13 Best Small Towns to Visit in Ontario
Ontario, Canada is a massive segment of land, around 415,600 mi² in size. To put that in perspective, that is bigger than countries like Turkey, Ukraine, or Egypt.
Canada’s most populated province is known for its multitude of landscapes like the Great Lakes, the Canadian Shield, and world-class cities like Toronto.
With so many people and places, it is hard to decide where to go, so read on to explore 13 of the best towns to visit in Ontario.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
When people hear Niagara, you immediately think of the falls, but this town is also worth a visit. The town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has an old-world feel, complete with the occasional horse-drawn carriage.
What's more, Niagara Falls is just a short 20-minute drive away. So, it is the best of both words. The town has a Heritage District, with beautiful 19th-century buildings and well-kept streets, reflecting the town’s long history in the region.
Niagara-on-the-Lake also has a popular wine industry. So if you love wine, many wineries in town have great views of the countryside, making for a memorable experience.
Right in the heart of town is the Shaw Festival, a hub of world-class theater. This festival has over ten productions in three theatres, drawing in over 250,000 people each year.
Huntsville
Huntsville rests amidst the vast expanse of the Canadian Shield and is situated directly between two lakes. The town has a vibrant arts scene, with local artists being shown at both the Algonquin Art Centre and the Eclipse Art Gallery.
The town has some fun outdoor options, like kayaking and canoeing on the Muskoka River, with calm waters providing an ideal setting for water adventures. Arrowhead Provincial Park, near Huntsville, offers hiking trails at various levels, from leisurely strolls to challenging routes.
Algonquin Park, one of the most famous parks in Canada, is only a 50-minute drive away. The park was the country's first provincial park and its beauty has been a source of inspiration for painters and artists for over a hundred years.
Elora
Often given the tagline ‘Ontario's most beautiful village,’ Elora has a combination of outdoor wonders and a fascinating townscape. Elora's downtown holds 19th-century limestone storefronts, with a diverse array of shops, giving the town a distinctive and historic character.
The town is home to the Elora Mill, an iconic 19th-century building that has been transformed into a luxury hotel and restaurant, a local architectural marvel.
The Elora Gorge, carved by the Grand River, has towering limestone cliffs and cascading waterfalls, offering breathtaking views for both hikers and nature enthusiasts.
An unusual feature, The Tooth of Time, sits at the Elora Gorge Waterfall. This remarkable geological formation, resembling a colossal tooth, rises from the earth amidst the powerful flow of the water.
Stratford
Come to Stratford for the charming architecture; stay for the arts and world-class theatre. Its downtown is characterized by timeless Victorian architecture, with red-brick structures dominating the streets.
The area is graced by the presence of the Stratford City Hall, a designated national historic site of Canada and one of the most striking buildings in the vicinity. With its late-Victorian architecture, distinctive brickwork, and iconic clock tower, it is a prominent civic landmark.
Visitors can learn some local history by taking a trip to the past at the Stratford Perth Museum. The museum has more than 20,000 artifacts, bringing the long legacy of Perth County back to life.
The town's crown jewel is the Stratford Festival, a globally acclaimed theater company that runs a diverse selection of classical and contemporary plays from April to October.
Grand Bend
Right in Grand Bend’s backyard, miles of white sandy beaches meet the deep blue waters of Lake Huron's shoreline. This popular resort town has a vibrant summer atmosphere as people pour in to kick back and relax on the golden beaches.
If you are here to enjoy the summer beaches, make sure to stick around to see the phenomenal sunsets striking the shore. The Grand Bend Pier extends far into Lake Huron, a quiet place for a leisurely stroll or some fishing. It also provides a dramatic view when winds and heavy waves come in.
Less than a 10-minute drive south lies Pinery Provincial Park. The park has oak savannah, beach dunes, and opportunities for hiking or birdwatching.
Fergus
Formerly known as Little Falls, Fergus cherishes its longstanding ties to its Scottish heritage. The historic downtown area possesses a unique appeal, with Victorian-era architecture and natural limestone buildings with their ornate facades and detailed trimmings.
The Grand River runs right through the middle of town, providing a peaceful place to go for a walk, or simply sit down with friends or family for a picnic.
For some local history, the Wellington County Museum offers a journey through Fergus' heritage by depicting pioneer life and showcasing artifacts and tools.
Every August, the famous Fergus Scottish Festival celebrates the town's heritage with lively festivities, including Highland games, the largest games of its kind in North America. For even more Scottish fun, there is also Fergus Tartan Day in April.
Gananoque
Considered the gateway to the Thousand Islands, an archipelago of over 1,800 islands, Gananoque is one of Ontario's most memorable waterfront locations.
