36 Most Charming Small Towns in Ontario (2024) -

Looking for Ontario small towns to visit or to live? You’re in the right place.

I love to travel abroad, but there is so much to do just here in Ontario. Small towns in Ontario are full of heritage, culture, and really unique things to see. Whether you’re looking for good places to live in Ontario or simply good Ontario weekend getaways, then there are a number of hidden gems in Ontario that I can’t wait to tell you about.

There are so many worthwhile small towns to visit in Ontario, and I wish I could mention them all. I have tried to narrow it down to the top 36 which I think offer unique, out of the ordinary attractions for tourists.

Growing up outside of the GTA, I’ve lived in proximity to Ontario small towns my whole life. I grew up in a small town, and I now live in a (different) small town, and also visited a number of small towns in between.

To define, “small town”, I’m going to be showing you the best places to visit in Ontario with a population of around 20,000 or less – because anything much more than that, from my experience, has more of a city atmosphere than a ‘small town’ vibe.

As a lifelong Ontario small town resident, and a travel blogger, I want to share with you the best small Ontario small towns to visit, and what makes them worth a visit during an Ontario road trip, or an Ontario weekend getaway.

So, let’s jump in – best small towns to visit in Ontario!

35 Best Ontario Small Towns to Visit

Pack your bags for your Ontario road trip. Here are the best small towns in Ontario, and why they’re worth a visit

1. Arnprior

Arnprior is a town of just over 10,000 people located 65 km (40 miles) west of downtown Ottawa. It’s known for its architecture, festivals, boutique stores and bakeries.

If you’re in the Ottawa area, Arnprior makes for a charming stop for an eastern Ontario road trip.

Things to do in Arnprior, Ontario:

Go shopping at boutique stores on the main street
Grab fresh baked goods at Mighty Fine Bakehouse, or Sweet and Sassy Co.
Explore Arnprior’s heritage past at the beautiful 1800s heritage building, the Arnprior and District Museum
Take a walk on the scenic Macnamara Nature Trail
Take part in the Priorpalooza (music festival held in June) or the Dragon Boat Festival (July)
Take a drive to nearby villages White Lake and Burnstown

Where to stay in Arnprior:

Arnprior Motor Inn is located just in the outskirts of downtown, just a few minutes’ walk from the river

2. Bancroft

Bancroft is a small town 2.5 hours in between both Ottawa and Toronto, with a population of just over 4,000. It’s location nestled in a hilly forested terrain with the York River running through it make it a picturesque place to live and visit.

Bancroft is a a great location for outdoor activities, hole in the wall cafés, art and heritage.

Things to do in Bancroft, Ontario

Try specialty drinks at one of the cozy family-owned cafés on Bridge street
Admire local art the Art Gallery of Bancroft
Learn about the pioneering past in the area in the beautiful log home, the Bancroft North Hastings Heritage Museum
Discover the area’s mining history at the Bancroft Mineral Museum
Try local craft beers at the Bancroft Brewing Company
Go for a hike at Eagle Chutes Provincial Park

Check availability at Somerset Lakeside Resort for an overnight stay in Bancroft

4. Bath

Bath is known for being one of Ontario’s oldest communities, settled in 1784. Located just 28 km (17 miles) east of Kingston, Bath is a tiny village of less than 2,000 people.

Despite the small population, there are a number of scenic things to do in the area, as well as buildings that are hundreds of years old.

Things to Do in Bath, Ontario

Take a walk along the marina and the Heritage Park on the shoreline of Lake Ontario
Take the ferry to Amherst Island from the Millhaven Ferry Dock (5 minutes from downtown)
Grab some delicious eats at the Beachside BBQ
Learn about early Upper Canada at the historic “Ham House”
Check out the Farfield Gudzeit House, a museum that dates back to 1796

Places to stay near Bath, Ontario

It makes most sense to stay in the town of Napanee (20 minutes away) as there are limited accommodations in Bath. The Fox Motor Inn in Napanee has great amenities, including an outdoor pool

5. Burks Falls

Burks Falls is a small village in an area known as the Almaguin Highlands. Surrounded by lakes, Burks Falls near ‘cottage country.’

