can take a three-hour road trip to this dreamy beach town on the coast of Lake Huron. Boasting dune-filled shores, turquoise waters and breathtaking pink sunsets, it is like a mini trip to the tropics. The town itself is home to cute cafes and local shops to explore.
Sauble Beach
Dubbed the "Daytona of the North," Sauble Beach is a beautiful spot for a warm-weather getaway. The tiny beach town has powdery shores and breathtaking sunsets and is located three hours from Toronto, near Bruce Peninsula. You can grab some grub from the Casero Taco Bus on your day trip or book a longer stay at the retro June Motel.
Elora
Known as "Ontario's most beautiful village," Elora is a popular summer destination located an hour and a half away from Toronto, near Guelph. The town is home to beautiful historic buildings, unique local shops and stunning landscapes. One of the most iconic things to do in Elora is to visit the quarry. The turquoise swimming hole is surrounded by limestone cliffs and has a small sandy beach.
Creemore
The town of Creemore is an hour-and-45-minute drive from Toronto, just west of Barrie, and makes for a dreamy summer day trip. The area will whisk you back in time with its historic streets and shops. You can take a trip to the Creemore Springs Brewery and even check out North America's smallest jail. The dreamy Purple Hill Lavender Farm is also worth a visit.
Picton
Located about two and a half hours away from Toronto, Picton is brimming with summer charm. The small town is best known for Sandbanks Provincial Park, a scenic area home to three white sand beaches. Picton is also part of Price Edward County, an destination renowned for its wineries. You can take a wine tour and explore leafy vineyards for a boozy summer adventure.
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.
This article has been updated since it was originally published on June 25, 2023.