9 Of The Friendliest Towns In Ontario
Even on the best days, traveling can be stressful, and having a friendly face to help you along your journey can make all the difference. Whether it’s a tour guide, a shop owner, or just an outgoing resident, Ontario is home to a wide selection of friendly towns where exploring is an easy, stress-free experience. Whether you’re searching for outdoor recreation or the ultimate small-town shopping experience, Ontario has you covered. So get out, explore, and don’t forget to offer a friendly wave when walking down the street!
Woodstock
Welcome to Woodstock, a southwestern town known mostly for its impressive dairy production and friendly residents. According to a post on the Oxford County Cheese Trail website, Woodstock and the surrounding Oxford County area produce a whopping 286,000,000 liters of milk each year. In addition to all that dairy, Woodstock also calls itself "The Friendly City" because of its welcoming environment and tight-knit community. Woodstock residents frequently team up for community events, including everything from tree planting together on arbor day to participating in an annual community-wide easter egg hunt. Upon entering the town, travelers can feel these close, friendly vibes almost instantly. During a trip to The Friendly City, visitors will also find a wide array of fun things to see and do. Starting with the famous Oxford Cheese, Travelers will find three of the trail stops in town, including the popular Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese. After getting your fill of dairy products, head outdoors and explore places such as Southside Park or the Pittock Conservation Area. Additional activities include walking through the Woodstock Art Gallery, exploring the Woodstock Museum National Historic Site, and searching for even more dairy-infused goodies at the Woodstock Farmers Market.
Niagara-On-The-Lake
Good wine, good art, and rich history come together to make Niagara-on-the-Lake a special town worth visiting. When traveling to the Niagara region, many think first about the grand Niagara Falls. However, a mere 25 kilometers away from the cascading water lies an equally beautiful place filled with friendly people and fun things to do. Niagara-on-the-Lake has repeatedly been listed as Ontario’s prettiest town due to the abundance of flora and the preserved 19th-century buildings located within the town's heritage district. Those looking to experience the beauty and welcoming energy of Niagara-on-the-Lake will find plenty of opportunities to do so. For example, the Prince of Wales Hotel is an iconic local landmark and serves as an excellent place to admire flowers and architecture. The hotel also contains a handful of restaurants where travelers can enjoy a nice meal. Other worthwhile activities to try while in the area include touring local wineries, walking along the water's edge at Queens Royal Park, and admiring the nearby Floral Clock.
Picton
Located in the beautiful Prince Edward County, Picton, Ontario, is a historic town that serves as a hotspot for summer day trips and peaceful vacations. Between local shops, famous theatres, and a widely popular provincial park, finding fun activities and friendly faces is never hard to do here. To start a Picton visit off on the right foot, head to Sandbanks Provincial Park. Here, visitors can admire towering sand dunes, swim, hike, and camp, among various other park activities. Similar to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Picton and the surrounding Prince Edward County are littered with incredible local wineries and breweries that interested travelers can tour and sip their way through. For something with laid-back energy, check out the taproom at Parsons Brewing Company, where patrons can sample a wide selection of locally brewed beer and enjoy a tasty farm-to-table meal. Before leaving town, don’t forget to take in a show at the Regent Theatre and wander through the Macaulay Mountain Conservation Area.
Goderich
The small coastal town of Goderich, Ontario, is equally beautiful and friendly. Described on the town’s website as “a wonderful and welcoming community,” Goderich boasts stunning views of Lake Huron, turquoise shores, and an inviting downtown historic district. Visitors to Goderich will be pleased to find a downtown core that’s easily walkable and filled with fun things to see and do. Spend some time splashing in the water at Goderich Main Beach or Rotary Cove Beach, soak in the views from Menesetung Bridge, or head to the Goderich Lighthouse for a little history lesson. Other activities, such as taking in a show by The Goderich Little Theatre or admiring the Laithwaite Apple Park Statues, are also worth your time.