Burk’s Falls is best known for the private art property, known Screaming Heads which was featured in Atlas Obscura, but there are a few other gems nearby to check out too.

My family’s cottage is near Burks Falls, so I’ve been here quite a few times. There isn’t a lot to do, but there are a few hidden gems worth checking out. At the very least, Burks Falls is worth a stop on a road trip in Ontario.

Visit the Tourism Centre which has a scenic heritage walk with a river that goes over the waterfall
Visit Mithothian Castle and Screaming Heads
Check out the Wiseman’s Corner Schoolhouse Heritage Centre to see what an old schoolhouse in the area once looked like
Drive to the village of Magnetawan (20 minutes away) on Saturday mornings from May to October for the farmer’s market

6. Bracebridge

Bracebridge is a larger size town in Ontario’s “cottage country,” just a 40 minute drive north of Orillia. Bracebridge is famous for its Fire and Ice Festival which happens every winter, and for the Bracebridge Waterfalls in the heart of the downtown.

Being in the Muskoka area, there are a number of outdoor things to do, as well as shopping and eating in the downtown core.

I’ve driven through Bracebridge and visited a number of times, as I have family here. It has a great downtown, and is worth a visit in itself, or a stop on a road trip from Toronto to Algonquin Park.

Things to do in Bracebridge, Ontario

Marvel at the Bracebridge Waterfalls in the centre of town
Explore the scenic beauty on a Muskoka River Cruise
Visit Santa’s Village (open year round) if you’re in Bracebridge with kids
Sample craft beers at the Muskoka Brewery
Take part in the annual Fire and Ice Festival in late January
Take a scenic walk at the local community garden, the Rotary Centennial Gardens

Places to Stay near Bracebridge, Ontario

Inn at the Falls – Located right downtown, with a view of the falls and close to shops and restaurants. Breakfast included!

7. Cochrane

Cochrane is the polar bear capital of Ontario, and located about an hour north of Timmins. About 1/3 of Cochrane speaks French as a first language.

Cochrane is very small, (the population is just over 5,000 as of 2022) and I’ll admit there isn’t a ton to do right in town aside from the Polar Bear Habitat – which is the biggest draw to the area.

However, Cochrane is also within driving distance of some incredibly scenic sights, and makes for a worthwhile stop on a Northern Ontario road trip.

Things to do in Cochrane, Ontario:

Visit the Polar Bear Habitat and see the three polar bears that live on site
Grab breakfast at the cozy Railway Café
Take a walk along the Zeverly Rapids Bridge (45 minutes south of Cochrane)
Take a scenic drive to see the incredible New Post Falls (2 hours north of Cochrane)

Places to stay near Cochrane:

Travelodge by Wyndham Cochrane is less than 5 minute drive to the Polar Bear Habitat

8. Creemore

Creemore is home of the smallest jail in North America, and the famous Creemore Brewery, and makes a worthwhile stop on a road trip if you’re driving from Toronto to the Collingwood or Wasaga Beach area.

Creemore, with its quaint downtown, feels like a smaller version of Niagara on the Lake, with its high-end shopping and a few cozy places to eat.

I grew up visiting Creemore, as my grandparents had a farm just outside of town. It has morphed into a touristy little spot, where I often like to meet friends for lunch and take a stroll on the main street.

Things to do in Creemore, Ontario

Do a tasting tour at the Creemore Brewery
Check out the smallest jail in North America!
Visit the nearby lavender Farm, Purple Hill Lavender Farm (summer only)

Places to stay in Creemore

I recommend staying at Gables Bed and Breakfast, just 10 minutes away in Stayner. It puts you close to Creemore, Collingwood and the Blue Mountains, as well as Wasaga Beach

9. Dorset

Dorest is a small town very popular in the summer and fall, for people wanting to enjoy cottage country in Ontario.