The town has brilliant waterfront views of the St. Lawerence River, dotted with boats and ships weaving between the Thousand Islands. The Joel Stone Heritage Park is a good place to relax with the family for a picnic or play around in the popular splash pad.
Put on your skipper hat and get ready to explore the waters. Gananoque offers boat tours traveling through the archipelago, allowing visitors to explore the beauty and get views inaccessible from the mainland.
Back in town, the Arthur Child Heritage Museum is an engaging museum explaining the history of the region, featuring exhibits on maritime heritage, Indigenous culture, and more.
Port Hope
Port Hope has put down deep roots in the region, established back in the late 18th century. This is reflected in the variety of architecture built over the years, with a range of architectural styles, including examples of Victorian, Gothic Revival, Georgian, and Colonial Revival designs.
Not far from town, an interesting revitalizing project is underway. Visitors can take a scenic drive to Wesleyville, a nearly abandoned village.
Its few remaining buildings and ancient graveyard provide a poignant glimpse into its historical landscape. Efforts are underway to bring life back to the village.
The town also has a bountiful outdoor area to play in, with the Ganaraska Forest just north of the town. Covering around 11,000 acres, the park has hiking, horseback riding, and many other outdoor activities.
Midland
You will know there's something different about Midland when you see its buildings. Midland has over 30 meticulously crafted mural paintings, featuring the largest historic outdoor wall mural in North America.
Nearby, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is a living history site that recreates a 17th-century French Jesuit mission, offering insights into early interactions between European settlers and Indigenous peoples. Sainte-Marie was one of the earliest European settlements in Ontario.
Another important historic site is the Huronia Museum and Huron Ouendat Village, which has a replica of a ‘pre-contact’ Huron/Ouendat village on its location.
The town also serves as the entrance to the UNESCO-designated Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve, which encompasses more than 30,000 islands in the vicinity.
Bayfield
Right along the shores of Lake Huron, Bayfield is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Two things you will notice about Bayfield are the unbelievable beaches and the historic downtown. The town's Main Street is lined with well-preserved 19th-century buildings, with mature trees providing shade for those hot days under the sun.
A local historical treat is the Little Inn, which has been welcoming visitors since mid 1800’s. Originally a stagecoach stop, the inn has been preserved and restored, combining the allure of the past with the amenities of the present.
Going to the beach is a must, and Bayfield has plenty of options. Just around Bayfield, there are three distinct beaches: Pier Beach, Howard Beach, and Houston Heights Beach.
Creemore
If you are into the craft brewery scene, you probably have heard about Creemore. Creemore Springs Brewery has some exceptional small-batch beers and is well-known for its quality and distinct flavors. People come from far and wide to experience a brewery tour or a tasting.
The town’s downtown has a peaceful and quiet atmosphere, with brick buildings lining the streets. Creemore also holds the unusual distinction of having ‘North America’s Smallest Jail.’ The building was constructed in 1892, costing $425.20, with only 3 cells inside.
For a great view of the area, Nottawasaga Lookout is less than 20 minutes away. The viewpoint provides stunning views of the Niagara Escarpment and invites visitors to take on a challenging hike through the area.
St. Jacobs
The village is deeply connected to its Mennonite roots, and even today you can see farmers riding the roads with a horse and buggy. Located in the Township of Woolwich, this village holds a wide variety of shops and restaurants but also many interesting roadside options, with fresh produce fruits, maple syrup, and much more.
For a real flavor of local products, the St. Jacobs Farmers' Market has a huge collection of handmade crafts and artisanal foods. The market is one of the biggest in all of Canada and has something for everyone with over 300 vendors.
During the holidays, the village springs alive with lights during the night. A magical holiday experience awaits with thousands of shimmering lights and carollers wandering through the village. You might even see Santa Claus and some of his elves.
Goderich
For many years, this town on Lake Huron has earned the title of the 'Prettiest Town in Canada.' With its grand views of the lake and architecturally distinctive features, it is easy to see why.
The town has a distinct downtown layout, featuring an octagonal core called The Square, including the historic courthouse located in the center. Streets extend outward from the central Courthouse Park, forming the framework of the surrounding area. For a small town, Goderich has a large collection of museums and interesting historical sites.
The Huron County Museum teaches history through thousands of artifacts, while the Huron Historic Gaol, a functioning jail from 1841 to 1972, is now a museum explaining penal history. An iconic waterfront landmark, the Goderich Lighthouse, built in 1847, guides ships with its distinctive red and white tower.
In Conclusion
With over 14 million people living in Ontario, there is an untold variety of stories and locations for visitors to take in. From the world-famous Niagra Falls to the cold reaches of the Canadian Shield, this Canadian province calls you to visit with its diverse natural beauty and cultural richness. If you are looking to explore the vastness of nature or the quiet serenity of historic towns, Ontario offers a captivating blend of options.
