Now that we’ve entered the warmer months, you might be wondering what to do this summer. Luckily for you, Ontario offers a plethora of beautiful getaway spots with something for everyone. Some of the best small-town summer destinations in Ontario include Port Hope, Burlington, Oakville, Almonte, Picton, Cobourg, Creemore, Goderich, Sparta, Unionville, Port Stanley, and Paris. These communities offer a mix of beaches, hiking trails, historic attractions, wineries, shopping, festivals, and waterfront activities, making them ideal for day trips, weekend getaways, and summer road trips.
So, are you having trouble deciding? Are you unsure what you’re looking for? Don’t fret, isure has done the work for you! If you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle, we have compiled a list of the top small-town summer destinations in Ontario.
Port Hope, Ontario: A Historic Small-Town Summer Getaway Near Toronto
With its 19th-century brick houses and wooden cottages, Port Hope is a quiet, tree-lined town that pretty much sums up small-town life at its best. Take a Fresh Food Guide Tour to meet farmers and see their operations. You can sample fresh-picked berries and tomatoes! Follow the Barn Quilt Trail to see the art tile quilts created by local artists, each quilt telling the story of its historic barn. For the film buffs in the family, don’t miss out on the self-guided IT Walking Tour. Here, you will discover locations featured in horror writer Stephen King’s IT movies, which is why this cool spot has made it on our list of summer destinations in Ontario.
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Burlington, Ontario: The Perfect Weekend Escape by Lake Ontario
Burlington is a beautiful city that sits midway between Toronto and Niagara Falls. Along the edge of Lake Ontario, it makes for a quick getaway destination. There is something for everyone in Burlington. Visit stunning gardens and art galleries, or hike and rock climb at Mount Nemo Conservation Area. If a casual stroll is more your speed, a visit to Spencer Smith Park is for you. The park is home to the Burlington Ribfest and the Burlington Beer Festival. Additionally, it boasts a small beach and several pathways along the waterfront for a leisurely post-meal stroll. Burlington is perfect for a weekend afternoon getaway. If you can, stop by during Canada Day weekend to see their spectacular fireworks show!
Oakville, Ontario: Hidden Gem for Nature, Beaches, and History Lovers
Drop anchor in Oakville and experience a place rich in history, natural beauty, and adventure. Stay a while and discover what makes this town between Toronto and Niagara a hidden gem. Don’t miss the Oakville Museum Exhibitions and Collections. It features a diverse collection of objects that reflect Oakville’s history. You’ll see costumes and textiles, as well as fine and decorative arts. For those looking to get outside on their getaway, Oakville doesn’t disappoint. It boasts over 1,400 hectares of parkland, 200km of trails, and more than 200 parks to explore. Its two beaches will help you cool down at the end of the day. Why not pitch a tent and have a rest at the Bronte Creek Provincial Park campgrounds? Contact the park to make your reservation.
Almonte, Ontario: A Scenic Mill Town with Culture and Charm
When it comes to cute, small Ontario towns, it’s tough to top this gem. Dubbed ‘The Friendly Town’, Almonte is a scenic mill town on the Mississippi River near Ottawa. This cute little destination offers visitors boutique shopping, excellent food and drink, museums, and hiking trails. For the athletes in your family, it is the home of the inventor of basketball.
Visit the museum dedicated to him inside the Mill of Kintail. You can also visit a museum dedicated to its roots as a mill town, particularly textiles. In addition to illuminating the ways to make and use fabrics, the MVTM hosts a variety of special events, including the highly popular Fibrefest, held each fall. Check out galleries, boutiques, and antique shops on the main street, as well as cute restaurants and B&Bs along the river. Can you see why Almonte made it on our list of small-town summer destinations in Ontario?
Picton, Ontario: Discover Wineries and Sandbanks in Prince Edward County
Located in Prince Edward County, Picton is a must-visit in the summer. Picton is the largest community in The County, an island in Lake Ontario. This area is a cluster of small hamlets and villages. It is known for its Loyalist heritage; a visit is a step back into a community with deep farming roots. The County itself is known for more than 35 wineries, a large artists’ community, numerous fine restaurants, boutique hotels, festivals, and Sandbanks Provincial Park, which boasts one of the most spectacular beaches in Canada. This gem may be a new find, but Picton and PEC have been welcoming visitors to their beaches for almost 200 years!
Cobourg, Ontario: Beachside Fun and Historic Tours Close to Toronto
Rich in history, beautiful beaches, shopping, and culinary tours, Cobourg is one of our great summer destinations in Ontario for all. If you’re feeling active, consider renting a paddleboard, canoe, or kayak for the day. For something a little out of the ordinary, try paddleboard yoga classes. Bike rentals are available on the boardwalk. For music lovers, there is ZAP Records, a quirky and unique record shop that no music geek should miss. Be sure to make a stop at the beautiful and stately Victoria Hall, located in the center of town. Built in the 1850s and opened by the Prince of Wales, it is considered to be one of Ontario’s greatest treasures. From downtown foodie tours and haunted ghost walks to nature hikes, there’s the perfect getaway plan for everyone. Better yet, it’s only a short car ride from Toronto!
