15 Ontario small towns you will fall in love with
Ontario is proud of its small towns š
I carefully curated this list to share with you the most charming little towns that are often overlooked by travellers.
Any of these places can make for a fun day trip or a weekend getaway ā¬ļø
Interested in going on a trip but donāt want to deal with the small details? Just ask me about my pre-made lists! Or, we can curate something custom.
15 Places ā¢ 6 Saves ā¢ ago
Free
Elora
@hollymarietravels
Elora is a picturesque little town perched on a gorge āŗļø
The biggest appeal is the Elora Mill Hotel/Spa & conservation area, but the streets are cobblestone and lined with many shops, cafes, and bars.
It gets busy in the summer months, but during the holidays itās far less busy.
Send me a DM for my local recs ($5) āØ
Add to
Details
Stratford
@hollymarietravels
You might have heard of the Stratford Festival (where music lovers alike šµ gather).
August is the peak time for tourism and summer is my preferred time to visit, there's lots to see & do all year around.
Send me a DM for my local recs ($5) āØ
Add to
Details
Goderich
@hollymarietravels
Goderich is a small coastal town on Lake Huron. In recent years, it won the honorable mention of being the "prettiest town in Canada" š
One unique thing about downtown is that its shaped in an Octogon (with a large round about).
The sunsets on Lake Huron are the most gorgeous in Ontario āļø Grab a blanket and stroll down the boardwalk to St. Christopher's beach for a sunset picnic.
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Paris
@hollymarietravels
This one is close to my new home, so I have lots of good local recs to share š
Paris is very picturesque and set on the Grand River. Whatever you're looking for - shopping, eating, drinking, you'll find it here.
Send me a DM for my local recs ($5) āØ
Add to
Details
St. Jacobs
@hollymarietravels
Near Kitchener/Waterloo is the small Mennonite village of St. Jacobs.
The main street doesn't cover much distance, but itās packed with shops, restaurants, and a brewery. We spent a weekend here recently.
Donāt forget to stop at the Farmers Market (they have the best Apple fritters)!
Send me a DM for my local recs ($5) āØ
Add to
Details
Paisley
@hollymarietravels
Also known as the "Artistic Village" of Ontario šØ
The historic downtown is full of energic colors and wall art (there's 5 murals).
There's also 7 km of trails to explore in town, or the 80 km Bruce Rail trail (for multi-use).
Come explore the Bruce š
Send me a DM for my local recs for the area ($5) āØ
Add to
Details
Creemore
@hollymarietravels
First thing that comes to mind is their craft brewery. But thatās not all this beautiful small town has going for it.
Send me a DM for my local recs ($5) āØ
Add to
Details
Sparta
@hollymarietravels
Sparta is a nostalgic memory of growing up as a kid in St. Thomas. This is a must-visit if you're in the area.
They are known for their homemade candles, arts & crafts, and even a winery š·
See below for a few local recs:
ā”ļø Anything Used and Sparta County Candles
ā”ļø Rush Creek Winery
ā”ļø Winter Wheat
Add to
Details
Lindsay
@hollymarietravels
Linsday is a favorite for cyclists on the beautiful Kawartha Trans Canada trail. Itās also on the Trent Severn Waterway.
Hereās some fun facts for you:
šIt was a filming location for the movie "A Christmas Story"
šIt has one of the widest downtown streets in Ontario
Send me a DM for my local recs ($5) āØ
Add to
Details
Wellington
@hollymarietravels
This vibrant town is tucked away in Prince Edward County š or "The County" as known by locals.
Itās all about the small businesses and community spirit here. And that's why I love it so much.
There are a few small towns in PEC (itās quite a large county) but Wellington is one of the best.
Send me a DM for my local recs ($5) āØ Or better yet, let's plan your next weekend getaway!
You can also check out my free list of the best places to eat/drink in PEC.
Add to
Details
Midland
@hollymarietravels
We stumbled upon Midland by mistake on the drive up to Georgian Bay. Now itās on my list of favorite small towns to visit š
Thereās a few notable historic sites, over 30 wall murals scattered through town, REALLY good local food spots, and some fun experiences you can book.
Send me a DM for my local recs ($5) āØ
Add to
Details
Meaford
@hollymarietravels
There are a few charming towns near the Georgian Bay, but Meaford is making it to the list!
