Ontario
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The Best Things See And To Do In Small Town Ontario
Small towns in Ontario offer a unique blend of charm, history, and natural beauty. Here are some of the best things to do when visiting these quaint towns:
Hiking and Nature Trails
Ontario, with its diverse landscapes and natural beauty, offers a plethora of hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. From challenging terrains to gentle walks, there’s something for everyone. The Bruce Trail, Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath, stretches over 890 kilometers from Niagara to Tobermory, allowing hikers to explore the scenic beauty of the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Divided into nine sections, it features landscapes such as waterfalls, caves, and forests. Highlights include views of Niagara Falls, Dundas Peak, and The Grotto in Bruce Peninsula National Park.
Algonquin Provincial Park is a haven for nature lovers, boasting over 2,400 lakes and numerous streams and rivers. The park offers trails of varying lengths and difficulties, suitable for day hikes or extended backpacking trips. Popular trails include Centennial Ridges Trail, Lookout Trail, and Mizzy Lake Trail.
Renowned for its stunning landscapes, Killarney Provincial Park offers rugged trails that challenge hikers while rewarding them with breathtaking views. The park’s white quartzite hills and crystal-clear lakes are a sight to behold. Must-visit trails include The Crack, La Cloche Silhouette Trail, and Silver Peak.
Located on the Sibley Peninsula, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is home to dramatic cliffs and dense forests. The park’s extensive trail system provides access to some of the most spectacular views in Ontario, with notable trails like Top of the Giant Trail, Sea Lion Trail, and Thunder Bay Lookout.
Water Activities
Ontario's abundance of lakes, rivers, and coastlines perfect for a wide range of water activities suitable for all ages and skill levels. Among the most popular activities are canoeing and kayaking, with locations like Algonquin Provincial Park providing breathtaking scenery and calm waters, the Ottawa River offering exciting white-water paddling, and Lake Superior presenting a unique kayaking experience with stunning views and diverse wildlife.
Fishing is another favorite pastime, with Ontario's waters teeming with fish. Lake Ontario is excellent for salmon and trout fishing, the Bay of Quinte is famous for its walleye, bass, and pike, while Georgian Bay is known for its clear waters and variety of fish species.
Sailing and boating enthusiasts will find Lake Ontario and Lake Erie ideal with their expansive waters and suitable conditions, Muskoka Lakes offer picturesque landscapes and calm waters for leisurely boating, and the Rideau Canal provides a scenic cruise through historic towns and beautiful countryside as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Oh and when that canal water freezes up? It's time to skate!
For those who love swimming and beaches, Wasaga Beach offers pristine sands as the longest freshwater beach in the world, Sandbanks Provincial Park is famous for its sand dunes and turquoise waters, and Grand Bend provides vibrant beach life with plenty of amenities and activities.
Scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts will find Tobermory, known as the "Scuba Diving Capital of Canada," with clear waters and fascinating shipwrecks, while Kingston offers numerous historic shipwrecks to explore.
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has gained popularity in Ontario, with Lake Simcoe offering calm waters perfect for beginners and Kawartha Lakes providing beautiful scenery and a variety of routes for all skill levels.
Festivals and Events
Ontario's small towns are bustling with charm and vibrant culture, often showcased through their local festivals. These events are not only a celebration of community spirit but also an opportunity to experience the unique traditions and flavors of the region.
Some delightful festivals you might encounter in small town Ontario include the Elmvale Maple Syrup Festival, held every April, where visitors can enjoy pancake breakfasts, live entertainment, and, of course, plenty of maple syrup. The festival also features local artisan vendors and activities for all ages. Does it get more Canadian than maple syrup? Besides, you know, poutine, Kraft Dinner, ketchup chips....by the way here are the best small town restaurants in Ontario.
In Stratford, known for its Shakespearean connections, the Stratford Festival offers a diverse range of theatrical productions, including musicals and modern plays, from April to October. The picturesque town provides a beautiful backdrop for this cultural event, attracting theater enthusiasts worldwide.
During the Canada Day weekend, the Cobourg Waterfront Festival is a quintessential summer event where visitors can explore a variety of arts and crafts, enjoy live music, and partake in delicious food offerings. Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Ontario, it's perfect for a family-friendly outing.
In October, the small town of Bala hosts the Bala Cranberry Festival, celebrating the cranberry harvest with activities like marsh tours, live music, and a bustling marketplace. It's a fantastic way to enjoy the vibrant autumn colors and the unique taste of Ontario cranberries.
For a taste of Scottish culture, the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games, held in August, features traditional Highland games, pipe bands, and Scottish dancing. Visitors can immerse themselves in Scottish heritage and enjoy a weekend full of spirited competition and entertainment.
Every July, Almonte hosts Celtfest, a celebration of Celtic music and culture. This free outdoor festival features performances by talented musicians and dancers, offering a lively atmosphere for all ages.
The Warkworth Lilac Festival, held in late May, celebrates spring with stunning displays of lilac blooms, guided tours of the gardens, live music, and art exhibits, providing a peaceful and fragrant way to welcome the warmer season.
Visit Wineries and Breweries
Ontario's wine country is primarily divided into three main regions, each with its own distinct characteristics and offerings.
The Niagara Peninsula is the most prominent wine region in Ontario, known for its picturesque landscapes and rich variety of wines. The area benefits from the moderating effects of Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment, creating ideal conditions for grape growing. It is noteworthy for producing excellent Rieslings, Chardonnays, and Icewines.
Prince Edward County, located along the northern shore of Lake Ontario, is known for its limestone-rich soil. It offers a cool climate that is perfect for producing crisp, aromatic wines like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines. This region is known for its artisanal approach to winemaking, with many small, family-owned wineries.
The Lake Erie North Shore is situated along the north shore of Lake Erie, benefiting from a warmer climate and longer growing season. It produces a wide variety of grapes, including Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Baco Noir, offering a charming mix of large estates and boutique wineries.
Ontario is celebrated for its wide range of wine styles, but some, in particular, have gained international acclaim. Icewine, a Canadian specialty, sees Ontario as one of the world’s largest producers. Made from grapes that have naturally frozen on the vine, it results in a sweet, concentrated wine with intense flavors of tropical fruits and honey. Riesling is known for its versatility, with Ontario Rieslings ranging from dry to lusciously sweet, often characterized by vibrant acidity and notes of citrus, green apple, and minerality. Ontario Chardonnays are recognized for their balance and elegance, offering flavors from crisp green apple and citrus to rich, buttery profiles with hints of vanilla and oak.
Here are a few standout wineries in Ontario that offer unique experiences and exceptional wines. Inniskillin Winery in the Niagara Peninsula is renowned for pioneering Icewine production in Canada and offers a range of award-winning wines and tasting experiences. Norman Hardie Winery and Vineyard in Prince Edward County is known for its Burgundian-style Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, offering tastings and wood-fired pizza on their patio overlooking the vineyards. Pelee Island Winery in the Lake Erie North Shore is the largest private estate winery in Canada, offering tours of their vineyards and facilities, along with tastings of their diverse wine selection.
Ontario's wineries offer a rich tapestry of flavors and experiences, from the lush vineyards of the Niagara Peninsula to the artisanal charm of Prince Edward County.