Huntsville
Huntsville, Ontario, is an outdoor lover's paradise. Located in the picturesque Muskoka Region, travelers will find a long list of outdoor activities suitable for any season. In the warmer months, Huntsville visitors can spend their time admiring wide-spanning views at the Lions Lookout or hiking the trails at The Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve. In the winter, skiing and skating are offered at places like Arrowhead Provincial Park and the Muskoka Ski Club. Those looking for low-impact outdoor activities will find just what they need at beautiful local spots such as the Brunel Locks and River Mill Park. Huntsville is a hub for Ontario tourism, attracting city-dwellers and travelers from around the world, especially during cottage season. As such, the town is primed for tourists and is filled with friendly faces and helpful folks wanting to make everyone’s Huntsville experience a good one.
Tobermory
Tobermory is a small harbor town located on Ontario’s stunning Bruce Peninsula. The town attracts plenty of cottage-going tourists and outdoor lovers looking to explore the town's many attractions. Perhaps one of the biggest and best attractions in town is FlowerPot Island. Accessible only by boat, this island features towering limestone erosive formations that resemble flowerpots. Once on the island, visitors are free to hike the trails, where they’ll see the rock formations, an old lighthouse, and plenty of local flora and fauna. Tobermory is also home to two National Parks- the Fathom Five National Marine Park and the Bruce Peninsula National Park. Both parks offer a wide selection of activities, including camping, swimming, hiking, and scuba diving.
Stratford
Oozing with small-town charm and close-knit community members, it’s safe to say that Stratford, Ontario, is a pretty friendly place to explore. Local events such as Lights on Stratford and Art In The Park help bring visitors and the community together. Outside of being a welcoming town with plenty of enticing events, Stratford is also one of the best places in the province to enjoy a play. Theatre lovers will want to check out Stratford Festival, a theatre festival that takes place annually between April and October. During the festival, which spans four distinct theatres in town, visitors will have the chance to see “classics, contemporary dramas, and musicals, with special emphasis on the plays of Shakespeare.” In addition to the many theatres in town, Stratford is also home to a host of stunning outdoor spaces. Visitors can walk the waterfront trails at Upper Queens Park or enjoy the flora and architecture at Stratford Shakespearean Gardens.
Brockville
Brockville, Ontario, is a welcoming town with a self-proclaimed “entrepreneurial spirit.” This spirit is abundantly evident when exploring the downtown core, where travelers will find several businesses with unique offerings. According to Brockville’s tourism website, “As you stroll along [downtown], you’ll encounter friendly locals who are always happy to strike up a conversation or exchange a friendly wave.” That said, there is far more to do in town than just shopping. Brockville is home to Canada’s first railway, which today serves as a beautiful light display for tourists to enjoy. Visitors can enjoy camping and waterfront views at St. Lawrence Park or hop on a 1000 Islands cruise for a relaxing evening of dinner and sightseeing. The railway tunnel and The Aquatarium are also worth checking out.
St. Jacobs
St. Jacobs, Ontario, is a small village home to less than 2,000 people. What the town lacks in size, however, it makes up for in friendliness. Shopping is one of the main attractions in town, and the welcoming energy within the shops is undeniable. Several Tripadvisor reviews for various local businesses in St. Jacobs make statements such as, “All the staff are very friendly and helpful.” and “The really friendly staff (all volunteers) were happy to chat with me…” Some of the best places to shop in town are the St. Jacobs Farmers Market and the St. Jacobs Antique Market. Outside of shopping, visitors will find a handful of other places to visit in town. Spots, including the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse and The Mennonite Story, are also worth visiting.
Whether you’re a shopper, a hiker, or a patron of the arts, it’s easy to find a friendly town in Ontario, Canada, that caters to your interest. Between exploring the popular Oxford County Cheese Trail in Woodstock, sipping local wines in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and enjoying a skate through Arrowhead Provincial Park in Huntsville, there’s a little something for everyone here.