11 Stunning Small Towns In Ontario
Ontario is a province that does not often get the spotlight for stunning scenery. While Alberta and British Columbia have the Canadian Rockies, and Prince Edward Island is renowned for its coastal villages, most people know Ontario for its big cities, such as Toronto. However, the province is full of beautiful small towns full of history and natural scenery. From the charming art galleries in Ontario's own Paris to the Niagara Escarpment in Grimsby, Ontario is a province full of stunning small towns to explore. Delve into eleven of them that you should consider visiting on your next Ontario adventure.
Paris
Ontario has its own Paris, almost as romantic as the iconic French city. The hidden gem has streets lined with historic buildings and cute cafes. Walking through the town, stop at the Arlington Hotel to experience the grandiosity of the town's 19th-century history. Stop at the Penman’s Dam for a picnic and enjoy a relic of the town's industrial past. Beyond history, Paris has a thriving art scene. From the intricate murals decorating buildings to the charming art galleries lining streets, Paris is a town where visitors can feel the artistic spirit. The Bohemian Art Gallery is a great place to stop to see a unique variety of artists. The Dog Eared Café is a cute spot to enjoy a coffee afterward or stop in for an art event, such as a poetry night.
Paris is also near the Grand River, and surrounded by lush greenery, making it the perfect place for a leisurely walk or afternoon kayaking adventure. The town is a relaxing escape from the hustle of nearby cities such as Brantford and Kitchener. Walk the scenic Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail to enjoy a different view of the town.
Port Rowan
Port Rowan is a quaint lakeside town on the shores of Lake Erie. This is a town where time slows down and visitors can relax on the beach or enjoy a stroll through the nearby Long Point Biosphere Reserve. The Long Point Biosphere is a refuge for migrating birds and many species at risk, such as the Eastern Fox Snake or Blanding’s Turtle. Walking through the forests, visitors can expect to see a diversity of wildlife from birds to snakes. Port Rowan is a great town for birdwatching and snapping photos of wildlife. Birds Canada is also headquartered in Port Rowan. Avid birders should check out what workshops and events the organization is hosting.
For a more adventurous day, check out Big Creek. Nicknamed the Canadian Amazon, the river is a beloved spot for rafting. Afterward, head to Long Point Eco Adventurers for ax throwing or a tasty meal from the Marshview Patio. Spend the rest of the day strolling along the cute downtown lined with shops and eateries. Stop in at Twins Ice Cream Parlor for a refreshing snack.
Lion's Head
Lion's Head is a popular town between Owen Sound and Tobermory. However, the town itself has stunning views to admire and charming qualities, making it worth at least a visit. Lion's Head itself is a very small town, with a population of just over six hundred people. While this means there aren't a lot of big stores or buildings to see, there is a lot of great natural scenery, and options around town for stargazing and relaxing in nature. There are so many beautiful rock formations to see and amazing views of Lake Huron's Georgian Bay at Lion’s Head Provincial Park.
In town, enjoy an afternoon soaking in the rays at Lion's Head's beach. Afterward, check out the Lion's Head Harbor Lighthouse. For a more adventurous day, head to Lion’s Head lookout trail for a beautiful hike. Later, check out the geological wonder of Greig's Caves.
Goderich
Declared "the prettiest town in Canada", according to Queen Elizabeth II, Goderich is a town with historic buildings, pretty beaches, and cute shops. In the summertime, enjoy the town's beaches, stretching across the shores of Lake Huron. The waterfront in Goderich has a 1.5-kilometer boardwalk that is over 10 feet wide, connecting the beaches, making them easily accessible. The boardwalk also makes for a nice leisurely morning stroll. There are many benches along the walk as well, so visitors can stop and enjoy a scenic view or sunset.
The main beaches in Goderich include the Main Beach, St. Christopher's Beach, and Rotary Cove Beach. A must-see for all visitors is the Goderich Lighthouse. The small lighthouse is striking against the backdrop of the bright, blue Lake Huron. Downtown Goderich is full of beautiful historic buildings. To learn about the town's history, check out the Huron County Museum or the Goderich Co-op Gallery.
Port Stanley
Another town on the shores of one of Ontario's Great Lakes is Port Stanley. Sitting on the northern shore of Lake Erie, Port Stanley is a colorful town, with beaches, art galleries, and numerous charming restaurants. The beautiful beaches are the biggest draw for visitors going to Port Stanley. The Main Beach is stunning and was even awarded official Blue Flag status, meaning that the beach meets high environmental and cleanliness standards. The Main Beach at Por Stanley can get crowded on hot summer weekends, but with the beautiful views, it is easy to see why people flock here.
After a day at the beach, stop in at the local favorite Mackie's restaurant for the town's famous Orangeade drink. For beautiful lookout points of the beach, venture over to the Port Stanley lighthouse and pier. The pier is a long walkway with multiple benches that offers scenic views of the beach. It is the perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy the beach vistas.
