This quaint little Ontario town will transport you straight to Europe

Summer is still upon us, and you know what that means...there's still time to gather your friends, pack the car, and head out on an epic Ontario road trip to a delightfully charming small town.

And, for anyone looking for a getaway that gives Europe core — without hopping on a flight, the jetlag, and everything else that comes with an international trip — St. Marys is just the place for you. 

What makes it so European-esque? The answer is simple: it's modern flair with a touch of history, the limestone architecture, and the quaint shops that transport you straight to the streets of Europe. 

And of course, a European getaway is incomplete without a scenic view, so set against the backdrop of the gorgeous Thames River, St. Marys offers romantic trails and quarries-turned-swimming holes to check that box off, too. 

Things to do 

St. Marys has a plethora of fun activities that'll ensure you have a good time AND without breaking the bank (I know this is key).

You can start your day by heading over to downtown, where you'll see history preserved in the architecture of every building. Stop by the Snapping Turtle Coffee Roasters (this one's a fan favourite) for breakfast sandwiches and high-quality roast coffee, before popping into other shops along the street for a vintage shopping experience (think: exploring upcycled goods at St. Marys downtown hotspot, Pass it On).    

The Grand Trunk Trail runs over the Thames River, making it a scenic walk/hike for those who love nature. 

And if you love baseball, then you're in luck. Be sure to visit the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum before strolling through the rest of the town. 

A visit to St. Marys is incomplete without a walk/hike through Grand Trunk Trail, a staple in the city and something that visitors rave about any time they visit:

"A beautiful, peaceful trail that goes over an old train trestle, providing you with spectacular views of both the Town of St Marys and the countryside, as you pass over the Thames River."

An evening stroll through the Grand Trunk Trail is a must-do to catch the gorgeous sunsets. 

And other than checking out the "musts" in the town, there's the quarry where you can go for a swim, gorgeous churches to see, and restaurants to dine in for a nice lunch and/or dinner experience amid charming surroundings. 

When to visit 

St. Marys is a great place to visit all year round, offering trails, long walks, swimming, and plenty of winter activities, too, for those who love the great outdoors.

St. Marys is home to many festivals throughout the summer, including popular ones like Stonetown Heritage Festival and Homecoming.

The town holds plenty of annual traditions like its Stonetown Heritage Festival, where St. Marys turns into a village of local vendors, food stalls, and so much more. 

The architecture throughout the town is synonymous to what you'd see in Europe, especially in the summer and winter seasons.

For anyone who loves the festive season, though, you can't miss the holidays in this town. It's transformed into a scene out of a classic, Christmas Hallmark movie — horse and carriage rides, lights framing all the storefronts, parades, and so much more. 

St. Marys United Church looks breathtaking in a wintery landscape. 

Whether you're wandering through its charming downtown, exploring the historic quarry, or simply soaking in the town's rich heritage St. Marys, Ontario, offers a refreshing change for your next staycation.