Explore Tourist Towns Ontario

I hope that you all enjoyed exploring Small Towns Ontario with me.  Are ready to join me as I escape the city to explore Tourist Towns Ontario?  Grab yourself a glass of wine and let’s explore some more!

The Best of Tourist Towns Ontario

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OVERVIEW

Bayfield is a small heritage village located on the eastern shores of Lake Huron. This village was founded in 1832, and continues to hold its original name to this day.  The quaint little shops and the soft, squishy sandy beaches have tourists flocking from all over Ontario to spend a day wandering the tree-lined streets and exploring all that Bayfield has to offer.

EXPLORE ACTIVITIES IN BAYFIELD

Aside from the amazing shopping, it is the lake and the sandy beaches which can’t keep visitors away.  Boaters will be delighted to find a full service marina accommodating up to 250 boats, which also includes spots for transients.  In addition, the marina offers a swimming pool, tennis courts and laundry facilities all on site.

Bayfield is one of my favorite tourist towns to visit, especially for the unique shopping and independently owned boutiques.

If you are feeling adventurous and have the urge to give stand-up paddle boarding a try, rentals and lessons are available at  Windmill Lake Echo Park, just short drive away. Check out the amazing packages they offer, or visit the Village of Bayfield Marina to rent a canoe or kayak, and paddle along the scenic shores of Lake Huron.

Put some time aside to hike the Bayfield Trails or visit Falls Reserve Conservation Area,  located in nearby Benmiller.  Bring your bathing suit for a quick dip in the lake after a vigorous hike.

Whatever activity you choose to explore, a picnic in the park is a must to take in the tranquil views from above Lake Huron.

EXPLORE SHOPPING IN BAYFIELD

The shops of Bayfield are what makes this town such a popular spot for tourists.  A visit to historic Main Street is an absolute must!  It is filled with the cutest and most eclectic shops ranging from fashion to fine art.

This is a great place to find that unique piece of jewelry or art.  For the true shopper, it will take more than a day to explore all of the nooks and crannies hidden on Main Street.

EXPLORE RESTAURANTS IN BAYFIELD

Bayfield is loaded with restaurants, as well as pubs to sit back and relax with a beer and do some people watching. Whether you are looking for a fine dining experience or a beer to cool off, Bayfield offers it all.  Believe me when I say that you will have a difficult time deciding where to go!

EXPLORE ACCOMMODATIONS IN BAYFIELD

In keeping with its historic charm, Bayfield offers historic Inn’s and B&B’s to lay your weary head.  To experience the history of Bayfield, I recommend staying at:

• Little Inn at Bayfield
• Lake House of Bayfield

Throughout the summer months of June, July, and August, Bayfield is flooded with visitors.  If you plan on spending the night, reservations I recommend reserving well in advance.

For more information on where to stay and eat, and what to do, visit the Village of Bayfield.

OVERVIEW

Blue Mountain was established in 2001, which makes it a very young establishment.  It is situated at the southern point of Georgian Bay, at the point where the Beaver River flows into the Nottawasaga Bay.  It is strictly a tourist destination during both the winter and the summer months, with a very small year-round population.

EXPLORE ACTIVITIES

Blue Mountain offers endless activities during all months of the year.  In contrast to many other tourist destinations, you will find Blue Mountain busiest during the winter months.  This is the location you will discover Ontario’s best downhill skiing, as well as  cross-country skiing, tubing and skating. This is what makes Blue Mountains my favorite Ontario tourist destination during the Winter months of November through to the end of March.

During the summer months, you will find over-crowded golf courses, a plethora of hiking and biking trails, caving, a suspension bridge, zip-lining and swimming.  Visit Scenic Caves to find a tour that will provide you with the adventure that you are looking for.

After a long day of endless activities, soak your sore muscles and relax in the great outdoors at the Scandinavia Spa or enjoy hydrotherapy at the Living Shore Spa.

EXPLORE SHOPPING

Unlike most tourist towns, the shops in Blue Mountain offer primarily seasonal merchandise and attire, golf in the summer and skiing in the winter. All of the shops are located in the small village and are completely accessible.  You will enjoy sitting outdoors with a cold beverage in the summer, or around a fire in the winter. The perfect spot for people watching.

EXPLORE RESTAURANTS IN BLUE MOUNTAINS

In the Village, you will find many casual restaurants, all of which offer a fun and vibrant atmosphere.  Ski racks are located outside of each restaurant and it is not at all unusual for people to dine in their ski clothes.  In fact most do.  There is no reason to dress up when visiting these restaurants:

• Fire Hall Pizza Co.
• Magnone’s Italian Kitchen
• Northwinds Brewpub & Craft Beer Store
• Ravenna Country Market
• Copper Blues Bar & Grill
• Beavertails
• Rusty’s Bar & Grill
• MJ Byrne’s
• Poutine

If you are feeling the need to escape the hustle and bustle of the village, head 16 minutes south of the Village to try out one of the many restaurants in Thornbury, or head north 8 minutes to explore the offerings available in Collingwood.