It is often overshadowed by its popular neighbor - š Blue Mountain Village (not on this list). In my opinion it has a more authentic vibe, which I love.
There are so many things see & do in Meaford and the surrounding area of Georgian Bay. It's my go-to for good wine, beaches, and unqiue small travel experiences.
Send me a DM for my local recs ($5) āØ
Add to
Details
Coldwater
@hollymarietravels
If youāre in Orillia county, you'll stumble upon the charming Coldwater village š
Explore the historic downtown core and little shops. The mill and small local farmers market are a must-see.
Send me a DM for my local recs ($5) āØ
Add to
Details
Orillia
@hollymarietravels
Just past Barrie, on Lake Couchiching, youāll find this small town gem ā¬ļø
š²Biking on the waterfront trail
šLots of shopping (I love the antiques and specialty shops)
š½Lots of patios to grab a drink and eat some good local food
Send me a DM for my local recs ($5) āØ
Add to
Details
Dundas
@hollymarietravels
Right at the foot of the Niagara Escarpment is the small town of Dundas.
The Dundas Valley is full of things to do - scenic hikes, waterfalls, farm visits, horse sleighs in the winter.
I also need to give credit to the local food & craft beer scene š Lots of good stuff here!
Send me a DM for my local recs ($5) āØ
Add to
Details
* * *
CURATED BY
Iām an Ontario based creative (soon to be moving to Montreal, Quebec) with a love for locally-inspired travel experiences.
I curate guides & trips that help spread the love to smaller businesses + local communities š
My expertise is finding lesser known places that are usually hard to find or book ā¬ļø
Shop my trips and find me on Instagram (@hollymarietravels) to start planning your next trip!
šPersonalized lists start at $15
šCustom itineraries start at $50/day
šGuides (pricing varies, shop below)
PERSONALIZED TRAVEl SERVICES
Connect
with
a
local
expert
to
help
plan
your
ideal
trip
Send A Tip
Support Holly Marie Baughmanās work.
Select your tip amount
$5
$10
$20
$50
Or type in other amount
15 Ontario small towns you will fall in love with
Ontario is proud of its small towns š
I carefully curated this list to share with you the most charming little towns that are often overlooked by travellers.
Any of these places can make for a fun day trip or a weekend getaway ā¬ļø
Interested in going on a trip but donāt want to deal with the small details? Just ask me about my pre-made lists! Or, we can curate something custom.
15 Places ā¢ 6 Saves ā¢ ago
Free
Elora
@hollymarietravels
Elora is a picturesque little town perched on a gorge āŗļø
The biggest appeal is the Elora Mill Hotel/Spa & conservation area, but the streets are cobblestone and lined with many shops, cafes, and bars.
It gets busy in the summer months, but during the holidays itās far less busy.
Send me a DM for my local recs ($5) āØ
Add to
Details
Stratford
@hollymarietravels
You might have heard of the Stratford Festival (where music lovers alike šµ gather).
August is the peak time for tourism and summer is my preferred time to visit, there's lots to see & do all year around.
Send me a DM for my local recs ($5) āØ
Add to
Details
Goderich
@hollymarietravels
Goderich is a small coastal town on Lake Huron. In recent years, it won the honorable mention of being the "prettiest town in Canada" š
One unique thing about downtown is that its shaped in an Octogon (with a large round about).
The sunsets on Lake Huron are the most gorgeous in Ontario āļø Grab a blanket and stroll down the boardwalk to St. Christopher's beach for a sunset picnic.
Add to
Details
Paris
@hollymarietravels
This one is close to my new home, so I have lots of good local recs to share š
Paris is very picturesque and set on the Grand River. Whatever you're looking for - shopping, eating, drinking, you'll find it here.
Send me a DM for my local recs ($5) āØ
Add to
Details
St. Jacobs
@hollymarietravels
Near Kitchener/Waterloo is the small Mennonite village of St. Jacobs.
The main street doesn't cover much distance, but itās packed with shops, restaurants, and a brewery. We spent a weekend here recently.
Donāt forget to stop at the Farmers Market (they have the best Apple fritters)!
