Ontario is home to many charming small towns and villages, and these spots were just named among the most beautiful in Canada.
On June 3 2024, Culture Trip released a list of "The 20 Most Beautiful Towns and Villages in Canada." The roundup includes enchanting destinations, from coastal communities to mountainside towns.
Five Ontario small towns made the list and you'll want to plan a visit asap. Boasting historic streets, stunning landscapes and charming shops, these places are idyllic for a weekend getaway or day trip.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Why You Need To Go: Nestled in Ontario's wine country, this enchanting village is brimming with "Victorian era 19th century charm," according to Visit Niagara.
You'll be whisked back in time as you wander along the historic streets which are lined with flowers and old-world buildings.
There are many local boutiques to explore where you can find everything from antiques to sweet treats and apparel.
The town is known for its beautiful hotels and spas, so if you're in need of some pampering or a weekend getaway, this is the place to be. You can stay in places like the iconic Prince of Wales or Pillar and Post.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is known as the "Culinary Capital of Canada," according to Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake, so you'll want to enjoy a meal or two here.
From fine dining venues to pubs, there's something for everyone. Spots like Treadwell Farm to Table Cuisine and Peller Estates Winery Restaurant offer delicious, high end meals.
One of the biggest draws of the town is the many wineries that surround it. You can spend a day wandering through vineyards, sipping boozy drinks and touring these venues.
You can also check out the Shaw Festival for some incredible theatre performances.
Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake website
Merrickville
Why You Need To Go: When it comes to Canada's most charming small towns and villages, Merrickville is a must-visit. Named "Canada's Most Beautiful Village" in 1998 by Communities in Bloom, this enchanting destination offers endless beauty and old-world vibes.
According to the website, you can explore a "unique and vibrant Victorian village" set along the waters of the Rideau Canal.
Merrickville is home to a rich arts scene and you can spend some time wandering through studios and discovering local jewelry, glass, pottery, and more.
The Merrickville Chamber website says that "Merrickville is renowned for its boutiques, which are filled with one-of-a-kind items made by local artists and artisans," making it an excellent spot for a shopping spree.
There are also lots of outdoor activities to enjoy, from cycling and kayaking to hiking and skating during the winter.
There are a number of spots where you can fill up on a delicious meal, including Yellow Canoe Cafe, The Goose & Gridiron and Mainstreet Family Restaurant.
The Merrickville Blockhouse National Historic Site of Canada is a unique place to check out. It's considered "a fine example of the best type of blockhouses erected for the defence of the Rideau Canal about 1832," according to the website.
Goderich
Why You Need To Go: It's no surprise that this enchanting small town made the list. Goderich is known as "Canada's Prettiest Town," according to its website.
Perched on the sparkling waters of Lake Huron, the town boasts old-world charm and lots to enjoy.
It's an especially magical spot to visit during the summer months when you can sip a drink on a patio and check out one of the beaches.
The town is home to three beautiful beaches. Main Beach features sandy shores and is great for families, while St. Christopher's Beach offers shade and Rotary Cove Beach is a shallow, sandy spot for a swim.
You don't want to miss out on the town's "famous sunsets" which can be enjoyed from the beaches or any of the 13 viewpoint parks at the top of the bluff.
Goderich has a unique, octagon-shaped downtown filled with boutiques and local shops. It's also "home to an abundance of dining options, including a wide selection of locally owned eateries."
Other things to enjoy include theatre festivals, the Huron County Museum, the Celtic Roots Festival, the farmers' market and art galleries.
Elora
Why You Need To Go: Located just over an hour away from Toronto, Elora is an enchanting village that will whisk you away to Europe.
Dubbed "Ontario's most beautiful village," the town features scenic trails, cute shops, delicious eateries, spas, attractions and more.
It's situated on the edge of a gorge and boasts stunning water views.
You can spend the day wandering in and out of the local shops, where you can find all sorts of unique treasures.
There are a number of spots where you can grab a bite to eat, such as The Friendly Society, which is perfect for brunch; Café Creperie, where you'll feel like you're in Paris; and The Wild Tart, where you can enjoy an elegant afternoon tea.
The Elora Mill Hotel & Spa is a magical destination for a weekend getaway or day trip. The venue boasts a luxurious spa with an outdoor pool and hot tub as well as a restaurant serving up impressive local fare.
Another highlight of the area is the Elora Quarry. The dreamy swimming hole is a popular summer destination and features towering limestone cliffs, a sandy beach and turquoise waters where you can float the day away.
Niagara Falls
Why You Need To Go: While Niagara Falls is technically a city, it still earned some recognition as one of the "Most Beautiful Towns and Villages in Canada" according to Culture Trip.
It's home to three iconic waterfalls — American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls. During your visit, you can experience some of these natural wonders up close by taking a cruise to the base of the falls, going on a tour behind the falls or zip lining near the misty cascades.
You can also get a unique view of the Falls by travelling along the underground tunnel at the Niagara Parks Power Station.
There are endless attractions to enjoy in the area, from the Niagara Skywheel to the Butterfly Conservatory and Niagara Speedway. There are also a number of waterparks where you can splash the day away as well as the Niagara Botanical Gardens and spas where you can get pampered.
The area features a range of cuisines to enjoy. You can dig into drool-worthy breakfasts, sweet treats and luxurious dinners during your visit. Some restaurants, such as Skyline Tower Revolving Dining Room and The Keg Steakhouse boasts towering views of the Falls.
Whether you're craving a weekend getaway or day trip, these destinations are magical spots to visit.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
These 5 Ontario small towns and villages were just named among the most beautiful in Canada
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