A Day Trip to Paris Ontario

Nestled along the banks of the Grand River, Paris, Ontario, is a charming small town that feels like a step back in time. Known as the “Prettiest Little Town in Canada,” this picturesque destination offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historic charm. A day trip to Paris, Ontario is perfect for travellers wanting to escape the city and relax for the day.

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As a local, I’ve experienced everything that this beautiful town has to offer. In this blog post, I’ll share with you my idea of how to spend the perfect day in Paris. I’ll highlight my favourite spots, places to eat, and outdoor adventures which I hope will make you fall in love with Paris as much as I have.

Let’s load up your road trip essentials and hit the road for the perfect day in Paris!

How To Get To Paris, Ontario

The location of Paris is what makes it the ideal day trip from Kitchener, Waterloo, Hamilton, London, and yes, even Toronto.

Paris, Ontario, is located in southern Ontario, Canada, in the county of Brant. It lies along the scenic banks of the Grand River and the Nith River, approximately:

• 30 minutes from Hamilton
• 40 minutes from Kitchener-Waterloo
• 1 hour from London
• 1.5 hours from Toronto

This convenient location makes it an ideal destination for a quick day trip or weekend getaway for residents of the surrounding areas. Its charm and proximity to major cities contribute to its growing popularity as a must-visit spot in Ontario.

With so many things to do when visiting Paris, I recommend getting away early in order to make the most of the day.

Dog-Eared Cafe

The Dog-Eared Café in Paris, Ontario, is a perfect spot to begin your day trip itinerary for several reasons:

1. Unique Atmosphere

The Dog Eared Cafe combines a love for books and coffee, which creates a warm, inviting environment that feels like home. With shelves lined with books and comfortable seating, it’s an ideal place to unwind, read, or enjoy meaningful conversations.

2. Delicious Drinks and Treats

The café serves a range of beverages, from expertly brewed coffee to specialty teas and other drinks. Pair your drink with one of their locally sourced baked goods or light snacks for a satisfying treat.

3. Support for Local Arts and Literature

Dog-Eared Café often showcases local authors, artists, and creatives, making it more than just a coffee shop—it’s a hub for community culture. You might even find a new favourite book or piece of art to take home as a souvenir.

4. Perfect Location

Located in the heart of Paris, at the edge of the main street, the Dog Eared Cafe acts as the ideal spot to begin your exploration of the downtown area.

5. Quaint Small-Town Vibes

The café embodies the relaxed and charming essence of Paris, Ontario. Its friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere align perfectly with the town’s reputation as a warm and inviting destination.

I highly recommend starting your day with a morning latte at the Dog Eared Cafe before beginning your retail therapy.

Wander the Unique Shops in Downtown Paris

Wandering the downtown shops of Paris, Ontario, is a must for any day trip, offering a delightful mix of charm, creativity, and unique finds. From the historic architecture to the independently owned boutique shops, Paris has it all.

The downtown area isn’t just for shopping—it’s dotted with cozy cafés, bakeries, and restaurants. You can enjoy a sweet treat, a delicious meal, or a refreshing drink as you take a break from browsing.

The Paris Winsey Mills Co.

A day trip to Paris, Ontario isn’t complete without stopping to browse the local artisans found at Winsey Mills.

Visiting Wincey Mills is a highlight of any day trip to Paris, Ontario. This historic market combines the charm of a restored 19th-century industrial building with a vibrant mix of shopping, dining, and community atmosphere.

Whether it’s sunny or rainy, Wincey Mills offers a comfortable indoor space to shop and explore, making it a reliable destination year-round.

Paris Brewery

The Paris Beer Company, located in the heart of Paris, Ontario, is a must-visit spot for beer enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy the local flavor of this charming town.

There are so many reasons why I fell in love with the Paris Brewery (and it wasn’t only for the beer).

1. Locally Brewed Craft Beer

Paris Beer Company offers a variety of craft beers brewed on-site, showcasing the creativity and quality of the local brewing scene. From refreshing lagers to bold ales, there’s a beer for every palate.

2. Riverside Location

Situated near the scenic Grand River, the brewery provides a relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy a cold pint while taking in the natural beauty of the surrounding area—a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring.

3. Farm-to-Glass Approach

This brewery emphasizes sustainability and local sourcing. Their “farm-to-glass” philosophy means you’re enjoying beer made with ingredients grown close to home, supporting the community and environment.

JUST ONE TIP: Sit at the bar. Jeremy has been working at the brewery since it opened its doors and he’s always eager to share the history and his knowledge

4. Tasting Room and Patio

The brewery’s inviting tasting room and seasonal patio offer the perfect spaces to savor their brews. Whether you’re looking for a cozy indoor vibe or an open-air experience, Paris Beer Company delivers.

5. Live Music and Events

The brewery often hosts live music, trivia nights, and other community events, making it a lively and engaging destination for both locals and visitors.

6. Food Pairings

While the brewery focuses on its exceptional beer, it offers fantastic snacks (especially the pizza!) to complement the brews.

7. A Welcoming Community Hub

The Paris Beer Company embodies the small-town charm of Paris, Ontario. It’s a place where locals and visitors come together to relax, connect, and enjoy quality drinks in a friendly setting.

Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado (which admittedly I’m not) or just looking for a laid-back spot to enjoy a drink, Paris Beer Company is a “must-do” addition to your day trip itinerary in Paris, Ontario.

Lion’s Park River Trail

After all of that beer tasting, you will likely feel the need to walk it off before heading home.

While Paris offers many hiking trails, my favourite trail is Lion’s Park River Trail. This trail is especially perfect if you are visiting with kids.

The Lions Park River Trail in Paris, Ontario, is a beautiful and accessible path that offers visitors a chance to experience the views of the scenic riverfront. Located near the heart of town, the Lions Park River Trail is a convenient stop on your Paris adventure. You can easily pair a visit to the trail with shopping, dining, or exploring other attractions.

The trail is an in-out trail, spanning approximately 1.2 miles. It’s accessible from downtown Paris or from Lions Park. I recommend budgeting at least a half hour to complete the trail. This will provide the opportunity to explore and relish in the beauty along the way.

For visitors seeking a longer hike, The Lions Park River Trail connects to other paths in the area, which makes it part of a larger network of trails.

Dinner At Stillwaters

Paris is a foodies dream, however, since you are only on a day trip to Paris, we will stick to the downdown core.

If you have time for dinner before heading home, I recommend Stillwaters. Stillwaters is a casual laid-back restaurant located right on the Grand River. During the warmer months, you will want to reserve a spot on the outdoor patio over-looking the Grand River.

Whether you’re looking for a delicious meal, a refreshing drink, or simply a place to unwind with gorgeous views, Stillwaters Plate and Pour is a must-visit during your day in Paris, Ontario.

Spend The Night In Paris, Ontario

If you’ve fallen in love like I have and want to spend the night, I recommend staying right in town at either The Mulberry on the Grand or the Arlington.

1 Day in Paris, Ontario

While this 1 day itinerary in Paris, Ontario is certainly not exhaustive, I hope that I’ve peaked your interest with my favourite places and things to do while visiting on a day trip to Paris. I know that you’ll leave with a feeling of fulfillment, and want to return to explore more of what “the most beautiful town in Ontario” has to offer.

Have you spent a day in Paris? What are your recommendations if you only had one day?

Enjoy Your Day Trip 🙂

SAVE FOR YOUR DAY TRIP TO PARIS, ONTARIO