The 9 Can't-Miss Towns In Ontario
When Ontario comes to mind, many people think of dense forests and urbran sprawl, but there are things that are completely distinct to the province. These include the largest freshwater island in the world and the planet's longest freshwater beach.
In Ontario's small towns, more distinctive wonders and attractions await. Almonte is known as the Hallmark town, since it's so beautiful that more than two dozen Hallmark movies were filmed here. Perth sits on the Tay River, giving the town a 'Venice' feel. Buildings like the Niagara Apothecary and the Memorial Clock Tower reveal the history of Niagara-on-the-Lake to passersby. These and the other towns listed below are just some of the can't-miss places in this vast Canadian province.
Elora
There is a long story behind the Old McLean House on Henderson Street in the village of Elora. It was built for Reverend John MacGregor in 1858, who was once the headmaster of the Elora Grammar School. Later, it was named after the McLean sisters, who were part of the Elora Horticultural Society. Constructed in the Ontario vernacular style, it is one of the highlights on Elora's historic walking tour.
Elora is also considered one of Canada's most beautiful towns. It sits along the edge of a gorge and the banks of the Irvine and Grand Rivers. People swim and take photographs at the Elora Quarry Conservation Area, where cliffs rise to 40 feet. There is also a small beach here that is flanked by dense cedar forests. The Grand River is accessible from Bissell Park at the end of East Mill Street. People flock to the waterfall and boardwalk before heading to the Elora Gorge Conservation Area for hiking and kayaking.
Tobermory
History takes a turn for the mysterious in Tobermory. Here, boats have glass bottoms, allowing passengers to see shipwrecks below the surface of Big Tub Harbour. Cruises usually include a trip to Flowerpot Island in Georgian Bay, which forms part of Fathom Five National Marine Park. The island is tiny, spanning just 2.1 kilometers from east to west, but is home to some of the most striking sea stack pillars, known as 'flowerpots' in the province.
The Big Tub Lighthouse is another reason to head out on a boat cruise. This historic lighthouse once guided ships into the harbour from the waters of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. It is still operational today, shining a red light for boaters and guiding boats through bad weather.
The Bruce Peninsula National Park is home to the Bruce Trail, one of the most hailed hiking trails in the country, stretching from Niagara to Tobermory across 900 kilometers. Those with a little less endurance often take the Georgian Bay Trail instead to get to the Grotto. This sea cave consists of limestone and holds bright, turquoise waters that some cannot resist taking a dip in.
Almonte
Christmas by Design and Maps and Mistletoe are but two of the more than two dozen Hallmark movies filmed in Almonte. It is easy to see why filmmakers love this town.
The Almonte Riverwalk traces the shores of the Mississippi River, offering some of the best views of any small town. The section of the walk that leads across a bridge to Barley Mow passes a water fountain on one side and the river on the other. The river also runs through downtown, where Grand Falls draws regular crowds. The falls are next to the historic Woolen Mill and are best viewed from the bridge on Almonte Street.
On Mill Street, the Tin Barn Market draws anyone who loves home decor, while Cheerfully Made Goods + Markets steals the hearts of gadget enthusiasts. In July, the Celtfest brings a bit of Irish flavor to this part of North America.
Stratford
Stratford may not be a Hallmark town, but it is no less stunning. Plus, it has its own, not-to-be-sniffed-at, claim to fame, being the childhood home of Justin Bieber.
The Stratford Perth Museum houses a permanent Justin Bieber exhibit, which includes the singer's early drum sets and items from his wedding. As for the other town attractions, the Avon River flows right through it. Walkways and lawns bring people close to the water where they can enjoy the serenity.
The romantic-sounding Shakespearean Gardens is filled with flowers, shrubs, and herbs mentioned in Shakespeare's plays. A river flows near the gardens where visitors will find a cenotaph dedicated to fallen soldiers. Those exploring downtown Stratford, walking towards the courthouse, will find a plaque at 46 Ontario Street, marking the building where Thomas Edison once rented a room. The building is aptly named Edison's Inn and is one of the best places to stay for a weekend or longer. More plaques throughout the town identify historic properties and tell stories about Stratford's first residents.
Perth
Perth's beauty is just one of the reasons it's a bucket-list Ontario town. Code's Mill, built in 1842, has been redesigned to hold modern shops inside a historic shell.