The first time I visited Dorset, it immediately reminded me of a small Swiss village in the Alps – it kind of has that feel. I recommend making a stop here to enjoy the beautiful Muskoka scenery.

Things to do in Dorset, Ontario

Get incredible, 360 views of the surrounding terrain from the Dorset Lookout Tower
Take a cruise on the SS Bigwin that leaves from the Dorset dock
Explore Dorset’s pioneering past at the Dorset Heritage Museum
Go hiking in Algonquin Provincial Park (30 minutes away)

Book your overnight accommodation in Dorset here

10. Dwight

Dwight is a small Muskoka town located right on the shore of the Lake of Bays. Dwight is extremely popular as a place to stay near Algonquin Provincial Park, as its only 20 minutes from the park entrance.

Aside from Algonquin, there are a number of other outdoorsy things to do in the area. And you absolutely must stop at Henrietta’s Bakery, and be there early enough if you want to try their signature pastry, the “Muskoka Cloud.”

We drive through Dwight every time we visit Algonquin, and I think the area is very under rated. It’s well worth a stop on an Ontario road trip from Toronto to Algonquin.

Things to Do in Dwight, Ontario

Marvel at the Oxtongue River Rapids
Shop at the Dwight Trading Post for unique Muskoka souvenirs
Get a mouthwatering poutine at Din’s Fresh Cut Fries
Stop in Henrietta’s Bakery for a sweet treat
Take a drive to Dorset (15 minutes away) to climb the Lookout Tower, or take a Bigwin Cruise
Go hiking in Algonquin Provincial Park (15 minutes away) and plan in advance if you want to see the fall colours

11. Elora

Elora is a small town famous for the Elora Gorge which is a tourist hotspot in the summertime, and for the ice climbing wall in the winter.

Elora is one of the best small towns to visit near Toronto, being only 90 minutes from downtown Toronto.

Things to do in Elora, Ontario

Go swimming at the breathtaking Elora Quarry in the summer
Shop for gifts and souvenirs at the Mermaid gift shop
Enjoy the variety of culinary options
Climb at 60-foot ice-climbing wall (winter only, weather permitting)
Explore the town of Fergus while you’re there (10 minutes away)

12. Fergus

Fergus is one of the most picturesque small towns near Toronto. Its riverfront limestone buildings, culinary scene, scenic trails, and small town atmosphere make it really nice either to stop through, or for an Ontario weekend getaway.

Fergus is in Wellington Country, only 10 minutes away from Elora, so the two can be visited in conjunction with each other.

I used to pass through Fergus often on my way to my school in Waterloo, and its such a nice town with a charming atmosphere. There’s also a lot worth doing in the area.

Check out all the the 1800s buildings, the post office, the museum, theatre and other
See the waterfall in Confederation Park
Visit the Wellington County Museum and Archives, which was once a “poorhouse” (government assisted housing in the 19th century.) Its the oldest of its kind in Canada
Walk through Templin Gardens in the heart of town, and admire the flowerbeds and limestone
Take part in the largest Scottish Festival in Canada. The Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games have been running for over 70 years.

Check accommodation options to spend a weekend in Fergus and Elora

13. Goderich

Goderich is a small town on Lake Huron, about 2.5 hours west of Toronto. Queen Elizabeth II called Goderich “the prettiest town in Canada,” and I believe she was definitely on to something.

I was lucky to be invited to a friend’s cottage in Goderich, and couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the water – it was so turquoise, that it reminded me of the Caribbean.

Things to do in Goderich, Ontario

Have a beach day. The Goderich Main Beach is a good place to enjoy the views
Explore the old jail, the Huron Historic Gaol
Hike on the Tiger Dunlop Nature Trail
Get views from the Menesetung Bridge, and the Goderich Lighthouse
Take a drive to explore other cute small towns near Lake Huron that are nearby: Port Elgin, Kincardine and Bayfield

14. Grand Bend

Grand Bend is located right on Lake Huron and is known as one of the best beach towns in Canada.

