5 Ontario Towns You Should Road-trip to This Summer

With summer quickly approaching, we all have vacation on the mind. So why not fill your tank, pack the car, and ditch the lengthy, expensive flights in exchange for a more local adventure? Ontario is brimming with adorable small towns, perfect for your next getaway. Explore the unique cultures, histories, and landscapes these underrated gems have to offer!

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Niagra On the Lake

Located less than thirty minutes from the iconic Niagra Falls, Niagra On the Lake offers its own attractions that inspire tourism to thrive year-round. The town is in the heart of Ontario’s wine country and is known for its storybook beauty. You may want to park your car and opt for a stroll during this trip, as you won’t want to miss what the downtown and surrounding areas have to offer. The elegant boutiques, picturesque gardens, and captivating historical buildings have a way of transporting you back in time. This is one town you’ll definitely want to have your camera ready for!

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Paris Ontario

Paris is another historic town where you’ll want to have your camera on hand. The town is known for its charming cobblestone buildings, vibrant walking trails, and a breathtaking view of the Grand River. Kayaking and tubing are a favoured local pastime during the warm months, but if you’d prefer to admire the river from afar, look no further than the town’s array of rooftop patios where the food and view are grand! For something sweet, hit up Paris Bakery to grab a coffee and pastry before strolling the town's enchanting main street for some window shopping.

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Picton

This quaint town offers a blend of attractions fit for families and friends alike. Visitors will appreciate a leisurely drive through Picton’s scenic countryside, and the town itself is rich with historical architecture and charming boutiques. Whether you’re picnicking in Sandbanks Provincial Park or touring one of the nearby wineries and vineyards, the town offers the charm of a small community with a range of irresistible attractions to indulge in.

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Napanee

Located in southeastern Ontario, Napanee can be appreciated for its unique boutiques, cute cafes, and a dazzling waterfall located right in the heart of town. Enjoy the pleasantries of exploring Napanee’s main street, and end the evening with a pontoon river cruise from the dock at The Waterfront River Pub. Savour the summer breeze and sights of the Napanee River’s tide while sampling the sailing menu’s wines and ales. Napanee is the perfect destination for a day-trip, so make sure to include it on your travel list this summer!

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Huntsville

Ranked number 1 in 2011 by the Toronto Star for the best place to take a summer trip, this darling town has even more to offer in 2023. The town’s bright foliage, hilly landscapes, and abundant lakes and rivers make this road trip destination a nature lover’s dream. If you’re looking to combine nature and comfort, look no further than The Trillium Resort and Spa; with the coziness of camping and the luxury of self-care services, you’ll have access to 86 acres of forest, a private lake with a waterfall, and the deluxe spa facility.

While it’s easy to prioritize an overseas trip during the summer months, we often forget there’s natural beauty and rich cultures right in our own backyard. Even though these Ontario towns share some similar amenities, they each carry their own unique charms worth exploring. Plan an Ontario road trip today to discover what the province has to offer!