Retail stores on Muskoka Road, the main thoroughfare in Gravenhurst, Ontario. Image credit LesPalenik via Shutterstock

6 Most Underrated Towns in Ontario

Ontario's nearly 14 million residents are certainly spoiled for choice when it comes to finding a great small-town getaway destination. And while the attractive Niagara-on-the-Lake gets the lion's share of attention with over three million tourist visits annually, there are plenty of equally nice communities worth including on a visit to Ontario.

From Canada's steamship capital of Gravenhurst to the Scottish heritage of Fergus and the Thousand Islands gateway of Gananoque, each of these six most underrated towns in Ontario presents opportunities to explore some of the province's lesser-known yet equally captivating destinations.

Gravenhurst

Pedestrians walking on Muskoka Road, the main street in Gravenhust — Muskoka Road, the main thoroughfare in Gravenhurst, Ontario. Image credit LesPalenik via Shutterstock

Although dubbed the "Gateway to Muskoka," the small town of Gravenhurst is often (quite literally) passed by as tourists head north up Highway 11 from Toronto to visit the larger cottage country towns of Bracebridge and Huntsville. Which is a shame, as Gravenhurst boasts several fantastic attractions worth visiting. Topping the list is Muskoka Wharf, a summer hotspot on Lake Muskoka that boasts a weekly farmer's market, great dining, and, most importantly, North America's oldest still operating steamship, the RMS Segwun. Along with her sister ship, the Wenonah II, the Segwun provides visitors with a range of cruise options that sail past million-dollar cottages to the smaller towns of Bala and Port Carling. Cruise tickets also include admission to another great wharf attraction, the kid-friendly Muskoka Discovery Centre.

Other points of interest are the Gravenhurst Opera House, where Kiefer Sutherland's dad, Donald, started his acting career; Bethune House, an especially important attraction for tourists from China who flock here to pay homage to Norman Bethune, the Canadian doctor who gave his life saving wounded Chinese soldiers in the 1930s; and Music on the Barge, a popular concert series in Gull Lake Park that was kicked off by the late Queen Elizabeth II during a visit in 1959.

Most Welcoming Towns In OntarioThough famous cities like Ottawa, Toronto, and Kingston continue to attract attention from tourists and locals alike, Ontario’s smaller towns are worthy of examination.

Fergus

Its location, just over 100 km from the largest city in Ontario, makes it easy to include Fergus on a day trip from Toronto. The town's Celtic roots are most famously celebrated during the annual Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games, one of the longest-running (it's now over 70 years old) and largest festivals of its kind in North America. Highlights of this three-day celebration of Canada's deep connection to Scotland include traditional caber tossing, Highland dancing, and bagpipe competitions.

About 10 minutes away, in the nearby town of Elora, you will find the Elora Gorge, a stunning natural formation carved by the Grand River that features 70-foot-high limestone cliffs… and great views. Best of all, there is a two-mile-long scenic trail network that extends to the Elora Gorge Conservation Area. The Grand River that forged Elora's gorgeous gorge has helped define Fergus, too. This pretty river flows through the town and provides outdoor enthusiasts with the chance to partake in activities such as fishing, kayaking, and leisurely walks along its banks. Templin Gardens is another attraction worth visiting for its beautifully landscaped grounds.

Gananoque

Gananoque serves as Canada's gateway to the Thousand Islands, a spectacular area of outstanding natural beauty along the St. Lawrence River shared equally by Ontario and Upstate New York. This archipelago of over 1,800 islands, much of it part of Thousand Islands National Park, can be explored via boat tours from Gananoque that provide up-close views of the islands, their diverse wildlife, as well as historic summer homes.

Other Gananoque highlights include the 1000 Islands History Museum, set in a former railway station and full of fascinating tidbits related to the region. The Gananoque Trail System is also fun to explore and consists of over seven miles of scenic walks through the town's parks and city streets.

Goderich

Ontario's so big that it encompasses four of the five Great Lakes. One of the best places to get a flavor of Lake Huron, the second largest, is by visiting Goderich. Considered one of the prettiest towns in Canada, Goderich's appeal is largely the result of its unique town layout, centered as it is around a distinctive octagonal traffic circle known as "The Square" (yes, town planners do have a sense of humor). This large green space was laid out in the mid-1800s and is considered the heart of the town.

You can learn more about the town's rich history at the Huron Historic Gaol and the Huron County Museum, both of which provide fascinating insights into the local history and culture. Goderich's beaches are another great reason to visit and offer swimming, sunbathing, and a chance to enjoy the town's famous sunsets. The town also boasts several parks and walking trails, including Menesetung Bridge, which offers excellent views of the Maitland River and Lake Huron.

Picton

Historic Heritage Catholic Church building exterior with autumn leaf colour — Historic Heritage Catholic Church in Picton, Ontario. Image credit Eltonlaw via Shutterstock

Lovely Picton is located in the increasingly popular Prince Edward County tourist region, an idyllic corner of the province that projects out into Lake Ontario roughly mid-way between Toronto and the Canadian capital of Ottawa. This island community is also making a name for itself in the wine industry, with notable wineries including Harwood Estate, Domaine Darius, and Huff Estates, the latter especially fun to visit for its onsite art facility, the Oeno Gallery.

In-town highlights include The Regent Theatre, a historic film and performance venue; and Macaulay Heritage Park with its well-preserved heritage buildings and gardens. Sandbanks Provincial Park is another star attraction nearby and is popular for its dunes and beaches.

Owen Sound

Located at the base of the Bruce Peninsula on the shores of Georgian Bay, Owen Sound is a great place to visit both for its cultural attractions and its many natural wonders. Established in 1841 for its sheltered harbor area and its access to Lake Huron, the city continues to be an important port for agricultural products, as evidenced by the still-used grain elevators located in the harbor. The town was also an important terminus point of the Underground Railroad, which helped an estimated 40,000 slaves flee north to Canada, a role that is celebrated at sites like the Black History Cairn in Harrison Park.

Other attractions include the Community Waterfront Heritage Centre, with its displays relating to the town's maritime and railway past; the Tom Thomson Art Gallery, dedicated to one of Canada's leading artists whose work inspired the famous Group of Seven; and nearby Inglis Falls, one of several waterfalls in the area that's popular for its location on the Bruce Trail, a 550-mile long historic hiking route that connects Georgian Bay with Niagara Falls.

Best Small Towns To Visit In OntarioCanada’s most populated province is known for its multitude of landscapes like the Great Lakes, the Canadian Shield, and world-class cities like Toronto, but don't forget about the small towns.

Thanks to Ontario's immense size – the state of New York would fit into the province seven times with room to also squeeze in Maine and Delaware. It should come as no surprise to learn that Ontario boasts plenty of great small towns to visit. From Goderich's stunning sunsets, and the steamships of Gravenhurst to Gananoque's connection to the spectacular Thousand Islands, these often-overlooked towns are certainly worth including in future travel plans.

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