While there are plenty of things to see and do in Toronto, sometimes you just need a break from the big city. Luckily, Ontario is full of fun and charming small towns just waiting to be uncovered along a road trip or weekend getaway.
Whether your idea of a fun holiday is relaxing at a beach or exploring a historical setting, Ontario promises a massive variety of destinations to fit the bill. For this reason, I have created this list of the best small towns near Toronto to help you find the perfect place for your escape from the hustle and bustle of big city life.
A Quick Look At The 13 Most Charming Small Towns Near Toronto
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The 13 Most Charming Small Towns Near Toronto To Visit
1. Elora
One of the most picturesque small towns near Toronto is just a short drive along the Grand River to Wellington County. Surrounded by natural beauty, Elora’s quaint community is filled with equally beautiful streets of welcoming shops, restaurants, and hotels.
However, beyond the inviting town, Elora is also home to many outdoor adventures. From cliff jumping into the Elora Quarry to riding a tube along the Grand River through the famous Elora Gorge, Elora is one of the best small towns in Ontario for a cozy countryside retreat.
Mini Elora Travel Guide
Distance From Toronto: 116 km (1.5 hour drive)
Size: 3.54 km²
Population: 7,756
Best Hotels: The Village Inn | The Best Western Plus Fergus | Hampton Inn & Suites Guelph
Best Restaurants: The Cellar Pub | Shepherd’s Pub | The Evelyn
Top Attractions: Elora Gorge Conservation Area | Elora Gorge Falls | The Grand River | Elora Quarry
2. Niagara On The Lake
While Niagara Falls is known for its vibrant city life and entertainment district, Niagara on the Lake promises a more laid-back small-town ambiance, complete with 132 sprawling acres of picturesque vineyards and intimately small communities.
One of the most lovely and relaxing small towns in Ontario, Niagara on the Lake is home to a variety of Bed and Breakfast style lodging, along with several hotel options perfect for basing an exploration of the town, touring surrounding wineries, or venturing to the nearby Fort George National Historic Site.
Additionally, Niagara On The Lake is about a half-hour drive from Niagara Falls, making it a great spot for a quiet evening while spending your days touring the more active city.
Mini Niagara On The Lake Travel Guide
Distance From Toronto: 129 km (1.5 hour drive)
Size: 132.8 km²
Population: 17,511
Best Hotels: The Old Bank House | Orchid Inn | South Landing Inn
Best Restaurants: Treadwell Cuisine | The Garrison House | The Old Winery Restaurant
Top Attractions: Fort George National Historic Site | Queen’s Royal Park | Outlet Collection At Niagara
3. Stratford
My personal favourite small town in Ontario for spending a weekend getaway, Stratford, is located an hour and a half from Toronto but promises an escape from the city that feels a whole continent away.
Boasting plenty of Victorian architecture and a theme dedicated to the plays of William Shakespeare, Stratford provides a romantic retreat reminiscent of Victorian England within the natural landscapes of southwestern Ontario, with top attractions being the Avon River and the Shakespearean Gardens.
The best time to visit Stratford is between April and November, during which time you can catch a series of theatrical performances during the town’s famous Stratford Festival.
Mini Stratford Travel Guide
Distance from Toronto: 150 km (1.5 hour drive)
Size: 25.28 km²
Population: 31,465
Best Hotels: The Bruce Hotel | Edison’s Inn | Mercer Hotel
Best Restaurants: Fellini’s Italian Cucina | Pazzo | Bentley’s Bar & Restaurant
Top Attractions: Stratford Festival | Shakespearean Garden | Avon River
4. Picton
Set within the beautiful countryside of Prince Edward County, Picton is a lovely small town near Toronto, located less than a two-hour drive from the big city. Nestled along the shores of Picton Bay in Lake Ontario, this charming community invites visitors to explore the popular wine region while promising quaint town restaurants and services for a relaxing holiday.
From sampling local varietals at TerraCello Winery and exploring history at the Marlborough Flyer Steam Train to immersing in the countryside at Sandbanks Provincial Park and shopping the boutiques along the main street, Picton serves as a cozy weekend getaway perfect for couples or families alike.
Mini Picton Travel Guide
Distance From Toronto: 149 km (1 hour 40 minute drive)
Size: 4 km²
Population: 4,702
Best Hotels: Cribs On Main | The June Motel | The Waring House
Best Restaurants: The County Canteen | Acoustic Grill | Vic Social
Top Attractions: Sandbanks Provincial Park | Lake on the Mountain | Dunes Beach
5. Port Hope
Located just over an hour from Toronto’s downtown core, Port Hope promises a cozy nearby retreat within the picturesque hillsides of Northumberland County, with a wide array of outdoor activities and adventures.
