9 Prettiest Small Towns In Ontario

You might know Ontario for its rich diversity and iconic landmarks. From Toronto's legendary CN Tower and Ripley's Aquarium to Ottawa's expansive Parliament Hill, these gems are certainly worth visiting. However, did you know "The Heartland Province" is also home to over 250,000 lakes and contains one-fifth of the world's freshwater supply? Plus, with more than 340 provincial parks and over 295 conservation reserves, Ontario certainly has no shortage of natural beauty. Some of the greatest natural and cultural wonders can actually be found within the smaller towns you might not have considered exploring. From Tobermory to Kincardine, these are the 9 prettiest small towns in Ontario you have to add to your list.

Tobermory

Discover Tobermory: your gateway to stargazing, adventure activities, and crystal-clear waters in Canada's most populous province. Situated at the northernmost tip of the Bruce Peninsula, an outdoor oasis for nature lovers, this is undoubtedly one of the prettiest small towns in Ontario. Uncover mesmerizing vistas of towering cliffs and the deep blue waters of Georgian Bay, hiking through Bruce Peninsula National Park.

See the intricate cave structures and turquoise waters of The Grotto, a geological wonder visited by travelers from all around the world, accessible by hiking the Bruce Trail. Prepare for a magical evening under the sky, where light pollution is minimal, in the Northern Bruce Peninsula. Join Bayside Astronomy in the summer, a volunteer-run program where attendees gather to see planets, galaxies, double stars, and globular clusters of over 300,000 stars through telescopes at Lion’s Head Marina (and other locations listed, depending on the day).

Paris

While the French capital is nothing short of mesmerizing, this small Canadian town offers its own unique charm. From the scenic riverside setting to a lively arts scene, boutique shopping opportunities, magnificent historical buildings, and even outdoor adventure activities, a trip to Paris will leave you in awe. With vibrant summer concerts, festive winter markets, and rafting and paddling opportunities on the Grand River, there are plenty of ways to experience the area's beauty.

Get a taste of Europe as you uncover stunning views of the town and water from William Street Bridge, the perfect place to snap photos in Paris. Enjoy an exquisite stay in The Arlington Hotel, a historic landmark set across from the Grand River. Constructed circa 1850, the hotel showcases features of the Chateaux architectural style, along with Romanesque-style arcades.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Whether you are a wine enthusiast, lover of historic architecture, or would like to shop in beautiful boutiques, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a destination you can't miss. Meander through town, seeing the exquisite Victorian 19th-century structures, before you watch a captivating show in the Shaw Festival Theatre.

This world-class theatre showcases 10 or more performances every year and has become an icon of Canada's cultural heritage. History buffs can glimpse into the War of 1812 at Fort George National Historic Site. Originally constructed between 1796 and 1803 by the British to guard the town, Niagara River, and Navy Hall, today, you can tour the grounds, exploring eight restored buildings, listen to military music performances, see live musket demonstrations, and uncover stunning views of the Niagara River.

And of course, Niagara-on-the-Lake is also about 15 miles away from Niagara Falls. Soak in the scenery of these legendary waterfalls, which are approximately 12,000 years old.

Elora

Grab your camera and head to Elora, one of the prettiest small towns in Ontario. From its striking natural beauty, featuring 22-metre-high limestone cliffs in the Grand River Valley (seen from the scenic lookout points of the Elora Gorge Conservation Area), to the town's architectural marvels, you will be in for a real treat. Meander through Elora Mews, exploring the local shops and incredible eateries, as you experience the charming atmosphere within this lantern-lit courtyard amid historic limestone walls.

Try the delicious, artisan hand-crafted ice cream, gelatos, and sorbettos in Scoop, where treats are made with fresh, 100% Canadian dairy and egg products. If you prefer to warm up with a warm drink, Lost and Found Café offers a cozy interior where quality drip coffee, delicious lattes, fresh foods, and specialty beverages are served.

