6 quaint Ontario small towns to experience via road trip

With the warmer weather finally making its appearance these last few days, it’s time to start counting down the days until summer is finally here! To get you inspired for summer road trips I’ve compiled a list of six little towns in Ontario that you must see this summer! From cute cottage towns, to the allure of European architecture, these places have got it all.

Goderich

Known as the “Prettiest Town in Canada”, Goderich is found near the bluffs of Lake Huron with 3 beaches and a ton of restaurants and café’s to suit your taste. Known for their hospitality, the town of Goderich is just over three hours from Toronto, so stay the night and experience everything this quaint, pretty town has to offer!

Sparta

Far form the ancient Greek Spartan warrior town, this historic village was founded by a group of Quakers (a religious society of friends established in the 17th century) in the 1800’s, of whose decedents still reside today. Known more famously for the “Sparta Tea House”, this little town is a hidden gem just 2 hours outside of Toronto. In the teahouse, they serve authentic British food, homemade and free of preservatives. It’s exactly the place to go if you want a British experience without flying across the pond. An added pull- this teahouse is actually haunted! So plan a day trip to this pleasant British town and see where the adventure takes you!

Paris

No, not Paris, France, Paris, Ontario! Yes along with a little English town, we also have a little French town hidden away only an hour and a half outside of Toronto. With architecture pulling from Gothic, Victorian, and Edwardian times, Paris is known as “Canada’s Prettiest Little Town” or the “Cobblestone Capital of Canada”. With numerous bakeries, café’s, and restaurants around the town, you get a little taste of France while not leaving your own country!

Niagara on the Lake

Be a tourist in your own country and enjoy everything this great town on the water has to offer. Go take in the lights and entertainment along Lundy’s Lane, take a lovely stroll next to the falls, or go for a ride on the Maid of the Mist! Whatever adventure you’re looking for, you can definitely find it in this town.

Bala

It’s a little town in cottage country, just north of Huntsville. Home to the famous Kee to Bala, this town is everything you would expect in quiet cottage country. Many fun summer concerts are held at this venue, this summer find the James Barker Band playing July 20th, The Beaches playing August 4th, and July Talk on August 9th, plus many more! After catching a set at the Kee, wander through the quiet streets of the town and you might just catch a haunting visual at the now-closed haunted Bala Bay Inn. Rumored to be quite active, this haunted inn drew a lot of tourists and paranormal fanatics alike. Fill your day with on the water activities like jet skiing, water skiing or tubing, and grab a bite to eat at one of the great little restaurants scattered throughout the town once you’re done. Definitely not a town to pass up, Bala is one of my personal favourites.

Gananoque

Known as one of Canada’s most stunning Eastern waterfront communities, about 3 hours out of Toronto. Also called the gateway to the 1000 islands, this little community has quite literally 1000 things to do! From antique and art galleries, to fishing, to kayaking or helicopter rides, Gananoque has it all! To experience everything it has to offer, you would need days! So plan a trip, grab some friends, and see what Gananoque has in store for you!

There you have it! A list of six small towns that are perfect for summer road tripping adventures!