While the community’s 19th-century architecture and collection of antique shops and various boutiques provide for a relaxing getaway, the real excitement begins when you start exploring the county beyond the small town.
Some of the region’s top adventures include ziplining through the treetop canopies of the Ganaraska Forest, soaking in the sun along West Beach, or exploring the breathtaking countryside along a biking trail.
Whether visiting the town or the county, Port Hope is one of the most quaint towns near Toronto for a quick escape from the city.
Mini Port Hope Travel Guide
Distance From Toronto: 107 km (1 hour 10 minute drive)
Size: 12.67 km²
Population: 16,753
Best Hotels: Hampton Inn | Comfort Inn | The King George Inn
Best Restaurants: Olympus Burger | Trattoria Gusto | Railside Restaurant
Top Attractions: Capitol Theatre | Haute Goat | Ganaraska Forest
6. Paris
Named after one of the largest European cities and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Paris, Ontario is one of the prettiest towns in all of Canada. It promises a historical Victorian set along the picturesque shores of the Grand River, just a little over an hour from Toronto.
The town is perfect for outdoor adventures, which include breathtaking hikes, cycling trails, and fly-fishing trips. However, the true treasure of this superb destination is the laid-back atmosphere, which is best enjoyed by shopping at its boutique shops or dining at one of the best restaurants in Paris, Ontario.
Whether planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, Paris, Ontario, is the perfect destination for enjoying the soothing setting of the French countryside without the 7-hour flight.
Mini Paris Travel Guide
Distance From Toronto: 111 km (1 hour 15 minute drive)
Size: 13.55 km²
Population: 12,310
Best Hotels: TownePlace Suites Brantford | Hampton Inn & Suites Brantford | Comfort Inn Brantford
Best Restaurants: Juniper Dining | Stillwaters Plate & Pour | 2 Rivers
Top Attractions: The Grand River | Penman’s Dam | Paris Wincey Mills | more…
7. Blue Mountain Village
A bit more touristy than other destinations featured on this list, the Blue Mountain Village provides an eclectic European destination about two hours from Toronto in a lovely mountainside resort village set between the Niagara Escarpment and the Georgian Bay.
During the winter, Blue Mountain becomes a skiing hotspot. However, the summer months are equally as enjoyable, promising plenty of hiking trails and outdoor activities combined with the opportunity to walk around the pedestrian villages, boutique shops and international restaurants employing workers from around the world.
Like many small towns on this list, Blue Mountain Village provides an escape that feels continents away despite being just a short drive from the big city.
Mini Blue Mountains Travel Guide
Distance From Toronto: 165 km (2 hour drive)
Size: 287.24 km²
Population: 7,025
Best Hotels: Blue Mountain Resort Mosaic Suites | The Westin Trillium House
Best Restaurants: Magnone’s Italian Kitchen | Firehall Pizza Co. | Mother Tongue Asian Bistro
Top Attractions: Blue Mountain Resort | Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain | Scenic Caves
8. Perth
While closer to Ottawa, Perth is still just a short drive from Toronto and makes for a fantastic weekend trip from Ontario’s capital city.
Originally founded as a military settlement in 1816, Perth is one of the most historical towns in Ontario and promises a surreal experience, blending its small-town charms with historical monuments and the surrounding natural beauty of the countryside.
Shopping the boutique shops at Code’s Mill or strolling through the beautiful Stewart Park are among some of the best things to do in Perth, Ontario. However, be sure to visit during the summer months to experience a different side of the town during its famous Festival of Maples or the Perth Garlic Festival.
Mini Perth Travel Guide
Distance From Toronto: 321 km (3.5 hour drive)
Size: 12.25 km²
Population: 5,930
Best Hotels: Best Western Plus | Smiths Falls Hotel | Econolodge Smiths Falls
Best Restaurants: Mex & Co. | Michael’s Table | Fiddlehead’s Bar & Grill
Top Attractions: Stewart Park | The Mammoth Cheese | Code’s Mill | more…
9. St Jacobs
Promising a laid simplicity, St Jacobs is a Mennonite community near Waterloo and one of the most charming small towns near Toronto, guaranteeing a welcomed reset from the big city living.
With several boutique shops and restaurants lining its downtown area, St Jacobs is one of the best places to come to simply relax while immersing within the quieter lifestyles of the community’s more traditional residence.