Perth Chocolate Works is one of the most visited, with its artisan chocolates and chips/popcorn confections. Outside, the courtyard is filled with balconies, palm trees, and a fountain, creating the ideal space to enjoy said chocolates before they melt.
Perth was named after a town in Scotland, and this choice is reflected in the heritage buildings and old horse lanes. Some of the oldest buildings to see include Matheson House, built in the 1840s, which is home to Perth's museum. The museum displays the gun used in Canada's final duel, which took place at the site now called Last Duel Park in 1833. Perth Town Hall and its clock tower are what make the town instantly recognizable and are part of the local walking tour.
Perth also boasts a section of the Tay River, a 95-kilometer waterway that connects Bobs Lake to the Rideau River. The river flows straight through the town, making it easy for people to get out on the water for kayaking and canoeing.
Goderich
Lake Huron's Goderich is known for its tranquil shorelines and turquoise waters. Main Beach offers the best views of the lake and is also a great place for swimming and picnicking.
At the waterfront, Goderich Lighthouse draws selfie-takers and historic buffs. From here, the attention turns to the Huron Historic Gaol, built between 1839 and 1841. The gaol is one of the oldest penal institutions in the country and has been converted into a museum that leaves the old jail cells open for people to explore.
There is lots of coffee and food to enjoy at the Courthouse Square Historic District. West Street Willy's Eatery magicks up cocktails during happy hour, while Cait's Cafe makes a great chowder. Those who want to experience the famous sunsets over the lake often make their way to Goderich Sunset Park or the Goderich Harbor.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
In Niagara-on-the-Lake, a sunset is best enjoyed with a glass of local wine in one hand. The Two Sisters Vineyards crafts acclaimed wines such as the Blanc de Franc and the Lush Sparkling Rosé. At the Konzelmann Estate Winery, Peach Wine and Pinot Noir take precedence.
After a solid wine tasting, one of the best things to do is take in the town's historic sites. Some of these include the Memorial Clock Tower on Queen Street. The tower is a cenotaph built to honor the brave residents killed in action during WWI. At the Niagara Apothecary, visitors can see what an 1869 pharmacy looked like in Canada.
Other than admiring these buildings, there are horse-drawn carriage rides to go on while looking out over Lake Ontario. The Niagara Parkway passes some more wineries on the way to Niagara Falls, a must-see while in town.
Killarney
Looking for incredible fall foliage in Canada? Killarney delivers every time.
This town sits at the entrance of Georgian Bay's North Channel and is surrounded by water and trees, thanks to Killarney Provincial Park. This roughly 64,500-hectare park is known for the pink granite beaches and white quartzite La Cloche Mountains. During the fall, the trees turn 90 percent red and orange, with the foliage visible from the Granite Ridge Trail and the Lake of the Woods Trail.
Those looking for a real challenge will enjoy the La Cloche Silhouette Trail, which covers about 80 kilometers and can take up to ten days to hike. There are more trees to see around Georgian Bay and George Lake while paddleboarding or kayaking the calmer waters. Topaz Lake is another major draw with its deep blue water at the edge of a freshwater fjord. Afterwards, fish and chips from Herbert Fisheries will go down just perfectly.
Collingwood
Georgian Bay is also the center of activity in pretty Collingwood. The town sits right on its shore, making it easy to get in a couple of hours of boating and fishing. When it gets too cold to swim, people typically head up to Blue Mountain Resort to ski down some of the 43 named trails, with 30 staying open at night.
Those who just want to warm up choose The Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain instead. The spa is all about Nordic relaxation experiences with thermal baths and massages. Other things to do in Collingwood include strolling through the local Farmers Market, open between Victoria Day and Thanksgiving. The homemade preserves and meat are all excellent and go down well with a beer or two on the Beer Bus. Those in the mood for a cultural outing can make their way to Theatre Collingwood, where festivals and theatre productions entertain and amaze between April and October.
Ontario's Best Towns Are Truly Special
Ontario's distinctive attractions are sometimes overlooked, even by those who live in its small towns. But there is real magic in walking onto a town that doubles as a movie set or finding a corner of the beach no one else has been to, or taking the scenic route with the top down in a place that exudes natural beauty. The spirit of Canada is alive and well in these nine towns and in the thousands of others just like them.
