Nestled within the picturesque Brant County in Southern Ontario, Paris is the prettiest little town in Ontario and offers a fantastic weekend getaway that combines natural scenery and a rich, influential history.
Whether planning a road trip from Toronto or a weekend getaway to the breathtaking countryside, this little slice of paradise offers a great place to enjoy a relaxing holiday, with plenty of outdoor attractions and sightseeing opportunities.
From embarking on a river adventure to historical hot spots scattered throughout town, these are the 13 top things to do in Paris, Ontario.
- Enjoy A Picnic Overlooking Penman’s Dam
- Hike Along The Paris Rail Trail
- Grab A Pint At The Paris Beer Company
- Explore Paris’ Telephone History
- Enjoy A Family Outing At Lions Park
- Explore A Local Market At The Paris Wincey Mills Co.
- Kayak Along The Grand River
- Visit During The Paris Fair
- Enjoy Boutique Shopping In Downtown Paris
- Sample Through Paris’ World-Class Restaurant Scene
- Explore Local History At The Paris Museum
- Stay At The Historic Arlington Hotel
- Take A Cobblestone Tour Of Town
The 13 Best Things To Do In Paris, Ontario
1. Enjoy A Picnic Overlooking Penman’s Dam
The first landmark you have to see when visiting Paris, Ontario, is the Penman Dam. Constructed over a century ago, in 1918, the historic dam was used to provide water power to the mills of the Penman Clothing Company.
Today, the dam provides a scenic area for taking a stroll along the river while admiring the faux waterfall from the best vantage point along the William Street Bridge. Visitors can take a stroll along the adjacent boardwalk or pack a lunch for an outdoor picnic near the dam.
Be sure to come back in the evening to witness the dam’s nightly Lighting of the Paris Falls.
2. Hike Along The Paris Rail Trail
There are several great hiking trails starting in Paris and weaving their way through the county of Brant. One of the most popular routes is the Cambridge to Paris Rail Trail. Following an old rail bed for 18 kilometres, this beautiful path runs adjacent to the Grand River, promising plenty of breathtaking views.
Open to cyclists and walkers, the best way to experience the entire length of the trail is by bike. However, the path can still be completed on foot or is even worth just doing a portion of the trek for a shorter hike.
3. Grab A Pint At The Paris Beer Company
Operating out of the back of the Wincey Mills Market, the Paris Beer Company is a great place to stop to sample some local craft beer. Order a flight and sit back and relax as you admire beautiful views of the Nith River and Lion’s Park from the peaceful vantage point of the facility’s outdoor patio.
If there is a particular brew you enjoy, you can stop by the taproom’s retail store to grab a case or two to last you long after your visit to Paris, Ontario, is over.
4. Explore Paris’ Contribution To Telephone History
Paris, Ontario, holds a unique position in the development of the telephone. In fact, Alexander Graham Bell set the foundations for his monumental contribution to human communications just 15 minutes from town from his family home in Brantford, which still stands and can be visited today as the Bell Homestead National Historic Site.
And while the home of the inventor is worth the drive to see, visitors don’t even have to leave town to see Brant County’s contribution to telephone history. After all, Paris is the location of the first-ever long-distance phone call, and there is even a plaque in downtown Paris commemorating the historic event.
5. Enjoy A Family Outing At Lions Park
Set along the Nith River near downtown Paris, Lion’s Park is an outdoor playground for the whole family. Kids will love the park’s large jungle gym, while the public swimming pool and splash pad offer the perfect cooling respite on a hot summer day.
Meanwhile, the park also boasts many family-friendly amenities, including picnic tables, public restrooms, an outdoor amphitheatre, and the Nith River Sensory Trail, making it a great spot for a family outing.
6. Explore A Local Market At The Paris Wincey Mills Co.
Dating back to 1889, the Paris Wincey Mills Co. has become a staple of the downtown community and is home to a year-round market of local vendors and boutique shops. It is a great spot to stock up on local foods or souvenirs and offers an entertaining activity of perusing the various stocks and inventories of the historic complex.
7. Kayak Along The Grand River
It would be a shame to visit the picturesque shores of the Grand River without actually getting on the water. Promising plenty of outdoor adventures along its scenic waterways, the Grand River can be explored via kayak, paddleboard, or canoe, which can be rented from the nearby Grand River Rafting Company.
Alternatively, you can also enjoy a more passive exploration of the river and can also embark on a tubing adventure. With several launching areas found along the waterway, visitors need only sit back and relax as they admire some of the most picturesque views of the Brant County countryside.
8. Visit During The Paris Fair
While it hosts several festivals throughout the year, the best time to visit is during the Paris Fair. The annual event is held at the Paris Fairgrounds every Labour Day and provides for a long weekend of live entertainment, enjoyable attractions, and community agricultural displays.
The fair boasts amusement rides, monster trucks, live music, delicious carnival foods, and vendors and exhibits promising a traditional county fair experience.
Other great festivals held in Paris throughout the year include the Maple Syrup Festival, The Fall Craft and Vendor Show, and the Butter Tart Festival.
9. Enjoy Boutique Shopping In Downtown Paris
With plenty of galleries, restaurants, and quaint local shops, you should plan on spending at least a couple of hours in the afternoon exploring downtown Paris. Stop by The Peddler Tea Store for a selection of artisan teas, then head over to The Gem Market Place to pick up handmade souvenirs to bring home.
Book lovers will want to plan a stop at Green Heron Books for a unique collection of used books and a cozy atmosphere.
10. Sample Through Paris’ World-Class Restaurant Scene
Much like the French cuisine of its European namesake, Paris, Ontario boasts a great restaurant scene. In fact, the Paris restaurants themselves make the town a great destination and one of the most tasty road trips from Toronto or London.
While there are several great restaurants to try in town, Juniper Dining Co and Stillwaters Plate & Pour are absolute must-visits to cater elevated dining experiences while providing some of the best views of the Grand River.
11. Explore Local History At The Paris Museum & Historical Society
An important stop along a tour of Paris’ cultural history, the Paris Museum is home to a variety of artifacts, exhibits, and stories that retell the evolution of the town’s past. The Communications Exhibit is the heart of the museum and features telephones, typewriters, and other artifacts from the dawn of the Age of Communication.
The museum features limited hours and is only open from 1 pm to 4 pm, Wednesday through Saturday.
12. Stay At The Historic Arlington Hotel
When visiting Paris, Ontario, staying at the Arlington Hotel is an experience in itself. Built in the 1850s, this historic building has been the heart of the town’s tourism industry for over 150 years. Recognized as an Ontario Heritage Site, a hotel room at the Arlington Hotel offers perfect comfort for housing your visit to the community while offering a little thrill to history buffs.
13. Take A Cobblestone Tour Of Town
Did you know that Paris, Ontario, is known as the Cobblestone Capital of Canada? Well, with cobblestone buildings that include 12 homes and two churches dating to the mid-19th century, the incredible architecture of Paris’ past can still be explored along a tour of the city.
While there are guided tours offered within the community, visitors can also find the various buildings online and embark on their own self-guided exploration at their own pace.