EXPLORE ACCOMMODATIONS

The Village of Blue Mountain is made up of accommodations, restaurants and small shops, so you won’t have too far to travel for your food, shopping, or nightly entertainment…..that’s if you make your reservation early.

• Blue Mountain Resort
• Westin Trillium House
• Blue Mountain Lodges

Notwithstanding the massive amount of accommodations in the village, they book up fast.  If you have waited too long to make a reservation, there are always plenty of B&B’s, rentals and hotels in Collingwood.  To find available rental accommodations visit Blue Mountain Cottage Rentals. I personally love to stay at The Living Water Resort & Spa, in Collingwood.

In order to explore everything that this year-round playground has to offer, visit www.thebluemountains.ca

OVERVIEW

The first settlers arrived in Elora in 1817, and it was then in 1858 incorporated into the Village of Elora.  Elora is known for its 19^th century limestone architecture and it is best known for the popular for the Elora Gorge and the Elora Quarry.

EXPLORE ACTIVITIES

Adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts flock to this beautiful village primarily for the Elora Gorge and Quarry, in order to hike and climb the 80 foot cliffs that descend into the Grand River and Irvine River.  For the real adventurous soul, kayak and canoe rentals are available for a fun day of battling the rapids.

For extreme sports, adventures, or team building, contact One Axe Pursuits to explore  rock climbing, zip-lining, tubing or caving.

EXPLORE SHOPPING AND ARCHITECTURE

It is almost impossible to make a trip to Elora without exploring the century old shops that line the downtown core.  The 19th century buildings that line the main street are home to a variety of unique shops, gift shops and galleries which will excite the shopaholic for hours.

EXPLORE RESTAURANTS

Elora is home to many quaint little cafes and restaurants.  Some are tucked away off the street, so make sure you explore every nook and cranny for the best restaurant or cafe.

• Elora Mill
• The Cellar Pub and Grill
• Café Creperie
• V-Edge Smoothie Cafe
• Elora Brewing Company

When I only have a few hours to spare, Elora is my favorite tourist town in Ontario to visit, as it is just down the highway from my home. I can easily spend one day in Elora exploring everything it has to offer.

EXPLORE ACCOMMODATIONS

Elora does not have an abundance of overnight accommodations, so be sure to make your reservations early!

• Elora Mill
• Drew House
• Elora Gorge Conservation Area

If you are unable to locate accommodations in Elora, Guelph is a 25 minute drive and has many hotels.

To explore more of Elora, visit the Village of Elora

OVERVIEW

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a small town situated in Southern Ontario along the banks of Lake Ontario, at the mouth of the Niagara River.  The town was established in 1792 at which time it was chosen to be the capital of what was then known as Upper Canada,  now known as the Province of Ontario.  Parliament remained in Niagara-on-the-Lake until 1796, and was then moved to Toronto, the current capital of Ontario.  Niagara-on-the-Lake is a short 25 minute drive along the Niagara River to the world renowned Niagara Falls, and is known for its many vineyards, as well as the annual Shaw Festival.

I love exploring this tourist town in Ontario whenever I have the urge to spend the day at a winery.

EXPLORE ACTIVITIES

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a wine lover’s paradise.  With over 80 vineyards to explore, you will be sure to find many new favorite wines.  In order to make the most of your visit,  visit  Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake to plan ahead.  Due to the cooler winter temperatures in this area of Canada, the Niagara Region is also the largest producer of ice wine in Canada.

If you plan on doing some taste testing at many vineyards, arrange a tour with Tour Niagara Wineries or  Niagara Getaways  who both offer full and half day tours.  Niagara Getaways also offers bicycle tours, if you prefer to work off some of those extra calories from the wine.  Many of the wineries offer tours of their facilities which can either be booked online or directly at the winery.

For the artsy tourist, Niagara-on-the-Lake offers world class live theatre from April to December.  Visit Shaw Festival to reserve your tickets for a performance during the 2019 season.

The youngsters will love exploring the 19^th century fort built by the British in 1812 in order to defend themselves against the invasion of Americans.  If you are feeling brave, take a Ghost Tour and explore the fort in the evening.

The outdoor activist will be happy to hear that bike rentals are available, if you wish to take full advantage of the Waterfront Trail.  This is a fully accessible paved trail which runs along the Niagara River and will eventually take you into Niagara Falls.

