12 Most Neighborly Towns In Ontario
With about one-fifth of the world's freshwater, the longest freshwater beach, and half the province blanketed in Boreal Forest, Ontario is a Canadian destination not to be overlooked. When most people consider the province of Ontario, cities like Toronto and Ottawa tend to take center stage. Look a little deeper, and you will see that Ontario is home to countless small towns, each with its own story to tell and traditions to celebrate. These towns share a strong sense of community, witnessed through local events and the dedication of local business owners. These neighborly towns allow residents and visitors alike to slow down, relax with friends, and enjoy a sense of belonging that can only be found in a smaller community. As their provincial license plates state, it is "A Place to Grow."
Stratford
Stratford, Ontario, is renowned for its theatre scene, which brings together artists from all walks of life to share their love of "The Bard." The annual Stratford Festival opened in 1953 and runs from April to October, showcasing the plays of William Shakespeare alongside more contemporary works. This festival has become one of Canada's most prominent arts festivals and is not to be missed.
For a behind-the-scenes look at the costumes and props used in the plays, stop by the Stratford Festival Warehouse, which hosts tours at 11 am each day throughout the theatre season. If you prefer the fine arts over performance arts, drop by the Gallery Stratford, which offers exhibits and classes. After a long day of exploring the town, discuss your findings with the locals at the Black Swan Brewing Company. This craft brewery, run by former teachers who turned brewers, has a variety of beer styles on tap.
Almonte
Located at the edge of the Ottawa Valley, Almonte is a small town that boasts many neighborly events and historic locations. July is an incredibly vibrant time of year, with the Almonte Fair bringing old-fashioned carnival rides and games for the amusement of the locals, as well as Celtfest, held in the Gemmill Park outdoor amphitheater. Another notable cultural event is the North Lanark Highland Games in late August. These games bring the community together to cheer on pipe bands, dancers, and athletes as they compete in various Scottish events.
Each summer, Downtown Almonte is home to an international gathering of puppets and street performers at the Puppets Up! Event. These puppets would not exist without the textile industry, which shaped the history of Almonte and the development of the Mississippi River Valley. Stop by the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum to learn more about the mill workers who shaped this town. If you are interested in taking local crafts home with you, drop by the Almonte Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings throughout the summer to check out what the local vendors have on offer.
Elora
The town of Elora is home to an artistic community and is located next to the scenic Elora Gorge Conservation Area. Nature and art lovers will quickly feel at home while walking along the river and perusing the various shops and galleries. The conservation area offers camping on the high banks of the gorge and the unique opportunity to tube through the river below during the summer. Treat yourself to some much-deserved pampering at the Elora Mill Hotel and Spa. This beautifully restored 19th-century building with a top-floor solarium and couples massages is ideal for connecting with your partner while enjoying the great outdoors.
In July, the town hosts the Elora Festival, which showcases international choirs and vocal groups. For other musical talent, head into the Elora Brewing Company to try a craft beer or culinary treat while taking in a local band.
Paris
Another riverside town on our list is Paris, Ontario. This close-knit community's notable annual gathering is the Paris Fair, held every Labour Day weekend, which features livestock exhibits, a demolition derby, midway rides, and live entertainment. When visiting the town, stay at the historic Arlington Hotel. This establishment dates back to the 1850s and boasts themed rooms such as the Ernest Hemingway executive suite while offering expertly mixed cocktails at the Library Bar.
Stop by the Elberta Farms Country Market; this family-owned business provides regionally sourced goods and produce and is a mainstay for neighborhood shoppers. Families and friends can enjoy Lion's Park, with its playground and access to local trails, which are great jumping-off points for a day of activity and fresh air.
Port Hope
Port Hope is the quintessentially picture-perfect small town. Cross over the Walton Street bridge, and you will find yourself strolling a laid-back downtown with welcoming shops, cafes, and historic buildings. Even if this is your first visit, things may look a little familiar, given this town was the backdrop to the 2017 film adaptation of Stephen King's It. The town's tourism site highlights this and even provides a walking tour. If you are not a film buff and prefer to avoid alleys and red balloons, there are still many reasons to visit.
The restored Capitol Theatre, established in 1930, is now a National Historic Site and serves as a venue for various live performances. Water lovers can head to sandy East Beach, located at the edge of town, which is a great place to watch sunsets over Lake Ontario alongside your neighbors. For offroad enthusiasts, the Ganaraska Forest Centre provides access to trails for dirt bikes, ATVs, and Jeeps. The forest is just a 30-minute drive away and is also home to a Treetop Trekking course, allowing you to strap on harnesses, buckle in, and navigate the ropes course with friends high up in the surrounding trees.
Creemore
Creemore's small size and rural charm make it a close-knit community. In October, the Creemore Festival of the Arts showcases local artists and musicians, bringing residents together to celebrate creativity in many different forms. Though the town is likely known by many for its award-winning Creemore Springs Brewery, smaller businesses such as the Creemore 100 Mile Store are central to the town's character, providing the opportunity to purchase local products.
