8 Ontario Towns With A Slower Pace Of Life
Home to Canada’s most populous city, Toronto, and the nation’s capital city, Ottawa, the province of Ontario is often viewed as a conglomeration of major urban regions. While Ontario has many cities, it also has a surprising array of smaller towns full of simpler pleasures. Not only can you find Canada’s own Paris, a historically gorgeous mill town, but you will also discover a charming lakeside village in cottage country, and a vibrant wine country region at the foot of one of North America’s most famous natural landmarks.
Whether you are looking for a rustic country weekend or a luxuriously scenic getaway, these eight Ontario towns with a slower pace of life are the kinds of places you will want to take your time to enjoy.
Paris
Located around 48 kilometres (or 30 miles) west of Hamilton, Paris is a lovely historic town at the confluence of the Grand and Nith Rivers. Head to Penman's Dam Park to launch your canoe or kayak into the open water, or visit at night to witness the “Lighting of the Paris Falls.” Nearby, you will also find The Paris Museum & Historical Society, where you can discover Paris’ interesting origin story and the backstory of the town’s charming cobblestone architecture. Or, for more quality time outside, take the Nith River Loop for hiking, biking, birding, and wintertime skiing by the river.
Once you are back in town, retreat to the Arlington Hotel for a beautifully restored historic landmark with 23 sleek and stylish rooms and suites.
Elora
Elora may be within easy reach of the Golden Horseshoe region, yet this town feels far removed from big city life with its soothing scenery and chill vibes. This definitely becomes clear upon reaching Elora Gorge Conservation Area, home to the magnificent 22 metre-tall cliffs of the Elora Gorge and prime Grand River rapids for kayaking and tubing. Also in town, you can check out Gerrie’s Farm Market for local produce and meats, as well as special treats like maple syrup and artisan jams. And at the Elora Centre for the Arts, you can find works by local artists at the gallery, along with interactive art workshops and an artisan shop for unique souvenirs.
Not only does Elora have a number of beautiful parks and pretty boutiques, but it is also home to Elora Mill. This was founded as a saw mill in 1833, then converted into a whiskey distillery in 1859, but it is now a luxury boutique hotel with well-appointed rooms and suites offering prime views of the Grand River and Elora Gorge.
Gravenhurst
Often called the “Gateway to Muskoka,” Gravenhurst is a scenic and serene corner of perhaps Ontario’s most beloved cottage country region. Take the Brydon's Bay Recreational Trail to stroll by white pine and hemlock groves and keep your eyes out for gulls and other local woodland animals. It is also worth visiting Ungerman Gateway Park to spot the remains of Camp 20, a German prisoner of war camp in operation during World War II, and the present-day swimming spot at Lorne Street Beach.
In the heart of town, you will find a number of fun and funky art galleries, boutiques, and historic landmarks. A top highlight has to be Arts at the Albion, the one-time Albion Hotel that originally opened in 1879, which is now a co-operative gallery featuring a wide variety of works by local artists, including woodwork, pottery, paintings, and stained glass. From there, make your way to Taboo Muskoka for a relaxing present-day resort with the on-site Taboo Golf Course, the lakefront Boathouse Restaurant, and comfortable rooms and suites.
Port Perry
About 83 kilometres (or 52 miles) northeast of Toronto is Port Perry, a lovely village on the southern shores of Lake Scugog. Come for Great Blue Heron, a casino resort on Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation territory with 566 slot machines, 20 live table games, and plenty more gaming and entertainment options on site. Yet while you are in the area, stick around to taste the fine delights of Ocala Winery & Orchards, a century-plus-old farm producing tasty wines and hard ciders.
It is also worth pursuing Port Perry’s historic downtown to discover gems like Old Flame Brewing Co., a homegrown brewery offering everything from classic German-style lagers to West Coast-style IPAs. And at Port Perry Marina, you can set sail into the lake, pick up all your necessary fishing supplies, and rent kayaks and canoes as well.
Port Hope
Nestled on the shores of Lake Ontario, about 53 kilometres (or 33 miles) east of Oshawa, is the adorable village of Port Hope. Stroll through Port Hope’s well-preserved downtown, and hit the Ganaraska Hiking Trail for a beautiful path that runs alongside the Ganaraska River. You can continue south to West Beach to enjoy a clean and inviting lakefront beach for paddling and boating.
Back in town, go to Cameco Capitol Arts Centre to catch a number of theatrical productions and live music events. And once you are ready to call it a day, enjoy a peaceful night at the garden-adorned Plantation House Bed & Breakfast.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Right where the Niagara River flows into Lake Ontario is the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, a special town that anchors Niagara wine country. To experience local magic for yourself, head south (with a designated driver) to Lailey Winery and try their award-winning Chardonnays, Cabernet Francs, and Merlots. From there, you can continue south to reach the spectacularly beautiful Riverview Cellars Estate Winery (and a little farther south to the world-famous Niagara Falls).
Or, you can return to town and hit the links at Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club, North America’s oldest golf course and one of Canada’s most highly rated courses. Then, make your way to The Scotsman Hotel for a uniquely opulent luxury boutique hotel with Lori Morris-designed suites that are nothing short of jaw-dropping.
Bancroft
Roughly halfway between Toronto and Ottawa is Bancroft, a village by the York River that serves as the gateway to some of the Canadian Shield's greatest treasures. For one, it is a short drive to Algonquin Provincial Park, a 7,635 square kilometre natural wonderland that abounds in maple hills, pristine forests, and sparkling lakes and rivers. (It is also a great place for autumn leaf peeping!)
On the way back to town, stop at Eagle’s Nest Bancroft and do an easy walk (or more challenging hike) to the top for panoramic views of the York River Valley below. In addition, Churchill Park is a lovely riverside nature preserve that is great for paddling. And to complete your Bancroft getaway, book a stay at the warm and welcoming Bancroft Bed & Breakfast.
Arnprior
Perched on the shores of the Ottawa River, around 69 kilometres (or 43 miles) west of Ottawa, is the quaint village of Arnprior. Head to Robert Simpson Park for a lovely sandy beach at the river, and walk into the nearby Gillies Grove and House National Historic Site for a beautiful old-growth white pine forest that provides a glimpse into the pre-colonization life of the local Anishinàbeg Algonquin Indigenous people.
If you crave a different kind of greenery, book a tee time at Madawaska Golf Course and play up to 36 holes of golf. Whatever you end up doing in town, MacNamara House is a wonderful Victorian-era home that now welcomes guests as a cozy boutique inn.
Slow Down and Enjoy the Scenery
Ontario may be best known for its big cities and massive highways, but there’s another side to this province beyond the 401. Go ahead and chase some magnificent waterfall views in Elora, and escape to the magical cottage country of Gravenhurst. Indulge in a magnificent wine country getaway at Niagara-on-the-Lake, or take a prime opportunity to get away from it all in Bancroft. With so much to experience across the province, you might start asking why you didn’t start exploring Ontario’s smaller towns sooner. But as the old saying goes, better late than never.
