Ontario is a BIG, big place — it spans over 1800km tip to tail. That’s why it’s all the more impressive that these tiny towns, some just one street long, have commandeered such a large part of our collective heart.
From insanely good street food to big city style dining to terroir driven microbrews, each has it’s own unique charm.
CREEMORE, SIMCOE COUNTY
Now technically part of Clearview Township, and home to the famous brewery, Creemore boasts everything you want out of a small town. A bubbling brook, a fountain to admire, re-imagined hardware stores and amazing ice cream.
ELORA, WELLINGTON COUNTY
Perched on the edge of a spectacular gorge, along the banks of the Grand & Irvine River sits the charming town of Elora. Visitors flock to this charming cluster of shops, bakeries, breweries and ice cream parlor’s in the summer — but we think it’s perfect all year round. Send the day walking the gorge and follow that with pint at Elora Brewing Company.
THORNBURY, GREY COUNTY
Nestled on the banks of Georgian Bay, at the very top of Apple Country, Thornbury is a buzz with bakeries, cheese shops and one of the hottest pizza ovens in Grey County. Don’t forget to grab yourself a ginger lemonade at The Cheese Gallery before hoovering a whole pie at The Thornbury Bakery, one of many stops along The Apple Pie Trail, for a caramel apple pie and a cinnamon bun.
ALEXANDRIA, GLENGARRY COUNTY
Besides being home to one of our favorite cafe’s slash cookery schools in the province, Alexandria is also home to a charming stretch of small shops and even a steeple. It makes an excellent home base for hikers and wilderness adventurers too!
BLOOMFIELD, PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY
Anyone heading for Sandbanks knows the rural pleasures found in Bloomfield. From boutique inns to pop-up taco shops (!) to little galleries, it’s easy to get lost in this four street town. Make sure to save room for a Rhubarb Ginger Ice Cream from Slickers while you’re in town.
PORT CARLING, MUSKOKA LAKES
What was once no more than a sad sports bar and a marina, has quickly bloomed into one of the areas most lively hubs. Now home to a taco shop, a yoga studio, plenty of ice cream counters, and a juice bar that you can boat right up to — it won’t be a charming tiny town for long!
BELFOUNTAIN, CALEDON
Small batch roasted coffee, hand churned ice cream and it’s proximity to Forks of the Credit, the Badlands and Spirit Tree Cidery has us swooning over this super charming Ontario town. The rapids, cedar trees and scenic drive there don’t hurt either!
SIMCOE, NORFOLK COUNTY
Home to no less than FOUR Feast On designated restaurants, this little town is over flowing with edible options for those looking for a delicious weekend. Also home to one of Ontario’s oldest cheese factories and some very good beef farmers, Simcoe is quickly becoming a mecca for local food lovers. Did we mention the lighthouse?
JORDAN VILLAGE, NIAGARA
This tiny town is home to some pretty heavy hitters as far as the local food world in concerned. Visiting means a stop at Upper Canada Cheese, Cave Spring Winery, The Inn on The Twenty and a popping your head into a gallery or two. Makes an excellent home base when exploring Wine Country too!
BROOKLIN, DURHAM REGION
Whether you’re looking for high-end and candles or a wicked, flat top burgers oozing with cheese, Brooklin delivers. This charming little strip just north of Whitby offers up parkettes with gazebos, junk shops over flowing with hipster antiques, and even a babbling brook!