Send me a DM for my local recs ($5) āØ
Add to
Details
Paisley
@hollymarietravels
Also known as the "Artistic Village" of Ontario šØ
The historic downtown is full of energic colors and wall art (there's 5 murals).
There's also 7 km of trails to explore in town, or the 80 km Bruce Rail trail (for multi-use).
Come explore the Bruce š
Send me a DM for my local recs for the area ($5) āØ
Add to
Details
Creemore
@hollymarietravels
First thing that comes to mind is their craft brewery. But thatās not all this beautiful small town has going for it.
Send me a DM for my local recs ($5) āØ
Add to
Details
Sparta
@hollymarietravels
Sparta is a nostalgic memory of growing up as a kid in St. Thomas. This is a must-visit if you're in the area.
They are known for their homemade candles, arts & crafts, and even a winery š·
See below for a few local recs:
ā”ļø Anything Used and Sparta County Candles
ā”ļø Rush Creek Winery
ā”ļø Winter Wheat
Add to
Details
Lindsay
@hollymarietravels
Linsday is a favorite for cyclists on the beautiful Kawartha Trans Canada trail. Itās also on the Trent Severn Waterway.
Hereās some fun facts for you:
šIt was a filming location for the movie "A Christmas Story"
šIt has one of the widest downtown streets in Ontario
Send me a DM for my local recs ($5) āØ
Add to
Details
Wellington
@hollymarietravels
This vibrant town is tucked away in Prince Edward County š or "The County" as known by locals.
Itās all about the small businesses and community spirit here. And that's why I love it so much.
There are a few small towns in PEC (itās quite a large county) but Wellington is one of the best.
Send me a DM for my local recs ($5) āØ Or better yet, let's plan your next weekend getaway!
You can also check out my free list of the best places to eat/drink in PEC.
Add to
Details
Midland
@hollymarietravels
We stumbled upon Midland by mistake on the drive up to Georgian Bay. Now itās on my list of favorite small towns to visit š
Thereās a few notable historic sites, over 30 wall murals scattered through town, REALLY good local food spots, and some fun experiences you can book.
Send me a DM for my local recs ($5) āØ
Add to
Details
Meaford
@hollymarietravels
There are a few charming towns near the Georgian Bay, but Meaford is making it to the list!
It is often overshadowed by its popular neighbor - š Blue Mountain Village (not on this list). In my opinion it has a more authentic vibe, which I love.
There are so many things see & do in Meaford and the surrounding area of Georgian Bay. It's my go-to for good wine, beaches, and unqiue small travel experiences.
Send me a DM for my local recs ($5) āØ
Add to
Details
Coldwater
@hollymarietravels
If youāre in Orillia county, you'll stumble upon the charming Coldwater village š
Explore the historic downtown core and little shops. The mill and small local farmers market are a must-see.
Send me a DM for my local recs ($5) āØ
Add to
Details
Orillia
@hollymarietravels
Just past Barrie, on Lake Couchiching, youāll find this small town gem ā¬ļø
š²Biking on the waterfront trail
šLots of shopping (I love the antiques and specialty shops)
š½Lots of patios to grab a drink and eat some good local food
Send me a DM for my local recs ($5) āØ
Add to
Details
Dundas
@hollymarietravels
Right at the foot of the Niagara Escarpment is the small town of Dundas.
The Dundas Valley is full of things to do - scenic hikes, waterfalls, farm visits, horse sleighs in the winter.
I also need to give credit to the local food & craft beer scene š Lots of good stuff here!
Send me a DM for my local recs ($5) āØ
Add to
Details
* * *
CURATED BY
Iām an Ontario based creative (soon to be moving to Montreal, Quebec) with a love for locally-inspired travel experiences.
I curate guides & trips that help spread the love to smaller businesses + local communities š
My expertise is finding lesser known places that are usually hard to find or book ā¬ļø
Shop my trips and find me on Instagram (@hollymarietravels) to start planning your next trip!
šPersonalized lists start at $15
šCustom itineraries start at $50/day
šGuides (pricing varies, shop below)
PERSONALIZED TRAVEl SERVICES
Connect
with
a
local
expert
to
help
plan
your
ideal
trip
Send A Tip
Support Holly Marie Baughmanās work.
Select your tip amount
$5
$10
$20
$50
Or type in other amount