9 Best Downtowns In Ontario
The major Ontario cities get most of the attention, but the province's best downtowns sit a couple hours out from either. Stratford runs a year-round theatre scene built around the Avon River. Elora pairs 19th-century stone buildings with a working brewery. Niagara-on-the-Lake handles the prettiest waterfront in the south. Nine downtowns sit ahead, each walkable enough for a long weekend on foot.
Elora
Elora is one of Canada's best-loved villages, with scenic Grand River views, well-preserved 19th-century limestone architecture, and a strong lineup of independent shops and restaurants. In the heart of downtown is the Elora Brewing Company, a local brewery serving flavorful beers like the Lodestar sour ale and the Three Fields triple grain lager, alongside food like beer pretzels and pizzas. The brewery hosts live music on weekends, open mic on Sundays, and trivia nights. Shepherd's Pub sits right on the Grand River and is a solid stop for pub food and a relaxed riverside seat.
For a longer stay, the Elora Mill Hotel and Spa runs as a four-star property in a restored 1832 mill perched above the river, with Canadian fine dining and full spa treatments. The views from the pool overlook the river, and the hotel hosts weddings, reunions, and corporate events. A welcoming boutique to visit is LemonTree + Co. Interiors, where customers can find antique books, locally crafted bath and body products, and home and garden goods.
Collingwood
On the southern shores of Georgian Bay sits Collingwood, a four-season waterfront town with a red-brick downtown and a strong culinary scene. In the heart of downtown is the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena, named after Eddie Bush, a former NHL player, and home to the Collingwood Blues. The arena also hosts events and concerts including the annual Summer Country Kick Off in May and the Ontario Comedy Festival on June 13, 2026. Just next door, Gibson and Company runs as a café and bottle shop serving freshly brewed coffee and sandwiches by day and bottle service in the evening.
At the eastern end of downtown, the Collingwood Museum sits in the town's old train station, originally built in 1873, with exhibits showcasing model boats like the Huronic, artifacts, and historical photographs. The museum has a gift shop and family-friendly scavenger hunts. On the shoreline of Georgian Bay, the Shipyards Amphitheatre and Greenspace runs as a community park hosting small weddings, local concerts, and community events, with several trails to explore right along the water.
Timmins
Up in Northern Ontario is Timmins, a historic mining community with industrial roots and a strong community-driven feel, nicknamed the City with a "Heart of Gold." The Timmins Museum National Exhibition Centre focuses on the local history of the Porcupine Gold Rush, with over 20,000 images dating back to 1908, maps, artifacts, and the area's arts and culture history. The museum hosts adult programs, classes, and kids' workshops year-round. Up on Cedar Street, Victory Tavern, known locally as "the Vic," is a neighborhood bar serving drinks and bar food with regular karaoke and live music.
Near the southern tip of downtown, the Porcupine Dante Club runs as an Italian restaurant and banquet hall, serving Italian cuisine and hosting weddings and corporate events. The club has been active since 1952, serving as the main hub for Italian culture and community gatherings in the city. On the eastern end of town, the Gillies Lake Conservation Area is an outdoor gem with a 1.5-mile lakefront trail and a swimming beach on the western end of Gillies Lake.
Stratford
Stratford has a calming downtown built around the Avon River and Lake Victoria, with theatrical character and historical detail throughout. Right in downtown sits the Avon Theatre, a historic 1901 venue that runs as one of the main stages for the Stratford Festival, the country's largest classical repertory theatre festival. The theatre programs Shakespeare productions, musicals, concerts, and comedy and drama shows from spring through fall. Just down the street, Agora Gallery showcases paintings, glasswork, sculptures, and photographs by local artists, with works available for view or purchase.
On the northwestern end of downtown, the Shakespearean Gardens is a beautiful green space built in 1936 honoring plants that appeared in Shakespeare's plays, like rosemary, thyme, and lavender. The lawns and shrubbery are well-kept, and visitors can enjoy calming views of the adjacent river. Next to the gardens, the Perth County Inn is a comfortable downtown hotel with easy access to cafes and restaurants like Hartman's Coffee and Tea and the Relic Lobby Bar, across from the historic Perth County Courthouse.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Right on the Canadian-U.S. border sits Niagara-on-the-Lake, a town on the southern shoreline of Lake Ontario with a well-preserved downtown full of 19th-century architecture, often called one of the prettiest towns in the province. Queen's Royal Park sits at the northeastern tip of downtown, where park-goers enjoy the lake views and relax in the gazebo. The gazebo can be rented for small wedding ceremonies and hosts community events like the annual Artistry by the Lake, which runs from July 3rd to July 5th, 2026, celebrating art, nature, and community spirit.
