Small towns in Ontario are the perfect escape for a quick getaway from the big city, and there are so many charming destinations within a short drive away.
Whether you’re in the mood for an adventure-packed weekend full of hiking and waterfalls or would rather explore wineries and up-and-coming culinary hot spots, we’ve compiled eight of the best small towns for your next staycation.
1. Paris
While you won’t find the Eiffel Tower or Champs-Élysées in Ontario’s Paris, this is one of the prettiest small towns in Canada. Kayaking and tubing on the Grand River are among the many popular activities attracting visitors. If you consider yourself to be an adventurous type, Paris is perfect for long hikes, following cycling trails, and flyfishing. Head to Grand River Street for some shopping in local boutiques. From designer clothes and jewellery to the hand made designs at The Gem Marketplace, there is no end to the gems you’ll find.
Named one of the prettiest small towns in Canada, you’ll see European inspiration everywhere you turn, from the cobblestone homes on the edge of the Grand River to intimate cafes and trendy shops. Book a high tea experience at Tea on the Grand overlooking the river, or pop into Wincey Mills, a market set in a historic building that’s operated for over a century.
📍 Brant County, Ontario
🚗Driving distance from Toronto: 111 km = about 1hr 9 min
2. Port Hope
Boasting a rich history and quaint downtown featuring a picturesque river running right through it, Port Hope is so charming it has been featured in tons of films and television shows. You’ll find 19th-century architecture everywhere you turn, tons of boutiques, galleries, and eateries.
For nature-lovers, the town also is home to two main beaches East Beach and West Beach, as well as the Ganaraska Forest, a 12,000-acre nature preserve popular for hiking, biking, and birdwatching.
📍 Northumberland County, Ontario
🚗Driving distance from Toronto: 108 km = about 1h 10 min
3. Elora
A.J. Casson of the Group of Seven painters once called Elora “Ontario’s most beautiful village”, and it’s easy to see why, with its mix of small town charm and abundant natural beauty. From ziplining through the Elora Gorge to cycling along the 47-kilometre Elora Cataract Trailway, it’s the perfect escape for outdoor lovers.
Treat yourself to a massage at the award-winning Elora Mill Hotel and Spa after exploring downtown Elora’s 19th century architecture. In the summer months, be sure to take a dip at the Elora Quarry, featuring a sandy beach surrounded by limestone cliffs.
📍Wellington County, Ontario
🚗Driving distance from Toronto: 114 km = about 1h 40 min
4. Galt
Perched on the Grand River, the charming town of Galt transports you to a Europe with its well-preserved Victorian buildings. Stroll through the Cambridge Farmer’s Market, one of the oldest in Canada and pick up produce, handmade crafts, and more.
Treat yourself to a meal at the upscale Cambridge Mill restaurant, see the ruins of the old mill at Mill Race Park, or take a long walk along the Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail, which extends 18.7 km through lush Carolinian forest.
📍Waterloo, Ontario
🚗Driving distance from Toronto: 98 km = about 1h 20 min
5. Creemore
Deriving its name from the Irish phrase “croí mór”, meaning “big heart”, it comes as no surprise that this pretty town in the heart of Ontario’s countryside is referred to as “the village with a big heart.” Discover a true sense of community, plenty of spots for hiking, cycling trails, and scenic drives through rolling hills just 90 minutes from Toronto.
Stop by Creemore Springs Brewery for a beer tasting, which are fire-brewed in their traditional copper kettle using local spring water. Get your steps in with a hike to the Nottawasaga Lookout, boasting panoramic views of the Niagara Escarpment before grabbing a bite at the Creemore Bakery and Cafe.
📍 Simcoe County, Ontario
🚗Driving distance from Toronto: 124 km = about 1h 30 min
6. Thornbury
Thornbury is an underrated hidden gem located near Collingwood found along Georgian Bay’s coastline. Boasting hiking trails, year-round outdoor activities, wineries, shops, and more, there’s so much to do and see in this small town.
Thornbury is also part of the Apple Pie Trail, which you can follow for apple pie-themed stops including bakeries, cideries, restaurants, and more.
📍 Grey County, Ontario
🚗Driving distance from Toronto: 172 km = about 2h 10 min
7. Picton
Located in Prince Edward County, a wine region in Ontario, Picton is a little town with a lot to offer. Locals adore The Miller House Cafe Brasserie specializing in tapas and sharing platters. Grab an unforgettable ice cream with sprinkles from Slickers Ice Cream and wander down the beautiful streets.
Although most getaways are about relaxing, Macauley Heritage Park is an historic site worth taking the time to visit. What’s more, you can test your wine tasting skills at TerraCello Winery or catch the 1915 Malborough Flyer Steam Train from the Picton Railway Station for a picture-perfect railway journey through a valley of vineyards, wetlands, and across the Wairau River.
📍 Prince Edward County, Ontario
🚗Driving distance from Toronto: 213 km = about 2h 30 min
8. Niagara-on-the-Lake
While nearby Niagara Falls is one of the province’s most popular tourist destinations, Niagara-on-the-Lake is its more elegant sibling, home to stunning vineyards, tree-lined cobblestone streets, and a downtown that looks straight out of a Hallmark movie.
The town also has a reputation as the culinary capital of Canada, where you can find everything from elevated afternoon tea to farm-to-table fare. If you’d like to extend your stay, consider the 124 on Queen, a boutique-style accommodation with an onsite spa located right on the town’s picturesque Queen Street, just steps away from tons of shops, cafes, galleries, and restaurants.
📍 Niagara County, Ontario
🚗Driving distance from Toronto: 129 km = about 1h 22 min