Creemore, Ontario: Small-Town Charm and Local Brewery Adventures
Nestled amongst the Purple Hills and skirting the Niagara Escarpment, Creemore is surrounded by a wealth of natural beauty. Whether you’re looking for the perfect small-town getaway in Ontario or a fun day trip from Toronto, you’ll find lots to do here. This quaint town in southern Ontario is dotted with galleries and specialty shops. Perhaps its main claim to fame is that it is home to Creemore Springs Brewery. It hosts a weekly farmers’ market and many annual events, offering ample opportunity for visitors and residents to come together to celebrate rural Ontario living.
Goderich, Ontario: Explore Ontario’s Prettiest Town on Lake Huron
Goderich is a small coastal town overlooking Lake Huron, known for its gorgeous turquoise shoreline and historic downtown district. Nicknamed “the prettiest town in Canada,” Goderich has earned the accolade of Canada’s prettiest town from Queen Elizabeth II. Designed in the shape of an octagon, it charms visitors with its natural beauty and striking urban design. Set on the eastern shore of Lake Huron, in an area known as Ontario’s West Coast, the town’s location blesses its beaches with fantastic sunset views. While there’s plenty for outdoor enthusiasts to appreciate here, Goderich’s historic downtown makes it one of our most engaging summer destinations in Ontario for architecture enthusiasts.
Sparta, Ontario: A Quaint Village Rich in History and Local Finds
Founded by some Pennsylvania Quakers in the 1820s, the pretty hamlet of Sparta retains its historical connection. Visit the Ye Olde Forge and Anvil Museum to see artifacts from the past. For a truly quaint afternoon, head to Sparta House Tea Room. Their vast collection of teapots is sure to delight avid tea drinkers. Additionally, be sure to drop by Anything Used, a family-owned and operated business that has been in operation since 1992. They produce their own candles and fudge and offer a vast selection of gifts for the whole family. Because of this, you won’t find better souvenirs and gifts for friends and family.
Unionville, Ontario: A Cultural Summer Destination with Hollywood Ties
Unionville is a town filled with historic buildings, boutique shops, restaurants, spas, and salons. Established in the 1790s, the community’s popularity with visitors stems from how it pairs culture, modernity, and historic charm. It features plenty to do, from exploring the historic city centers to perfecting your swing on one of its many golf courses. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ve got to check out the Old Firehall Confectionery, which is full of handmade goodies, like truffles and macarons. And for the TV buff, the pilot episode of Gilmore Girls was filmed on quaint Main Street in Unionville. Destination Markham recently put together a self-guided tour that lets you explore the area like a real-life Gilmore Girl.
Port Stanley, Ontario: Classic Beach Vacation on the Shores of Lake Erie
Located on the shores of Lake Erie in Elgin County. Port Stanley is named after Edward Smith-Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby, who later became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. His son, Frederick Stanley, served as the Governor General of Canada. An ice hockey enthusiast, he was the donor of the first Stanley Cup in 1893. There are so many amazing things to do in Port Stanley. In the early 1900s, Port Stanley attracted visitors from across the region and earned the nickname “The Coney Island of the Great Lakes.”
Today, however, the town offers much more than its storied past. In addition to its expansive beach, visitors can browse charming boutiques, antique shops, and local art galleries. Meanwhile, the town’s historic railway and vibrant theatre provide unique attractions for history buffs and culture enthusiasts alike. As a result, Port Stanley continues to draw tourists year after year, securing its place on our list of Ontario’s best small-town summer destinations.
Paris, Ontario: The Cobblestone Capital and Riverside Retreat
No travel guide would be complete without Paris….Ontario, that is. Known as the Cobblestone Capital of Canada, Paris is home to a dozen pristine cobblestone buildings. Its name comes from its counterpart in France. When surveyors explored the area in 1829, they discovered large deposits of gypsum. Builders later used the mineral to construct many buildings in Paris, France, earning it the name “plaster of Paris.” A beautiful small town, Paris offers many attractions and activities that make for a great day trip. Whether you’re looking to explore the outdoors, enjoy a great meal, or discover local history, you’ll find plenty to do. From scenic nature trails and delicious restaurants to charming historical buildings, Paris, Ontario, has something for everyone.
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Planning Summer Travel in Ontario? Your Top Questions Answered
What is the best small town to visit in Ontario during the summer?
Paris, Port Stanley, Picton, and Goderich are among Ontario’s most popular summer destinations thanks to their beaches, historic downtowns, outdoor activities, and local attractions.
What are the best Ontario day trips from Toronto?
Port Hope, Burlington, Oakville, Unionville, and Cobourg are all within a reasonable driving distance of Toronto and make excellent day-trip destinations.
Which Ontario small towns have beaches?
Port Stanley, Cobourg, Oakville, Burlington, Goderich, and Picton all offer access to beaches and waterfront activities.
What is the prettiest small town in Ontario?
Many travellers consider Goderich, Paris, and Port Hope among Ontario’s most picturesque small towns for their historic architecture, waterfront views, and charming downtowns.
Enjoy These Small Town Summer Destinations
From sandy beaches and scenic waterfronts to historic downtowns and charming main streets, Ontario’s small towns offer countless opportunities for memorable summer adventures. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a day trip with family, or a spontaneous road trip, these destinations showcase some of the province’s most unique attractions, local culture, and natural beauty.
We hope these small-town summer destinations in Ontario help guide you on your next road trip! Remember to take a look at our summer driving tips to make sure your drive goes smoothly! Before you hit the road, make sure you have an insurance policy that suits your needs. If you’re in the market, contact us or request a quote today! From all of us at isure, have a safe and happy summer!
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