A short walk from the park, the Somerset Bed and Breakfast offers comfortable rooms with lake views in the building that once housed the Queens Royal Hotel. Right in the heart of downtown, Treadwell Cuisine serves homemade Canadian meals with European influences in a relaxing setting. Nearby, the Edward Spera Gallery showcases original art and prints from local artist Edward Spera, with whimsical work available for view or purchase.
Paris
About 32 to 34 miles west of Hamilton sits the town of Paris, with a downtown known for its walkable atmosphere, unique boutique shops, and a pleasant riverside. Right on the banks of the Grand River, Capeesh Craft Kitchen and Cellar serves American, Greek, Italian, and Indian dishes in a comfortable spot downtown. Capeesh runs handmade pizzas, gourmet pastas, sandwiches, and salads, with two outdoor riverside patios, a main-floor bar, and a dining room with an open-concept kitchen. A downtown staple just up the street is the Arlington Hotel, a historic hotel built in the early 1850s with a yellow brick exterior and a cozy interior.
On the opposite side of town, the Paris Museum and Historical Society houses artifacts and photographs from the town's past. Exhibits cover how the town got its name, the 1917 quilt, and former buildings that called the town home. A unique boutique to visit downtown is Rousseau Rares, which sells vintage and handmade clothing not found in major retailers. Across the street, From the Attic Interiors sells novelty items like candles, custom drawer knobs, and healing stones for customers looking to refresh their homes.
Goderich
Goderich is a town with a prominent waterfront on the shores of Lake Huron and an easygoing downtown street life. In the center of town is Courthouse Square, locally called "the Square," a circular street arrangement around the central park and courthouse with shops and restaurants to explore. One of those restaurants is Part II Bistro, serving comfort food like bistro burgers and entrees like lobster ravioli in a comfortable setting.
The Livery Theatre is a solid stop for live shows, concerts, and musicals downtown. The building started in the 1840s as a harness shop and became a theatre in 1978. Upcoming plays include the Tragically Hip tribute show on June 26 and June 27. West of downtown, the Goderich Main Beach is a pleasant place to soak up the sun and swim in the waters of Lake Huron. The beach has a boardwalk and two restaurant options, Rotary Beach Hut for burgers and ice cream cones, and Beach Street Station for tacos and entrees.
Perth
About 54 miles west of Ottawa sits Perth, a community with a European-style village feel, a pedestrian-friendly downtown, and a strong lineup of shops and restaurants. Stewart Park is a beautiful green space for a stroll, with creeks running through it and a gazebo for quiet time. The park hosts the annual Stewart Park Festival, where local musicians perform live from July 17 to July 19. The festival is free, with food from local vendors on hand.
In the heart of downtown, the Perth Museum sits inside Matheson House, built in 1840, with restored rooms recreating the 19th century. Visitors can view the parlor, drawing room, dining room, and kitchen full of period furniture at their own pace, rather than on a timed tour. A great restaurant to try is Gather, which serves in-house meals with locally sourced ingredients in a comfortable setting, a short walk from the International Friendship Fountains, worth a look both day and night.
Kenora
About 141 miles east of Winnipeg sits Kenora, a walkable community in Western Ontario with a lovely waterfront and a relaxed atmosphere. The Muse, Kenora's Lake of the Woods Museum, is a downtown staple showcasing the city's history, arts and culture, and the heritage of the Lake of the Woods region. Exhibits include antique cars, artifacts, photographs, and historical clothing. Across from the museum, the Stone House Kenora is a locally favored Airbnb welcoming guests with a ski storage closet, a tea and coffee setup, and a home-like feel.
Right on Main Street, the Vault Social House is a local restaurant and bar with classics like quesadillas, wings, the vault burger, and reuben sandwiches in a setting with hardwood floors and walls. On Kenora Bay, the Jarnel Contracting Pavilion is an event venue that hosts the Matiowski Farmers Market every Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during summer, plus fishing tournaments, live entertainment, and community events. Lakeside Live, an electronic music concert held every summer at the pavilion, delivers a memorable night for local and visiting concert-goers.
Adventures Await In Ontario's Best Downtowns
Each of these downtowns in the province welcomes visitors with its own character, friendliness, and local history. Perth's downtown has the feel of a European village. Goderich's Courthouse Square is a distinctive centerpiece that anchors its downtown. Niagara-on-the-Lake offers lakeside views that make Lake Ontario the star of the visit. These downtowns deliver excitement and entertainment year-round, making them memorable local hot spots.