EXPLORE SHOPPING

Niagara-on-the-Lake is filled with boutique and specialty shops, most of which occupy one of the many historic buildings.  Believe me when I say that you will be like a kid in a candy shop.   I do have one caveat though.  I recommend arriving early in order to find  parking, as parking is difficult to come by in the downtown area.

While you are in the downtown core, take a horse and carriage ride through the town.  You will be provided the opportunity to learn more of the history, as well as view more of the majestic homes that Niagara-on-the-Lake is made up of.  Visit Sentineal Carriages in order to pre-book your tour.

EXPLORE RESTAURANTS

Niagara-on-the-Lake offers an over-abundance of restaurants. Far too many to list.  The majority of the Inns each offer at least one restaurant as well as many of the wineries.    My favorite places to eat when I visit are:

Vintages Wine Bar & Lounge:  is located in the Pillar & Post Inn.  This lounge is a comfortable spot to sit back and relax and enjoy a cocktail or a light lunch.

Cannery Restaurant:  is also located in the Pillar & Post Inn, but offers a more upscale atmosphere.

Il Gelato di Carlotta:  is the perfect place to grab a coffee and a sweet in order to rev up your energy level.

Enjoy the English tradition of an afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales.

Visit here for more restaurants in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

EXPLORE ACCOMMODATIONS

Niagara-on-the-Lake is definitely a place where you will want to spend more than one day.  Lucky for you, it is filled with 5 star inns, many of which offer a pool, spa, lounge and restaurant on site.

• Vintage Hotels
• Harbour House
• 124 on Queen Hotel & Spa
• Shaw Club

In addition to the historic Inns, there are also an abundance of B&B’s scattered throughout the town.  Note that it does get extremely busy during the summer months and reservations are required well in advance.

No matter what your age or which season you visit, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a destination that should be on everyone’s bucketlist!  For more information on activities, restaurants and accommodations, visit Niagara-on-the-Lake.

OVERVIEW

The Town of St. Jacobs was established in the 1830’s and is located in Southwestern Ontario along the Conestogo River.  St. Jacobs has a strong Mennonite heritage, which currently boasts the largest Mennonite population of Old Order Mennonites in all of Canada.  It is not unusual to see horse and buggy when visiting town.  Many of the Mennonites still use this method to farm their lands to this day.

St. Jacobs is literally right in my own backyard and I often find myself wandering the streets of this Ontario tourist town.

EXPLORE ACTIVITIES

The quaint shops, the history and the live theatre are what draws millions of tourists to St. Jacobs year round.  St. Jacobs is home to two live theatre venues.  The St. Jacobs Playhouse the largest of the two features post and beam construction which is associated with the traditional Mennonite architecture.  The St. Jacobs Schoolhouse is a much smaller smaller venue, and is located in an old renovated schoolhouse.

The St. Jacobs Market is a market that can’t be missed.  It is the largest all year round market in all of Canada, which features locally grown produce and flowers, as well as meat and homemade goodies.  Believe me when I tell you that the Mennonites sure know how to bake!

If you prefer a quiet adventure or want to escape the crowds, take a leisurely hike along the Millrace Footpath which is adjacent to the Conestogo River, or arrange a horse and buggy ride through the historic downtown with St. Jacobs Horse Drawn Tours, or visit Ontario’s longest and oldest covered bridge.

EXPLORE SHOPPING

As most tourist towns, St. Jacobs has a small walkable downtown area. You will stroll past historic buildings which have been converted into shops and/or restaurants.  Take the time to explore the Country Mill, the Village Silos, the Mill Shed and the Old Factory.

EXPLORE RESTAURANTS

The majority of the restaurants in St. Jacobs provide a casual, laid-back atmosphere, with incredible farm to table food!

Stone Crock Restaurant:  is the most well known restaurant in St. Jacobs, being in operation since 1975.  The Stone Crock offers relatively inexpensive home cooked comfort food.

Stone Crock Bakery:  be sure to stop by this bakery to fuel up on coffee and something sweet before you continue on your adventures.

Jacob’s Grill:  this restaurant serves regular pub food, which of course must be accompanied by a “cold one”

EXPLORE ACCOMMODATIONS

There are very few accommodations in St. Jacobs, but the hotels that are there are fairly new.

• Homewood Suites
• Courtyard by Marriott
• Holiday Inn Express

If you are unable to find appropriate accommodations in St. Jacobs, Waterloo is just a 13 minute drive away.

Visit St. Jacobs   to explore more of St. Jacobs heritage and activities.

I hope you have enjoyed exploring Ontario’s Tourist Towns with me, it is one of my favorite past-times.  If you plan to visit any of Ontario’s tourist towns, I highly recommend you visit during the off-seasons of April, May, September, and October

SAFE & HAPPY EXPLORING 🙂

PIN TO VISIT TOURIST TOWNS IN ONTARIO