Ontario is home to so many charming small towns, and if you’re looking for some travel inspo for 2025, these spots should be on your radar.
From summer havens with soft sand beaches and sparkling waves to quaint European villages straight out of a storybook, these small towns across the province have something for everyone.
Here are nine beautiful small towns every Ontarian should add to their bucket list for 2025.
Carleton Place
Address: Carleton Place, ON
Why You Need To Go: Situated on the shores of the Mississippi River just 30 minutes from Ottawa, Carleton Place is worth a 2025 adventure.
The old-world town is brimming with limestone buildings, cozy cafes and scenic trails — perfect for a quiet day trip or relaxing weekend getaway.
You can sip drinks on waterside patios, explore heritage sites, embark on a walking tour of the area and more.
You can also check out some of Discover Lanark County’s « seven wonders of Carleton Place, » such as Hackberry Park, The Moore House and Carleton Junction.
Port Perry
Address: Port Perry, ON
Why You Need To Go: Sparkling lake views, Stars Hollow vibes and endless boutiques await at this charming village just an hour away from Toronto.
Port Perry is a hidden lakeside gem with a downtown that’s straight out of a storybook.
It makes a great day trip or weekend getaway during any season, and you can spend your time strolling along the water, indulging in treats from the cafes, shopping at the quaint boutiques and soaking up the old-world vibes.
You can also head to the farmers’ market for some local goods and products.
Elora
Address: Elora, ON
Why You Need To Go: Of course, no list of beautiful small towns is complete without Elora. The charming destination has been dubbed « Ontario’s most beautiful village » and with good reason.
Limestone buildings, cozy shops and enchanting cafes line the old-world streets.
During the summer months, you can soak up some sun on the patios or take a dip in the turquoise waters of the Elora Quarry.
In the winter, the village transforms into a snow globe with an all-season spa at the Elora Mill and a magical new Christmas Market.
Port Stanley
Address: Port Stanley, ON
Why You Need To Go: Save this spot for summer adventures! Port Stanley is an enchanting harbour village with soft sand beaches and glistening blue water.
The town’s Main Beach is « one of the finest stretches of sandy beach on Lake Erie’s north shore, » according to the regional tourism organization, so you’ll want to bring your bathing suit.
After soaking up some sun, you can head into town and cool off with an ice cream cone from Broderick’s, explore the cute local shops and indulge in some food on a picturesque patio.
Cobourg
Address: Cobourg, ON
Why You Need To Go: You don’t need to blow your budget on a plane ticket in order to enjoy a taste of the tropics this year. This small town near Toronto will have you feeling like « you’re sitting somewhere ocean-side in the Caribbean, » according to the website.
The lakeside town is a summer paradise with a white sand beach and sparkling waves.
Downtown Cobourg is full of charm and drool-worthy eateries where you can satisfy all your cravings.
You can also take a self-guided tour around the town, such as the Ginny & Georgia tour which takes you to iconic locations featured in the series.
Picton
Address: Picton, ON
Why You Need To Go: This hidden gem is ideal for summer or fall escapes. Situated in the scenic region of Prince Edward County, Picton offers small town charm and gorgeous surroundings that will make you want to extend your stay.
During the summer months, you can enjoy a little slice of the Caribbean at Sandbanks Provincial Park. The area boasts three white sand beaches and turquoise waters straight off a postcard.
You can also visit some of the surrounding vineyards for a boozy adventure.
The Main Street is lined with quaint stores and eateries where you can window shop and indulge in some drool-worthy dishes.
Blue Mountain Village
Address: 156 Jozo Weider Blvd., The Blue Mountains, ON
Why You Need To Go: Whether you feel like speeding down snowy slopes or soaking up some sun on a patio, Blue Mountain Village is an incredible year-round destination.
With cobblestone streets and European vibes, the pedestrian village offers tons of outdoor adventures such as hiking, snow tubing, a mountain coaster and more.
There are festivals and events to enjoy throughout the year, including Holiday Magic at Blue — a Christmas extravaganza that transforms the Village into the North Pole.
Stratford
Address: Stratford, ON
Why You Need To Go: This enchanting Shakespearean destination will have you feeling like you’ve taken a trip to London. The city is brimming with small town charm and things to do.
The annual Stratford Festival takes place from April to October and you can enjoy a range of modern and Shakespearean productions.
There are gardens to stroll through, river walks to enjoy, restaurants brimming with delicious dishes, sun-filled patios and local shops to explore.
Almonte
Address: Almonte, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you’re looking for a festive getaway in 2025, Almonte is the place to be. Known as the « Christmas Capital of Ontario, » the town comes alive with holiday cheer and has been featured in several Hallmark films.
The town isn’t just worth visiting at Christmas. Throughout the year, you can enjoy festivals, fairs and more. There are many local shops and quaint restaurants to check out during your visit.
The Riverwalk or Mill of Kintail are beautiful destinations to stretch your legs while enjoying some peace and quiet.
Whether you spend your days splashing through waves or cozying up at cute cafes, these small towns are magical escapes for 2025.
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.
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