Ontario road trips

5 towns in Ontario that make for a fun winter road trip

Road trips in Ontario are an incredible way to see the province's beauty at your leisure, and despite the temptation to hibernate throughout the colder months, winter is actually an amazing time to visit some of our nearby charming small towns.

From cozying up in their quaint cafes, restaurants, and accommodations, to exploring quiet nature trails covered in a dusting of snow, here are towns in Ontario that make for a fun winter road trip.

Elora

Onced called Ontario's "Most Beautiful Village," Elora has so much to offer in the winter season and is just under a two-hour drive from Toronto.

Hike along the breathtaking Elora Gorge to a panoramic lookout at Lover’s Leap, or explore The Wellington County Museum and Archives, a 53-acre National Historic Site located along the Grand River right across from the gorge. 

After you're done exploring the outdoor trails, warm up at one of downtown Elora's galleries, shops, or restaurants, or treat yourself to a massage and overnight getaway at the Elora Mill and Spa.

Almonte

The adorable mill town of Almonte just west of Ottawa might feel oddly familiar, perhaps because it's been the setting for an extensive list of movies over the years. Dubbed the "Mini Hollywood North," it's easy to see why filmmakers fall in love with the picturesque community.

Stroll down the historic Mill Street lined with romantic restaurants, quaint cafes, and welcoming boutiques before checking out the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum, a historical space that explores the history of the woollen industry in the Mississippi Valley.

Uxbridge

Just around an hour from Toronto, Uxbridge is an adventure-lover's paradise all year round. Considered to be the trail capital of Canada, there's an astounding 240 km of paths for hiking, snowshoeing, fat-tire biking, and cross-country skiing.

Winter sport enthusiasts can also hit the slopes at Lakeridge Ski Resort or Dagmar Ski Resort. After, wander through downtown Uxbridge and grab a bite or drink at one of the many bars and restaurants.

St. Jacobs Village

St. Jacobs Village is just over an hour drive from Toronto, located outside Kitchener-Waterloo. With tons of history, St. Jacobs is an adorable town with an old fashioned vibe that feels like a holiday postcard during the winter months.

Learn about the village's Mennonite influence by embarking on The St. Jacobs Walking Tour, and admire the horse-drawn buggies, historical buildings, charming shops and restaurants downtown.

Don't miss a visit to The St. Jacobs Market in Woolwich, the country's largest year-round farmer's market with over 300 vendors to peruse.

Perth

Winter is a magical time in the heritage town of Perth, which is located around three hours from Toronto between Kingston and Ottawa. Boasting century-old stone buildings, lovely boutiques, and eateries, Perth is particularly enchanting under a blanket of snow.

Head to Stewart Park for a skate on their outdoor rink, or visit the Perth Wildlife Reserve to snowshow or cross-country ski. Warm up with a seasonal drink at a local cafe before being transported back in time at the Perth Museum.

Lead photo by

Town of Perth


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5 towns in Ontario that make for a fun winter road trip

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