With a small population of just over 3,000 people, Grand Bend has a small town atmosphere, as well as lots of beach

Things to do in Grand Bend, Ontario

Swim and tan at Grand Band Beach
Do a wine tour at Dark Horse Estate Winery
Visit the Oil Museum of Canada, known as Lambton Heritage Museum
Shop at the Pinery Antique Market on Sundays from May through to October, and the Grand Bend Farmer’s Market
Take a drive along the Lake Huron coastline to explore other small towns: Goderich, Kincardine, and Bayfield

Check overnight accommodation options in Grand Bend here

15. Hockley Valley

Hockley Valley is a small community nestled in the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve, just over an hour from Toronto.

Hockley Valley is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, skiing, or golfing in the summertime. It also has a popular spa which makes it great for a relaxing weekend getaway

I’m lucky to live close to Hockley Valley, so I’ve driven through the area many times. I enjoy hiking at Island Lake, and the General Store downtown is a great place to pop into.

Things to do in Hockey Valley, Ontario:

Go skiing (winter) or golfing (summer) at the Hockley Valley Resort
Enjoy the spa at the Hockley Valley Resort
Visit the Rosebud Motel which was used on the popular TV show Schitt’s Creek
Go hiking at Island Lake Conservation Area in town, or Mono Cliffs Provincial Park (reservation required – just 10 minutes away)

16. Huntsville

Huntsville is a picturesque Muskoka town with the Muskoka River running through it. Its a great place to stay if you’re visiting Algonquin Park.

Things to do in Hunstivlle, Ontario

Go hiking at Algonquin Provincial Park, or at Arrowhead
Trek to the top of the Lion’s Lookout for incredible 360 views
Go treetop trekking just outside town
Grab a Beaver Tail, or bring a picnic and sit down and eat along the river
Go shopping on the main street, where you can find artisan Canadian souvenirs and gifts, and specialty items

17. Kincardine

Kincardine, like Grand Bend and Goderich, is another town on the Lake Huron shoreline in southwest Ontario.

Kincardine has it all in terms of an Ontario weekend getaway. There’s a decent food scene, a boardwalk, art galleries, museums, bookshops, surf shops, beaches and even chartered boat cruises to explore Lake Huron.

What I like best Kincardine is that its downtown is not a highway (like with Goderich), so it has a quainter, quieter, slow-paced atmosphere.

Things to do in Kincardine, Ontario

Check out the Kincardine Lighthouse & Museum
Get out onto the water with Kincardine Boat Cruises
Walk along the boardwalk, and have a beach day at Station Beach
See the Walker House Museum, the oldest standing wooden building in the area
Take a stroll on the Penetangore River walking trails

Book your stay at the Inn at the Harbour lakeside hotel in Kincardine here

18. Lincoln

Lincoln is a charming hamlet in the Niagara region, and highly worth a stop if you’re driving from Toronto to Niagara Falls.

The Niagara area is renowned for its wineries, and Lincoln is no different. Part of what sets Lincoln apart is being known as one of the largest fruit-producing areas.

Things to Do in Lincoln, Ontario:

Visit Ball’s Falls Conservation area to see the heritage buildings, and the waterfall
Do a wine tour in town: Atlantis Niagara Winery is right in town
Drive out to Niagara on the Lake (30 minutes) for some boutique shopping

Where to Stay in Lincoln

The Inn on the Twenty nearby is perfect for a relaxing getaway

19. Little Current

Little Current is the largest town on Manitoulin Island, which is the largest freshwater island in the world.

Aside from scenic beauty, Manitoulin Island is known for its arts scene, and its indigenous cultural festivals and events.

