9 Of The Friendliest Towns In Ontario
Even on the best days, travel can be stressful, and having a friendly face to help you along the way can make all the difference. Whether it’s a tour guide, a shop owner, or just an outgoing resident, Ontario is home to many friendly towns where exploring is easy and stress-free. Whether you’re searching for outdoor recreation or the ultimate small-town shopping experience, Ontario has you covered. So get out, explore, and don’t forget to offer a friendly wave when walking down the street!
Woodstock
Welcome to Woodstock, a southwestern town famous for its remarkable dairy industry and friendly locals. According to the Oxford County Cheese Trail website, Woodstock and nearby Oxford County produce approximately 286 million liters of milk annually. Besides its dairy excellence, Woodstock promotes itself as "The Friendly City" due to its inviting atmosphere and close community bonds. Residents often collaborate on community events, from planting trees on Arbor Day to participating in the annual Easter egg hunt. Visitors can quickly sense the town's warm, welcoming spirit upon arrival. In The Friendly City, there are plenty of enjoyable activities to experience. Starting with the renowned Oxford Cheese, the town hosts three trail stops, including Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese. After indulging in dairy delights, explore outdoor spots like Southside Park or Pittock Conservation Area. Additional attractions include the Woodstock Art Gallery, Woodstock Museum National Historic Site, and the Woodstock Farmers Market, where you can find more dairy-themed treats.
Niagara-On-The-Lake
Good wine, art, and rich history make Niagara-on-the-Lake a unique town worth exploring. While many visitors to the Niagara region first think of the famous Niagara Falls, just 25 kilometers away lies an equally charming place full of friendly locals and enjoyable activities. Niagara-on-the-Lake has often been named Ontario’s prettiest town, thanks to its lush greenery and well-preserved 19th-century buildings in the heritage district. Those eager to experience the town’s beauty and welcoming vibe will find plenty of opportunities. The Prince of Wales Hotel, a local landmark, is perfect for admiring flowers and architecture. It also hosts several restaurants where visitors can enjoy a good meal. Other popular activities include touring local wineries, strolling along Queens Royal Park by the water, and visiting the nearby Floral Clock.
Picton
Located in the beautiful Prince Edward County, Picton, Ontario, is a historic town that serves as a hotspot for summer day trips and peaceful vacations. With local shops, famous theaters, and a widely popular provincial park, finding fun activities and friendly faces is never hard here. To start a visit to Picton on the right foot, head to Sandbanks Provincial Park. Here, visitors can admire towering sand dunes, swim, hike, and camp, among other park activities. Like Niagara-on-the-Lake, Picton and the surrounding Prince Edward County are littered with incredible local wineries and breweries that interested travelers can tour and sip their way through. For something with laid-back energy, check out the taproom at Parsons Brewing Company, where patrons can sample a wide selection of locally brewed beer and enjoy a tasty farm-to-table meal. Before leaving town, don’t forget to take in a show at the Regent Theatre and wander through the Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area.
Goderich
Goderich, Ontario, is a charming coastal town known for its friendly atmosphere and beautiful scenery. The town’s website describes it as “a wonderful and welcoming community,” showcasing breathtaking Lake Huron views, turquoise shores, and a historic downtown district. Visitors will enjoy the walkable downtown filled with various attractions. You can splash around at Goderich Main Beach or Rotary Cove Beach, take in scenic vistas from Menesetung Bridge, or visit the Goderich Lighthouse for a touch of history. Other activities include watching a performance at The Goderich Little Theatre or exploring the Laithwaite Apple Park Statues, making for a memorable visit.
Huntsville
Huntsville, Ontario, is an outdoor lover's paradise. Located in the picturesque Muskoka Region, it offers a long list of outdoor activities suitable for any season. In the warmer months, Huntsville visitors can admire sweeping views from Lions Lookout or hike the trails at The Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve. In the winter, skiing and skating are available at places like Arrowhead Provincial Park and the Muskoka Ski Club. Those looking for low-impact outdoor activities will find just what they need at beautiful local spots such as the Brunel Locks and River Mill Park. Huntsville is a hub for Ontario tourism, attracting city-dwellers and travelers from around the world, especially during cottage season. As such, the town is well-prepared for tourists and filled with friendly faces and helpful folks eager to make everyone’s Huntsville experience a good one.
Tobermory
Tobermory is a quaint harbor town nestled on Ontario’s breathtaking Bruce Peninsula. It draws many cottage-goers and outdoor enthusiasts eager to discover its numerous attractions. Among its most notable sights is FlowerPot Island, only reachable by boat. The island is known for its striking limestone formations that look like giant flowerpots. Visitors can hike its trails to see these unique rocks, an old lighthouse, and a variety of local plants and animals. Tobermory also hosts two national parks: Fathom Five National Marine Park and Bruce Peninsula National Park. These parks provide a wide range of activities such as camping, swimming, hiking, and scuba diving.
Stratford
Oozing with small-town charm and close-knit community members, it’s safe to say that Stratford, Ontario, is a pretty friendly place to explore. Local events such as Lights on Stratford and Art In The Park help bring visitors and the community together. Outside of being a welcoming town with plenty of enticing events, Stratford is also one of the best places in the province to enjoy a play. Theatre lovers will want to check out Stratford Festival, a theatre festival that takes place annually between April and October. During the festival, which spans four distinct theatres in town, visitors will have the chance to see “classics, contemporary dramas, and musicals, with special emphasis on the plays of Shakespeare.” In addition to the many theatres in town, Stratford is also home to a host of stunning outdoor spaces. Visitors can walk the waterfront trails at Upper Queens Park or enjoy the flora and architecture at Stratford Shakespearean Gardens.
Brockville
Brockville, Ontario, is a welcoming town with a self-proclaimed “entrepreneurial spirit.” This spirit is abundantly evident when exploring the downtown core, where travelers will find several businesses with unique offerings. According to Brockville’s tourism website, “As you stroll along [downtown], you’ll encounter friendly locals who are always happy to strike up a conversation or exchange a friendly wave.” That said, there is far more to do in town than just shopping. Brockville is home to Canada’s first railway, which today serves as a beautiful light display for tourists to enjoy. Visitors can enjoy camping and waterfront views at St. Lawrence Park or hop on a 1000 Islands cruise for a relaxing evening of dinner and sightseeing. The railway tunnel and The Aquatarium are also worth checking out.
St. Jacobs
St. Jacobs, Ontario, is a small village home to less than 2,000 people. What the town lacks in size, however, it makes up for in friendliness. Shopping is one of the main attractions in town, and the welcoming energy within the shops is undeniable. Several Tripadvisor reviews for various local businesses in St. Jacobs make statements such as, “All the staff are very friendly and helpful.” and “The really friendly staff (all volunteers) were happy to chat with me…” Some of the best places to shop in town are the St. Jacobs Farmers Market and the St. Jacobs Antique Market. Outside of shopping, visitors will find a handful of other places to visit in town. Spots, including the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse and The Mennonite Story, are also worth visiting.
Whether you’re a shopper, a hiker, or a patron of the arts, it’s easy to find a friendly town in Ontario, Canada, that caters to your interest. Between exploring the popular Oxford County Cheese Trail in Woodstock, sipping local wines in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and enjoying a skate through Arrowhead Provincial Park in Huntsville, there’s a little something for everyone here.
