Nestled within the picturesque Brant County in Southern Ontario, Paris is the prettiest little town in Ontario. It offers a fantastic weekend getaway that combines natural scenery and a rich, influential history.
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This paradise is perfect for a road trip from Toronto or a long stay in the stunning countryside. It offers a peaceful setting for a relaxing holiday, with many outdoor attractions and sights.
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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.
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Today, the dam provides a scenic area for a riverside stroll. It offers the best view of the faux waterfall from the William Street Bridge. Visitors can walk along the adjacent boardwalk or pack a lunch for an outdoor picnic near the dam.
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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. This beautiful path runs for 18 kilometres along an old rail bed, next to the Grand River.
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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. Then, relax and enjoy views of the Nith River and Lion’s Park from the patio.
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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 built the foundations for his great work in communications just 15 minutes from town. His family home in Brantford still stands and can be visited today as the Bell Homestead National Historic Site.Â
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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 where the first long-distance phone call took place. A plaque in downtown Paris commemorates the 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.
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The park has many family-friendly amenities. They include picnic tables, restrooms, an outdoor amphitheatre, and the Nith River Sensory Trail. It’s a great spot for a family outing.Â
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 place to buy local foods and souvenirs. It also offers a fun activity: browsing the historic complex’s various shops.
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. The Grand River offers outdoor adventures along its scenic waterways. You can explore it by kayak, paddleboard, or canoe. Rentals are available from the nearby Grand River Rafting Company.
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Alternatively, you can enjoy a more passive exploration of the river and can embark on a tubing adventure. Visitors can launch from several points along the waterway. They can unwind while enjoying stunning 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 at the Paris Fairgrounds every Labour Day. It offers a long weekend of live entertainment, fun attractions, and displays.
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The fair has rides, monster trucks, live music, and tasty carnival food. Vendors and exhibits promise a classic county fair experience.
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Other great festivals in Paris include the Maple Syrup Festival, the Fall Craft and Vendor Show, and the Butter Tart Festival.
9. Enjoy Boutique Shopping In Downtown Paris
With many galleries, restaurants, and shops, plan to spend a few hours exploring downtown Paris this afternoon. Stop by The Peddler Tea Store for a selection of artisan teas, then head over to The Gem Marketplace to pick up handmade souvenirs to bring home.Â
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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.
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There are many great restaurants in town. But, you must visit Juniper Dining Co and Stillwaters Plate & Pour. They offer fine dining and stunning views of the Grand River.
11. Explore Local History At The Paris Museum & Historical Society
A key stop on a tour of Paris’ culture, the Paris Museum holds artifacts and exhibits that retell the town’s history. The Communications Exhibit is the museum’s centrepiece. It has telephones, typewriters, and other artifacts from the dawn of the Age of Communication.
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The museum features limited hours and is only open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., 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. The Arlington Hotel is an Ontario Heritage Site. Its hotel rooms offer perfect comfort for your visit. It will thrill history buffs.
13. Take A Cobblestone Tour Of Town
Did you know that Paris, Ontario, is known as the Cobblestone Capital of Canada? A tour of the city can explore its past. It has cobblestone buildings, 12 homes, and two churches from the mid-19th century. They all have incredible architecture and contain centuries of history.
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There are guided tours in the community. But, visitors can also find the buildings online. They can then explore them at their own pace.