Things to Do in Little Current, Ontario

Visit Bridal Veil Falls (about 30 mins by car from Little Current)
Go hiking on the famous Cup and Saucer Trail (20 minute drive)
Learn about indigenous culture by attending a Pow Wow

Places to Stay in Little Current:

Manitoulin Motel – air conditioning, free parking, flat screen TV, and tea/coffee maker

Pro Tip: Manitoulin Island is very popular for camping, and there are many camp resorts near the shoreline of Lake Superior. Read my post on Campsites on Manitoulin Island.

20. Lion’s Head

Lion’s Head is a popular stop on a road trip from Toronto to Tobermory, and truly one of the cutest small towns in Ontario. It’s a great place to do stargazing, and admire unique rock formations and views of Lake Huron.

Things to do in Lion’s Head, Ontario

Check out the Lion’s Head Harbour lighthouse
Swimming and sunbathing at Lion’s Head beach
Participate in the Bayside Astronomy program, which runs at the marina in Lions Head at sunset
Get incredible views from the Lion’s Head lookout trail (pictured above)
Check out Greig’s limestone caves

21. Midland

In just over a 40 minute drive north of Barrie, you’ll find the town of Midland, which is nestled right on the shore of Georgian Bay.

It offers a colourful art scene with dozens of murals in the downtown core, several beaches, boat cruises, heritage discovery and outdoor beauty.

Take a boat tour of Georgian Bay with Georgian Spirit Cruises
Admire over 30 different murals in downtown Midland
Take a walk in Little Lake Park trail along the Georgian Bay shoreline
beach.
Step into the history at the Saint Marie Among the Hurons.
See the 1800s replica warship, schooner & cargo vessel at Discovery Bay
Visit the Penetanguishene Centennial Museum.

Where to stay in Midland

I recommend the Captain’s House Heritage B&B for a couples getaway, or the Hampton Inn for a family vacation in Midland

22. Mono

A tiny town just over an hour from Toronto, Mono is one of the most scenic towns to visit in Ontario.

Rather a town centre, Mono is composed of several small hamlets, farmland, and nature reserves. Mono is very popular for residents and tourists in Toronto who want to escape the city atmosphere, and get out into nature.

My husband and I are big fans of Mono and we come here often. We eat at the Mono Cliffs Inn for special occasions, and the Mono Cliffs Provincial Park is my husband’s favourite hiking spot. (It has gotten much busier in recent years and now requires a reservation.)

Things to do in Mono, Ontario

Eat at the Mono Cliff’s Inn
Go hiking at the Mono Cliff’s Provincial Park (reservation required)
Do a tour of Ketchum House. (The owners are very nice people, and the view from the property of the surrounding land are stunning)

The cabin we stayed in near Mono (Cabin on the 9)

Places to stay near Mono, Ontario

For an eco-friendly/sustainable living adventure: Ketchum House (the owners are very nice people)
For a rustic experience: Cabin on the 9 (my husband and I celebrated Valentines Day here once, and it was wonderful)

23. Moonbeam

Moonbeam is a Northern Ontario town that is known for a large flying saucer at the side of the road. Early settlers to Moonbeam claimed to have seen UFOs or moonbeams in the sky that were never explained, which is how the town got its name

Moonbeam was also mentioned in the song “Fly” by the Tragically Hip. Moonbeam has just over 1,000 people and 70% of them are French-speaking.

With such a small population, there isn’t a ton to do in Moonbeam. However, it makes a worthwhile stop if you’re doing a Northern Ontario road trip, because its directly in between other Northern Ontario small towns Hearst and Cochrane.

Things to do in Moonbeam, Ontario

Get photos in front of the Flying Saucer
René Brunelle Provincial Park
Marvel at Rémi Lake
Take part in the Summer Art Fair during the 2nd weekend of July

Where to stay in Moonbeam

Rent a cottage from Moonbeam Lakeside Resort which has incredible views of Rémi Lake

24. Niagara on the Lake

Niagara on the Lake is one of the touristy small towns in Ontario, and for a good reason. The area is rich with wineries, great places to eat, festivals and scenic drives. It’s very popular as a couple’s getaway, and there are a ton of bed and breakfasts.