For a taste of local history, stop by the Creemore Jail. Known as the "little lockup," this 1892 stone structure may be the smallest jail in North America. The Mad River Golf Club is a hot spot for local golfers, offering one of the top 100 ranked courses in the country. With a Clubhouse situated at the base of the beautiful Niagara Escarpment, it is a favorite destination for socializing with friends.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a town that combines history with natural beauty. With its inaugural season dating back to 1962, the Shaw Festival Theatre is a world-class venue where you can experience the works of Irish playwright Bernard Shaw. Next, head to Fort George National Historic Site, where you can learn about the town's role in the War of 1812. The town’s streets are home to several shops, restaurants, and historic buildings, making it a great place to walk around and soak up the Victorian architecture. The Niagara-on-the-Lake Peach Festival celebrates local agriculture with food, music, and family-friendly activities.
If you wish to stay in the town center and surround yourself with old-fashioned luxury, plan a visit to any of the Vintage Hotels properties. Outside of its history and renowned theatre, the area is famous for its vast vineyards and wine country. It is the perfect destination for a wine-tasting tour with your chosen group.
Picton
Picton is a town at the heart of Prince Edward County, known for its wineries and friendly locals. Nearby, "Lake on the Mountain" is a stunning Provincial park where you can enjoy water activities in Lake Ontario. From there, explore the town's shops and cafes, like Vic Social, a local favorite for breakfast and lunch. Don't miss their crab cake rendition of an eggs benedict. The Regent Theatre, a historic venue built in 1918, is a local staple that brings together people who share a love of cinema.
In September, the Picton Fair offers food, music, and family-friendly activities to its many guests. The Tractor Pull and Demolition Derby will entertain children and adults alike. With many livestock and equine shows, the fair brings the town together to celebrate its agricultural roots.
Cobourg
Coubourg's sense of community can be illustrated by the history of Victoria Hall. This building, created in 1860, started out as a town hall but has since been renovated to serve as a community center and grand concert hall. The hall now operates as a venue for various musical acts and theatrical productions that unite people throughout the year. If your social group prefers nature, look no further than Cobourg Beach, where you can stroll along the shore or enjoy one of the snack bars or public playgrounds.
In the summer, little visitors can enjoy access to the splash pad, while older beachgoers may want to sample the culinary treats offered at one of the food trucks, such as Leguan or Murney's Beachside Bites. Toward the end of June, the Cobourg Waterfront Festival brings music, food, and family-friendly activities to the town.
Goderich
Often referred to as "Canada's Prettiest Town," Goderich has a strong sense of community resilience. The residents of Goderich survived an F3 Tornando in 2011, and the community banded together to rebuild stronger than ever. While exploring the town's shops and restaurants, stop at the local hangout, West Street Willy's Eatery. This restaurant is a great place to meet up with friends or take a short break for a bite to eat during your day's outing. For veggie lovers, the Veggie Grinder Sandwich is not to be missed.
Be sure to check out the Goderich Lighthouse, a historic landmark offering stunning views of Lake Huron. On the way, load up on art supplies at Elizabeth's Art Gallery to capture the view in your own personal work of art. If you are looking for a really novel experience, visit Sharp's Creek Forge to witness local artisan blacksmiths forging new creations out of iron and steel.
Fergus
Fergus is known for its Scottish heritage, historic architecture, and active community organizations. On the main street, you will find the Fergus Grand Theatre. This historic venue opened its doors in 1928 and provided a source for local theatre up until 2003. Today, it is a venue for various public and private events. The Templin Gardens is a peaceful green space with walking paths and makes a great stop in the city to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
In August, the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games celebrate Scottish culture with music, dance, a pageantry parade, and athletic competitions such as the Caber toss, always a crowd favorite. The Breadalbane Inn, a shining example of Scottish architecture, is a great place to stay if you wish to fully immerse yourself in the local culture.
St. Jacobs
St. Jacobs is a town that feels like it has taken a step back in time. It is not uncommon to stumble across a Mennonite horse carriage parked next to a Tesla. The St. Jacobs Farmers' Market is open year-round on Thursdays and Saturdays. Here you can find fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts. If you find yourself in an inexplicably long lineup, you have likely stumbled across The Fritter Co., a local favorite for their delicious apple fritters.
Don't miss the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, part of the Drayton Entertainment group, hosting year-round performances. The village of St. Jacobs shows off its community involvement throughout the year with special events like Pumpkin Palooza, a pumpkin carving event with live music, and Sparkles, a Christmas festive event.
Ontario's Small Towns Await
Ontario's small towns offer a mix of history, culture, and community spirit. From the historic streets of Fergus to the scenic trails of Elora Gorge, these towns are fantastic for exploring on foot and at your own leisure. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or local cuisine, you will find reasons to connect with your neighbors through shared interests and experiences, making new connections easily. The variety of events and festivals make these hidden gems the perfect place to make new friends or enjoy the company of old ones.
