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Summary

8 Secret Spots In Toronto That Will Whisk You Away With Small Town Vibes

Escape the city without leaving it!
Lead Writer, Travel

Just because you're in a big city, it doesn't mean you can't get some of that small-town charm.

Toronto's secret small town escapes will make you feel like you've ventured far outside the city.

From adorable cafes to rustic buildings, there are lots of places to enjoy a bit of serenity and quaintness.

Start your morning off by visiting the bakery for some fresh bread, or pick up a stunning bouquet of flowers that will bring some of the countryside into your home.

If you're in the mood for more village adventures, you can road trip to these places that are even more beautiful in the fall.

Skip your way over to some charming spots around Toronto and enjoy the small-town vibes.

Editor's Choice: Ontario’s New Haunted Escape Trail Opens Next Month & It's Like Being In A Horror Movie

Stackt Market

Price: Free admission

Address: 28 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: Explore your own tiny village at this unique shipping container market. Shop for local goods, indulge in some treats and take some Insta-worthy shots.

Rooster Coffee House

Price: Prices vary

Address: 479 Broadview Ave., Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: The Broadview location of this cafe boasts village vibes and warm brews. You'll definitely want to take home a bag of their award-winning blends. 

Edwards Gardens

Price: Free

Address: 755 Lawrence Ave. E., North York, ON

Why You Need To Go: Take a break from the bustle of the city and stroll through a serene garden. Adjacent to the Toronto Botanical Gardens, Edwards Gardens is teeming with roses, wildflowers and rhododendrons in the Spring. 

Brodflour

Price: Prices vary

Address: 8 Pardee Ave., Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: Start your day small-town style by visiting this charming bakery. You can indulge in sandwiches, sweet treats and more.

North Standard Trading Post

Price: Prices vary

Address: 1662 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: This quaint shop has all the charm of a rustic cabin. Leather couches and durable wares provide a little country retail escape from the city. 

May Flowers

Price: Prices vary

Address: 1020 St. Clair Ave. W., Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: Shop for some stunning bouquets at this flower shop and cafe. You can also get potted plants and gifts there so it's a perfect spot for weekend browsing. 

Evergreen Brick Works

Price: Free

Address: 550 Bayview Ave., Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: Shop for local produce at the Evergreen Brick Works Farmers Market, and explore the lovely surrounding trails. You can also stop into their Garden Market for crafts and seasonal products. 

Kew Gardens

Price: Free

Address: 2075 Queen St. E., Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: Wander through this spacious park that looks as though it was plucked from a small town. There's an ice rink in the winter and an enclosed fire pit to warm up by afterwards. If you're visiting in the summer, be sure to check out the wading pool or lay a blanket out on the grassy fields. 

Before you get going, check our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.

  • 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.

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