Niagara on the Lake is one of my favourite places for a ‘girl’s weekend’ or a getaway with my husband. The wineries, hiking, boutique shopping, great food all make it very much worth a visit.

Do a wine tour. My favourite wineries in the area are Peller Estates and Two Sisters, but there are many others
Do the Chocolate Factory Experience at CFX, just 15 minutes away
Visit Neob Niagara, the lavendar farm
Eat at one of the many high end restaurants. I recommend The Old Winery Restaurant or Niagara’s Finest Thai. (However, be sure to make reservations well in advance, especially for a weekend.)
Stroll down the main street for window shopping and finding artisan Canadian souvenirs. Pop into the Christmas store, and grab a sweet treat from Rocky Mountain
Take part in the Ice Wine Festival, held in January. While you’re there, drive out to see Niagara Falls in winter (20 minutes away)

Book your overnight accommodation in Niagara on the Lake here

25. Owen Sound

Owen Sound known as “the scenic city”, Owen Sound is known for its art scene, and its proximity to several waterfalls.

With a population just over 20,000, Owen Sound is on the cusp of what I’d consider a small town. It is still relatively small, with a small town feel.

My husband and I went on a mini anniversary trip in Owen Sound, and it didn’t disappoint. We enjoyed the local cuisine, waterfalls, and the art galleries. I’d recommend a trip to Owen Sound for anyone looking for a nice place to visit in Ontario

Visit Inglis Waterfall (pictured above) and Jones Waterfall
Visit the art galleries, especially the Tom Thompson Art Gallery (he was a member of the Group of Seven, a famous group of Canadian artists.)

26. Paris

Mais oui, there is a Paris in Ontario too. While maybe not nearly as old as the one overseas, Paris Ontario is a quaint town with water activities, trails, and historic buildings.

Things to do in Paris, Ontario

Have a hearty meal at the Paris Beer Company
Grab an incecream cone at Paris Twisted Treats
Rent a raft from the Grand River Rafting Company (20 minutes away)

27. Pembroke

Pembroke is an artsy town, known for having more murals than any other town or city in Ontario.

You may have to go a little out of your way to find it though – Pembroke is just east of Algonquin Provincial Park, a 4.5 hour drive from Toronto. It’s right on the Ottawa River, and you can see the province of Quebec on the other side.

Things to do in Pembroke, Ontario

Enjoy views of the Ottawa river from the waterfront park and marina
Learn about the history of electricity at the Murray L. Moore Hydro Museum
Museum the history of Ottawa Valley
Champlain Trail Pioneer Village.
Visit the drive-in in the summertime

28. Perth

Perth, a small town 1 hour from Ottawa, is has the best craft breweries in eastern Ontario, a beautiful park with a river running through it and lots of outdoor activities.

Things to do in Perth, Ontario

Visit the craft breweries: The Perth Brewery and the Bridge Master’s Brewing Company.)
Go see the Mammoth Cheese monument which was made from milk of 10,000 cows
Visit the Perth Chocolate Works for some incredible artisan chocolate
Stop into BlackFly Grub Hub for fresh, homemade donuts

Check availability at the Perth at the Perth Parkside Inn & Spa for an overnight stay

29. St. Mary’s

St. Mary’s is a heritage town in southwestern Ontario, in between London and Stratford. It was settled in the 19th century and is known as “the stone town,” because of all of its limestone buildings.

St. Mary’s is particularly a good destination for baseball lovers, and outdoor lovers.

Things to do in St. Mary’s, Ontario

Check out the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame
Visit the St. Mary’s Opera house, built in 1880
Swim in the St. Mary’s Quarry
Walk the Grand Trunk Trail (3.5 km or 2.1 miles) and get views of the river from the Sarnia Bridge
Take a guided art tour at the Art of Ideas Gallery
Try local craft beer at the Broken Rail Brewing
Take part in the Stratford festival (20 minutes away)

Check accommodation options in St. Mary’s here

30. St. Jacobs

St. Jacob’s, located just outside Waterloo, is a cute small town known for its Mennonite heritage, historic buildings, steam train, food scene, boutique shops and an outlet mall.