Along with experiencing the local charms of the town, visitors can also explore St Jacob’s history at the Mennonite Museum downtown or stop by the local farmers market to stock up on local produce before having a picnic in the nearby countryside parks.
Mini St Jacobs Travel Guide
Distance From Toronto: 121 km (1 hour 20 minute drive)
Size: 2.81 km²
Population: 1,959
Best Hotels: United College | Hampton Inn & Suites | Homewood Suites
Best Restaurants: Harvest Moon Restaurant | The Village Biergarten | Picard’s
Top Attractions: St Jacob’s Country Playhouse | St Jacobs & Aberfoyle Model Railway | The Mennonite Story
10. Port Perry
Nestled on the shores of Lake Scugog in central Ontario, Port Perry is one of the most charming lakeside small towns near Toronto and promises a laid-back setting complete with a variety of boutique shops and inviting restaurants.
Visitors to the town can enjoy the community’s lakeside location at Palmer Park, where they can unwind within the natural setting while admiring the lake views and passing boats.
Meanwhile, guests looking for a more active exploration of the town’s industry can sample delicious beers at the Old Flame Brewery or try their luck at one of the tables at the Great Blue Heron Casino.
Regardless of your idea for a fun weekend getaway, Port Perry makes for a welcome retreat just a short one-hour drive from the city.
Mini Port Perry Travel Guide
Distance From Toronto: 83 km (1 hour drive)
Size: 8.65 km²
Population: 9,453
Best Hotels: Great Blue Heron Hotel | Holiday Inn Express | La Quinte by Wyndham
Best Restaurants: Marwan’s Global Bistro | Pickles & Olives Bistro | Col. Mustard’s Bar & Grill
Top Attractions: Palmer Park | Willowtree Farm | Great Blue Heron Casino
11. Port Stanley
One of the best beach towns in southern Ontario, Port Stanley is located just two and a half hours from downtown Toronto and set along the picturesque shores of Lake Erie. While a popular beach destination, Port Stanley promises plenty of space to spread out for a relaxing beach day, sprawling out along its soft sands.
While the beach is by far the top attraction of this small town near Toronto, Port Stanley also promises plenty of other things to do, including eating at one of its fantastic beachside restaurants, visiting the Moore Water Gardens, or attending the Port Stanley Theatre Festival.
Mini Port Stanley Travel Guide
Distance From Toronto: 219 km (2.5 hour drive)
Size: 3.79 km²
Population: 3,008
Best Hotels: Inn on the Harbour | Kettle Creek Inn | Best Western Plus
Best Restaurants: GTS On The Beach | Barnacles Beerhouse | Two Forks
Top Attractions: Port Stanley Beach | Port Stanley Theatre Festival | Moore Water Gardens
12. Grand Bend
Another one of Ontario’s best beach towns, Grand Bend promises another lakeside small town near Toronto but promises a much more vibrant social and party scene than in Port Stanley.
Popular amongst college and university students, Grand Bend provides plenty of beachside activities, including surfing, parasailing, and jet skiing. Meanwhile, several local shops and restaurants can be found along its main strip, while visitors looking for a more active adventure can head over to the nearby Pinery Provincial Park of the Dark Horse Estate Winery.
Mini Grand Bend Travel Guide
Distance From Toronto: 220 km (2.5 hour drive)
Size: 4.74 km²
Population: 2,102
Best Hotels: Colonial Hotel & Suites | Amber Hotel | Cozy Cottage Retreat | more…
Best Restaurants: The Growling Gator | The Tipsy Pelican | Midori Sushi
Top Attractions: Grand Bend Beach | Pinery Provincial Park | Dark Horse Estate Winery | more…
13. St. Marys
Set within a picturesque fork of the Thames River, St. Marys is another of the most charming small towns near Toronto, providing a welcome escape from the active lifestyle of Ontario’s capital city.
Boasting 19th-century architecture and historic buildings, St. Marys combines a historical exploration of local life and industry through a selection of art galleries and museums. Meanwhile, the town’s surrounding countryside provides for breathing outdoor adventures along a biking or hiking trail, a fishing trip, or canoeing along the river.
Mini St Marys Travel Guide
Distance From Toronto: 168 km (2 hour drive)
Size: 12.48 km²
Population: 7,265
Best Hotels: Westover Inn | The Cabin | Stone’s Throw Stratford
Best Restaurants: Joe’s Diner | The Sunset Diner | Social Thirty-One
Top Attractions: Art of Ideas Gallery & Historical House | Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame | St Marys Quarry
