This 2.5-hour train ride from Toronto takes you to a beautiful village with European vibes

It's known as the "Stonetown."

Lead Writer, Travel

You don't need a car to visit this enchanting small town in Ontario. Located a train ride away from Toronto, this destination is brimming with charm and European vibes.

You can spend your days exploring cute local shops, enjoying treats at the cafes, and checking out the area's attractions.

St. Marys is a beautiful village nestled along the shores of the Thames River. It's known as The "Stonetown" due to its distinctive architecture built with locally sourced limestone.

You'll feel like you're wandering through a little European village as you explore the quaint streets lined with stone buildings.

VIA Rail offers trips between Toronto and St. Marys, taking just over two and a half hours to reach your destination.

The train station is located right downtown, allowing easy access to attractions, boutiques, and more. From bookstores to second-hand shops, the town offers a range of shopping opportunities.

You can grab a bite to eat at resturants like Social Thirty-One or Gilly's Pubhouse St. Marys, or enjoy a beverage at Snapping Turtle Coffee Roasters.

Some of the town's attractions include the St. Marys Museum and the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum.

During the summer, you'll want to head to the St. Marys Quarry, "Canada's largest outdoor freshwater swimming pool," according to St. Marys Tourism.

Hop on a train and check out this beautiful small town next time you're craving a getaway.

Toronto to St. Marys

Price: $76 + per VIA Rail ticket

St. Marys Tourism 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.

  • 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.

Sobeys issued a food recall for a bunch of products sold across Canada due to listeria

The recalled foods were sold in almost every province at Sobeys and its affiliates like Co-Op, Foodland, IGA, Safeway and Thrifty Foods.

Canada Child Benefit is giving up to $666 per child with the payment in April

Parents and caregivers will get a direct deposit or cheque soon!

9 federal tax credits that could reduce how much you owe on your tax return this year

If you don't want to owe the government money, these tax credits could help!

IKEA has a new type of store and the first location in Canada will be in Ontario

This new small-format store is expected to open in the fall.

University of Toronto is hiring for these high-paying jobs with salaries up to $200,000

There are openings at the St. George, Scarborough and Mississauga campuses.

18 rare Canadian coins you might have in your change that could be worth money someday

These coins are "more exclusive" than regular loonies and toonies.

Mark Carney says floor-crossing MPs will have to adopt Liberal 'values'

The latest floor crosser previously supported the "Freedom Convoy," abortion restrictions and more.

Canadian detained by ICE for 3 weeks with her child describes 'mentally torturing' treatment

Despite getting released last week, the B.C. native says she still has to wear an "illegal" ankle monitor.