9 Most Welcoming Towns in Ontario

Canada’s most populous province, Ontario, entered Confederation in 1867 and remains an important center of commerce and culture in Eastern Canada. Though famous cities like Ottawa, Toronto, and Kingston continue to attract attention from tourists and locals alike, Ontario’s smaller towns are too worthy of examination. From fascinating local history to stunning natural wonders and loads of unique Canadian charm, the welcoming small towns of Ontario are indeed treasures of the Land of the North. So do not wait any longer; see some of Canada’s best through a visit to Ontario’s great towns!

Stratford

Named for the British market town (and the famed birthplace of William Shakespeare), this Ontario town can trace its modern history to the 1830s. Today, just over 33,000 residents call Stratford home, which is widely celebrated as one of Ontario’s best artistic centers. On the site of the beloved Stratford Festival, which has been performing Shakespearean plays annually since 1953, thousands of tourists descend on the town to see some of the best interpretations of the Bard’s work. Beyond this cherished theatre tradition, however, Stratford is also a beautifully scenic town where guests can enjoy a welcoming ambiance. Spend time along the Avon River and its alluring park areas or stroll through its Main Street, where an eclectic selection of eateries, novelty shops, and other charming boutiques dot the landscape.

Niagara on the Lake

Located in the Niagara Peninsula region of Ontario, the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is indeed a scenic and splendid place to discover firsthand. First settled in the 1780s, the town’s proximity to the Niagara River and Lake Ontario made it a strategic colonial location, and it served as the capital of the then-called Upper Canada. Full of historic charm and just a 30-minute drive from St. Catharines, Niagara-on-the-Lake presents a welcoming Main Street downtown and beautiful waterfront areas ideal for a reflective getaway. Visit places like the Fort George National Historic Site from the 1790s or St. Mark’s Church (1809), amongst many others, while catching a play or two at the Shaw Theatre Festival is always a delight. With the town’s moderate year-round climate, spending time outdoors and partaking in activities like biking, jogging, sailing, and picnicking are great ways to enjoy the pastoral splendor of this excellent historic Ontario town.

Elora

Home to a population of just under 8,000 residents, Elora is a picturesque town with stunning natural features and plenty of historic architecture. Established in the 1830s, Elora is situated along the Grand River and the nearby Elora Gorge, which includes a 25-foot-tall waterfall. With beautiful opportunities to stroll along several bridges over the river and take some truly memorable photos, Elora’s outdoor scenery is undoubtedly amongst the most beautiful in Ontario. Meanwhile, in town proper, visitors will find a wonderful assortment of restored limestone 19th-century buildings reflecting Elora’s foundational years while transporting one back in time. Just over an hour’s drive from the city of Toronto, Elora is a great day trip destination, and it is indeed one of southern Ontario’s most welcoming places. Enjoy some charming boutique shops, restaurants, and other galleries too, for a comfortable and relaxing outing.

Gananoque

Situated along the famed St. Lawrence River, Gananoque is indeed a charming and relaxing community that is perfect for a vacation, especially in the summer. A part of Ontario’s Thousand Islands region, thousands of tourists stop by Gananoque annually, where genuinely picturesque scenery and fun on the water are never in shortage. From swimming to boat tours, residents and guests alike can enjoy Gananoque’s small-town ambiance in a most serene waterside setting. Visit the St. Lawrence River National Park, see a show at the Thousand Islands Playhouse (right along the river), browse through the various cute shops, or take in a tasty meal from any locally run restaurant, and it is not difficult to see why Gananoque is such a special place to be.

Picton

Founded in 1837, Picton is a quiet community of just under 5,000 residents located right at the southwestern end of Picton Bay. A great place to enjoy a slower pace of life, visitors to this Prince Edward County town can enjoy such outdoor destinations as the Sandbanks Provincial Park (complete with massive dunes), the shores of Lake Ontario, and the aforementioned Bay. Meanwhile, a welcoming assortment of antique shops and cute family-run stores can be found all throughout town, while some quaint bed-and-breakfast establishments really create a sense of the olden days.

Mattawa

A small logging town with just under 2,000 inhabitants, Mattawa is beautifully situated where the Ottawa and Mattawa Rivers meet. Known for its rocky shorelines and abundance of campsites, Mattawa is an ideal place to enjoy outdoor activities like canoeing, camping, and fishing, all within the vicinity of a small town’s charm. In addition, the nearby Samuel De Champlain Provincial Park cannot be missed. Here, chances to see wildlife, go hiking, biking, swimming, and camping all make it a haven for the nature lover with majestic views of the Mattawa River and tall pines standing sentinel. Keep an eye out for the many giant wooden statues in the town proper, each commemorating critical historical figures from Canada’s past.

Tobermory

Also known as the “Scuba Diving Capital of the World,” the small town of Tobermory is situated right at the tip of Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula. A beautiful harbor community, in addition to scuba diving and sailing, visitors to Tobermory can also enjoy scenic opportunities for cycling, hiking, and camping along the Niagara Escarpment cliffs. Explore nearby natural wonders like the Flowerpot Islands and the Fathom Five National Marine Park, where shipwrecks in crystal blue waters can be viewed for a unique experience. Meanwhile, trekking along the Bruce Trail offers some of the region’s most stunning panoramas, perfect for amateur and professional photographers alike. And with its mild temperatures in both winter and summer, Tobermory is indeed the most comfortable throughout the year and one Ontario town that surely will not be forgotten.

Killarney

Killarney is located on the shores of Georgian Bay with a most humble population of just under 400 permanent residents. Adjacent to Killarney Provincial Park (which covers an area of some 485 square kilometers), the town is an ever-popular summer destination where activities like camping, sailing, paddling, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing can be enjoyed. In town itself, spending a few nights at the Killarney Mountain Lodge makes for quite the rustic experience, while a stroll past the many local businesses and restaurants ensures that a piece of small-town Ontario stays with you. And do not forget to try some locally caught and prepared fish and chips at Herbert’s, a veritable treat for the young and old!

South River

With its easy access to Algonquin Provincial Park, the town (or small village) of South River is the perfect place to visit on the way into or out of the beloved Park. Here, quaint and relaxing surroundings offer a welcome relief from hectic big city life as one prepares to journey into the Algonquin wilderness. But even on its own, South River is an excellent place to sojourn, and activities like canoeing, swimming, and camping are always popular at the nearby Kawawaymog Lake. Or perhaps rent a log cabin close by Smith Lake for a true sense of seclusion amidst raw nature. And of course, like any welcoming small town, loads of charming hospitality and locally run eateries can be found throughout South River, which all aim to satisfy the solo traveler and families alike.

Ontario Beyond the Cities

Ontario is one of Canada’s most vast provinces by total area and is the most populous in the nation, with some 14.2 million inhabitants. While the major urban centers of any place always come to mind first, Ontario’s smaller and more welcoming towns reflect the old adage that sometimes bigger is not always better. From the historic and wonderfully scenic Niagara-on-the-Lake to the island wonder of Gananoque and beyond, these towns are beautiful gems of a genuinely great province. So next time one visits Ontario, be mindful that outside of Toronto, Ottawa, or Kingston, a treasure trove of delightful history and natural wonders await all within the confines of these lesser-known but equally beautiful destinations.