9 Most Laid-Back Towns in Ontario

Ontario is Canada’s most famed and populous province, home to Ottawa, the capital, and other big cities like Toronto, London, and Kingston. These cities naturally get the most attention from tourists, but there is more to Ontario than its big and acclaimed cities. Thankfully, the region is filled with charming, laid-back small towns that offer a respite from the city hustle and bustle while boasting a significant share of natural and historic attractions. From the magnificent Elora with its picturesque gorge to the adorable and chilled-out Perth by the banks of the Tay River, uncover the nine most laid-back towns in Ontario to explore.

Bancroft

Bancroft, a cozy town on the York River in Hastings County, offers a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere perfect for escaping the chaos of city life. Visitors can kick off an unforgettable adventure by visiting Eagle’s Nest Lookout, perched atop a rock face and providing stunning views of the York River, Bancroft Airport, and the town's northern district. Afterwards, they can relax and enjoy outdoor activities at Millennium Park, which features views of the York River, picnic tables, walking trails, a scenic bridge, and well-maintained lawns.

Also, enjoy the beautiful views of High Falls on York River at Bird’s Creek before visiting Bancroft North Hastings Heritage Museum for an enlightening journey through the area’s history. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the town’s artsy vibe at A Place For The Arts or the Arts Gallery of Bancroft.

Mattawa

Mattawa is a picturesque town where the Ottawa and Mattawa rivers meet. This peaceful town, with just under 2,000 residents, is the perfect place to relax, unwind in nature, and lose track of time. First, the Mattawa and Ottawa Rivers are popular spots for boating, paddling, and fishing. Additionally, Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park extends along both sides of the Mattawa River and offers opportunities for summer camping, picnicking, boating, swimming, canoeing, and hiking.

Additionally, the park's visitor center houses the Voyageur Heritage Center, which features interactive exhibits highlighting the river's crucial role in the fur trade era. History enthusiasts can visit the Mattawa Museum to learn about local history, including that of native tribes, through various programs and displays. Be sure to enjoy tasty meals at the family-friendly Myrt’s Restaurant.

Perth

Perth is a stunning small town along the Tay River, which splits into two channels in the downtown area. Visit this town and stop by the Perth Museum to explore its rich history through relics, period furnishings, and memorabilia. Dine at Bistro 54 and see a performance at the Studio Theatre Perth. Relax, picnic, and enjoy outdoor activities at Stewart Park downtown, where nature thrives, with the beautiful Tay River flowing through it and shaded by lush green trees.

Later, visit the 257-hectare Perth Wildlife Conservation Area on the Tay River Marsh to see various plant and animal species, such as wild turkey, rabbits, bluebirds, and deer, while hiking its 3 kilometer trail. Meanwhile, the Tay River Pathway is also worth exploring, especially for nature enthusiasts, as it winds through a beautiful garden.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-lake is one of the most beautiful towns in Ontario, sitting on the peninsula by the mouth of the Niagara River on the southern shores of Lake Ontario. In addition to its laid-back vibes, this town has a handful of attractions to satisfy everyone. The Brock’s Monument is just one of the attractions worth visiting in town. It pays tribute to a Canadian war hero and is within Queenston Heights Park, which is also a great spot for picnics.

Visitors can also stroll along Queen's Royal Park to enjoy fresh air, charming views of Lake Ontario, picnic tables, and small beaches. Also, a short drive along the Niagara Parkway unveils the mother of all attractions, the majestic Niagara Falls, thundering down the escarpment and providing a visual treat for every tourist. Back in town, visitors can enjoy thrilling shows and performances at the Shaw Festival Theatre and dine at Peller Estates Winery and Restaurant, which offers farm-to-table meals.

South River

South River is not just a peaceful and quiet spot to relax and enjoy solitude but also a destination for adventures and outdoor activities. The town is near Algonquin Provincial Park, Canada's oldest provincial park, with access to Round Lake for canoeing. Visitors can explore the park’s many canoe routes and rivers by boat, while fishing and observing various wildlife and plant species.

