9 VIA Rail trips from Toronto that take you to enchanting small towns
No car? No problem!
A person standing on a historic street. Right: A historic small town.
You can spend a day or more wandering along historic streets, discovering cute cafes, lounging on sandy beaches and more at these enchanting spots.
Here are nine VIA Rail trips from Toronto that take you to beautiful small towns.
Toronto to Gananoque
Price: $80 + round trip
Address: Gananoque, ON
Why You Need To Go: Situated in the 1000 Islands, this waterfront town is a magical place to spend some summer days. It's a 3 hour train ride from Toronto, making it a great spot for a weekend getaway.
According to the website, you can expect "breathtaking views from all angles and discover the warmth and hospitality of the people that call this place home."
This small town escape offers historic streets, cute shops, and lots of outdoor activities. You can catch a show at the 1000 Islands Playhouse and take a cruises around the scenic area.
Toronto to Stratford
Price: $70 + round trip
Address: Stratford, ON
Why You Need To Go: Stratford is a city with small town vibes and it's just a two hour train ride away from Toronto.
The area boasts an enchanting Main Street brimming with shops as well as endless local restaurants and cafes to enjoy.
You'll definitely want to see a show while visiting this spot, as Stratford is known for its theatre scene.
From museums to walking tours and drool-worthy food trails, Stratford is an idyllic spot for a little getaway.
Toronto to Grimsby
Price: $46 + round trip
Address: Grimsby, ON
Why You Need To Go: Destination Niagara Falls describes this town as a "picturesque community with manicured parks, sandy beaches, and a bustling downtown core." Located just over an hour from Toronto by train, this destination is a great spot to unwind.
During the warmer months, you can head to one of the fruit farms in the area to pick some fresh produce. There are also several scenic trails and hikes surrounding the town where you can get lost in nature.
One of the most unique things to do in Grimsby is view the beach cottages, also know as the Grimsby Painted Ladies. These colourful cottages are straight out of a fairytale and come in all sorts of vibrant shades.
Toronto to Oakville
Price: $40 + round trip
Address: Oakville, ON
Why You Need To Go: This enchanting destination is less than 30 minutes from Toronto by train. Oakville has endless things to do, from exploring the quaint downtown to dining at drool-worthy restaurants and strolling by the water.
There are hundreds of boutiques and shops to check out with goods ranging from home decor to fashion and jewelry.
If you're a history buff, you can check out some of the local museums and exhibits throughout the town. There are also a range of art galleries and events to enjoy.
You don't want to miss out on a walk by the lake during the warmer months.
Toronto to Cobourg
Price: $48 + round trip
Address: Cobourg, ON
Why You Need To Go: This lakeside small town is a charming spot to escape for a day or two. According to the website, you can enjoy "unique architectural landmarks and great shopping, dining, galleries and theatre, a spectacular white sand beach and beautiful waterfront."
You can spend your getaway lounging on the sandy shores, taking in the sparkling water views. The beach features old-school lifeguard stations and a scenic boardwalk along the shore.
The historic downtown is full of quaint buildings, shops and eateries. You can go on self-guided tours around the town and even find filming locations from movies and shows like Ginny & Georgia.
Toronto to Port Hope
Price: $40 + round trip
Address: Port Hope, ON
Why You Need To Go: An hour away from Toronto, you can discover this historic small town that's brimming with charm.
The area features a "gorgeous sand beach," according to the website, and is "filled to the brim with 19th century architecture and incredible stories."
During the summer, you can hang out on sandy beaches and enjoy paddle boarding and more.
There are many trails and hiking spots surrounding the town where you can enjoy nature.
You don't want to miss out on the local cuisine or charming cafes scattered throughout the old-world town.
Toronto to St. Marys
Price: $74 + round trip
Address: St. Marys, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can take a 2 hour and 40 minute train ride to this quaint little town. St. Marys is full of historic vibes and is "set against the picturesque backdrop of the Thames River and Trout Creek junction," according to the website.
During the summer months, you can head to St. Marys Quarry, "Canada's largest outdoor freshwater swimming pool." This dreamy swimming hole features cliff jumping, a water trampoline, a Super Splash Waterpark, picnic areas and more to enjoy.
You can also take in the views from the from the Grand Trunk Trail trestle, grab a coffee at one of the charming cafes, enjoy the limestone architecture downtown, check out the St. Marys Museum and visit the Farmers' Market.
The historic VIA station is home to the Station Gallery where you can see regional art.
Toronto to Ingersoll
Price: $68 round trip
Address: Ingersoll, ON
Why You Need To Go: Located just under two hours from Toronto in scenic Oxford County, Ingersoll is a charming escape from the bustle of the city.
From exploring the array of downtown shops to wandering through the many parks and grabbing a treat at the Olde Bakery Café, you'll have no shortage of things to do.
The Ingersoll Cheese & Agricultural Museum lets you learn all about the town's local history and the Elm Hurst Inn & Country Spa is the perfect spot to get pampered.
Ingersoll website
Toronto to Georgetown
Price: $40 + round trip
Address: Georgetown, ON
Why You Need To Go: Located just 45 minutes away from Toronto, Georgetown is a charming spot for a day trip. The town is full of hidden gems, from delicious restaurants to art studios and more.
You can browse through the many local shops or check out the Downtown Georgetown Farmers' Market for some fresh produce and other goods.
Enjoy some time away from the city at these beautiful small towns just a train ride away from Toronto.
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.
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