Bayfield
Those looking for a quiet getaway should consider visiting the small town of Bayfield. With tree-lined streets, heritage buildings, and a nearby quiet beach, the town is undeniably charming. The heart of the town is a walkable street lined with cute shops such as the Village Bookshop and The Gravy Boat.
For a refreshment, stop in at the local favorite spot, the Pink Flamingo Bakery & Boutique, for a pink lemonade. Strolling through town, stop in at the galleries to admire the art from the area. The Bayfield Art Gallery, Patina, and Marten Arts Gallery are great spots to see handcrafted work that reflects the area's charm.
Grimsby
Located near Lake Ontario and the scenic Niagara Escarpment, Grimsby is a pretty town with everything from outdoor wonders to interesting historic sites. The town is near the popular Canadian attraction Niagara Falls. One of the town's most unique attractions is the old 19th-century Methodist camp. Where the camp once was now stand whimsical, candy-colored Victorian cottages. This colorful neighborhood is worth strolling through and is a great spot for pretty pictures.
Beyond the colorful buildings, Grimsby also has a stunning natural landscape being part of the Niagara Escarpment. To enjoy the outdoors, head to Beamer Memorial Conservation Area for a hike or venture to the nearby Bruce Trail access point for a hike. Grimsby is also a well-known town for wine. Visit Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery to sample wine and take in the beautiful surrounding vistas.
Elora
Elora is a town with the perfect mix of downtown and nature. Nestled near the Grand River, Elora's downtown seems to be off the pages of a storybook. There are plenty of cafes, cute eateries and quaint shops lining the downtown streets. The Mermaid is a quirky shop, known for selling a unique variety of things including everything from postcards to door knobs.
Stop in at the Elora Centre for Arts to see the products you can buy from local artists. The downtown also has lots of green space. At the intersection of Mill and Metcalfe, check out the Elora Green Space, the perfect spot for a break. Sit in the Muskoka chairs, and enjoy looking at the Tall Man Sculpture. While downtown, enjoy strolling over the Jack R MacDonald Bridge, which offers a stunning view of the Grand River and the Elora Mill. For rest and relaxation, stop in at the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa.
A day visiting Elora would not be complete without stopping to see the Elora Gorge. Spend an afternoon on the water, soaking in the lush greenery along the Grand River. There is the option to go tubing in the Elora Gorge or go swimming in the Quarry. Those who would rather enjoy views of water from the trail should check out the Cataract Trail. The trail is just under 30 miles and runs between Elora and Forks of the Credit. There are different parking lots to access the trail at different points.
St. Jacobs
Just outside the city of Waterloo and Kitchener is the gorgeous small town of St. Jacobs. The town may be small, but it is steeped in history. Travel back in time with a visit to the town's railway station or Mennonite Museum. The railway offers rides through the village, offering a chance to slow down and enjoy the rural scenery. St Jacob's markets are a big part of what draws in visitors. The town boasts the biggest year-round farmer's market and flea market in all of Canada. Stop in and grab fresh fruit and vegetables from the local Mennonite farmers.
Afterward, head over to the Antique market for vintage finds. The St. Jacobs Antique Market features over 100 trade booths so everyone is bound to find something to their liking. This is a great spot to admire relics from the past.
Mono
Mono is a small town just outside of Toronto and close to Orangeville. It is a popular spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Ontario's big cities. One of the most popular ways to enjoy the natural scenery of the area is by visiting the local Provincial Park, Mono Cliffs. A reservation is required for parking. Here, visitors can enjoy unique vistas of lush forests and cliffsides. The park is in an area that is part of the Bruce Trail and is a great spot for hiking.
Another nearby natural area to enjoy is the Island Lake Conservation Area. Here, there are plenty of walking trails, picnic spots, and a stunning lake perfect for a canoe trip. This stunning region has rolling hills that perfectly emulate Ontario's countryside.
Kenora
Kenora, in far northern Ontario by the Manitoba border, is part of the famed Sunset Country, an area that lives up to its name and is known for striking sunsets. The town is home to the Lake of the Woods, a beautiful lake dotted with islands and a picturesque shoreline. Enjoy a kayaking trip on the lake or take the M.S. Kenora Cruise for a relaxing view of the lake and surrounding natural scenery. Those feeling a little adventurous can even sleep on the lake with the Ontario Wilderness Houseboats.
For more natural beauty, head to the nearby Rushing River Provincial Park. Just a short drive from the town, the park has trails, waterfalls, and a beautiful picnic area. In Kenora, go for a stroll through the city center and stop at the shops, boutiques, and galleries. Make sure to grab a photo with the town's iconic Husky the Muskie” statue, a 40-foot-tall muskellunge fish.
Overall, Ontario is home to many stunning towns. These eleven showcase the variety of natural and historic beauty across the province. St Jacob's is a great town to learn history and visit a charming local farmers market. Port Rowan is a beautiful beach town perfect for a relaxing day on the lake. And Kenora is a great town to watch sunsets and hit the trails. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or a traveler just looking for a cool new place, these Ontario towns have something for everyone. This year, consider adding one of them to your weekend road trip list.