Mikisew Provincial Park is another nearby outdoor hotspot by the banks of Eagle Lake worth visiting. The park offers hiking trails through woods, wetlands, and ponds, while boating and paddling activities are available on the lake. For hikers, explore the Old Dog Trail from this park to enjoy stunning views of wildflowers, maple, and ash trees, or hike the Around Eagle Lake Loop. Afterward, dine at Sheri’s Diner.

Killarney

Killarney is a quaint community of just below 400 people, making it a destination of serenity, peace, and natural splendor. The small townsite lies on the Northern Shore of Georgian Bay and is best known for the Killarney Provincial Park, which occupies most of its landmass. This park is home to George Lake, bordering the limestone cliffs of the La Cloche range. Visitors can boat or canoe on the lake and explore the park’s breathtaking natural scenery via hiking trails while spotting wildlife such as lynx, bobcats, deer, and black bears, including diverse bird species.

In addition, the park has a sky observatory for studying the night sky, and it is the first in any Ontario Provincial Park. The Killarney East Lighthouse and Killarney Northwest Light, both built in 1866, are historic draws for history buffs. When it’s time to wine and dine, Herbert Fisheries is always a great stop.

Picton

Picton is a lovely town on the Southwestern end of Picton Bay, a part of the northern shoreline of Lake Ontario, where time seems to move slowly. This beautiful town beckons tourists seeking an escape from the bustle of life with its long list of unforgettable things to do and see. To begin, the Regent Theatre on Main Street is an amazing spot to relax and watch movies, while The Lighthouse Restaurant offers fine dining with harbor views.

History enthusiasts are always welcome to the Macaulay Heritage Park to witness permanent and rotating exhibits. Meanwhile, adventurers can explore the great outdoors at Sandbank Provincial Park, which boasts the world’s largest dune system and freshwater sand bar on a bay. In this park, visitors will be delighted to play on three beaches, watch birds, hike numerous trails, boat, canoe, swim, and kayak on the water.

Huntsville

Huntsville is a naturally charming town located on the hilly landscapes of the rocky Canadian Shield region, surrounded by many lakes. Visitors can enjoy this beautiful scenery of rolling hills by strolling through the downtown or exploring the lakes to relax, boat, hike, swim, and appreciate the untouched beauty of nature. Some of the top lakes in the area include Fairy Lake, Mary Lake, and Lake Vernon. Meanwhile, the Muskoka River runs through the downtown, providing another opportunity for exciting water sports. Additionally, Arrowhead Provincial Park is near the town, featuring a lake, small beaches, a waterfall, and hiking trails to discover.

Back in town, visitors can explore history at Muskoka Heritage Place, which features a museum, a pioneer village, heritage buildings, and an old steam train. When it's time to eat, remember that The Mill on Main is one of the town’s top restaurants, offering relaxing ambiance and delicious cuisines in an artsy setting.

Elora

Elora is a small, charming town in Wellington County with a relaxed atmosphere that any tourist will enjoy. Bring a good camera and head straight to Elora Gorge, the town's main attraction, with limestone cliffs reaching up to 72 feet and the beautiful Grand River flowing beneath. The gorge is perfect for kayaking, tubing, canoeing, camping, and picnicking. Don’t forget to capture the scenic views of the 25-foot-tall Elora Gorge Falls further upstream, or go to the eastern part of town to swim and picnic in the Elora Quarry Conservation Area.

Bikers can explore the 47-kilometer Elora Cataract Trailway, which winds through beautiful greenery and leads to Caledon. In town, history enthusiasts can learn about the area’s past through artifacts and exhibits at the Wellington County Museum. Before leaving, check out inspiring artworks and sculptures at the Elora Arts Center, and enjoy French cuisine at The Evelyn.

Find blissful respite from the hustle and bustle of the big cities in these small, laid-back towns of Ontario, where even the air is satisfying. Explore unsullied nature like a researcher, step into the past at preserved historical attractions, savor a variety of local and international dishes, interact with friendly locals, and observe time move slowly. From adventure buffs to calm and laid-back travelers, there is always something to do or see in these towns, and the memories are always unforgettable.