7 Charming Ontario small towns perfect for a weekend getaway

From time to time, even the most seasoned city-dweller needs a break from the hustle and bustle. Whether it’s a craving for nature, a wish to slow things down or simply the need to breathe in some fresh air, there is no lack of reasons to make out for the countryside.  

Craving the rural is real, and thanks to the Trans-Canada Highway, Canadians enjoy unbridled access to the distinct charm of Ontario’s many country communities.  

From beachside towns to quaint cottage cores and small bohemian exclaves - read on for your essential guide to discovering small-town Ontario along the scenic stretches of the Trans-Canada Highway.  

History of the Trans-Canada Highway  

The Trans-Canada Highway is an infrastructural giant, spanning coast to coast, connecting quiet towns to bustling cities and weaving through the vast wilderness of the north. It is easy to take it for granted today, but the highway is actually much younger than many might think.  

Before 1950, crossing the country meant relying on a patchwork of regional and provincial routes. All this changed with the Trans-Canada Highway Act of 1950, which connected these disparate roads into a unified national system, offering a continuous link from coast to coast and access to the countless small towns that define the nation.  

Arnprior

Nestled at the confluence of the Ottawa and Madawaska rivers and just 40 minutes from downtown Ottawa, Arnprior is a quaint town with no shortage of heart. Its historic downtown calls back upon Canada’s rich lumber heritage. At the same time, its scenic waterfront views and proximity to the wilds of the greater Ottawa valley make it a perfect gateway to nature.  

Peterborough 

A bit bigger than Arnprior, Peterborough is much more than a pitstop between Ottawa and Toronto. Home to Trent University and Fleming College, the city boasts a vibrant academic scene and strong artistic spirit, giving it a youthful and creative atmosphere.  

Peterborough is also home to the scenic Trent-Severn Waterway and the historic Peterborough Lift Lock - a National Historic Site dating back to 1904 and one of the highest hydraulic lift locks in the world. If visiting, be sure to also check out the nearby Petroglyphs Provincial Park, home to one of the largest collections of indigenous rock carvings in Canada. 

North Bay

Located along the northern stretch of the Ontario portion of the Trans-Canada Highway, North Bay, the so-called ‘Gateway to the North’, is a launching point for a lesser-known side of Ontario’s wilderness.  

Nestled between Lake Nipissing and Trout Lake, the city boasts near-unparalleled access to the rugged natural beauty of the north. It also has its fair share of history, told through the collections of the North Bay Museum—carved from one of the city’s former railway stations—and the Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defence, which explores the Cold War legacy of the nearby NORAD base.  

Almonte

Almonte is easily one of Ontario's most charming small towns in the heart of the Ottawa Valley. The historic core, dating back to the town’s 19th-century roots as a bustling mill town, is now home to a scenic riverfront, an authentic ‘50s style diner and a high street lined with boutique shops and artisanal storefronts.  

The result is an effortlessly charming atmosphere, and Hollywood agrees! Almonte has been the shooting site for several Hallmark movies, especially holiday ones. 

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If that weren’t enough, Almonte holds one of Canada’s all-time most fantastic fun facts: James Naismith, the inventor of Basketball, was born and raised here! 

Westport

In between Ottawa and Kingston, deep in cottage country, lies the quaint village of Westport—a perfect day trip from Ottawa. The town boasts a scenic harbour that meets the southern end of the Rideau Canal and a slew of local boutiques, cottage industries, and cozy cafes. 

Perth

Just 20 minutes from Westport sits Perth, a historic village that once served as a 19th-century military outpost. Established in 1816, Perth provides plenty of history to explore, complemented by its stunning limestone architecture, vibrant artisanal shops, and distinct rustic charm rooted in its cottage-country setting.  

Sudbury

If you’ve heard of Sudbury, it’s probably because of its nickel reserves, but it has much more to offer than mines and ores. Home to Laurentian University and the world-renowned SNOLAB facility where researchers study dark matter and neutrinos, Sudbury has carved out its place as a scientific and academic hub.  

Science-lovers will also want to check out the Science North and Dynamic Earth Museums, two interactive experiences where CAA Members save 20% on general admission tickets. 

Aside from scientific study, Sudbury is one of Canada’s most Francophone cities outside of Quebec and is proud of its rich French heritage. The city’s mining legacy also hasn’t gone anywhere, evidenced by the Big Nickel, a towering monument to Sudbury’s industrial roots and iconic ore.  

Yours to discover 

Small-town Ontario has more charm than it knows what to do with, and listing every hamlet and village worth a visit would make for a mighty long scroll. From the historic logging atmosphere of Renfrew down the Ottawa River, to Stratford, home to Canada’s premier Shakespearean festival, and on to picturesque locales like Picton, Paris, Parry Sound, Elora and Bracebridge - each offering its unique slice of Canadiana. As the old provincial slogan goes, Ontario is yours to discover.