If you love to shop, then St. Jacob’s is the perfect small town to visit in Ontario. Whether you’re looking for antiques, handcraft items, or big brands, there are so many great things to buy here. Don’t forget your wallet!

I used to work at the St. Jacob’s Outlet Mall as a university student, and its as much a tourist attraction as it is a great place for locals to score deals on big brands.

Things to do in St. Jacob’s, Ontario

Take an old fashioned train ride on the Waterloo Central Railway
Find gifts at Angel Treasures and Artefacts Salvage & Design
Shop at the St. Jacob’s Farmer’s Market
Learn about St. Jacob’s Mennonite culture at The Mennonite Story
Buy premium teas at Tea, Earth & Sky

31. Schomberg

Schomberg is one of the best small towns to visit near Toronto, being only an hour away. The main street is one of the cutest in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area). There are boutique stores, great food, thrift shops.

I grew up near Schomberg, and still have family that lives here, so I visit pretty frequently. There are some great restaurants on the main strip, and very cute boutique stores.

Things to do in Schomberg

Eat at the Schomberg Pub (great patio in the summertime)
Grab coffee or brunch at the hole in the wall Grackle Cafe.

32. Tobermory

Tobermory is known as the scuba diving and shipwreck capital of Ontario. It’s a quaint small town in Ontario, at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula on Georgian Bay.

Tobermory has a small harbour, some incredible scenic outdoor activities, and is known for its crystal clear turquoise water which makes it so popular for snorkeling and diving.

As a scuba diver, I head to Tobermory almost every summer – with kids, and on my own. It’s one of my favourite small towns to visit in Ontario.

Things to Do in Tobermory:

Do snorkeling or diving with Diver’s Den in the crystal clear water to see shipwrecks
Take a glass bottom boat tour to Flowerpot Island
Hike to the Grotto and Indian Head Cove
A number of restaurants in the harbour
Visit Singing Sands beach

Hoping to visit Tobermory with kids? Read my post on family-friendly places to stay in Tobermory.

Book your day tour to Tobermory and Flowerpot Island from Toronto here

33. Tottenham

Tottenham is a small town close to Toronto. The South simcoe railway is one of the best things to do in the area, among others.

I grew up in Tottenham, and visit here often. I enjoy getting getting outside at the conservation area, having dinner at The Taste of Freedom, and bringing my children on the steam train. (I’ve been riding it since I was a kid.)

Things to do in Tottenham:

Grab dinner at the Taste of Freedom, a high-end restaurant set in an old Victorian home.
Hiking, swimming or fishing at the Tottenham Conservation Area
Attend the Annual Bluegrass Festival, held in June every year
Take part in seasonal events during the fall and the holiday season
Head to Alliston (20 minutes away)

Pro Tip: If you stay nearby overnight, I recommend having breakfast at the Cedar Kitchen on main street.

34. Uxbridge

Uxbrige is a gem of a community known for its old fashioned train, and for being the “trail capital of Canada.”

Uxbridge is particularly a nice place to visit for those who enjoy small towns in addition to farms. The area is bursting with family-owned farms that welcome visits to buy fresh, locally sourced and artisan food products.

Things to do in Uxbridge, Ontario

Visit Goodwood, which is a filming location on the popular TV show Schitt’s Creek
Discover halotherapy at the Holistic Salt Therapy & Cave
Visit the Thomas Foster Memorial, known as the “Jewel on the Hill”
Have a picnic in Uxbridge’s Elgin Park (Canada’s first prime minister John A. MacDonald picniced here)
Go hiking in Glen Major Forest
Visit a farm -there are a number of them in the area where you can pick your own fresh produce, or meet animals (if you’re in the area with kids.)

35. Wawa

The Wawa Goose Monument is a 28-feet tall metal statue and is most photographed monument in North America.