Stratford

Spend some time in Stratford, where world-class theatre productions meet remarkable art galleries, gorgeous outdoor gardens, and architectural masterpieces. The city was named after Stratford-upon-Avon in England, the birthplace of English Playwright and Poet William Shakespeare. In town, you must visit the Shakespearean Gardens. Originally conceived as containing only plants mentioned in Shakespeare's plays, the gardens have grown into an expansive collection of beautiful varietals.

If you plan to visit between April and October, see an extraordinary show at the Stratford Festival. Whether you are interested in contemporary dramas, classics, musicals, or Shakespearean plays, you will find a production that is fascinating to you. Next, see the changing contemporary visual art exhibitions highlighting regional and Canadian Art in Gallery Stratford. This impressive public art gallery is set in a former pump house, constructed between 1882 and 1883.

Grand Bend

If beautiful lakefront beaches, a slow, laidback pace of life, and spectacular sunsets sound incredible to you, welcome to Grand Bend. This scenic small town is a popular oasis on the eastern shore of Lake Huron, one of the five Great Lakes of North America. Get sun-kissed as you lie back and relax on Main Beach, one of 22 beaches in Canada to have official Blue Flag status.

With its strict water quality and safety criteria, you can certainly feel comfortable swimming here. If you prefer a quieter, more serene experience, South Beach would be the perfect place for you. Nature lovers can explore Pinery Provincial Park, a wonderful spot for hiking, biking, birdwatching, camping, canoeing, fishing, swimming, or cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and tobogganing in the winter. If you are feeling extra adventurous, Grand Bend Parasail offers exhilarating parasailing in Grand Bend, overlooking the stunning waters of Lake Huron and Grand Bend Beach.

Perth

Picture postcard-perfect scenery with magnificently well-preserved 19th-century gems. Perth, one of the prettiest small towns in Ontario, seamlessly blends historic architecture with unique shops, a vibrant arts scene, and spectacular sights by the Tay River. Fuel up with locally roasted coffee and freshly baked goods at Coutts Coffee Roastery & Cafe.

From there, head on a breathtaking stroll through Stewart Park, seeing enchanting bridges, a lovely river, and incredible rock formations. This is where the three-day Stewart Park Festival takes place every year, where people gather together to enjoy music and community in July. Nature lovers can also explore Murphys Point Provincial Park, home to some of southeastern Ontario's best cross-country skiing. You can also go biking, hiking, birdwatching, or even boating and canoeing here on Big Rideau Lake.

Collingwood

Whether you are interested in athletic adventures, skiing down the powdery snow-capped slopes of Blue Mountain Resort, or you prefer lying back and soaking in the rejuvenating thermal waters of Scandinave Spa, Collingwood is a destination the entire family will love. But besides this famous ski resort, Collingwood also offers its own community treasures, making it one of the prettiest small towns in Ontario. Enjoy a scenic stroll by Nottawasaga Bay (at the southern point of Georgian Bay), plan a lovely picnic, or see the spectacular sunset at Sunset Point Beach. The Collingwood Brewery is known for their locally brewed beers, along with events like live music nights, beer yoga, open mic hours, and pint specials.

Kincardine

A small town on the stunning shores of Lake Huron, what Kincardine may lack in size, it makes up for in beauty. Spots like Station Beach are perfect for swimming, sun-tanning, surfing on the Great Lakes, or even studying marine history through interpretive signs depicting information about local shipwrecks. But while the natural beauty here is abundant, the history and culture are also quite remarkable.

The Kincardine Lighthouse, constructed in 1880, sits 24 meters atop a two-story keeper’s house. See the historic landmark and visit the marine museum, open between July 1st and Labor Day. Lastly, you have to experience the Scottish Festival & Highland Games. This fascinating three-day festival features vibrant music, cultural workshops, friendly competitions, and welcoming hospitality, all to celebrate the town's Scottish roots in the central Victoria Park.

Between the deep blue waters of Tobermory, the extraordinary Shakespearean gardens and themed productions of Stratford, and the fascinating festivals of beautiful Kincardine, The Heartland Province offers scenery, culture, and history so vibrant you will want to explore its entirety. So, whether you are planning a weekend trip somewhere local, looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city, or you are figuring out how to spend your few days traveling through the province, these are the 9 prettiest small towns in Ontario you have to visit.