You also need to stop at the Magpie Waterfalls just outside town. Besides the goose statue and the falls, there isn’t a lot to do in Wawa, but its a very worthwhile stop on a road trip from Toronto to Thunder Bay.

Things to Do in Wawa:

Magpie Waterfalls just 10 minute drive outside town.
Take photos of the Wawa Goose Monument
Grab food at the Viking Restaurant, or the Wawa Goose Bar & Grill
Michipicoten Post Provincial Park

Where to Stay in Wawa:

Mystic Isle Motel

36. Wiarton

Right on the shore of Lake Huron, Wiarton is home of the “Wiarton Willy.” worthwhile stop on a road trip from Toronto to Tobermory.

Just 25 minutes south of Lion’s Head and an hour from Tobermory, Wiarton has a lot of hidden gems that are well worth a stop.

Things to do in Wiarton, Ontario

See caves and rock formations at Spirit Rock and the Bruce Caves Conservation Area
Stroll down the marina, and take photos with the Wiarton Willy statue
Grab fresh, seasonal comfort food at the Green Door Café
Have a beach day at Oliphant Beach (25 minutes way)
Take a drive to the Owen Sound area (35 minutes) to see waterfalls and for more restaurant options

Where to stay in Wiarton

Waterview on the Bay has scenic views, and an outdoor swimming pool

Best Small Towns in Ontario Near Toronto

Here’s a stunning fact: half of Ontario’s population lives in the Greater Toronto Area. Both residents and tourists in the area enjoy escaping the hecticness and business of the city to explore the small town lifestyle and cute villages in Ontario.

Here are the best small towns near Toronto

Schomberg (1 hour)
Port Perry (1 hour)
Uxbridge (1 hour)
Paris (1 hour)
Mono and Hockley Valley (1 hour, 10 minutes)
Elora and Fergus (90 minutes)
Lincoln (1 hour, 20 minutes)
Niagara on the Lake (1 hour, 45 minutes)

How to Get Around Ontario

Unfortunately, Ontario doesn’t have the best rail or public transit system. The best way to get around (especially if youre planning to visit small towns) is by car. If you don’t own one in Ontario, then you can rent one here.

There are a few exceptions of course. There are private tours to Tobermory from Toronto, and to Algonquin, where there are a few small tourist towns, like Huntsville, Dorset and Dwight.

Book your rental car for Ontario here

Ontario Small Towns: FAQs

Here are the most commonly asked questions about small towns in Ontario, and choosing which ones to visit or live in

What is the prettiest small town in Ontario?

There are too many pretty small towns in Ontario to choose just one. But in my opinion, some o the most quaint and pretty small towns in Ontario are Kincardine, St. Mary’s, Creemore, Niagara on the Lake, Elora,

What small towns are up north in Ontario?

There are many small towns in Northern Ontario that are worth visiting. Some of them are Moonbeam, Cochrane, Hearst, Kapuskasking, Wawa, and countless more. There are lots of towns, waterfalls and scenic sights to stop at on a Northern Ontario road trip.

Where is the best small town to live in Ontario?

If you want to be close to Toronto, then some of the best small towns to live in Ontario are Schomberg, Fergus, Erin, Elora, Port Perry, and several others. Keep in mind that most small towns within 2 hours of the Greater Toronto Area are still expensive; if you’re looking for affordable housing, then you might need to be willing to move further east or north.

Conclusion: Small towns in Ontario

While visiting the touristy cities like Toronto and Ottawa is exciting, there are a lot of hidden gems and off the beaten track attractions in Ontario small towns. Visiting them allows you to really tap into the local culture, and way of life of many Canadians.

Visiting landmarks and attractions in the small towns of Ontario is often rewarding, because of far fewer crowds than some of the city tourist attractions, and being able to connect with local culture and way of life. Many opportunities to get out into nature, explore indigenous and settlement heritage, try some mouthwatering food in hole in the wall restaurants,